The program is offered during three semesters each year. Learners participate in paced learning activities that require completion of course work on a fixed schedule. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted, if circumstances warrant.
To maintain program status, learners must complete six credits during each academic year (the academic year for PMCC students begins in the month they start the program). Learners are required to receive an overall grade of 70 per cent or B- to pass each GCAP course. In addition, learners are expected to maintain at least a B or 75 per cent in the program.
Learners who fail a course, or who receive a grade of B- in two courses, may be removed from the program with no option for re-admission to GCAP graduate programs.
In keeping with Athabasca University’s mandate of open access, residency requirements for the PMCC are satisfied when the learner has successfully completed nine credits within the PMCC program. The remaining credits may be transferred from other institutions, if the credits are applicable to the University’s PMCC program.
The courses in the Counselling Psychology specialization reflect the graduate course requirements for licensing with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Learners in the Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling (PMCC) may seek to complete additional courses for certification or licensure, which were not included in their master's degree. Learners are encouraged to check course and program requirements with their provincial regulatory body in the province where they plan to practice.
| Required Courses | ||
| GCAP 643 | Health Psychology | (3) |
| GCAP 648 | Counselling Children and Adolescents from a Developmental Perspective | (3) |
| GCAP 654 | Family Therapy: Theory and Practice | (3) |
| GCAP 672 | Group Counselling and Process Skills | (3) |
Learners enrolled in the certificate may also select other GCAP elective courses. Learners may also take courses at other institutions.
Learners may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the GCAP program office and formally withdrawing from any courses in which they are currently registered. Learners who withdraw may apply to re-enrol in the program by following the regular application procedures outlined above.
Learners may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time learners must complete a minimum of six credits per calendar year. Normally, the PMCC program is completed in one year. Program learners are considered full time if they complete a minimum of nine credits in a given calendar year. Note however, that other organizations (e.g. provincial student loan programs, First Nations, Canada Revenue Agency) may have other criteria for defining full-time status.
Learners must complete the PMCC degree requirements within two years of their initial enrolment in the program. Learners who do not, may be required to repeat courses completed at the beginning of their program.
The PMC program does not have candidacy exams, therefore the use of PMC (C) or PMC (Candidate) during your program is not permitted. You may use this credential only after the degree is conferred.
To be eligible for graduation, learners must complete 12 credits of graduate coursework required for the PMCC program.
Information effective September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Updated April 13 2021 by laurab
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