Find out the undergraduate and postgraduate online counselling programs offered by some universities in Canada and their admission requirements and tuition fees.
Kelowna College Of Professional Counselling
Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling
The Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling is an accelerated, online program that can be completed in just one year. This customized Diploma allows you to choose from two areas of specialization — professional counselling, or the practice of psychotherapy.
What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
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Psychotherapists and counsellors are skilled in the major theories and techniques used to treat clients’ emotional distress. Both qualify for designation as mental health providers through various professional associations. The differences between the two disciplines are based on severity of clients’ symptoms; length and depth of treatment; and level of the practitioner’s training and clinical experience. A counsellor typically treats mental health issues that are less severe and shorter in duration than those that require psychotherapeutic interventions.
What will you learn in the Diploma program?
- KCPC takes a laser-like approach to training, zeroing in on applied theories and specific skills so graduates are prepared to hit the ground running.
- The specialization in Professional Counselling, leads to entry-level employment in mental health agencies and private practice.
- The specialization in the Practice of Psychotherapy prepares entry-to-mid level mental health professionals for careers in community agencies, or private practice.
How is the program structured?
The Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling includes 16 core courses (980 hours of study) that can be completed in one year.
Distance Education;
Students study from the comfort and convenience of home; texts and study materials are delivered right to your door.
Hands-on skill practice;
Interactive assignments focus on skill development; over 200 demonstration videos, case studies, and online participation. Practice sessions with volunteer ‘clients’ simulate real counselling situations, putting you in the role of the counsellor or therapist. The skills you learn are readily transferable to employment settings.
Study on campus;
On-campus study groups are optional for students wanting additional skill practice to supplement the Distance Learning experience.
Independent learning;
The application of therapeutic techniques requires the ability to analyze and process complex information as it emerges in real life therapy situations. KCPC’s curriculum is specifically designed to strengthen critical thinking abilities related to the practice of counselling and psychotherapy.
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Academic Preparation;
The curriculum covers major theories and techniques drawn from psychology, social work, and counselling. This broad information-base builds competency required for clinical practice, and is relevant for students who choose to continue their education in the University system.
Personal Awareness;
Self-awareness and effective use of the self in the therapeutic setting are essential characteristics of effective counsellors and psychotherapists. Although not meant to be a substitute for professional counselling, each course provides students the opportunity to gain valuable personal insights.
What about employment?
Although KCPC cannot guarantee job placements, graduates are prepared for employment with public agencies or private practice; and have the skills to treat a variety of mental health concerns:
- depression, anxiety, and other emotional and behavioral disorders
- addictions: prevention, recovery and follow-up treatment
- youth, family, and couples issues
- suicide and emergency intervention
- identify and developmental deficits
- loss and grief
- abuse and domestic violence
Admission Requirements
- Adult Student Status of 19 years of age, and 1 year work experience for all Diploma and Certification programs. Undergraduate degree required for Diploma program specializing in the Practice of Psychotherapy.
- Completion of the Counselling Aptitude Assessment (CAA). Responses to this questionnaire are used by the admissions department as a measure of an applicant’s suitability for counsellor training, and proficiency with the English language.
- Students with pre-existing medical, psychiatric or substance related conditions that may interfere with their ability to complete the training program require a letter of recommendation from an attending specialist.
- Admissions interview with the Registrar in-person, by phone or internet (Skype, etc.).
Signed student enrollment contract including confidentiality and participation policies
Access to the internet, a computer, and proficiency with Microsoft Word. - Proof of funding
- Criminal record check, including vulnerable sector/population
- For International students: PLAR required to establish equivalency of degrees completed outside of Canada. ESL: TOEFL scores- PBT = 580> or IBT = 90>
What are the funding options?
Your chances to obtain financial aid are improved due to KCPC’s certification designation.
Certification by the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education in British Columbia (Registration #3285), opens the door for you to apply for Federal and/or Provincial student loans and other types of tuition assistance.
What other types of funding are available to students applying to KCPC?
Many of their students have applied for financial aid through various funding sources and qualified.
They recommend that students look at all avenues available to them for funding…as individual circumstances vary, so do funding options. Funding resources include, but are not limited to the following;
- Student loans (Provincial and Federal)
- Band Funding
- Employment Services Canada
- Military Benefits
- Grants and Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Your employer
- Bank loans
To get you started in your search for Bursaries and Grants, here is a link to a website that will help determine your eligibility. www.scholarshipscanada.com
Master of Counselling, BC City University of Seattle, Canada
Program Details
CityU in Canada, provides an approved Master of Counselling degree program in British Columbia, Canada. The program is approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and designed to align with the requirements necessary to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor, R.C.C. or a Canadian Certified Counsellor, C.C.C.
Their Master in Counselling program provides a thorough grounding in traditional counselling theory and describes collaborative, practice-based ways of engaging therapeutically. You’ll learn from a faculty of scholar-practitioners who work in the field of counselling and publish in counselling journals and books. Expect a comprehensive core of learning that covers the following topics;
- diversity and cultural psychology
- ethics and law
- grief, loss, trauma and addictions
- human development and family systems
- psychopathology and psychopharmacology
- research, testing and assessment
- Effective In-Class and Online Learning
CityU in Canada’s British Columbia program offers you three different ways to complete your master’s in counselling program;
- Complete coursework online at your own pace with a quarterly residency requirement (mixed-mode learning),
- take courses part time with classroom-based sessions on Saturdays, OR
- participate in their full-time, in-class program. Full time students can complete the program in under two years. Speak with a CityU advisor to see which program works best for you.
Please note, their Victoria location delivers courses through mixed-mode format only.
Where CityU Can Take You
Your master’s degree in counselling from CityU prepares you to work as a therapist in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, private practices, social service agencies, not-for-profit community organizations, residential treatment programs and provincial health authority ministries.
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Get started today!
If you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, you can apply to earn your master’s degree in counselling online or in class with CityU. Reach out to one of their advisors to learn about starting your impactful career as a therapist or counsellor in British Columbia, Canada.
Application Process
Apply to the Master of Counselling Program in 8 steps!
- Complete an Application Form, and pay a non-refundable application fee of $50
- Submit official transcripts documenting a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Notes; Minimum GPA of 2.75.
One set in an envelop sealed by university or universities attended/attending with certified translations where necessary. Select the appropriate pre-requisite form to list the selection of courses that you feel meet our criteria. You will also be required to submit a scanned copy of your supporting transcripts. Pre-requisites: BC applicants Pre-requisites: AB applicants - If degree was earned outside the recognized universities: Canada, USA, UK, NZ, Australia, Ireland), please submit proof of English proficiency.
- Submit a copy of your curriculum vitae résumé.
- Submit three letters of professional reference using City University of Seattle’s
- Recommendation for Admission Form
- Complete the Background Information Questionnaire
- Provide a writing sample. You will be required to submit an admissions essay and an on site writing sample. Your admissions essay must be submitted with your application. Please check their website for essay guidelines.
- Submit a photocopy of a piece of photo ID showing current name. If applicable, submit any name change documentation (marriage certificate, legal change of name).
- Please select the applicable checklist for your submission package.
- Checklist for BC or use the Checklist for Alberta. Once application is complete, they will contact you for an interview.
British Columbia applicants please send or email all documents to;
- City University of Seattle, Vancouver BC Site
Attention: MC Admissions Office
789 West Pender Street, Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2 Canada
Email: VancouverBC@CityU.edu
Alberta applicants please send or email all documents to:
- City University of Seattle, Calgary, AB Site
Attention: MC Admissions Office
1040 7th Avenue SW, Suite 120
Calgary, AB T2P 3G9 Canada
Email: Calgary@CityU.edu
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology YorkVille University – MACP
The Faculty of Behavioural Sciences Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) is a 30-month online and practicum-based program that prepares graduates for a career in the field of counselling psychology. The program is structured with a combination of core and elective courses to build the foundational competencies and practical skills needed to become professional counsellors, researchers, educators and psychotherapists. Graduates of the MACP program are prepared to acquire professional registration in their provincial jurisdiction and are able to apply for a number of designations upon completing the program.
The MACP program’s curriculum is offered primarily online, with a significant faculty-supervised practicum component. Their teaching faculty are from across North America and instruct students on a variety of topics such as counselling theory, counselling and psychotherapeutic interventions, and testing and assessment. Graduates develop the skills needed to begin a new career or advance in a current role.
Program features include;
Focused Electives
Engaging electives give students the advantage of deeper theoretical knowledge and focus on a specialization. Students will be better adept at identifying potential workplace opportunities in community counselling centers, correctional facilities, hospitals, academic institutions, mental health clinics or private practices. The elective courses cover the following counselling concentrations;
- Career and Employment Counselling
- Counselling for Health and Wellness
- Psychopathology for Counsellors
- Developmental Psychology
- Addiction Counselling
- Counselling Couples and Families
- Guidance and Counselling in School Environments
Practicum Orientation and Placement
A structured practicum orientation of interactive seminars plus self-guided and group activities helps students to identify and secure a practicum placement.
The Practicum placement is the student’s opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge into practice. Students will gain experience with resolving ethical dilemmas, case conceptualization, cultural competency, and working collaboratively while being supervised on-site by a practicing professional counsellor and a Yorkville University Faculty member online.
Designation Opportunities
Graduates of the MACP program benefit from a variety of designation opportunities across North America, such as;
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)*
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
- BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
- Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP)
- New Brunswick Teachers Association
- Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program is on a selective basis. Minimum admission requirements include;
- a bachelor’s or first professional degree from a recognized university, not necessarily with a major in psychology. Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed undergraduate courses amounting to either a major or minor in psychology, related social sciences, or allied health professions such as social work.
- a grade point average (GPA) in their undergraduate study sufficiently strong to support the ability to participate in a rigorous, graduate level program of academic study; this is normally shown by an applicant’s cumulative GPA (average on all undergraduate courses) or the GPA on the final 60 undergraduate credits taken. Generally, graduate programs require an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 or 4.3 scale. Applicants may be admitted with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 if there is clear evidence in their application leading the admissions committee to believe that the applicant is prepared for graduate study. Students admitted with GPA below 3.0 will be subject to conditions established by the admissions committee and will not be allowed to continue in the program if such conditions are not met. Applicants whose cumulative GPA in their undergraduate study is below 2.5 on a 4 or 4.3 scale are not considered for conditional admission under this general policy and will not be admitted.
- although standardized test results, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test, are not required as a precondition for admission to the program, applicants are encouraged to submit these scores if they believe such test results would strengthen their application for admission.
- two letters of reference from professional or academic sources, preferably from persons able to comment meaningfully on the motivation and ability of the applicant to undertake graduate study. A template for reference letters may be downloaded here.
a current resume or CV. - a 700-1000 word letter of application substantiating interest, qualifications and experience relevant to the field of counselling psychology. In this letter, we ask our applicants to comment on how their combination of life experience, work and volunteer experience and/or education makes them a suitable candidate for the program. Applicants may also wish to comment on how this program would assist them in meeting their career goals.
- they ask that a $75 application fee be submitted before an application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
- Applicants whose native language is not English or who have obtained a bachelor’s or first professional degree in a language other than English are required to submit confirmation of an official test of ability to work and study in English. Such tests include:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550 (written version) or 80 (Internet based version);
Test of Written English (TWE) with a score of 5.0 or higher; or
International English-Language Test System (IELTS) with an overall bandwidth of 6.5 or higher.
Tuition Fees
All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Yorkville University also accepts equivalent payment in other currencies. For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office. Tuition rates are confirmed 3 months prior to the start of each term. Changes to Tuition rates will be announced at least 3 months prior to the start of the term to which they apply. Current Tuition rates are available on the University’s website, or from the bursar’s office at 1-888-886-1882.
Scholarships
The following scholarships are available for students in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology;
- The Jacob Markovitz Memorial Scholarship
- New Brunswick Provincial Government Employees Bursary Program
Financial Aid
Yorkville University is committed to helping students find effective financing solutions to pay for their education. Students have a number of resources available when it comes to post-secondary education;
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- Canada Student Loan Program
- Student Line of Credit
- Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
- Lifelong Learning Program (LLP)
- Employment Insurance Benefits