What is the TEQ program?
Adler offers a full transitional equivalency (TEQ) program for applicants who:
- Have an undergraduate degree that is not in psychology
- Have a three-year degree
- Have an undergraduate degree in psychology, but are missing one or more psychology courses required for registration with the College of Psychologists and Behavioral Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
Adler’s TEQ program consists of undergraduate-level psychology bridging courses. It allows applicants from a variety of different backgrounds to qualify for the Master of Psychology degree, and to meet the registration requirements of the CPBAO.
Note: If you never completed an introduction to psychology course during your undergraduate degree, Adler’s admissions committee recommends that you take an introduction to psychology course at an accredited, degree-granting institution prior to applying for Adler’s MPsy program. The introduction to psychology course should be at least 36 hours of instruction, and must be at the undergraduate level. Many institutions offer this course through their continuing education department.
What are the undergraduate psychology training requirements?
Adler’s Master of Psychology program and the CPBAO require the following:
- 576 hours of undergraduate psychology training (equivalent to sixteen 36-hour courses. Most half-year university courses are 36 hours)
- An introduction to psychology course
- Training in the four foundational knowledge pillars of psychology:
1. Cognitive Affective Bases of Behaviour
2. Biological Bases of Behaviour
3. Social Bases of Behaviour
4. Psychology of the Individual
If you are missing any of these requirements, you may still apply to Adler’s Masters program. If your application is successful, your admission will be conditional upon completion of the required TEQ bridging courses.
Do I have to apply to the TEQ program?
No, applicants should apply directly to the Master of Psychology program. If your applicant is successful, your undergraduate degree will be assessed to determine if you require TEQ courses. If you require TEQ courses, your admission will be conditional upon completion of those requirements.
How do I register for the TEQ program?
If your application is successful, your offer letter will outline any required TEQ courses. Your offer letter will indicate the start date for your TEQ program and your MPsy program.
How much does the TEQ program cost?
All TEQ courses are 36 hours, and cost $600 CAD each. If you require the full TEQ program, the total cost of the program is $9,600 CAD (16 courses).
There is also an additional $200 CAD TEQ student fee charged per trimester that you are enrolled in the TEQ program. You will not be charged this fee if you are taking TEQ courses concurrently with your first trimester Master’s courses. This fee is still charged if you are taking TEQ courses externally, as it covers administrative costs related to assessing your requirements and providing student support.
TEQ courses are not covered by OSAP.
How are TEQ courses offered?
Adler’s TEQ courses are offered synchronously over zoom videoconference. Courses are typically scheduled once a week for three hours over the course of 12 weeks. Not all TEQ courses are offered each trimester.
Can I start completing TEQ courses before I apply for the program?
No, you must be granted conditional admission to Adler’s MPsy program before you can register for TEQ courses. The only exception is the introduction to psychology course. If you never completed an introduction to psychology course as part of your undergraduate degree, Adler’s admissions committee recommends that you complete an introduction to psychology course at an accredited, degree-granting institution before applying to Adler’s MPsy program.
How long is the TEQ program?
It depends on how many TEQ courses you require. If you have no psychology background, or a three-year degree, you may be required to complete up to a full year of TEQ courses. The majority of your TEQ requirements must be completed before you begin your masters program. Your offer letter will indicate the start date of your masters program, the start date of your TEQ program, and the number of TEQ courses you require.
Can I take the TEQ program part-time?
Yes – if you require TEQ courses, the registrar’s office will reach out to you after you accept your offer with a TEQ registration agreement. At that point, you can discuss a part-time TEQ plan with the registrar’s office. Please be aware that taking courses part-time will prolong your TEQ program and defer your Masters start date.
I didn’t take any psychology courses in my undergraduate program – what can I expect?
We can’t guarantee requirements before admission, but if you took no psychology courses, you will likely require the entire TEQ program, which is a calendar year of bridging courses. This means that if you are applying for the Fall 2026 intake, you will start your TEQ program in Fall 2026, and will start your masters program in Fall 2027.
Note: If you never completed an introduction to psychology course during your undergraduate degree, Adler’s admissions committee recommends that you take an introduction to psychology course at an accredited, degree-granting institution prior to applying for Adler’s MPsy program. The introduction to psychology course should be at least 36 hours of instruction, and must be at the undergraduate level. Many institutions offer this course through their continuing education department.
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but it is older than five years old – what can I expect?
We can’t guarantee requirements before admission, but you may be required to take an updated biological psychology course in our TEQ program, as knowledge in this area is rapidly changing, and we want to ensure you’re prepared for Adler’s masters-level neuropsychology courses. If you require this course, it will be noted in your offer letter, and you can take the course concurrently with your first trimester Masters courses. Registration in this course will take place at the same time as your Masters registration.
My bachelor’s degree was not in psychology, but I took some psychology courses during my degree – what can I expect?
We can’t guarantee requirements before admission, but if you are admitted, the admissions committee will review your undergraduate transcripts in detail and will count any psychology courses you completed toward your requirements. For the Clinical Psychology stream, they only count courses taken in a psychology department (usually with a “PSY” course code). For the Psychotherapy stream, they may count courses in other departments with psychological content, but this is done on a course-by-course basis and we are not able to pre-assess requirements before an applicant is admitted. Your offer letter will indicate how many courses and pillars you have remaining.
The number of courses you require will determine when you start your TEQ (bridging) program and your Masters program. Both start dates will be indicated in your offer letter.
I minored in psychology – what can I expect?
The same as above.
What if I only need one or two TEQ courses?
You may be able to complete your TEQ courses concurrently with your first trimester masters courses, or in the trimester before your start date (ie. the summer before you begin the program in September).
I still have questions about the TEQ requirements – what do I do?
We’re always happy to answer your questions: contact us here!