For more information, please view the MAP program page.

Deadline for Full-Time and Part-Time:
December 15, 2025

Checklist of Required Materials
Download the Checklist (Last Updated: October 2025)

1. Official Transcript

• An official transcript must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office by the issuing institution or a recognized credential evaluation service (e.g., World Education Services – WES).
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Attention: Graduate Admissions and Support Specialist
• Academic Requirement:
  • A four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in psychology or a related field (e.g., social work, health sciences, or other programs with foundations in social and biological sciences).
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of B+ (77-79%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.
  • Students in their final undergraduate year may apply, provided all degree requirements are completed by the end of the Winter 2025 term and convocation occurs before the MAP program starts.
• Applicants who do not meet the academic requirement above may still apply if they have a three-year undergraduate degree in psychology from an accredited institution, or a degree in a non-related discipline (e.g., Political Science), and one of the following:
  • The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time work experience in the health or human services fields;
  • Relevant post-undergraduate training in mental health or a health-related field;
  • Self-identify as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.
• If admitted, any required prerequisite courses not yet completed must be taken in the spring term before the start of the program.
  • These courses will be offered online asynchronously in advance to ensure students are prepared for graduate-level study.
    • Introduction to Psychology (PSYC1107)
    • Psychopathology I (PSYC3606)

2. English Language Requirements

• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following to complete their application:
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Overall 130
  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 (no band below 6.5)
  • TOEFL: 94 (Computer or Home Edition)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online): 67
    *Note that specific score thresholds align with institutional graduate program requirements. An English language test may be requested from any applicant.

3. Resume: Submit your resume in PDF format, including the following headings.

• Name and address
• Education including all degrees and academic qualifications with dates of completion or expected completion
• Paid experience
• Unpaid experience (practicums, internships)
• Volunteer or community work
• Scholarly work (if applicable)

4. Personal Statement

• Your Personal Statement is a crucial part of your application. It is your opportunity to tell us about your journey, motivations, and why you aspire to a career in psychotherapy with our program.
• Please follow these guidelines:
  • Length: Maximum of two (2) pages (1000 words)
  • Format: single-spaced, 12-point font
  • File type: PDF
• Please address the following areas:
  • Describe a key insight, interest, or motivation about yourself and how it influences your desire to become a psychotherapist.
  • Explain why you believe you are a good fit for this program.
  • Tell us why you chose Algoma University Master of Psychotherapy program.

5. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

• Provide the name, institution or organization, and email address of each referee. Algoma University will contact your references directly to request a letter of reference.

Notes: 

• Due to high application volume and to ensure a fair process, no updates or partial decisions will be provided. Please refer to the response times above. 
• Applications must be complete and meet all requirements to be considered. 
• This is a limited enrollment program, meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
• Admission is competitive and based on the overall merit of the application. 
• Admissions decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Review the Admission Requirements and Instructions and ensure you have all materials ready to upload.

Apply Now Is My Application Complete?

• You will receive an email with instructions to attend an open house and interview. 
• After completing the interview, your application is considered complete and will undergo final review.

Response Time for Stage 2

A decision letter will be sent via email one (1) to two (2) months after your interview. The letter will typically be one of the following: “Offer of Admission”, “Notification of Waitlist Status”, or “Notification of Refusal”. Official results are final and not subject to appeal. 

If offered admission, you will receive information on the next steps including the dates and details of a mandatory program orientation session.

*Notes:

• Due to high application volume and to ensure a fair process, no updates or partial decisions will be provided. Please refer to the response times above.
• Applications must be complete and meet all requirements to be considered.
• This is a limited enrollment program, meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
• Admission is competitive and based on the overall merit of the application.
• Admission decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Please review our Tuition and Ancillary fees for the Master’s Programs.

Review the following fieldwork requirements to understand what will be expected if you are admitted to the MAP program. A current Vulnerable Sector Check may be required prior to beginning fieldwork. No action is required at this stage; full details will be provided prior to the practicum and internship.

• Police Record Checks are not an Algoma University requirement; however, most field practicum or internship agencies will require a current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) as part of their screening process. Vulnerable Sector Checks are a specialized type of background check primarily used for those who are applying for work or volunteer roles where they will work with vulnerable populations like children, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues, etc. VSCs usually provide information such as criminal convictions, outstanding charges and warrants, discharges, findings of not criminally responsible, sexual offense convictions, any non-conviction information such as judicial orders and any other police records involving mental health apprehensions. 
• Some field practicum, shadowing, and/or internship agencies may require other types of police record checks. For detailed information on VSCs and the different types of police record checks, you can visit the Government of Ontario website or your local police services website. 
• There may be costs associated with the application process for a police record check or other agency requirements, and these costs will be the student’s responsibility. The results of the police record check, or any other agency requirements (e.g., proof of COVID-19 immunization status), must be provided by the student to the field practicum or internship agency directly. 
• A delay in obtaining results or a failure to pass the police record check may jeopardize entry into the fieldwork and compromise the ability to complete the MAP program. 

The John Howard Society has developed a self-guided e-learning module on Criminal Record Disclosure for seeking employment with a criminal record. Students are responsible for their transportation costs to and from practicum interviews, as well as during their field practicum.