9.10. Master of Counselling
Introduction
The Master of Counselling (MC) program is offered through the Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling, a collaborative initiative by Athabasca University, the University of Calgary, and The University of Lethbridge. The program is developed and delivered jointly by the participant universities. Students graduate with a joint degree and receive a parchment bearing the crests of all three participant universities.The Campus Alberta MC is a course-based, distance masters program designed to meet the graduate academic requirements for the career paths of professional counsellor or counselling psychologist. The program currently offers four specializations: counselling psychology, career counselling, school counselling, and art therapy. The art therapy specialization is offered in collaboration with the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.
The program provides a blend of theory and practice, designed to give students a solid background in the philosophical and theoretical foundations of counselling, combined with practical counselling skills and strategies essential for working with a range of clientele using a variety of intervention modalities.
This distance program is designed to eliminate the barriers of time and space, permitting students to study part time, continue working, and remain in their home location. The program draws on a variety of modes of delivery, including: online study, teleconferencing and / or videoconferencing, traditional classroom instruction, face-to-face remote delivery, summer institutes, and weekend schools.
Refer to the Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling Web site for more information about this collaborative counsellor education initiative.
Program Design
The Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling offers a 36-credit (12 half course equivalents), course-based master of counselling program. The program incorporates core and specialization courses to ensure that all students attain competency in the fundamentals of counselling as well as a particular area of specialization. The master of counselling program is completed in two stages.
Stage I focuses on the fundamentals of counselling theory and practice. Four core courses are completed in Stage I. At the end of Stage I, students complete a General Counselling Practicum. Stage I core courses are:
CAAP 601 Theories of Counselling and Client Change (3)
CAAP 603 Professional Ethics (3)
CAAP 605 Developing a Working Alliance (3)
CAAP 607 Equity and Diversity Issues in Counselling (3)
CAAP 611 General Counselling Practicum (3)
Stage II allows students to develop an area of counselling specialization. Three core courses are completed in Stage II. Students complete three courses in their area of specialization. Students may select modules for the Assessment and Interventions courses to reflect their specialization. The areas of specialization available will be phased in over the next few years. Stage II culminates in a Specialized Practicum. Stage II core courses are:CAAP 613 Assessment (3)
CAAP 615 Intervening to Facilitate Client Change (3)
CAAP 617 Methods of Inquiry (3)
CAAP 619 Specialized Practicum (3)For the 2003 program year, student cohorts will be admitted only into the following areas of concentration:
All students are required to complete an independent Final Project as the culminating experience in the program. No course credit is awarded for the project course.
- Master of Counselling: Counselling Psychology
- Master of Counselling: School Counselling
- Master of Counselling: Career Counselling
- Master of Counselling: Art Therapy
Admission
Admission RequirementsTo be admitted to the program, applicants must have:
- an undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree, normally four years.
- a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the last ten full course equivalents (30 credits).
- a minimum of three half-course equivalents (nine credits) in psychology or educational psychology, including:
- a course in developmental psychology (three credits)
- a course in learning psychology (three credits)
- one optional psychology or educational psychology course (three credits).
- a counselling skills course (three credits) or demonstration of counselling skills in the form of an audiotape or videotape submission.
- demonstrated proficiency in the English language.
- evidence of related volunteer work or paid employment is an asset.
More details are provided on the program Web site.
For some areas of specialization within the program, additional background courses are either strongly recommended or required. Please pay particular attention to background courses for the following areas of specialization:
StreamsCounselling Psychology
Students in this stream are encouraged to have a stronger psychology background than students in other streams. In order to meet the psychology credits required for licensing with the College of Alberta Psychologists, students should ideally enter the program with twelve half-course equivalents (36 credits) in psychology or educational psychology.
Students without a comprehensive psychology background may be admitted to the program, but will require additional undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate course work to meet the academic requirements for Chartering. Students may also be required to pick up prerequisites for particular graduate courses.Art Therapy
Applicants to the Art Therapy Specialization must have an abnormal psychology course, either undergraduate or graduate level. Abnormal psychology may replace the option course to make up the total of nine psychology or educational psychology prerequisite credits. Students may be admitted to the program without this prerequisite if they meet all other program prerequisites, however, the prerequisite must be completed before entering Stage II of the program.
In order to participate in the program, each student must have ready access to the following minimum computer hardware and software.
PC Mac Hardware Pentium III PC (or higher) Power PC (or higher) 64 MB RAM 64 MB memory (at least 128 MB strongly recommended) 1GB free disk space 1GB free disk space 3-1/2 inch floppy disk device 3-1/2 inch floppy disk device CD-ROM 24 speed or higher CD-ROM 24 speed or higher Colour monitor with 600 x 800 screen resolution Colour monitor with 600 x 800 screen resolution 56.6 K baud modem (Cable / DSL recommended) 56.6 K baud modem (Cable / DSL recommended) Mouse Mouse Sound Blaster or equivalent sound card and speakers Printer 4 MB (minimum) video RAM Software Microsoft Windows 95 / Windows 98 Mac OS 8.1 or higher MS Office 2000 or XP - MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint MS Office 2001 or XP - MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint Netscape 4.7 or Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher Netscape 4.7 or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher Current antivirus protection Current antivirus protection Students are expected to be able to use computer mediated communications for the following purposes:
Students are responsible for all computer communication charges in the form of long distance telephone charges, subscription to an Internet node, or any other communications service requirement. The minimum hardware requirements are subject to change without notice based on rapidly changing industry standards and continuous development of state-of-the-art learning tools. Students may be required to upgrade their systems in order to maintain access to course material. This is especially true if they elect to defer studies at any point in the program.
- instructor-student and student-student interaction in computer conferences,
- e-mail,
- file transfer or file attachment of assignments,
- interaction and feedback on joint student projects, and
- accessing electronic databases (for example, library resources, Web resources).
Students for whom English is a second language are expected to provide documentation of completion of at least one of the following English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments before their application can be considered:
- successful completion of a degree program at an accredited post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction;
- a sore of 580 (or 237 on the computerixed version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), within the last two years;
- a score of 85 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB);
- scores of 6.5 (with no part less than 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
- a grade of 70 percent or higher in Athabasca University's ENGL 187 or equivalent; or
- completion of Advanced Level ESL for Academic Purposes at The University of Lethbridge.
Students applying to the MC program, should following these steps:
- complete and submit the Master of Counselling Program Application in electronic format. The application includes a rationale for program application, educational and work background, professional development, and so on. Application materials must be accessed and completed online.
- submit the Program Application Fee Form, along with the non-refundable application fee.
- submit two official transcripts* from each post-secondary institution attended, directly from the accredited institution to the Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling.
*Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the US, documentation that attests to its equivalence to a Canadian baccalaureate degree, is required. Such documentation may be obtained from
International Qualifications Assessment Services
4th Floor, Sterling Place
9940-106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2V1
E-mail: iqas@gov.ab.ca- Submit three letters of recommendation**; one should be from someone who is familiar with the applicant's academic skills.
** It is the applicant's responsibility to notify his or her referees, that, in accordance with the Province of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the information contained in the letter of reference is not considered to be confidential and it may be viewed by the applicant upon request. For more information, contact Dr. Sandra Collins, Director, Centre for Graduate Education in Applied Psychology.
Application Deadline
The Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling must receive all application materials by May 15 for consideration for admission to the program starting in January 2003.
Non-program Students
Individuals who are not enrolled in the MC program will be permitted to register in Campus Alberta Applied Psychology [CAAP] courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting. Courses taken as a non-program student may be directly applied toward the program degree requirements, if and when a student becomes a program student, provided those courses are not used for prerequisite credit. Regulations related to advance credit apply. However, the University is under no obligation to admit non-program students into the MC program. For more information on non-program status, refer to the Campus Alberta Web site, or the MC contact information at the end of this section.
Program Regulations
Program StatusTo maintain program status, students must complete two half-course equivalents (six credits) during each academic year (January 1 to December 31). Students are required to receive an overall grade of 70 percent or B- to pass each CAAP course. In addition, students are expected to maintain at least a B or 75 percent in the program. Students who fail a course, or who receive a grade of B- in more than two courses, may be asked to withdraw from the program.
Residency
Residency requirements are satisfied when the student has successfully completed eight half-course equivalents (24 credits) within the MC program. The student may apply for advance or transfer credit for the remaining courses. Courses taken on-campus, with program approval, at the University of Calgary and The University of Lethbridge are considered to meet residency requirements.
Students must participate in a three-week summer institute and four weekend schools throughout the program. These intensive face-to-face experiences are most often held in Alberta. All students must complete the General Counselling Practicum and Specialized Practicum within the MC program.
Program Withdrawal
Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the Chair, Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling and formally withdrawing from any courses in which they are currently registered. A withdrawal processing fee will be charged. Students who withdraw may apply to re-enrol in the program by following the regular application procedures outlined above. Students requesting re-admission to the MC program will not receive special consideration.
Full- and Part-time InvolvementStudents may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time students must complete a minimum of six credits (two course equivalents) per calendar year. To comply with Alberta Students Finance requirements, full-time students must complete six credits per semester (two courses) to achieve a 60 percent load or nine credits per semester (three courses) to achieve a 100 percent load.
Program Completion Time Limits
Students must complete the MC degree requirements within six years of their initial enrolment in the program.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the 36 credits of graduate coursework required for the MC degree, each student must successfully complete a final project to be eligible for graduation.
Registration
Registry services for the joint MC program are provided through the University of Calgary. Details of the course registration process, academic schedule, course withdrawal, and fee payments for both program and non-program students are provided through links from the Campus Alberta Web site .
Advanced Standing
Some students may have completed work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the MC program. Students may apply for advance credit for up to 12 credits (four half-course equivalents) of graduate study from other universities into the MC program. A maximum of three credits (one half-course equivalent) can be applied to the area of specialization. The remaining courses must be applied to the core program courses.
Students must demonstrate that previous course work is equivalent to core Campus Alberta Applied Psychology (CAAP) courses appropriate for option or specialization course credit. Some students may have taken courses at the collaborating universities (Athabasca University, the University of Calgary, or The University of Lethbridge) before applying to the joint program. Those courses also fall under the advance credit process. Once students have been admitted to the program, however, they are free to take courses from any of the partner institutions as part of their MC program.
There is a non-refundable advance credit assessment fee. Students who are granted advance credit will have their overall program fees reduced by $400 for each approved three-credit course. Students must submit an application for advance credit and supporting documentation upon application to the program. Only students admitted to the program will have their advance credit request reviewed or fees processed. Students will not be awarded advanced standing for courses used previously towards the granting of another credential.
Transfer Credit
Students may apply for transfer credit throughout the program for up to 12 credits (four half course equivalents) of graduate study from other universities into the MC program. A maximum of three credits (one half-course equivalent) can be applied to the area of specialization. The remaining courses must be applied to the core program courses. Transfer credit maximums are inclusive of any advance credit awarded at the time of admission.
Students must identify appropriate courses at other institutions, complete a Transfer Credit Assessment Form, and demonstrate that previous coursework is equivalent to core CAAP courses or appropriate for option or specialization course credit. Students will be issued a Letter of Permission if the application for transfer credit is approved. The transfer credit assessment process may require up to a month to complete, so students must allow sufficient time to process the request and arrange to register in the course.
Students pay fixed program fees for the Master of Counselling. There is no cost to students for the transfer credit assessment process or for taking an approved course at another institution. The program will directly reimburse the receiving institution for all tuition costs.
Program Delivery
The program is offered during three semesters each year. Students 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.
Grading System
With the exception of CAAP 611 General Counselling Practicum and CAAP 619 Specialized Practicum, which will be graded on a pass/fail basis, all courses will be graded using the following alphabetic scale.
A+ 95 - 100% Outstanding A 90 - 94% Excellent A- 85 - 89% B+ 80 - 84% Good B 75 - 79% B- 70 - 74% Borderline C+ 66 - 69% Fail C 63 - 65% C- 60 - 62% D+ 57 - 59% D 50 - 56% F < 50%
FeesAll fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. These fees apply to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only (the program is not open to international students at this point).
Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable) Program Fees: $13,800 (total) Students pay an overall program fee of $13,800 for the Master of Counselling program. This fee covers 36 credits of coursework, all texts, and other course materials, but does not include the costs of attending the summer institute or weekend schools. Students pay the program fee over a three-year period, with equal instalments in January and July. Students completing the program in less than three years must pay the final instalment of the program fees prior to graduation.
Additional Mandatory Fees: $66.35 / year Program students must also pay a yearly registration fee of $10 and a yearly Graduate Students Association (GSA) fee of $56.35. These fees are payable upon registration in January.
Continuing Fees: $500 / year Students continuing in the program after three years must pay a continuing program fee of $500/year to maintain their program status.
Summary of Program Costs (Three-Year Program Plan):
Year 1 Application Fee Program Fees (instalment 1) Registration/GSA Fees Program Fees (instalment 2) Year 2 Program Fees (instalment 3) Registration/GSA Fees Program Fees (instalment 4) Year 3 Program Fees (instalment 5) Registration/GSA Fees Program Fees (instalment 6) TOTAL $14,149.05
Other Optional Fees:
Audiotape/Videotape Assessment Fee $150 Advance Credit Evaluation Fee $80-$250 Course Extension Fee $250 Program Withdrawal Processing Fee $300
Course Offerings (2002-2003)The course schedule below is current as of the date of printing. Refer to course descriptions on the following pages. Courses are currently limited since the program is in the early stages of implementation.
Fall Session (September 2002)
CAAP 607 Equity and Diversity Issues in Counselling (3)Winter Session (January 2003)
CAAP 601 Theories of Counselling and Client Change (3)
CAAP 607 Equity and Diversity Issues in Counselling (3)
CAAP 611 General Counselling Practicum (3)
Spring/Summer Session (May 2003)
CAAP 603 Professional Ethics (3)
CAAP 605 Developing a Working Alliance (3)
CAAP 613 Assessment (3)
CAAP 615 Intervening to Facilitate Client Change (3)
CAAP 601 Theories of Counselling and Client Change (3)
The theories course is intended to engage students in a critical evaluation of a range of contemporary counselling theories, and to help them begin to develop a description of their own emerging theory.
CAAP 603 Professional Ethics (3)
The ethics course addresses personal and professional ethical issues in counselling. The perspectives of different professional disciplines will be used to highlight commonalties and differences. Students will reflect critically on both personal and collective worldviews and values and will explore the effect of those perspectives on counselling processes and contexts.
CAAP 605 Developing a Working Alliance (3)
The working alliance course focuses on the understanding and acquisition of skills for use in interpersonal and counselling contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the identification and development of specific skills that are essential for the development of working alliances. The course will introduce a theoretical framework for the application of counselling skills in addition to providing the opportunity for skill practice.
CAAP 607 Equity and Diversity Issues in Counselling (3)
This course will focus on increasing personal awareness, identification of conceptual frameworks, and development of in-depth knowledge of equity and diversity issues in counselling. Students will be expected to examine their own attitudes, behaviours, perceptions, and biases.
CAAP 611 General Counselling Practicum (3)
The first practicum provides an opportunity for professional development and supervised practice in a general counselling context. Students will be involved in direct client work under the supervision of a qualified professional and will engage in one-on-one and group supervision processes. The practicum allows students to actively explore issues encountered in working with diverse client populations.
CAAP 613 Assessment (3)
This course combines a theoretical and practical focus to develop a framework from which to approach the assessment of client change in a variety of contexts. Data from assessments are used frequently in the process of self-exploration, to assist in decision-making, to help formulate intervention plans, and to document client change.
CAAP 615 Intervening to Facilitate Client Change (3)
This course combines a theoretical and practical focus to develop a framework from which to approach the planning and implementation of client change interventions in a variety of contexts. It assumes that students have already attained mastery of a repertoire of basic skills for establishing a working alliance. The course teaches students to use those skills in the design and implementation of intervention strategies that help promote change that is consistent with client goals.
CAAP 617 Methods of Inquiry (3)
This course focuses on the application of research in applied psychology. Students explore the methods and processes for designing and conducting research in their practice settings. Students will investigate values that motivate different research questions and identify the appropriate methods to facilitate inquiry in their particular fields of practice.
CAAP 619 Specialized Practicum (3)
The second practicum provides an opportunity for professional development and supervised practice in a specialized counselling context. Students will be involved in direct client work under the supervision of a qualified professional and will engage in one-on-one and group supervision processes. The practicum allows students to actively explore issues encountered in working with a specialized client population or area of practice.
Library Services
The collaborative nature of the Campus Alberta Graduate Program in Counselling results in a sharing of resources and services across partner institutions. For details related to registration, library, student services, and so on, please refer to the Campus Alberta Web site.
Tuition and Education Tax Credit Receipts Information
Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. In February, T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction, along with the tuition tax receipts, are mailed to the address on record. Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration.
Regulations and Appeals
A set of policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals that apply to all students has been developed. The policy manual for the program has been approved by all participating universities. Please contact the Campus Alberta program for more details.
Contact InformationCentre for Graduate Education in Applied Psychology,
Athabasca University
Edmonton Learning Centre, 2nd Floor, N. Tower
10030 - 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 3E4
Phone: 888.409.2183
Fax: 780.432.7936
apply@abcounsellored.net
www.ABCounsellorEd.net
** This page is an official publication of Athabasca University **
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