Degrees Offered: Ph.D., M.A., M.Ed.
Members
Professors
D. Butler, N. Perry, J. Shapka, J. Vadeboncoeur, B. Weber.
Professor Emeritus
S. Hymel.
Associate Professors
S. Eryigit Madzwamuse, L. Ford
Assistant Professor
J. Sam.
Program Overview
The Human Development, Learning, and Culture (HDLC) program at UBC addresses the interface of research and practice in education, weaving together theoretical models and concepts in their application to real world educational issues. Investigations of learning and development, including the unique contributions of culture to these processes, are applied to a wide range of contexts including classroom, afterschool, work, and technological contexts. This work is interpreted through a variety of theoretical lenses (e.g., cognitive, sociocultural, and social and emotional development). Students are encouraged to participate in research opportunities throughout their program.
Coursework emphasizes three primary areas: a) learning and development; b) culture and diversity; and c) research methods, including qualitative and quantitative, experimental and developmental. HDLC graduates have found careers in a variety of settings including university teaching and research, social policy analysis, curriculum and program evaluation, schools and community organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the general academic requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and have completed a thesis-based master's degree equivalent to the HDLC M.A. program with an overall average of at least 80%. In exceptional circumstances, students may need to complete some required prerequisites prior to being considered for admission to the program. Transfer from the M.A. to the Ph.D. program is permitted under regulations set by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Part-time Doctoral Classification is also available. This must be approved at the point of admission, see Classification of Students - Doctoral Student.
Program Requirements
Doctoral students are expected to deepen and extend a broad background within the field of educational psychology including a basic knowledge of theories, principles of learning and development, an understanding of developmental processes in the cognitive, social, emotional and cultural domains, an understanding of individual differences and diversity, as well as familiarity with current quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. In addition to core course requirements (EPSE_V 501, 503, and 505), coursework is determined on an individual, case-by-case basis in an individualized program of graduate studies developed by the student in consultation with his/her faculty advisory committee.
Assuming an appropriate background at the master's level, including courses equivalent to the required courses in the HDLC M.A. program, students are required to take at least two HDLC content area courses at the advanced level (500- and 600-level). Students must also complete at least one advanced course in research methodology and two additional graduate-level courses as agreed upon by their faculty advisory committee (inside or outside of HDLC). See program area website for specific information on courses. In addition, students must pass a comprehensive examination to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field. The major requirement for the Ph.D. is completion of a research dissertation meeting the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requirements.
Master of Arts
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the general academic requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants should have successfully completed an undergraduate degree and have adequate background in learning and development-related courses in Psychology, Anthropology, Education, and/or related disciplines (e.g., Social and/or Health Sciences) or equivalent experience as determined by the HDLC admissions committee. EPSE_V 481 Introduction to Research in Education (or equivalent) and EPSE_V 482 Introduction to Statistics for Research in Education (or equivalent) are required prerequisites for M.A. applicants.
Program Requirements
Students in the 30-credit HDLC Master of Arts (M.A.) program are required to take three core courses: EPSE_V 501, 503, and 505, plus three elective courses either within the HDLC area or outside the area, selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee. Two methodology courses – one in quantitative methods and one in qualitative methods – are also required. In addition, students are required to complete a thesis (EPSE_V 599 for a total of 6 credits). See program area website for specific information on courses.
For B.C. teachers, the Teacher Qualification Service requires a capstone experience, satisfied in this program through the completion of the thesis.
Master of Education
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the general academic requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants should have successfully completed an undergraduate degree and have adequate background in learning and development-related courses in Psychology, Anthropology, Education and/or related disciplines (e.g., Social and/or Health Sciences) or equivalent experience as determined by the HDLC admissions committee.
Program Requirements
Students in the 30-credit HDLC M.Ed. program are required to take three core courses: EPSE_V 501, 503, and 505, plus nine credits of electives within the HDLC area and nine credits of additional electives within or outside the area, selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee. See program area website for specific information on courses.
At the end of the program, students participate in a required 3 credit Graduating Seminar that is designed as a "capstone experience" bringing together students' goals, objectives, accomplishments, and experiences throughout the program in the development of a professional portfolio and a culminating presentation.
For B.C. teachers, the Teacher Qualification Service requires a capstone experience satisfied in this program through the Graduating Seminar (EPSE_V 590).
Contact Information
Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education
2125 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
Tel: 604.822.5351
Fax: 604.822.3302
Email: tino.chabudapasi@ubc.ca
Web: www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca
Tinotenda Chabudapasi, Graduate Programs Support