Contact Supervisors

In thesis-based programs, students will have a direct supervisor providing guidance as they complete a research study in their second year. Completing a master’s thesis provides students with the necessary research experience to continue to doctoral studies. Applications may require you to list a few supervisors that you would be interested in working with.

Before listing supervisors, you would be interested in working with, it is a good idea to reach out and connect with the potential supervisors to confirm if they are taking additional students in the upcoming year and introduce yourself. In a thesis-based program, you will spend a significant amount of time connecting with your supervisor and working on your thesis, so it is important that you find a supervisor who is a good fit and whose research is interesting to you. Take time to read about different faculty members and the research they have published. Programs will often have a list of graduate faculty members in psychology listed on their website with email addresses.

When reaching out to potential supervisors, try to be concise and specific. Introduce yourself right away and explain why you are reaching out to them. Take time to check if they have a website or webpage on the University’s website dedicated to their research. Be formal and professional in your email. Use the correct name, title, and pronouns of the supervisors you reach out to.

Example template:

• Introduction:
  • State your name.
  • Education (currently completing or what you have finished)
  • Your plan (i.e., applying to X program (e.g. MA counselling for X track)
  • End intro: “noticed on X university website that you are accepting new graduate students for year X, so I am emailing to express my interest in your work)
• Research interests (if applicable):
  • State your research interests, and briefly describe your research experience
  • Connect to their current research interests (look at their publications).
• Conclusion:
  • State you are flexible with what you want to research (as it pertains to their domain/current research).
  • Note that you have attached your CV and updated transcript to the email.
  • End strong. Thank the supervisor for their time and use a professional sign-off.