Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS)

THESIS or CAPSTONE PROJECT (9 credits)

THESIS

Prerequisite: 'Thesis or Capstone' Seminar, and permission of Department Chair. The thesis is an option for students who can demonstrate their readiness and ability to work independently after advisement. The thesis is an extended piece of scholarly research, largely conducted independently, along with an appropriately credentialed supervisor. It is usually between 100-150 pages in length, and summarizes a student's research of a stated question. The thesis integrates an introduction, a thorough literature review, explication of methodology, data presentation and analysis, and a summary of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. It is intended to address not only the candidate's research interest, but to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in that field. Research must be within the field of a student's professional interest. Upon approval of the thesis proposal, students pay the thesis fee.

CAPSTONE PROJECT

Prerequisite: 'Thesis or Capstone' Seminar. MPS students have the option of completing a capstone project instead of a thesis. See Capstone Project in Psychotherapy [PPSYC5892] course description for prerequisites and details. Students must attend the 'Thesis or Capstone' seminar (non-credit, half-day) prior to considering the capstone project option. Students meeting the pre-requisites register and pay a 9-credit course fee. 

OPTIONS EQUIVALENT TO CREDIT

The following options are considered equivalent to credit in the MPS Core Program. Students must consult with a Department Chair prior to applying for equivalency; acceptance of equivalencies will be in accordance with program and course requirements, and will be at the discretion of the Department Chair. Equivalencies granted for work done prior to entry into the MPS program will apply to work no older than five years. Original certificate of completion must be presented to the Registrar's Office.

THESIS or CAPSTONE PROJECT (9 credits)

THESIS

Prerequisite: 'Thesis or Capstone' Seminar, and permission of Department Chair The thesis is an option for students who can demonstrate their readiness and ability to work independently after advisement. The thesis is an extended piece of scholarly research, largely conducted independently, along with an appropriately credentialed supervisor. It is usually between 100-150 pages in length, and summarizes a student's research of a stated question. The thesis integrates an introduction, a thorough literature review, explication of methodology, data presentation and analysis, and a summary of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. It is intended to address not only the candidate's research interest, but to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in that field. Research must be within the field of a student's professional interest. Students must attend the 'Thesis or Capstone' seminar (non-credit, half-day) prior to considering the thesis option. Upon approval of the thesis proposal, students will pay a thesis fee.

CAPSTONE PROJECT

Prerequisite: 'Thesis or Capstone' Seminar MPS-AT students have the option of completing a capstone project instead of a thesis. See Capstone Project in Psychotherapy (Art Therapy) [PPSYC5893] course description for pre-requisites and details. Students must attend the 'Thesis or Capstone' seminar (non-credit, half-day) prior to considering the capstone project option. Students meeting the pre-requisites register and pay a 9-credit course fee.

1.            Academic Requirements: Baccalaureate Degree from an institution of higher education approved by a Canadian provincial authority, or the demonstrated educational equivalent. Grade average minimum must be 72%/B/3.0 during last 60 credits of course weight. Applicants who hold a degree other than psychology must have either completed a minimum of 9 undergraduate credits in psychology, or, if they are offered admission to the program, must have completed 3 undergraduate credits in psychology prior to June1 of their intake year, and commit to complete an additional 6 undergraduate credits as co-requisites within the first year of the program. Additional course work in religious studies, theology, and/or spirituality will be a benefit. Students who are required to complete co-requisite courses should expect to complete the program in a longer timeframe.
2.            Personal Requirements: Evidence of commitment and ability to integrate spiritually-informed training into professional practice. This will be assessed through the applicant’s written statements and admissions interview.
3.            Professional Requirements: All applicants should be able to demonstrate work or volunteer experience in a humanities and/or social services field.  For applicants to the Art Therapy Stream, demonstration of skill and experience in visual arts. These will be assessed through the CV, written statements, and (for art therapy applicants) visual art portfolio.
4.            Language Requirements: All applicants must be proficient in English prior to admission. Proficiency is demonstrated by either (a) possession of a prior degree where the primary language of instruction was English, (b) demonstration of sufficient coursework completed in English, or (c) a satisfactory score on an approved English language examination (either TOEFL iBT, IELTS, CAEL, or PTE Academic). For full details, see the “English Language Proficiency” section of the St. Stephen’s College Academic Calendar.

Application deadline:

February 1 for Canadian and Permanent Resident applicants. November 1 for international applicants and applicants applying for a Baccalaureate equivalency review (equivalency fee $225); if equivalency is granted, applicants then pay the normal application fee.

Interview:

Applicants will attend an admission interview as part of the application process. Intake interviews will reflect on the applicant's learning goals and determine the applicant's appropriateness for admission to the program.

Orientation and first core course:

Upon admission, students are expected to register for the St. Stephen's College Orientation Day (in May). 

The following are examples of sites in which St. Stephen's students have secured practicum placements in the past. Please note that sites change over time and are subject to placement availability: