At a glance
42 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€5k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Master's DegreeCredential
- 36Credits
- OnlineDelivery Mode
- 3.5 - 7 yearsCompletion Time
- Approved by College of Alberta Psychologists (Counselling Psychology specialization)Accreditation/Recognition
- SeptemberAnnual Start
Athabasca University's online Master of Counselling program is designed for students seeking a career as a counselling therapist, counselling psychologist, or psychotherapist. The program provides the knowledge, skills, and judgment to address emotional, cognitive, and behavioural issues in diverse settings. It offers a specialized track in Counselling Psychology, which is approved by the College of Alberta Psychologists. This 36-credit online graduate program can be completed via a course-based or thesis route. It meets the graduate coursework requirements for licensure as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. Please note that an additional 30 to 36 psychology credits (generally undergraduate level) are required by the College of Alberta Psychologists beyond this master's program. If you don't have these credits, you can take additional graduate or undergraduate psychology courses through Athabasca University or another institution. The program has one intake per year, with applications due by January 15 for a September start. Full-time study can allow completion in as little as 3.5 years, with a maximum completion time of 7 years.
Curriculum
The Master of Counselling curriculum is comprehensive, covering essential counselling skills, professional ethics, and research methods. It includes specialized practicum experiences for practical application. You will complete core courses and can choose electives to align with your interests and career goals. Students must complete at least 24 of the 36 credits through Athabasca University.
- Core and Elective Courses
- Models of Counselling and Client ChangeGCAP 631
- Professional EthicsGCAP 632
- Sociocultural and Systemic Influences on CounsellingGCAP 633
- Assessment ProcessesGCAP 634
- Responsive Case Conceptualization & Counselling InterventionsGCAP 635
- Responsive Counselling Relationships & Interpersonal CommunicationGCAP 671
Careers
Graduates of Athabasca University's Master of Counselling program are prepared for diverse career paths across various settings, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, private practice, and community organizations. The program equips you with the necessary skills and credentials to make a significant impact in the field.
- Professional Counsellor
- Counselling Psychologist
- School Counsellor
- Mental Health Therapist
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
- Career Counsellor
- Child and Adolescent Counsellor
- Clinical Supervisor
- Corporate Wellness Counsellor
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the estimated tuition and program fees for international students in the Master of Counselling program?
- International students can expect an estimated tuition fee of $2,147 CAD per 3-credit course equivalent. The total estimated program cost, including tuition and program fees, is approximately $34,044 CAD for the full 36 credits over 3.5 years.
- When is the application deadline and when do classes start for the Master of Counselling program?
- The application deadline for the Master of Counselling program is January 15. Classes for the September intake begin in September.
- What is the duration of the Master of Counselling program and how is it delivered?
- The Master of Counselling program is delivered online and can be completed in as little as 3.5 years of full-time study, with a maximum completion time of 7 years. It requires 36 credits.
- What are the general entry requirements for the Master of Counselling program?
- Applicants need an undergraduate degree and are preferred to have counselling experience. Additional undergraduate credits in psychology or educational psychology may be required for licensure.
- What career paths can graduates of the Master of Counselling program pursue?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Professional Counsellor, Counselling Psychologist, School Counsellor, Mental Health Therapist, and many other specialized counselling positions.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeMinimum grade point average (GPA) required. A minimum number of credits in psychology or educational psychology is also required.
Experience in the field of counselling is preferred. Additional undergraduate psychology credits (30-36) are required to meet the College of Alberta Psychologists’ academic requirements for licensure if not already completed.
Fees
Tuition (international)For learners living outside Canada, the estimated course tuition fee is $2,147 CAD per 3-credit course equivalent. The total estimated program cost for international students (36 credits / 12 x 3-credit course equivalents) is approximately $25,764 CAD for tuition, plus $8,280 CAD in program fees, totaling $34,044 CAD. This estimate is for the full program duration (3.5 years).
Tuition (home)For learners living in Canada, the estimated course tuition fee is $1,902 CAD per 3-credit course equivalent. The total estimated program cost for domestic students (36 credits / 12 x 3-credit course equivalents) is approximately $22,824 CAD for tuition, plus $8,280 CAD in program fees, totaling $31,104 CAD. This estimate is for the full program duration (3.5 years).
Living—
All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are effective for courses starting September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. A non-refundable program application fee of $197 CAD is required with each application, and a non-refundable program admission fee of $260 CAD is payable upon acceptance. Course tuition fees include a Course Administration and Technology Fee ($59), Course Materials Fee ($37), and Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fee ($14 per credit). Other fees include a Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee ($348/course), Course Extension Fee ($334/month), Thesis Course Extension Fee ($608/term), Letter of Permission Fee ($100), and Course Withdrawal Processing Fee ($453).
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsCarefully check the specific admission requirements for the Master of Counselling program, including the required undergraduate degree, minimum GPA, and psychology/educational psychology credits. Preferred counselling experience is also a factor.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary supporting documents, which typically include academic transcripts, proof of any relevant work or volunteer experience, and potentially letters of recommendation. Ensure you have the required undergraduate psychology credits, or a plan to acquire them.
3. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application online through the Athabasca University portal. A non-refundable program application fee of $197 CAD is required at this stage.
4. Pay Admission FeeIf accepted into the program, you will be required to pay a non-refundable program admission fee of $260 CAD upon acceptance.
5. Register for CoursesOnce admitted, you will register for your courses according to the program plan. Keep in mind that there is one intake per year for the Master of Counselling program.
Accreditation
The Master of Counselling (Counselling Psychology specialization) is approved by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition and program fees for international students in the Master of Counselling program?
+
International students can expect an estimated tuition fee of $2,147 CAD per 3-credit course equivalent. The total estimated program cost, including tuition and program fees, is approximately $34,044 CAD for the full 36 credits over 3.5 years.
When is the application deadline and when do classes start for the Master of Counselling program?
+
The application deadline for the Master of Counselling program is January 15. Classes for the September intake begin in September.
What is the duration of the Master of Counselling program and how is it delivered?
+
The Master of Counselling program is delivered online and can be completed in as little as 3.5 years of full-time study, with a maximum completion time of 7 years. It requires 36 credits.
What are the general entry requirements for the Master of Counselling program?
+
Applicants need an undergraduate degree and are preferred to have counselling experience. Additional undergraduate credits in psychology or educational psychology may be required for licensure.
What career paths can graduates of the Master of Counselling program pursue?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Professional Counsellor, Counselling Psychologist, School Counsellor, Mental Health Therapist, and many other specialized counselling positions.