13.4.4 Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment
These post-BA programs are meant to meet the needs of students and practicing psychologists to enhance their knowledge and skills in assessment. For post-BA students, the program is intended to offer professional preparation to provide skilled assessment services under the supervision of a registered psychologist (e.g., as a psychological assistant). For registered psychologists, the courses are intended to allow students to incorporate specific domains of psychological knowledge and assessment skills into their professional practice.
A. Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, post-BA students (including those with graduate degrees) who are not registered psychologists must be prepared to present the following minimum requirements:
- A four-year Bachelor degree from a recognized educational institution, preferably in psychology. Note: Students with a 4-year degree in a related field may be admissible but may be required to take qualifying courses.
- A 3.0 GPA including the last 60 credits taken, as indicated by an official transcript.
- A Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search.
- An academic/employment CV with a statement of career objectives.
- Applicants who have completed their most recent degree in a language other than English require an overall score of 98, and the following minimum scores, on each component of the TOEFL-iBT: 27 in Speaking, 25 in Writing, 23 in Listening, and 23 in Reading.
Registered psychologists will be required to provide:
- Proof of registration in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists or equivalent licensing body for psychologists.
- An academic/employment CV with a statement of career objectives.
- Applicants who have completed their most recent degree in a language other than English require an overall score of 98, and the following minimum scores, on each component of the TOEFL-iBT: 27 in Speaking, 25 in Writing, 23 in Listening, and 23 in Reading.
- A 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits taken, as indicated by an official transcript.
B. Program Requirements
- 18 credits required, to include:
- 12 credits chosen from PSY 634 (Advanced Intellectual Assessment), PSY 635 (Advanced Intellectual Assessment Practicum), PSY 636 (Advanced Personality Assessment), PSY 637 (Advanced Personality Assessment Practicum), PSY 652 (Advanced Forensic Assessment), PSY 653 (Advanced Forensic Assessment Practicum), PSY 659 (Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Diagnosis and Complex Case Conceptualization), PSY 669 (Adult Psychopathology, Diagnosis and Complex Case Conceptualization), PSY 677 (Advanced Human Neuropsychology), or PSY 678 (Advanced Human Neuropsychology Practicum)
- 6 credits chosen from PSY 605 (Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychological Practice), PSY 611 (Quantitative Data Analysis), PSY 621 (Qualitative Research Methods and Critical Analysis), PSY 622 (Qualitative Research in Applied Settings), PSY 631 (Theory and Practice of Psychometrics), or PSY 633 (Group Counselling)
- achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in the required courses.
C. Graduation Requirements
Students graduate on one of the three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements as well as the general program requirements of The Faculty of Graduate Studies, section 13.1.4. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation Requirements, section 13.1.5.
D. Practicum Procedures
Prior to being considered for a Practicum placement, students will likely be required to obtain one or more types of Record Checks. A Criminal Record Check is the most common type of background check required by most organisations / corporations. It is obtained through the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) for residents of Edmonton or through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for those residing outside of Edmonton. Some organisations / corporations require a Vulnerable Sector Check, which is a part of the EPS or RCMP Information Check. Additionally, a few organisations/corporations still require an Alberta Intervention Record Check that is completed through Children’s Services. General information about record checks will be addressed during the practicum application process.
The record check is to be kept by the student and presented to the organisation / corporation upon request. Each case is reviewed on an individual basis to determine if the record check brings into question the suitability of the person to enter a practicum placement in that organization / corporation. A decision to accept or not accept a student for placement is made based on the results of the record check and each organisation’s / corporation’s threshold.
It is the student’s sole responsibility to ensure that she/he can satisfy the requirements for a record check. The requirements for a record check are not in the control of Concordia University of Edmonton, but rather depend on the requirements of the organisation / corporation as well as other factors. If a student cannot satisfy the requirements, it may affect that student’s ability to participate in a practicum, to complete the program, or to obtain employment.
Students with concerns about their ability to clear the records check, should contact the Practicum Coordinator.