University Certificate in Counselling Women

Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Counselling Women (UC-CW) is specifically designed for those who work directly with women in crisis intervention. The program applies feminist theory to the practice of counselling women in these settings.

In this program you will learn to

• identify client needs
• refer clients appropriately
• critically analyze social and counselling issues from a feminist perspective
• understand the shifting social, political, economic and cultural contexts in which counselling takes place

You will also develop your awareness of the cultural and social bases of human prejudice and discrimination, including

• sexism
• racism
• ethnocentrism
• ageism
• classism

This program explores feminist insights that support the diversity of human experience, identity, and ways of life.

Why take the University Certificate in Counselling Women?

The UC-CW enhances counselling and problem-solving skills for both professionals and volunteers:

• crisis workers
• social workers
• family life educators
• adult educators
• nurses
• teachers
• vocational counsellors

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• Explain social, political, economic, and cultural contexts informing the human experience from social, cultural, and feminist perspectives.
• Describe multiple factors underlying human prejudice and discrimination from social, cultural, and feminist perspectives.
• Explain counselling theories from a feminist perspective.
• Recognize client psycho/social needs from a variety of theoretical perspectives in order to inform appropriate practice with future clients.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to the client referral process to understand personal limitations as a counsellor in order to inform appropriate practice with future clients.
• Demonstrate competency in supporting the diversity of human experience, identity, and ways of life from a variety of knowledge and theoretical perspectives.

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.