phd in counselling psychology in canada

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
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Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

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The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

Our Doctoral Program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists: students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists.  Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

I decided to continue my studies at UBC because I have really appreciated the intentional care from faculty in the program to develop well-rounded clinicians and excellent researchers.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by all applicants.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Criminal record check, citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 2 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 2 students was $10,800.
• 8 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 8 students was $7,089.
• 1 student received Academic Assistantships valued at $2,700.
• 14 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 14 students was $12,751.
• 9 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 9 students was $25,370.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

52 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 50 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, upcoming doctoral exams, wednesday, 12 june 2024 - 9:00am.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Bedi, Robinder (Counselling psychology; Investigating counselling and psychotherapy as Western cultural healing practices; Counselling psychology disciplinary and professional issues in Canada; Heterodox issues in counselling psychology that challenge its dominant narratives and sacred ideas; Counselling/psychotherapy/mental health with Punjabi/Sikh individuals; Neglected topics in the Psychology of Men and Masculinity)
• Borgen, William (Career Counselling, Career/life transitions, Developmental approaches to counselling, Group counselling)
• Buchanan, Marla (Counsellor Stress, Narrative Inquiry, School Counselling, Traumatic Stress)
• Cox, Daniel (Counselling psychology; Motivations and Emotions; Anxiety; depression; Mental Health and Society; stress; Suicide)
• Haverkamp, Beth (Counselling Process Research, Ethics and Professional Issues, Research Design)
• Hubley, Anita (Psychological and health measurement; test development and validation; adult neuropsychological, personality, and mental health topics and assessment; research with general community and vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, homeless, drug addicted))
• Miller, Kenneth (Mindfulness and its incorporation into mental health interventions in settings of adversity, Development of culturally grounded assessment and evaluation tools, The use of mixed-methods in intervention development and evaluation research)
• Park, CJ (Vocational psychology; Career counseling; diversity and social justice; critical consciousness; international and cross-cultural psychology; interventions)
• Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Keep your hands to yourself and use your words : a condescendingly titled exploration of what helps and hinders people with visual impairments while receiving unsolicited help from sighted people
• Coping is a collective responsibility : a narrative inquiry with women veterans on the barriers and facilitators of coping with military sexual trauma
• Health and wellness for Métis youth involved with Métis family services : exploring cultural connection through Métis beadwork using photovoice
• The process of transitioning to a mainstream high school for hard-of-hearing youth
• Positions : possibilities and pleasures in gay, bisexual, and queer men's storytelling
• Operation returning to school (Op RTS) : Canadian veterans’ experiences of transitioning to post-secondary studies
• From disenfranchisement to integration : young women's narratives of embodiment and sexual satisfaction
• The impact of traditional masculinity ideology on veteran mental health and treatment outcome
• Sexual and gender minority youth and their parents : identity-related conversations

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)
• Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (MEd)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (GCOM)
• Master of Arts in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MA)
• Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MA)
• Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)
• Master of Education in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MEd)
• Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MEd)
• Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology (MEd)
• Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Further Information

Specialization.

Programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Faculty members are involved in a wide range of research activities including intercultural counselling, First Nations counselling, career development and counselling, stress and coping, sexuality and reproductive health, disabilities, trauma, working with families and children in school settings, prevention of anxiety disorders, and empirically supported approaches utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

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Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Alejandra Botia

Throughout my undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, I have felt grateful to access a globally recognized university. Beyond being a stunning place, I chose to continue my graduate degree at UBC because of the invaluable friendships and professional relationships that I have built over the...

Sarah Panofsky

My PhD will be my fourth UBC degree and I am confident that the university will provide me with the comprehensiveness, relevance, and rigour that I seek in my studies. Connection to place is also important. Studying at UBC allows me to maintain relationships with the communities in Northwest BC...

Christine Yu

I had a wonderful experience during the Master’s program at UBC and felt a sense of community, with excellent support from my supervisor. Once I was ready to pursue a doctoral degree, I wanted to re-engage in that type of supportive environment while stretching the boundaries of my clinical and...

Katie McCloskey

I decided to study at UBC because the Counselling Psychology program prepares its students to be excellent researchers as well as clinicians. I know that when I graduate I will be able to avail myself of career opportunities in research or practice and that I will be well trained for both.

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Counselling Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

This specialized thesis-based degree is designed to help students develop the philosophical, theoretical, research, and practical expertise required to offer effective psychological education and counselling.

The program offers you the opportunity to study diverse topics of particular relevance to counsellors, including interpersonal communication, lifespan human development, family functioning, career assessment and evaluation, and statistics and research design.

The program follows a scientist-practitioner model of training and is delivered on campus only, with a two-year residency required. Training is based on the definition of counselling psychology approved by the Canadian Psychological Association’s board of directors.

Completing this program

• Core Courses: Advanced Clinical Supervision in Applied Psychology and Advanced Practicum in Counselling.
• Candidacy: Students will complete a research proposal and both oral and written candidacy exams.
• Internship: Students will complete a one year full-time or two year half-time supervised internship in a clinical setting.
• Additional Courses: Topics may include research methods, school and applied child psychology, professional skills and issues and more.
• Dissertation: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research dissertation.

University professors, research organizations, not-for-profit, non-governmental and community agencies, post-secondary institutions, hospitals, counsellors, private practice, intercultural communication, culture studies, curricular consultant, public/private education systems, policy and governance.

A PhD in counselling psychology is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Eight courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

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Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.

José Domene

Admission Requirements

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the last two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A thesis-based Master's degree in Counselling Psychology or equivalent, including 500 yours of practicum with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist; one senior undergraduate or one graduate course in the historical and scientific foundations of general psychology. Two senior undergraduate or one graduate course (3 units or 0.5 full-course equivalent each) in (i) biological bases of behaviour, (ii) cognitive-affective bases of behaviour, (iii) social bases of behaviour, and (iv) individual behaviour.

Work samples

• A typed curriculum vitae
• A concise rationale (500 words or less) for the application
• A completed Pre-Admissions Checklist

Reference letters

Test scores, police information check.

Students who accept an offer of admission to a Graduate Program in Education that includes a practicum or internship will be required to provide a current Police Information Check (PIC) which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search. Students who are not residents of Calgary must arrange for a PIC through the nearest local police service or RCMP detachment in the area where they reside.

English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.0.
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (no less than 70 in each section).
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.

For admission on September 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: Dec. 1 application deadline
• International students: Dec. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of educational psychology.

Education Tower, Room 114 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 1N4 403.220.5675

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

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University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

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Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Course-based MC

Thesis-based MSc

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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselling Psychology offered by the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology in the Faculty of Education is a research-intensive program that emphasizes challenging and innovative learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature review, critical thinking, and communication to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Keywords: research, psychotherapy, clinical training, assessment, intervention, diversity.

Unique Program Features

• The program is built on the scientist-practitioner model;
• The program is currently accredited by the Quebec Order of Psychologists (OPQ) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA);
• Graduates will be prepared to assume careers in education and community settings, including faculty positions, counselling and psychological positions on the staff of university and college mental health centres, and professional positions in psychological agencies offering preventative mental health services.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Counselling Psychology website

Department Contact

Graduate Program counsellingpsych.education [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Counselling%20Psychology) (email)

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Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

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Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling Psychology

Thesis-based, on campus degree

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselling Psychology prepares individuals to develop the philosophical, theoretical, and research expertise in counselling psychology required of those who wish to offer effective psychological education and counselling and to work as counselling psychologists in a variety of public and private practice settings.

The PhD program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and course content follows CPA's accreditation guideline standards for training.

A program committed to social justice

The Counselling Psychology programs at the University of Calgary are guided by a common mission, values, program goals, and principles. The program follows a scientist practitioner model of training and is committed to social justice efforts in all areas of scholarship.

The mission of the Counselling Psychology program the University of Calgary (hereafter the Program) is to prepare the next generation of Counselling Psychologists to be reflexive, critical, and culturally responsive researchers, educators, and practitioners. Taking on a generalist approach, the Program provides students with broad preparation for careers in a wide range of settings, including education (schools, colleges, and universities), government, social services, health units and hospitals, community agencies, business and industry, and private practice. Both the MSc and PhD programs are grounded on a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing: the integration of science and practice; critical evaluation of theory, research, and practice within the profession; and the generation and dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge. Furthermore, the Program upholds an active commitment to social justice, highlighting the importance of infusing advocacy in both the science and practice of psychology. As such, we aim to use the power and privilege obtained as Counselling Psychologists to aid in the understanding, healing, and advocating for the wellbeing and justice within and outside of our communities.

The PhD program in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary has been accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) since 2010-2011: Office of Administration, CPA, 141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 702,  Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3. 

The program's term of accreditation goes from 2020-2026.

Program Details

What you need to know.

Application Dates

Application opens:   September 1 Application deadline:  December 1 Official supporting document deadline: December 1-No Exceptions

Students must use the online application found at the  How to Apply  page.

Program Delivery

Full-time on campus

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies admission requirements, entry requirements for the PhD in Counselling Psychology include:

a) A completed thesis-based master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent) from an approved university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in the master’s program, including 500 hours of practicum, with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

b) A master's thesis (or equivalent research project). Although not a requirement, it is beneficial to also have completed an undergraduate psychology degree with an honour's thesis.

c) Prerequisite coursework:

• Applicants required to have completed a 3-unit senior undergraduate (or graduate) course in Historical and Scientific Foundations of General Psychology

Applicants are also required to have completed two 3-unit senior undergraduate courses (or one 3-unit graduate course) in each of the following four areas:

• Individual Behaviour (e.g., personality theory, human development, individual differences, abnormal psychology)
• Social Bases of Behaviour (e.g., social psychology; cultural, ethnic, & group processes; sex roles; organizational & systems theory)
• Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behaviour (e.g., learning, sensation, perception, cognition, thinking, motivation, emotion)
• Biological Bases of Behaviour (e.g. physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology)

Applicants are required to have completed graduate coursework equivalent to the courses that comprise the University of Calgary's MSc in Counselling Psychology program (see Pre-Admission Checklist below).

d) Prerequisite practicum hours. Applicants need to have completed 500 hours of practicum during their master's degree, with a minimum of 400 hours (200 direct client contact hours) completed under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

e) A curriculum vitae, including information about previous employment and volunteer experience.

f) A concise (500 word) rationale of why the applicant and this program would be a good fit, including a description of the applicant's research interests and potential thesis supervisors from within the counselling psychology program area, if applicable.

g) Three references, two of which are academic references (e.g., a professor) and one of which is from someone who has provided clinical supervision for the applicant (e.g., a practicum supervisor). It is recommended that one of the academic references be the applicant's master's thesis supervisor or a professor who is familiar with the applicant's thesis research.

h) The PhD in Counselling Psychology Pre-Admission Checklist is required . 

i) Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Original documents or certified true copies of each of your official transcripts and degree certificates, in the original sealed envelope, sent directly from the issuing University.

If the original transcript documents are not in English, applicants must submit original documents or certified true copies of each of your official transcripts and degree certificates in the original language, in the original sealed envelope, sent directly from the issuing University, and an English translation from the issuing University or a notarized word-for-word English translation of a duplicate copy of that original. 

j) Meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs in the Werklund School of Education. Prior to admission to Graduate Programs in Education, an applicant whose primary language is not English must fulfill the English language proficiency requirement.  For additional information, please visit our  How to Apply  page.

Please note: Applicants may be interviewed prior to admission to evaluate their understanding of, and motivation for entry into the Counselling Psychology program.

Successful applicants will need to produce the results of a Criminal Record Check before they will be permitted to participate in practicum or internship experiences associated with the program.

Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.

Transcripts & Supporting Documents- Due December 1

Applications, transcripts and all supporting documents must be submitted 11:59 pm MT on the application deadline date for each program. Please visit the  FGS applicant transcript page  to answer frequently asked questions on transcripts. 

For additional information on transcripts and where to send them, please visit our  How to Apply  page.

Three (3) references are required. Two of which are academic references (e.g., a professor) and one of which is from someone who has provided clinical supervision for the applicant (e.g., a practicum supervisor). It is recommended that one of the academic references be the applicant's master's thesis supervisor or a professor who is familiar with the applicant's thesis research. No hard copy letters of reference or documents will be accepted.

Please see the Faculty of Graduate Studies'  advice on finding references  for your application.

References are due by the application deadline, so you should complete the online application earlier in order to give your referees sufficient time to submit their reference. Referees will receive notification on how to submit their reference  after  you submit your application and are due on the application deadline regardless of when they receive the notification.  Please ensure that your references are aware of the supporting document submission deadline.  Applications without completed reference forms will be considered incomplete after the application deadline has passed.

Statement of Intent

Statement of Intent must be uploaded to your  Student Centre  after the application has been submitted.  Applicants will receive a confirmation email with instructions and information regarding this process upon completion and submission of the online application.

Graduate Supervision

As a Graduate Student you are expected to devote the time, effort, and energy necessary to engage in scholarship.  As a graduate student, you will determine the specific milestones and requirements of your program of study in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar and with your graduate supervisor. 

An integral part of the doctoral experience is working closely with a supervisor on the development and completion of a research project.  A graduate supervisor mentors graduate students through regular meetings and research training aimed at research, scholarship, teaching and professional development. Graduate supervisors support students in the timely completion of their programs.  As a Graduate Student, you are expected to meet with your graduate supervisor on a regular basis.  While each student-supervisor relationship is unique, graduate supervisors can assist graduate students in a number of ways: advising on course selection, applying for awards and scholarships, obtaining research funds, applying for teaching assistant and sessional teaching opportunities, developing track records in refereed publications and conference presentations, getting involved in leadership and service, and encouraging and supporting apprenticeship in a research community of practice (collaborative review of papers, grants, academic writing, and data analysis). 

In the PhD program a supervisor is normally appointed at the time of admission.

PhD Funding

The Werklund School of Education provides funding opportunities for full-time doctoral students admitted to the on-campus program, for the first 4 years in program.

Awards and Scholarships

Applicants to the program  are encouraged to apply for internal and external scholarships.

Practicum & Internship

Police Information Check

All successful applicants to the Werklund School of Education School PhD Counselling Psychology program are required to provide a current and clear Police Information Check which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search. Students must apply for a Police Information Check through their nearest police service or RCMP detachment in the area where they reside.

The original Police Information Check must be presented to and accepted by the administration in the Graduate Program Office in the Werklund School of Education, dated within timelines as directed by the Placement Coordinator.

Students will be required to request a Police Information Check upon admission and each subsequent year that they go on placement ( Educational Psychology 772 , 773 , 752 , 753 , and PhD Residency ).

A current and clear Police Information Check is required for all placements. Failure to present a clear and current Police Information Check may result in the student being unable to begin their program and/or go on placement. Successful completion of all placements is required for graduation.

Intervention Record Check

In addition, it is  strongly recommended  that students obtain an Intervention Record Check (IRC) in each year that they participate in a practicum. Even if your site does not specifically require this check, it is to your advantage to have an IRC done so as to prevent a potential issue should there be a last minute change in your placement site.

NOTE: IRCs are not required by the Werklund School of Education (WSE), and should not be submitted to WSE. Results should be kept in your personal records, and shown to your practicum site should they request to view them.

Resources at the University of Calgary

Teaching Facilities

Typically, our courses are scheduled in classrooms in the University’s Education Block and Tower buildings.  For clinical and laboratory work, observation, and role-play, the program has access to space in our in-house clinic, Integrated Services in Education.  ISE has nine rooms with audio-visual recording capabilities in the Education Tower. All have one-way mirrors for live observations.

Library Facilities

Students at the University of Calgary have access to resources through Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) (http://lcr.ucalgary.ca/), which operates eight university libraries on campus and across the city of Calgary. In addition, students have extensive access to library resources on-line and can access the holdings of other national and international libraries through inter-library loans. The Doucette Library is our closest library, located in the Education Block and has a dedicated resource librarian available for faculty and graduate students in Education. Specialized resources include an extensive collection of psychology, counselling psychology, and assessment-related books and journals as well as a video collection of counselling-related adjunctive instructional material.

Work Space for Students

Shared work space is provided, with priority given to students in the first three years of the PhD program and first two years of the MSc program. Following renovations to upgrade our building, students are now housed in dedicated and secure workspaces that have large study carrels. Given the number of graduate students in our programs, students are clustered on various floors in the Education Tower. Students are guaranteed workspace during residency years and may request space beyond that period of time. Touch-down spaces and lockers will be available for students who are past their residency years in their respective programs.

Research Space for Faculty and Students

Research space varies depending on the faculty member you are working with and area of research.  Most faculty do not have labs as such, as their research programs are field-based.  Faculty members with lab-based requirements have research space in Werklund or affiliated institutes (e.g., Owerko).  The instructional video suite in the ISE Clinic described earlier is available for faculty or graduate students (who apply and can demonstrate CFREB or CHREB ethical approval) to potentially schedule for research purposes. A separate application form is required to gain access.

Assessment Materials and Supplies including Scoring Facilities

The Werklund School of Education also operates a test library located in the ISE Clinic.  The ISE test library contains a large and varied collection of testing materials and accompanying expendable materials (test forms and rating scales) that can be used by graduate students for coursework that involves instruction in administration of assessment measures as well as for clinical practicum work. The library also has archival storage in the basement of our building for those who may need access to earlier versions of tests. Students do not have to pay to access these materials, although fees are charged for lost materials. Additionally, the ISE houses three computers that may be used by graduate students to score clinical assessment measures or work on assessment reports. The clinic also provides other relevant materials such as portable video camera recorders and stopwatches. Graduate students may also apply to access ISE resources for research purposes, although priority is given to clinical work. 

Computer Facilities

Students can access university computers through the main library, the Werklund School of Education of Education’s Doucette Library computers, or the Computer Lab located on the 3rd floor of the classroom block. All students are also given free access to the University’s server through their home computer, including email accounts and free access to data analysis and word processing packages.

Resources to Support Data Analysis

The University and Werklund School of Education provides workshops, either free of charge or at minimal cost, to faculty and graduate students, in the use of reference management programs such as Covidence, EndNote, Mendeley, and Refworks; data analysis software such as SPSS, BMDP, SAS; and common computer applications such as Microsoft Office. Our faculty and students are provided access to a computer lab on the 3rd floor of the Education Classroom Block. At this time, commonly used data programs such as SPSS, LISREL, NVIVO etc. have been installed on those computers for use by faculty and students.

Recording Equipment

The ISE instructional suite described earlier contains nine rooms equipped with closed-circuit video recording capability. Additional audio and video recording equipment is available for sign out through the ISE Clinic, or the Doucette Library housed in the Werklund School of Education of Education building. Extensive audio and video dubbing facilities are available to all students through the Com Media Department or the Learning Commons.

Facilities and Technical Support for Building Research Equipment

This is available in an “as needs require” basis, through the office of Information Technology and also through the computer support network available to all faculty. In addition, equipment pertaining to communications media (video cameras, video records, etc. are available through the Communications Media Department (COM Media) through an agreement paid for by the Werklund School of Education. Requirements beyond the above are paid for through faculty research grants.

Facilities to Enable Access for Students with Disabilities

The University is an access friendly facility for students with special needs. The University has an “Academic Accommodation Policy” for students requiring special accommodations during exams or other term assignments, operated through Student Accessibility Services ( http://www.ucalgary.ca/access/). The Education Tower is equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities, including auto-entry electronic doors, larger stalls, and motion- sensor sinks and soap dispensers in washrooms.

Availability and Nature of Financial, Academic, Counselling, and Other Support Systems

The University offers many services for its students. Some of these include:

• The Counselling Centre
• The Student Success Centre
• Academic Services
• University Health Clinic
• Computer Technical Support
• International Centre
• Teaching and Learning Centre
• Graduate Students’ Association
• Recreational activities

A complete listing of Student and Academic Services can be found at https://www.ucalgary.ca/current-students/student-services

The University offers comprehensive, holistic, and accessible programs and services to foster student wellness through the SU Wellness Centre, which includes Health Services, the Counselling Centre, and the Faith and Spirituality Centre. There are also services and clubs on campus that pertain to the needs of diverse groups. At the University of Calgary, for example, there is a Student Success Centre , an International Student Centre , a Native Centre , a Women’s Resource Centre , and a club for sexually- and gender-diverse individuals (called Q ).  The University offers accommodations for students with disabilities through several specialized support services including Student Accessibility Services and the Nat Christie Adaptive Technology Centre.

Centre for Wellbeing in Education

The primary mandate of the Centre is to provide a Centre of excellence in research, education and service through a  coordinated holistic  vision for the  wellbeing  of children, youth and transition-age youth (ages 4-25). learn more

Graduate students may participate in the intervention services provided by the Centre.

Graduate Program Administrator

Megan Freeman

Academic Coordinator

Dr. Tanya Mudry, Associate Professor

Ready to Apply?

Program information for current students, program requirements.

The PhD in Counselling Psychology has a minimum requirement of two years of full-time residency on-campus.

The requirements for completion of the PhD program are as follows:

a) 24 units of course work at the doctoral level that includes:

i. Educational Psychology 704 and an additional 3-unit course in research methods at 600 or 700 level as approved by the supervisor;

ii. Educational Psychology 711 and  731 ;

iii. Practicum courses: Educational Psychology 742 and  743 . Note section 6  Police Information Check  below.

b) Candidacy requirements.

c) Dissertation.

d) A twelve-month full-time internship: Educational Psychology 788 . Note section 6  Police Information Check  below.

Applicants who are offered admission as a qualifying student due to missing pre-requisite coursework or practicum hours will be required to take additional courses or to complete additional practicum hours within the doctoral program to ensure equivalent training. A qualifying student may take up to 12 units to meet equivalency requirements during the qualifying year. Qualifying status will be granted for a period not exceeding one year.

Course content addresses theory, research, and practice in the domains identified by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) for accreditation of doctoral programs in professional psychology.

Candidacy Examination

Candidacy must be completed within 28 months from the program start date. Admission to candidacy is an acknowledgement that a student is fully prepared to devote his/her full attention to the dissertation research. For admission to candidacy, the Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that (1) all mandatory course work has been completed, (2) an oral candidacy examination has been successfully passed, and (3) a dissertation research proposal has been approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee.

Dissertation

The Doctoral thesis is the focus of the degree program. In consultation with the supervisor, the student should formulate an appropriate thesis topic as early as possible in the program because the thesis proposal affects the choice and number of courses needed in order to complete the program. The thesis proposal must be approved by the supervisory committee before continuing towards candidacy.

Ethics approval is required for all research projects involving the use of human subjects, before data collection begins. Prior to submitting an ethics application, students must complete Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans: A Concise, Online Tutorial,  http://www.ucalgary.ca/research/ethics/CORE_Tutorial , and attach the certificate issued upon completion to the ethics application form. 

To initiate the ethics approval process, the student must submit a copy of the application (available on the Research Services website) to the Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board or the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board.

see Practicum and Internship section below

Expected completion time for full-time students in four years with a maximum completion time of six years.

Supervisory Assignments

An interim supervisor is normally appointed at the time of admission. Students are responsible for initiating discussions with potential permanent supervisors and are expected to have finalized supervisory arrangements by their second annual registration.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. Students applying for scholarships must submit their applications to Graduate Programs in Education by February 1.

Faculty Members/Research Interests

Current faculty members and their areas of interest can be found by going to the  Counselling Psychology: Faculty Members  page.

Checklists and Forms

Doctoral Procedures Checklist

At the beginning of program:

• Register for an eID to access  myUCalgary . Keep your eID and password confidential.
• Accept your Offer of Admission in the online Student Centre .
• Activate your UCalgary  IT computing account  that comes with a UofC email. We strongly encourage you to use this email while in program.
• Before you start utilizing your UofC email, update your email address in the online Student Centre .
• Confirm your current e-mail address to your Graduate Program Administrator (see your Admission Letter for contact information). Please include your full name, UCID number, program, and specialization.
• Attend one of the scheduled Virtual Welcome Sessions for Graduate Programs: Education (GPE) students.
• Attend one of the scheduled Student Orientations to GPE Online Delivery Tools. We recommend this for students in on-campus programs, due to the fact that online tools may be utilized in on-campus courses.
• Connect with your supervisor to plan your program.
• Initialize your registration .
• Register for courses.
• Check with FGS, Research Services and SSHRC for possible research funding.

Within 12 months:

• Confirm the number of courses required for program completion with the supervisor.
• Submit the online Annual Progress Report form through student centre, approved by supervisor, and Graduate Program Director of GPE or designate.

Every 12 Months:

• Complete  registration initialization .

Within 15 months:

• Consult with supervisor regarding the appointment of the supervisory committee. Complete the Appointment of Supervisory Committee form.

Within 28 months:

• Request candidacy examination guidelines.
• Complete all course work prior to the candidacy examination.
• Submit a research proposal to the supervisory committee. If acceptable, this proposal is signed by the members of the supervisory committee and placed in the student's file.
• Complete candidacy requirements and examination.

Within 4 to 6 years:

• Have ethics application approved before collection of data.
• Complete thesis and final oral examination.
• Submit two unbound copies of the thesis to the Faculty of Graduate Studies along with the Thesis Clearance form.
• Submit an Application for Degree through your Student Centre .
• Attend convocation and celebrate.

Program Forms

There are various forms related to a student’s progress through their graduate degree. Please refer to the forms for detailed instructions on their proper completion. Students who have any questions or concerns should contact their Graduate Program Administrator. Required forms are available in the GPE office and some can be accessed by downloading them from  Faculty of Graduate Studies .

Integrated Services in Education (ISE)

Integrated Services in Education (formerly U-CAPES) is an on-campus clinic is housed in the PACE unit within the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.  Recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association Foundation 2009 Access to Innovative Psychological Services Award, Integrated Services in Education (ISE) is a nationally recognized leader in psychological service that offers clinical services, professional development, and applied research/programme evaluation. The clinic provides opportunities for both Educational Studies in School Psychology (EDSP) and Educational Studies in Counselling Psychology (EDCP) graduate students to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of registered psychologists in each of these areas.  Graduate students are provided with the very best experiential learning while making a contribution to the community.   The core values of empowerment, respect for diversity, advocacy, resiliency, and accountability permeate the teaching, research, and services of ISE.

ISE provides psychoeducational services to the local Calgary community and has developed partnerships with a number of regional educational and health service providers.  ISE is strongly committed to excellence in both the quality of psychological services provided to the community as well as in the learning experiences offered to graduate students.  Serving the practicum and supervised learning programme of the on-campus MSc and PhD students in School and Applied Child Psychology programmes, ISEprovides direct benefit to the students in a number of ways.  Through the supervised training opportunities to work directly with children and youth in the clinic, much of the revenue from the services provided is returned to doctoral students in the form of annual PhD funding.  This funding support allows students to gain valuable professional experience and complete their research in a timely manner. Under the guidance of PhD students, Masters students are also provided with the opportunity to complete practicum placements in the clinic, and are provided with a hands-on learning environment in which to develop their assessment, diagnostic, and intervention skills.

Further information can be found on the  ISE  website

PhD in Counselling & Clinical Psychology

Field: clinical & counselling psychology.

This program develops your research and theoretical knowledge in counselling and clinical psychology, and provides you with assessment skills, and knowledge in training in a range of professional issues. It also prepares you to apply for registration as a Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

Designed for practicing professionals, the flexible-time PhD option enables students to continue working while pursuing their studies. Flexible-time students are self-funded. Learn more .

OISE offers a OISE Graduate Funding Package to students in their first four years of a PhD program, excluding the flexible-time PhD.

OISE's Graduate Funding Package covers the cost of tuition, and helps offset other living expenses. Last year, awards averaged around $25,000 per eligible student.

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Counselling Psychology (PhD)

All programs Faculty of Education

Length of program

Mode of delivery, program consists of:.

Admission information

Application deadlines

Scholarships

Program description

The program is designed around rigorous adherence to accreditation standards, and current ethical professional practice. Students are prepared to work with diverse populations and settings as a registered psychologist/professional counsellor, and as a researcher in the field.

The program consists of required courses, including Practicum and Internship, as well as a Comprehensive Examination, a doctoral Thesis, and a doctoral Thesis Oral Defence. The program is designed to be completed in four years. Courses are completed as a cohort on campus.

In this program you will

• demonstrate critical understanding of counselling theory, research and practice through academically rigorous verbal and written communication
• establish competence in planning, conducting, evaluating and disseminating counselling psychology research
• acquire and demonstrate competency in case conceptualization, assessment and interventions required for practice as a registered psychologist or professional counsellor
• understand and demonstrate ethical and legal standards, ethical reasoning, standards of practice, and professional conduct in counselling psychology
• show understanding of the role of diversity in all areas of counselling psychology research and practice
• understand and contribute to research-based scholarship that informs counselling practice

Program Schedule

Other concentrations in the PhD in Education include Formal and Distributive Leadership; and Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum.

Additional information

Additional scholarships.

Refer to the  Faculty of Education  webpage for additional information related to financial assistance and scholarships for the PhD in Education program.

• Graduate Calendar and Course Catalogue

School of Graduate Studies

Counselling psychology, program overview.

The Counselling Psychology program is offered by the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), leading to the Master of Education (MEd) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees.

There are three fields:

• Counselling and Psychotherapy (MEd, EdD)
• Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology​ (MEd)
• Guidance and Counselling (MEd)

In the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy, the MEd program provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop counselling skills appropriate for a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to develop their courses and practicum learning experiences to suit their own goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed are adult counselling and psychotherapy, college and university counselling centres, career counselling, geriatrics counselling, multicultural counselling, and community mental health and family life centres. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Counsellor training in the EdD program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in the educational system, the acquisition of effective supervisory and consultative skills, and the development and assessment of student counselling services in addition to the advanced study of counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of educational counselling; as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling to school, college, and related populations. This option will be especially attractive to individuals who have demonstrated a career commitment to the provision of counselling services in an educational and community setting.

In the field of Guidance and Counselling, the MEd program helps meet the need for well-prepared practitioners in the field of guidance and counselling in the schools. Therefore, strong preference for admission to this degree program is given to experienced teachers who are interested in specializing in guidance and counselling in the schools. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Quick Facts

Master of education, program description.

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for counselling individuals across a variety of work settings. Students are encouraged to tailor their courses and practicum learning experiences to meet their particular learning goals. Examples of the types of goals for which suitable programs of study could be developed include counselling and psychotherapy with adults, college and university students, or older adults: career counselling; counselling with diverse clients; and counselling and psychotherapy in community mental health and family service settings. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

The MEd program is typically offered on a full-time basis with a limited number of part-time spots available.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the additional admission requirements of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development stated below.

An appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience.

Two letters of reference.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

APD1202H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part I (0.5 FCE).

APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (1.0 FCE). The practicum placement is the supervised training component of this course.

APD1214H Critical Multicultural Practice: Diversity Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE; corequisites: APD1202H and APD1302H).

APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1260H Family Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD1261H Group Work in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1302H Theories and Techniques of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Part II (0.5 FCE).

1.5 FCEs in electives. Recommended electives: one of

APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE),

APD1267H Emotion-Focused Therapy (0.5 FCE),

APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood (0.5 FCE),

APD1278H Cognitive Therapy (0.5 FCE).

A comprehensive examination . Upon completion of program course requirements, students must pass a written comprehensive exam of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

Optional additional practicum, counted as one of the electives. Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy ) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course (APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy ). Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W); 10 sessions part-time

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

The field in Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of mental health and counselling psychology in international contexts. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of global applied settings with a focus on mental health. This degree program is ideally suited to students interested in an international perspective of mental health and counselling. This degree is cohort based and is offered full-time only.

An appropriate bachelor's degree, with a grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year, from a recognized university.

Normally, an interview is required prior to admission.

APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1228H Couples Counselling (0.5 FCE).

APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (0.5 FCE).

APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health (0.5 FCE).

APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context (0.5 FCE).

APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research (0.5 FCE).

APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master's Level (0.5 FCE).

In consultation with the program chair, students will take APD1268H Career Counselling and Development: Transitions in Adulthood , APD1291H Addictive Behaviours: Approaches to Assessment and Intervention , or another elective.

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F)

3 years full-time

1) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Medicine (China Medical University)

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Medicine (MMed) in Psychiatry and Mental Health programs.

In Year 1, students complete MMed coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MMed coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Students will gain both degrees in three years rather than the four years it would take to acquire the degrees independently.

Master of Education / Master of Medicine Program Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Education Program Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto Email: [email protected]

Master of Medicine Program Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health, China Medical University Email: [email protected]

Application Process

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Medical Psychology and Mental Health at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

In order to be admitted to the dual degree program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs. The admission requirements of the GMHCP field within the MEd program are stated below.

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto as well as the specific requirements of the MEd program.

An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a standing in the final year equivalent to at least a U of T B+.

At least one year of relevant counselling experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

Normally, an interview is required prior to admission to the MEd program.

During their U of T registration in the GMHCP field within the MEd program, students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) .

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MMed courses at CMU.

Students complete the following Year 2 MEd courses at U of T.

Fall session (1.5 FCEs):

APD1282H Introduction to Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology .

APD1902H Theories and Techniques of Counselling in a Global Context .

​Winter session (2.0 FCEs):

​ APD1219H Ethical Issues in Professional Practice in Psychology and Psychotherapy .

APD1245H Brief Strategies in Counselling and Psychotherapy .

APD1278H Cognitive Therapy .

APD2293H Interpretation of Educational Research .

May-to-June period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

APD1228H Couples Counselling .

July-to-August period of the Summer session (0.5 FCE):

APD5000H Special Topics in Applied Psychology and Human Development: Master’s Level .

Fall session (0.5 FCE):

Complete the U of T MEd course APD1283H Peer and Video-Based Counselling with Practicum Field-Based Learning in Global Mental Health . This is a 250-hour placement in an approved field setting and must be arranged prior to admission to this program.

Continue the MMed program requirements at CMU.

Winter and Summer sessions:

Complete the MMed program requirements at CMU.

9 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

2) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Science (China Medical University)

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and China Medical University (CMU)'s Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Psychology programs.

In Year 1, students complete MSc coursework at CMU in Liaoning Province, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MSc coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at CMU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Master of Education / Master of Science Program Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/aphd/programs/master-education-counselling-psychology-global-mental-health-counselling-psychology-field/med

Master of Science Program Department of Applied Psychology, China Medical University Email: [email protected]

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Applied Psychology at CMU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

At least one year of relevant experience, which could be paid or volunteer.

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MSc courses at CMU.

Continue the MSc program requirements at CMU.

Complete the MSc program requirements at CMU.

3) Dual Degree Program: Master of Education (University of Toronto) / Master of Applied Psychology (Zhejiang University)

Admissions to this dual degree program have been administratively suspended for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

This dual degree program creates a pathway between U of T's Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology, Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMHCP) field and Zhejiang University (ZJU)'s Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) programs.

In Year 1, students complete MAP coursework at ZJU in Hangzhou, China. In Year 2, students complete MEd coursework at U of T in Toronto, Canada. In the Fall session of Year 3, students complete the last course of the MEd requirement (a practicum) in China along with the Year 3 MAP coursework. In Year 3, students will also complete a master's thesis at ZJU as part of the dual degree requirements.

Master of Applied Psychology Program Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Zhejiang University Email: [email protected]

• Applicants must apply directly to both the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at U of T and the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science at ZJU. Applicants must apply through U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions: students complete Year 1 MAP courses at ZJU.

Continue the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

Complete the MAP program requirements at ZJU.

The field in Guidance and Counselling , within the Counselling Psychology MEd degree program, provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and develop skills appropriate for the field of guidance and counselling in the schools. Strong preference for admission to this field is given to experienced teachers who are interested in specializing in guidance and counselling in the schools. The program of study provides students with the basic preparation for certification as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Teacher certification.

APD1262H Educational Psychological Testing for Counselling (0.5 FCE).

APD1266H Career Counselling and Development: Transition from School to Work (0.5 FCE).

0.5 FCE in electives.

A comprehensive examination . Upon completion of program course requirements, students will take a comprehensive examination of selected topics from the program curriculum and training.

Optional additional practicum . Students may choose to complete a practicum (APD1247H Practicum in Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy ) for an additional 250 hours of field placement concurrent with the required course APD1203Y + Practicum I: Interventions in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy . Arrangements for the practicum placement must be made in consultation with and the approval of the Director of Clinical Training.

Doctor of Education

Advanced counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with expertise in supervisory and consultative skills and advanced counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in Counselling and Psychotherapy will be especially attractive to individuals who have demonstrated a career commitment to the provision of counselling-related services in an educational and community setting. This professional doctorate is designed to prepare students to refine and build on professional knowledge and practice to support the development of scholar-practitioners to be leaders in their fields of professional practice.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is only available on a full-time basis.

Applicants must have the following to be admitted to the EdD program:

A bachelor's degree : an appropriate bachelor's degree of any background or discipline from a recognized university, with high academic standing.

A master's degree : an MA or MEd degree in Counselling Psychology or School and/or Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Toronto with a grade of B+ or better, or its equivalent from a recognized university. The applicant must have had successful professional experience and interest to increase and advance their knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy to become leaders in their fields. Applicants who hold an MEd or other non-thesis master's degree must submit evidence of their ability to identify a research question or problem, to design and conduct a research study or project, and to report the findings or results, all in a rigorous manner. This constitutes a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP).

Coursework. Students must take courses related to the development of advanced competence in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health theory and practice and become sophisticated consumers of research in these and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including a practicum, internship, and thesis (dissertation in practice) as follows:

APD3115H + Research Proseminar in Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE).

APD3215H Advanced Psychotherapy Seminar (0.5 FCE).

APD3261H + Clinical Supervision and Consultation Practicum (0.5 FCE).

APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit): complete a 500-hour practicum before the Final Oral Examination.

APD3270H 0 EdD Internship (0.5 FCE): complete 500 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

Three courses, one from each of the following three groupings:

APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology

APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE)

APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).

In addition, students must take 1.0 FCE in their specific area of focus .

Option 1: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Adults

APD3163H Advanced Multicultural Counselling and Psychotherapy (0.5 FCE)

One elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE)

Option 2: Counselling and Psychotherapy for Schools and Youth

APD5284Y Assessment and Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (1.0 FCE).

Optional additional practicum. Students may choose to take an optional continuous practicum (APD3271H 0 Additional PhD Practicum ) in conjunction with the required doctoral practicum course APD3217Y + Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit).

Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

Students are full-time and must maintain continuous, full-time registration and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.

Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.

4 years full-time

6 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Counsellor training in this degree program emphasizes the role of the counsellor in educational and community settings with the goal of enhancing their expertise in their professional roles including supervisory and consultative skills and the advanced study of counselling theory and practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership positions in the field of counselling and psychotherapy; as educators in colleges and institutes of education; as directors and coordinators of school guidance programs; as specialists in the provision of counselling-related, in-service training for school and college personnel; and as providers of advanced levels of personal counselling in community and educational settings.

The field in School Psychology will be especially attractive to practitioners providing direct services to children and youth in the education system (K-12) and will provide school psychology practitioners with core theoretical and practical training needed to develop research-informed leaders in the field of school psychology. The program is structured to provide students with the requirements necessary for registration as a School Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Applicants must demonstrate either undergraduate- or graduate-level competence in each of the five core content areas of psychology: 1) Biological Bases of Behaviour; 2) Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behaviour; 3) Historical and Scientific Foundations of Psychology; 4) Scientific and Professional Ethics (graduate level); and 5) Social Bases of Behaviour, by successful completion of

1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) at the second-, third-, or fourth-year undergraduate level or

0.5 FCE at the graduate level.

If the above requirements are not met, students must take additional courses to ensure they have completed the above requirements by the end of their program.

APD3401H Assessment with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

APD3402H Intervention with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children, Youth, and Families (0.5 FCE).

APD3403H 0 EdD Internship in School Psychology (0.5 FCE): complete 1,600 hours of internship, typically after the Final Oral Examination. All internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training.

APD3116H Proseminar ll: Practice-Based Research in School and Counselling Psychology.

APD3178H Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (0.5 FCE) or APD3160H Advanced Family Therapy (0.5 FCE).

APD3260H Psychodiagnostic Systems (0.5 FCE) or one elective in a special focus of interest (0.5 FCE).​

Thesis (dissertation in practice). All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling or school psychology theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or children/youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be: a) well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health or school psychology practice; b) involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice; c) exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and; d) has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

“Beyond the financial stability, being nominated for and receiving this award was an honour which gave me the confidence in my ability to be a graduate students; the Naylor Fellowship demonstrates a strong belief in the contributions Atlantic Canadians can make in academic research.”

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Master of Arts, Master of Education

Application & Tuition

Interested in becoming a counsellor? We designed the Counselling Psychology program to prepare you for a career as a professional counsellor in the community or an educational setting, such as a school or university.

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Program Overview Program Design & Courses Locations Faculty Future Pathways Student Experiences Information Sessions Contact

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Designed for.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a professional counsellor in community and educational settings.

Become a B.C. K-12 School Counsellor

All school counselors in the B.C. public school system are qualified teachers.  After achieving certification as a teacher and gaining experience in the classroom, the next step is to pursue a Master’s degree in counselling psychology. If you are already a teacher, see the  Admission Requirements  page.

Become a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) or a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Our graduates successfully seek certification by the  Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association  as Certified Canadian Counsellors or by the  B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors  as a Registered Clinical Counsellors.  More information about certification by these professional associations can be found on their websites.

Program Structure

• Complete an MEd or an MA (with faculty approval)
• In-person classes typically held at the Surrey or Burnaby campus
• Clinic-based courses at the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre
• Designed for working professionals with classes held in the late afternoon/early evening

Intake Schedule

This program typically accepts applications on an annual basis.

Next Start Terms Fall 2023 (applications closed) Fall 2024

PROGRAM DESIGN & COURSES

Program design.

The Counselling Psychology MA and MEd programs are highly sequenced, with almost all courses offered only once per year.  The program structure and sequence is guided by two key principles:

• Effective counselling practice is guided by coherent theoretical frameworks, a working knowledge of assessment procedures, and a keen awareness of ethical principles and issues. 
• Counselling skills and strategies are best learned through a series of structured experiences that allow students to refine their skills while becoming increasingly independent and confident in their clinical skills and judgment.  

Graduates find rewarding careers providing counselling services (individual, group, personal, and career counselling and psycho-educational services) to adults and children in a variety of settings (e.g., public schools, university and college counselling centres, community-organizations). Graduates are eligible to register with the  Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) , and/or the  British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) .

Both our Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Education (MEd) degrees are suitable for students who wish to practice counselling in various professional settings.

Our MA is suited for those who wish to conduct original research (in the form of a thesis) as part of their graduate studies. Students who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Counselling Psychology should consider the MA degree because most doctoral programs include a dissertation and accept applicants who have completed a thesis at the Masters level. In order to support a student's research for their thesis, an additional course in research is required. Students in the MA program may complete their Counselling Practicum in a wide range of professional settings.

Our MEd degree requires the completion of a comprehensive examination covering professional practice and ethics in counselling and a required course on counselling in educational settings. Students in the MEd program may also complete their Counselling Practicum in a wide range of professional settings.

Note: In order to be a school counsellor within the B.C. K-12 system, you must have a B.C. teaching qualification.

Employers typically make no distinction between the MA and the MEd when hiring counsellors.   The MA and the MEd require the same time to complete and require the same amount of work on the part of students. Students in the MA and MEd take similar courses from the same instructors, and classes are often blended with both groups of students.

Key features of MEd and MA programs

Both the MA and the MEd provide the same amount and quality of clinical training.  Students in both programs complete their first supervised counselling experience (the Supervised Clinic courses) together at the   SFU Surrey Counselling Centre (SCC) . 

The  SFU SCC  is the training centre associated with the program.  While at the centre, students provide counselling, under close supervision by program faculty, to a small number of clients (ranging from elementary school aged children through adults, depending on students’ interests and experience). Upon successful completion of the two terms of clinics, students in both versions of the program then complete two terms of counselling practicum. 

During the practicum terms ,  MA and MEd students spend 2-3 days per week at a practicum site (e.g., community counselling agency, public school, college or university counselling centre) and attend a weekly evening seminar together on campus.

Schedule & Courses

You can complete the program in two calendar years and two terms (a minimum of eight terms).

The program begins with courses which help students to develop in-depth understandings of theories of counselling and become familiar with assessment procedures. This is followed by a practical component of Counselling Psychology training ( EDUC 874) in which students learn and practice advanced counselling skills with peers while receiving detailed feedback from program faculty.  Students also usually take a course in ethics, and may take other required or elective courses.

Year 1: Fall

Educ 862-3 individual assessment in counselling.

Assessment procedures used in educational and community counselling settings, including intake assessment, case conceptualization, observational procedures, diagnostic categories, ethics, bias and multicultural and diversity issues. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 870-3 THEORIES OF COUNSELLING

Students examine analytic, phenomenological, existential, behavioral and cognitive approaches to counselling, and the philosophical and personality theories upon which they are based. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Year 1: Spring

Educ 874-5 counselling skills and strategies.

Counselling skills and strategies are analysed, practiced, and critically examined. Counsellor decision-making, counselling effectiveness, and professionalism in counselling are also considered. Prerequisite: EDUC 870.

EDUC 872-3 ETHICS IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY

Issues related to foundational ethical principles and systems, professional and legal standards for counselling psychology, review of ethics codes, ethical decision-making, and other topics including professional boundaries, competence, service across cultures, social justice, consulting and private practice, and ethical guidelines around evaluation, assessment, supervision, and research.

Year 1: Summer

Educ 877-4 contemporary school counselling.

An examination of contemporary approaches to school counselling. Program development, consultation skills, counselling interventions in school counselling are considered.

This is a core course for MEd students.

MA students are encouraged to begin exploring thesis ideas and meeting with their senior supervisor to discuss research ideas as early as possible in the program.

Students usually complete two supervised counselling clinics ( EDUC 799 and EDUC 800 ) at the SFU Surrey Counselling Centre , where they participate in their first supervised clinical experience. While at the Centre, students see a small number of clients under very close supervision. Supervisors are able to watch students conduct counselling sessions, join students in their sessions with clients, and review recordings of students’ counselling sessions. In addition to the Supervised Clinic courses, students also complete other required or elective courses.

Year 2: Fall

Educ 799-3 supervised counselling clinic i.

An initial clinical course where students develop their basic and beginning counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 870, 874. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 864-5 RESEARCH DESIGNS IN EDUCATION

Designing and interpreting research about education. Introduction to survey techniques, correlational designs, classic experimental and evaluation designs for investigating causal relations, case study methods, interpretive approaches to research. Students with credit for EDUC 814 may not take this course for further credit. Equivalent Courses: EDUC 814. EDUC 864 is sometimes offered in other terms and may be completed in a different term or year if this works with program requirements and the student's schedule.

EDUC 873-3* CAREER COUNSELLING MA/MED STUDENTS COMPLETE ONE OF EDUC 871 OR EDUC 873.

An examination of contemporary approaches to career counselling. * This elective availability may change from year to year.

Year 2: Spring

Educ 800-3 supervised counselling clinic ii.

An advanced clinical courses where students further develop their counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 799. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 878-5 GROUP COUNSELLING

An examination of contemporary approaches to group counselling. Students with credit for EDUC 720 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 874.

Year 2: Summer

Educ 871-3* family counselling ma, med students complete one of educ 871 or educ 873.

Students discuss models of family dynamics and instructional interventions applicable by school personnel in family counselling interactions. Concepts and techniques will be explicated through discussion and simulation. Prerequisite: EDUC 870. * This elective availablility may change from year to year.

MA students: Continued discussions with your thesis supervisor; completion of thesis proposal; ethics approval for thesis research. Data collection usually begins before the end of 2nd year.

In Year 2, MA and MEd students secure practicum placements for the fall & spring of Year 3. Placements begin in January and are completed in June. The first practicum will begin in September, and the second in January the following year.

All MA and MEd students complete their culminating supervised clinical experience: 2 practicum terms (September through April). During the practicums, students are placed in a community-based social service agency, a public school, or a university or college counselling centre where they see clients under the supervision of an on-site supervisor. The on-site supervisor is a fully qualified counsellor who works at the practicum site. Supervision during the practicum is based on supervisors and students reviewing recordings of the students’ counselling sessions and discussing sessions and cases. Students also attend an on-campus seminar (led by a faculty member from the program) with other students in the practicum. The seminar includes group supervision and case consultation. In addition, MEd students are required to register in the comprehensive exam course (EDUC 883) in their final term. Typically students complete all remaining degree requirements (course work, comprehensive examination, thesis examination) during this period.

Year 3: Fall

Educ 801-1.5 counselling practicum i.

Supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 800. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

Year 3: Spring

Educ 802-1.5 counselling practicum ii.

Advanced supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 801. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.

EDUC 883-5 MED COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

The examination is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Year 3: Summer

Educ 898-10 master's thesis.

The thesis is a research investigation designed to generate and/or examine critically new knowledge in the theory and/or practice of education. The thesis should normally be completed and approved in three terms. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

MEd students prepare for and complete the Comprehensive Examination in the final term.

MA students continue to work on their thesis throughout Year 3. Upon completion of the thesis to the satisfaction of the supervisory committee (8th term or later), MA students proceed to a Thesis Examination .

At SFU, campus life is rich with opportunities to engage with people, ideas and activities that contribute to personal development and a better world.

Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus includes more than three dozen academic buildings and a flourishing sustainable residential community.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Burnaby is located.

Our Surrey campus is a vibrant community hub in the heart of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. With easy access to transit, the modern campus is conveniently situated between Metro Vancouver and communities south of the Fraser River.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories, including the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations, on which SFU Surrey is located.

SFU Surrey Community Counselling Centre

All counselling is provided by Counsellor Trainees in the SFU Master's program in Counselling Psychology under the close supervision of the program’s instructional team.

Learn more about the SFU Surrey Community Counselling Centre

Faculty members are recognized for their work in developing, advancing and enacting knowledge that makes a difference in public education. We follow a rigorous research program to investigate theory and provide innovative leadership in issues of educational pedagogy.

Counselling Psychology Faculty

• Sharalyn Jordan
• Masahiro Minami
• Patricia Nitkin
• Gillian Diane Smith
• Krista Socholotiuk

Faculty who also provide senior supervision for MA thesis work in Counselling Psychology:

• Heesoon Bai
• Elina Birmingham

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Where can this program take you? The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.

Occupations

Graduates find rewarding careers providing individual, group, personal, and career counselling and psycho-educational counselling services to adults and children in a variety of settings, including:

• Public schools
• University and college counselling centres
• Community-organizations

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Meet some Counselling Psychology MEd/MA students and alumni.

May 11, 2023

August 31, 2022

The newly designed Surrey Community Counselling location at SFU's Surrey Campus is enabling the dedicated staff, faculty, and students to reach even more lives through accessible, free, and clinically sound mental health care.

"My time at the Faculty of Education changed my life, partly by facilitating my recognition of new competencies and interests within myself."

"I chose the Counseling Psychology Program within the Faculty of Education at SFU because of the high quality of instruction and training I would receive."

Cheryl Inkster , 2017 Graduate

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Curious to know more about the program?

Learn more about counselling psychology

View pre-requisites

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

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The 10 Best Canadian Universities for Psychology: Ready to Get Psyched Up?

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Unlocking Minds, Shaping Futures!

Calling all aspiring Freuds and Skinners who wish to pursue their higher education in Psychology from Canada! The Land of the Maple Leaf features some of the best and most prestigious Psychology programs in the world. Imagine living in a country surrounded by shimmering lakes, majestic skyscrapers, and soaring mountain ranges while diving into the depths of the human psyche! Amazing, right? So grab on your thinking hats as we take you through the 10 best Canadian universities for Psychology. 

Why Study in Canada?

Besides the natural landscapes, what attracts thousands of students to Canada is its world-class education and high quality of life. Home to some of the best universities in Canada to study Psychology, Canada offers cutting-edge facilities, a nurturing environment, and excellent job opportunities. The country also provides exceptional education programs, skill development resources, and cultural diversity. No wonder so many students around the world prefer Canada for their further education.  

10 Best Canadian Universities for Psychology

Step into the realm of the human mind and behavior at the top Canadian universities for Psychology. These colleges for Psychology in Canada not only offer academic excellence but also nurture a profound understanding of the intricacies of human cognition. The hands-on learning environment at these institutes is sure to captivate you and reshape your perspectives. Let's explore the 10 top Canadian universities for Psychology.

1. University of Toronto

QS Ranking: #21 Acceptance Rate: 43% Course Fees: CA$61,720 - CA$70,000 Degree: B.Sc., CDP, M.Sc., & PhD

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is one of the best Canadian universities for Psychology. Studying here will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pave a successful path in Psychology. At the University of Toronto, you will gain domain-specific knowledge, enhance your research abilities, sharpen your critical thinking, and increase your employability. A few Psychology programs that you can study here include Health Psychology , Cognition and Psychopathology , Behavioral Genetics , and Neuroethics .

2. McGill University

QS Ranking: #30 Acceptance Rate: 46% Course Fees: CA$36,809 - CA$61,066 Degree: B.A, B.Sc., M.A, M.Sc., & PhD

Home to thousands of students from more than 150 countries, McGill University is one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada. The university’s Psychology department is one of the oldest in Canada. Taught by faculty like Al Bregman, Tony Marley, and Brenda Milner, the Department offers exceptional education with research-intensive programs, both in the labs and in the fields. If you pursue Psychology at McGill University, the best university to study Psychology in Canada, you will learn about the basics of Psychology , Biology , Psychology Statistics , and Clinical Psychology . 

3. University of Waterloo

QS Ranking: #112 Acceptance Rate: #53% Course Fees: CA$21,762 - CA$55,000 Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Next on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology is the University of Waterloo, established in 1957. The university is home to over 42,000 students and 244,000 alumni and offers work-integrated learning opportunities with over 7500 active co-op employers. The University of Waterloo is considered one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada for a reason. You can specialize in any six Psychology majors, including Clinical , Cognitive , Cognitive Neuroscience , Developmental , Industrial , and Social , taught by exceptional faculty. 

4. Simon Fraser University

QS Ranking: #318 Acceptance Rate: 59% Course Fees: CA$33,045 - CA$44,000 Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Ranked among Canada’s top research institutions, Simon Fraser University offers the best Psychology program. One of the best Canadian Psychology universities, the institute has over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 40 faculty members, and 15 staff members. The Psychology curriculum focuses on offering comprehensive training in theoretical knowledge and psychological methods. For students looking to specialize in one field, you can choose from six core areas: Clinical Science , Cognitive & Neural Science , Developmental Psychology , History , Quantitative & Theoretical Psychology , Law & Forensics , and Social Psychology .

5. York University

QS Ranking: #353 Acceptance Rate: 27% Course Fees: CA$31,864 - CA$42,233 Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

York University is one of the best universities in Canada for Psychology studies, housing over 10,000 international students from 172 countries. Studying Psychology at York University means getting both theoretical learning and research opportunities in various areas of Psychology, be it social, developmental, or counselling. You will gain knowledge about all aspects of Psychology, like memory , learning , personality , psychological disorders , cognition , and quantitative methods . Besides classroom learning, students can also make the most of the online and evening classes offered by York, the best Canada university for Psychology.

6. University of British Columbia

QS Ranking: #34 Acceptance Rate: 52.4% Course Fees: CA$48,610 - CA$64,732 Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

A global center for learning, teaching, and research, the University of British Columbia has been churning out exceptional students since 1915. One of the best Canadian universities for Psychology, the university’s Department of Psychology is a leader in research and scholarship. While studying Psychology at the University of British Columbia, one of the good Psychology universities in Canada, you can learn about and conduct research across areas of Psychology. These areas include Behavioural Neuroscience , Clinical , Cognitive Science , Developmental , Health , Learning Enhancement , Quantitative Methods , and Social/Personality .

7. Western University

QS Ranking: #114 Acceptance Rate: 58% Course Fees: CA$36,874 - CA$45,000 Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.Sc., & PhD

Spread across 1300+ acres, offering modern and historic architecture, Western University is one of the top Canadian universities for Psychology. The university offers a welcoming and globally engaged environment for students coming here to pursue their education. At Western University, one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada, students can pursue a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience , Clinical , Industrial , and Social and Personality Psychology .

8. University of Guelph

QS Ranking: #486 Acceptance Rate: 66% Course Fees: CA$18,428 - CA$35,000 Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

Research-intensive and learner-centred, the University of Guelph is next on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology. The university offers students the opportunity to share new ideas and conduct groundbreaking research in the field and laboratories. Students pursuing Psychology degrees will learn about Human Behavior and Cognition , Perception , NeuroPsychology , Personality , and Psychopathology . Studying Psychology at the University of Guelph, one of the good Psychology universities in Canada, is a decision you won’t regret!

9. McMaster University

QS Ranking: #189 Acceptance Rate: 59% Course Fees: CA$37,236 - CA$58,000 Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & M.Sc.

One of the best Canadian universities for Psychology, McMaster University, was established in 1887. Over the years, the university has been continuously innovating education and research to improve the world around us. You can pursue a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across areas, such as Applied Psychology in Human Behavior and Neuroscience & Behavior . The programs offered focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of learning, emphasizing research as well.

10. University of Manitoba

QS Ranking: #671 Acceptance Rate: 52% Course Fees: CA$21,100 - CA$35,000 Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Last on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology is the University of Manitoba, established in 1877. Indulge in cutting-edge research in the field of mental health. Learn about the basics of Psychology or specialise in areas like Applied Behaviour Analysis , Brain and Cognitive Sciences , Clinical Psychology , and Developmental Psychology . Plus, you can expand your knowledge through co-op programs, exchange opportunities, and student clubs.

Specializations in Psychology

Psychology is a vast subject with many specializations. All the branches of Psychology offer unique insights into different areas of the human mind and functioning. Below are a few specializations in Psychology that you can consider when choosing one for yourself.

1. Sport Psychology 2. Clinical Psychology 3. Industrial Psychology 4. Child Psychology 5. Social Psychology 6. Forensic Psychology 7. Experimental Psychology 8. Counseling Psychology  9. Criminal Psychology 10. NeuroPsychology

Eligibility to Pursue Psychology in Canada

To study Psychology at the best Canadian universities for Psychology, students are required to meet certain criteria. Though the eligibility criteria depends on the specific university you’re applying to, there are certain general eligibility requirements that you have to follow. Below are the eligibility requirements:

1. Complete 10+2 exams to pursue an undergraduate degree. 2. Have an undergraduate degree with a background in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with a score of 65% . 3. Have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related subject with a GPA of over 3.0 to pursue a postgraduate degree. 4. Have an English proficiency test score (IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 86-100, & PTE: 68-73) . 5. Possess a Canada student visa .

Documents Required to Pursue Psychology in Canada

To study Psychology in Canada, you need to do some meticulous planning and preparation, including gathering essential documents. Below we’ve mentioned a few documents that you need to present when applying to study in the best Canadian universities for Psychology.

1. Application form 2. Academic transcripts 3. Letter of recommendation 4. Canadian student visa 5. Valid passport 6. Admission test results 7. English proficiency test scores 8. Financial aid documents 9. Medical test results

Top Jobs with Psychology in Canada

Pursuing a Psychology degree from the best Canadian universities for Psychology will open doors of opportunities for you. In Canada, a country known for its open approach to mental health and well-being, the demand for skilled mental health professionals is on the rise. In the below table, we’ve listed some of the highest paying jobs in Psychology in Canada .

This was our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology! Selecting the right institution for yourself is a vital step in shaping a successful career in Psychology. Offering outstanding programs with practical experience, Canada’s top Psychology universities are sure to help you excel in any field of Psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is psychology in demand in canada, what field of psychology offers the most money, is it hard to find a job in psychology in canada, what is the most popular career in psychology, can international students become psychologists in canada.

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Make a Difference with a Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling

• Healthcare and Science |

Mental health service providers are needed now more than ever to tackle our nation’s growing mental health crisis. The shortage of qualified professional helpers is calculated to extend into 2036, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration . According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , rates of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs are projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, with an average of 42,000 jobs opening each year.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has committed to filling this gap by introducing a new program: the Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling (MSCPC). This 60-credit program provides students with fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies that support counseling licensure. UMGC’s first cohort will begin in fall 2024, and the program will be offered to Maryland residents for the 2024-2025 academic year with plans to expand in the future.

“The clinical professional counseling program at UMGC prioritizes practical and applied skills, equipping students with a diverse set of counseling techniques, emphasizing ethical and legal considerations, and providing training in psychological assessment and diagnosis,” says Phyllis Medina, PhD, program director for the MSCPC program. “The goal is to prepare graduates for licensure and successful practice as independent and effective counselors in various mental health settings.”

UMGC learners grow in their confidence and capabilities through 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship experiences. This gives students the opportunity to perform the work of a counselor under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner.

What is the difference between a master’s degree in clinical professional counseling (MSCPC) and other psychology master’s degrees?

An MSCPC degree prepares students for careers as licensed professional counselors. MSCPC training extends beyond coursework to include supervised clinical fieldwork experiences. During practicum and internships, students apply their knowledge in real-world settings and practice their interviewing, case conceptualization, and therapy skills in an ethical, culturally informed, scientifically supported way under the direct supervision of a licensed professional.

While supervised, in-the-field practicum experiences set a master’s in clinical professional counseling program apart from non-clinical psychology master’s degrees, allowing MSCPC students to learn the fundamentals through focused coursework. Courses in the program emphasize current best practices in counseling theory, psychotherapy practice, assessment methods, cross-cultural and trauma-informed care, and ethical standards.

What careers could a master’s in clinical professional counseling help prepare you for?

With licensure, a master's in clinical professional counseling graduate is equipped for various careers. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) can establish private practices, provide therapy in mental health clinics, or take on leadership roles as clinic directors or clinical managers in healthcare settings.

Experienced LCPCs may become clinical supervisors, training the next generation of effective and ethical counselors. LCPCs can work as trauma therapists, forensic counselors, and military and veteran counselors. Additionally, LCPCs can work as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors, offering short-term support to employees, or serve as community mental health counselors, addressing the mental health needs of diverse local populations.

The growing field of telehealth also opens opportunities for LCPCs to provide online counseling services, while those with specialized training in addiction can work as addiction counselors in rehabilitation centers or outpatient clinics dedicated to substance abuse treatment.

“Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns,” says Medina. “By offering fresh perspectives and understanding, counseling can lead to improved mood and better management of mental health conditions.”

Does a master’s in clinical professional counseling prepare you to become a therapist?

The master’s in clinical professional counseling program intentionally prepares students for careers as therapists.

“Overall, a master's in clinical professional counseling is a recognized and common pathway for individuals seeking to become licensed therapists,” says Medina. “At UMGC, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical training necessary to provide therapeutic interventions and support for individuals dealing with various mental health issues and life challenges."

Upon completing a master's in clinical professional counseling and fulfilling any additional state-specific licensing requirements, one can pursue licensure (e.g., Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or similar titles, depending on the jurisdiction). With this licensure, graduates are qualified to work as therapists in various settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, community agencies, school counseling, and other healthcare organizations.

Licensing requirements vary by state or country, so those interested in becoming therapists should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and licensure processes in the location where they plan to practice.

What is the difference between clinical professional counseling and clinical psychology?

Both clinical professional counseling and clinical psychology center around supporting individuals with mental health concerns, but key differences exist in their focus, training, and scope.

“The distinction lies in the depth of training,” says Medina. “Clinical professional counselors specialize in applied counseling techniques, while clinical psychologists have a comprehensive understanding of psychological conditions and therapies.”

Clinical professional counselors focus their training on applied therapies that address a variety of psychological stressors and life events. Licensed counselors typically have master's degrees in counseling or related fields and provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They focus on addressing mood and anxiety issues, personal growth, and relationship challenges using various therapeutic techniques.

In contrast, licensed clinical psychologists carry the protected title “psychologist,” have doctoral degrees in psychology, and are trained to diagnose and treat mental illness using a variety of personality and neuropsychological assessments and evidence-based interventions. Many psychologists have concentrated training in research and often specialize in subfields like forensic, health, or neuropsychology.

UMGC's new program is a master’s in clinical professional counseling, which emphasizes a practical, applied approach to mental healthcare. Graduates do not become psychologists upon licensure, rather licensed clinical professional counselors.

What current and future trends does the UMGC Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling program prepare students for?

While pursuing a master's degree in clinical professional counseling, UMGC students are prepared for landscape-shifting industry trends, including:

• Telehealth and technology integration. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a huge shift in how professional counselors delivered their services – a trend that has only continued to grow. Technology innovations, like cognitive behavioral therapy “homework” apps, mindfulness reminders, and thought trackers are also on the rise. Those seeking licensure will need to be competent at providing counseling services remotely and incorporating technology into their practice.
• Assessment and treatment of trauma. The field of counseling is also expanding its definition and understanding of psychological trauma. In the MSCPC program, UMGC students will study trauma-informed care, recognize the impact of trauma on mental health, and learn evidence-based approaches to trauma treatment.
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion. Well-trained counselors understand that their clients exist in their own cultural context; and they recognize and make moves to correct mental health disparities that exist across the sociocultural spectrum. Our program acknowledges the importance of inclusive counseling practices, of addressing the unique needs of clients from diverse backgrounds, and of advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups.
• Mindfulness and holistic practices. While earning their counseling degree, students can also learn about evidence-based mindfulness practices and holistic techniques designed to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness, develop greater self-compassion, and enhance psychological resilience.
• Integrated healthcare delivery. As the field of mental health shifts towards an integrated and preventive approach, students can explore the collaborative nature of integrated behavioral health. Mental health professionals work alongside medical professionals, occupational and speech therapists, and psychologists to address both physical and mental health concerns.

Staying up to date with these industry trends enhances students' adaptability and positions them to provide effective, informed, and culturally sensitive counseling services.

“As the mental health field shifts towards an integrated and preventive approach, students can explore the collaborative nature of integrated behavioral health,” says Medina. “Mental health professionals work alongside medical professionals to address both physical and mental health concerns.”

With a master’s in clinical professional counseling , students can meet the growing need for trained mental health professionals ready to take on roles as licensed practitioners. Upon obtaining licensure, graduates are primed and ready to enter the world of professional helping, prepared to join the ranks of those willing to address our nation’s mental health crisis.

Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party. 

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