Counselling Psychology

The University of Calgary has offered advanced counselling psychology degrees since 1964, but this option is unique in the flexibility it offers. Most of the course work is delivered online, allowing students to further their professional development while continuing to work and live in their communities.

However, some core competencies to be an effective counsellor can only be gained face-to-face and hands-on. Students are required to be on campus for the program’s skills-based courses (offered in the summer as residencies and workshops). You are also required to secure a practicum placement with a school, agency or workplace that offers counselling services and complete two practicum courses in that setting in the winter and fall terms your final year.

Admissions to this program are suspended as of July 1, 2018

Completing this program

• Content Courses: Topics include counselling theories, group interventions and processes, research methodology, assessment theory and more.
• Practicum Courses: Two counselling practicum courses in a supervised school counselling setting.

Public and private education systems, community and non-governmental agencies, career counselling, school district administration, universities, school-based health and mental health centers, community-based day treatment or residential clinics/hospitals, juvenile justice programs, private practice.

A course-based master’s degree in counselling psychology is usually considered a final degree.

1. Collect your documentation

   • Check your program requirements to find out which documents and forms you will need to prepare.
   • See the program's list of required documents for submission details.
   • Prospective doctoral students with funding from the China Scholarship Council: see additional information.

2. Gather references (if required)

   • Contact past professors for potential references. We will invite your referees to complete an online reference form after you submit your application.
   • Some course-based programs do not require references, please see specific admission requirements if you are unsure.

3. Begin your application

   • Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 
   • Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

4. Submit your application

   • Pay your application fee:
     • $125 for Canadians or Permanent residents
     • $145 for International Students
   • Learn about payment options here