Counselling, Master of Counselling - Alberta, Canada
Master of Counselling – Additional admission requirements
All applicants for admission to the Master of Counselling program in Alberta who do not have undergraduate degrees with coursework showing fundamental knowledge of any or all of the following foundational modalities - personality, learning, and human development , or who through examination procedures do not demonstrate competencies in any or all of these three foundational areas, will be required to complete one or more of the following courses from the University’s Bachelor of Applied Psychology program, or equivalents from a recognized post-secondary institution:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in undergraduate degree program.
- Three (3) confidential letters of professional reference with consent to contact references.
- Writing samples defining professional goals and addressing past and current experience relevant to becoming a counselor. Guidelines for writing the sample paper will be sent from the academic advising office. The writing sample will be used to determine whether minimum qualifications have been met for admission to the program.
- CV/resume.
- Completed, signed background information form, with a history free of convictions for criminal misdemeanors and felonies. Applicants who have such a history may be denied a professional credential. The background information form must be submitted prior to the interview process.
- Interview with the program director/coordinator or designee. The interview will be used to determine whether minimum qualifications have been met for admission to the program.
- A minimum of 50 hours of community social service volunteer experience, if the applicant has no counselling experience, is recommended.
Emphasizing the application of counselling psychology theory to professional practice, the Master of Counselling program in Alberta prepares students who wish to register as psychologists, or otherwise seek registration with a professional counselling association. Delivered by teaching faculty who are also practicing professionals, the courses will address: fundamental counselling skills; diversity and cultural psychology; ethics and law; grief and loss; family systems; research; human development; psychopathology and psychopharmacology; testing and assessment; psychotherapy theory; group counselling; psychological trauma; and addictions. Advanced courses apply this knowledge to couples counselling, integrative research, counselling children and youth, and practicum. Through internships, you will gain practical experience in your area of interest while you network with other professionals in the local community social service systems.
The Master of Counselling will prepare students to:
- Apply sound essential counseling skills derived from a credible knowledge base that encompasses diverse theoretical perspectives.
- Articulate and apply a range of coherent theoretical approaches that are relevant to clients’ concerns and aspirations.
- Collaborate with people of diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs and socioeconomic status.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of counselors in promoting social justice and the well-being of the greater community.
- Establish a commitment to professional development through continuing education, clinical supervision, self-reflection, and consultation with peers.
- Locate and critically evaluate research related to core areas of counseling practice.
- Produce written communication that meets professional standards.
- Recognize and apply professional ethical standards including clear and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community.
- Recognize and positively influence intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics in counseling with individuals, groups, couples, and families.
Total Required Credits (72 Credits)
Core Courses (55 Credits)
| CPC 501 | Introduction to Counselling Psychology Practice | 5 |
| CPC 502 | Systemic Theory: Diversity and Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| CPC 510 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 |
| CPC 511 | Psychology of Loss and Grief | 3 |
| CPC 512 | Family Systems Therapy | 5 |
| CPC 513 | Brief Therapy Models | 3 |
| CPC 520 | Qualitative Research Methods in Counselling Psychology | 3 |
| CPC 514 | Research Methods and Statistics | 3 |
| CPC 522 | Psychology of Trauma and Interpersonal Violence | 3 |
| CPC 523 | Psychology of Sexuality and Human Development | 3 |
| CPC 524 | Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology | 5 |
| CPC 556 | Assessment in Counselling Psychology | 5 |
| CPC 526 | Counselling Psychology Theory | 5 |
| CPC 527 | Group Counselling Psychology | 3 |
| CPC 529 | Psychology Of Addictions | 3 |
| CPC 551 | Comprehensive Exam-Alberta, Canada | 0 |
Additional Required Courses (11 Credits)
| CPC 600 | Child and Adolescent Counselling | 3 |
| CPC 606 | Couple's Counselling | 3 |
| | |
| CPC 695 | Counselling Psychology: Research Project | 5 |
| (or) | |
| CPC 696 | Counselling Psychology: Thesis | 5 |
Internships/Practica (6 Credits)
| CPC 654 | Practicum I: Case Conceptualization & Counselling Psychology Treatment | 3 |
| CPC 655 | Practicum II: Ethical Issues in Counselling Psychology Practice | 3 |
| CPC 633 | Internship | 0 |
CPC 633: Internship must be repeated until internship requirements are completed.
CPC 654, CPC 655: Students must be enrolled in Practicum and Internship concurrently.
Elective Courses Optional
| CPC 599 | Graduate Seminar-Independent Study | 1 to 5 |
CPC 599: Special topics in counseling psychology will be explored in seminar, workshop or independent study formats.
This program is offered pursuant to the written approval of the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology effective September 1, 2009 having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).