Start dates
Starting in 2026, Winter (Jan), Fall (Sept)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
Online starting Winter 2026, On-Campus starting Fall 2026, Hybrid* *based on program availability
Awards and Scholarships
More than 15 million in 2025
Explore the power of human connection
Understand the intricate relationship between social factors and human behaviour with a Master of Arts in Applied Social Psychology (MAASP) degree. Take your psychology background to the next level and delve into how social influences, perceptions, and interactions impact the mental health and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities.
Career highlights
Gain valuable insights into the human mind. Understand how people develop, how groups function, and how societies are shaped by social forces. With an MAASP, you’ll have a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking that will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of fields.
Social work
Public health
Marketing
Government
Talk to a Student Advisor
Course highlights
Term one courses
Applied Social Psychology
Social Psychology explores how social factors shape human behaviour. It examines how individuals perceive and interpret social information, and how situational variables influence their actions. Key concepts include cognitive biases, heuristics, persuasion, and attribution. The course delves into conformity, obedience, compliance, resistance, and resilience. It aims to apply social psychology to address real-world issues and promote positive social change.
Social Cognition
Social cognition explores how individuals perceive and understand the social world. Key theories include attribution theory, social schema theory, and social identity theory. This course examines the interplay between automatic and controlled cognitive processes, focusing on social perception, memory, and judgment. It also explores the application of social cognition principles to address societal issues through behavioural interventions.
Social Identity
Intersectionality examines how multiple identities (race, gender, class, etc.) intersect to shape experiences and outcomes. Social Identity Theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals acquire and maintain their social identities. This course explores the complexities of intersectionality and social identity, considering their implications for privilege, oppression, and social justice.
Term two courses
Social Influences on Health and Well Being
Social influences significantly impact health and well-being. Social norms, modeling, and peer pressure influence behaviours like substance abuse and violence. This course examines the complexities of health within various social contexts, analyzing how social determinants like socioeconomic status, social support, and cultural norms shape health outcomes at the individual, group, and community levels.
Interpersonal Relationships and Group Dynamics
Interpersonal relationships and group dynamics are shaped by systems of privilege and oppression. Understanding these power dynamics is crucial for creating inclusive environments. This course explores the complexities of identity, social hierarchies, and the skills needed to challenge systemic oppression.
Elective Course One
Choose from a selection of available elective courses. See Academic Calendar for full list.
Term three courses
Implicit Bias and Prejudice
Implicit bias, often unconscious, shapes attitudes and behaviours toward social groups. It influences decisions in various fields, leading to disparities. The course explores the theoretical underpinnings, measurement methods, and ethical considerations of implicit bias.
Research Methods for Social Psychology
Social psychology relies on various data collection and analysis techniques, including surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments. These methods are assessed for their strengths and limitations, considering ethical guidelines and cultural perspectives.
Elective Course Two
Choose from a selection of available elective courses. See Academic Calendar for full list.
Term five courses
Ethical Considerations within Applied Social Psychology
Applying social psychology to real-world contexts raises ethical challenges. Key ethical principles include informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from harm. These principles must be applied with cultural sensitivity, especially when working with diverse populations.
Practicum
The Applied Social Psychology Practicum offers hands-on experience applying social psychology principles to real-world situations. Students work with a sponsor (if applicable) and a faculty advisor to complete a project. A learning contract outlines expectations and deliverables. The practicum fosters leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, culminating in a reflective paper.
Term six course
Capstone Project
Students will apply their social psychology knowledge to a real-world project with a sponsor. They will be guided by a faculty advisor to plan, execute, and complete the project. Students are responsible for identifying the project, writing a project description, and securing necessary approvals.
These course highlights provide a glimpse into the Master of Arts in Applied Social Psychology program, your actual schedule may vary. There is a program break during Term 4. For full course descriptions and schedules, consult the Academic Calendar.
Career outlooks
As the world becomes a more complex place, there is a rising demand for people who are trained to apply psychological principles to real-world issues, such as social justice, organizational behaviour, and public health. Nationally, there is a shortage of social psychologists that is expected to continue through 2031. MAASP graduates are highly sought after by employers who value their ability to analyze human behaviour, predict trends, and drive positive social change.
Career path and salary
- Public policy manager - $113,966
- Conflict resolution - $91,314
- Research ethics officer - $91,147
- Organizational consultant - $92.654
- Market research analyst - $90,909
*Source, Talent.com,
Admissions
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree in psychology or adjacent social science disciplines such as sociology, criminology, or social work, equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard, or relevant bridging studies, with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better.
- Applicants holding bachelor’s degrees from other disciplines may be considered for admission if their degree contains five or more courses in psychology.
- In addition to the above, applicants must have successfully completed at least one undergraduate level course in statistics or quantitative methods.
Document checklist
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Awards and scholarships
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2025. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
Financial aid options
UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.
$17,505
Domestic tuition
$39,375
International tuition
$15 Million
Scholarship & awards
Frequently asked questions
What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing this program?
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including social research, policy analysis, community development, and healthcare. You may find roles as social policy researchers, consultants, program officers, or in human services organizations. The program's focus on applied social psychology equips you with the skills to address complex social issues and contribute to positive social change.
What sets this program apart from similar ones being offered elsewhere?
UNF’s program offers a distinctive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The program's emphasis on real-world experience, through the practicum and capstone project, sets it apart. Additionally, the program's focus on ethical considerations and social justice aligns with the university's mission and values.
How does this program address ethical considerations in social psychology?
It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in social psychology research and practice. You'll learn about ethical guidelines, informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from harm. The program also explores cultural sensitivity and diversity in research and intervention.
How does this program prepare students for leadership roles in social psychology?
Leadership skills are fostered through various opportunities, such as group projects, presentations, and community engagement. Students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to achieve shared goals. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and social responsibility.
How does this program address the evolving landscape of social psychology?
By staying current with the latest developments in social psychology, this program incorporates emerging research and methodologies into the curriculum. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and are committed to providing students with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills. The program also encourages students to explore cutting-edge topics through independent research and internships.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is committed to innovative education and research for a digital world. This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. Learn from industry leaders and experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a foundation that sets you on the path for success.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you.
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting June 12, 2025. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
