MEd Counselling Psychology major and Master of Counselling FAQ

Upon completion of your MC or MEd (CP), you may be eligible for certification as a Canadian Certified Counsellor under Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) guidelines. This certification is considered the minimum professional standard in Canada and attests to a level of competency in professional counselling.

In both the MEd (Counselling Psychology) or Master of Counselling, you receive graduate-level coursework leading to registration as a psychologist in Alberta. However, the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) regulates the psychologist registration process. Registration with CAP requires completion of undergraduate psychology courses, supervised clinical hours, and EPPP and ethics exams, IN ADDITION TO your MC or MEd (CP) coursework. 

You are responsible for meeting requirements for registering as established by CAP or the corresponding professional designation organization in your province/state.

Yes! 

Both programs are on the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) approved program pathway, relative to MC and MEd graduate requirements.

However, be aware CAP has additional requirements beyond those provided in the MEd (Counselling Psychology) and Master of Counselling programs. This includes undergraduate psychology courses and supervised clinical hours, as well as EPPP and ethics examinations.

We offer the following course-based graduate counselling psychology programs in the Faculty of Education:

• Master of Education (Counselling Psychology)
• Master of Counselling
• PhD in Education (Counselling Psychology)

For graduate studies in addictions counselling, see Faculty of Health Sciences programs.

See a complete list of graduate programs at ULethbridge

Visit the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) for more information.

The MEd (Counselling Psychology) program:

• commences Summer (July) each year
• is completed in two years
• is offered full-time on campus for the first year. The second year of program includes practicum placements which can be completed at a distance.
• includes an option to complete a Thesis (recommended route for those intending to complete a PhD)

The Master of Counselling program:

• commences Summer (May) each year
• is completed in three years
• is designed for working professionals. The blended-delivery format includes online courses throughout the year, supplemented with on-campus components each July (2 weeks).

Successful applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds (e.g., BA/BSc (Psychology), BEd, BHSc (Addictions), BSW, BN, and other programs), however a contributing factor is the number of psychology courses completed.

Statistics for recent admissions:

Master of Education (Counselling Psychology):

• Average GPA: 3.88
• Average Work Experience: 3 years
• Average number of undergraduate psychology courses completed: 20

Master of Counselling:

• Average GPA: 3.79
• Average Work Experience: 7+ years
• Average number of undergraduate psychology courses completed: 16

 Relevant experiences will include activities across the lifespan that are:  

• counselling-related (i.e., peer counselling, addictions counselling, group counselling, crisis counselling, intake at counselling or psychologist offices and private practices),  
• teaching-related (i.e., teachers, teaching assistants/aides, early childhood educators),  
• leadership/supervisory (i.e., coaching, leading youth groups, summer camps, organized recreational activities, acting as a mentor (e.g., at Boys and Girls’ Clubs), volunteering with older adults, people management), and/or 
• helping/other activities (i.e., advising, assisting at shelters, social work case management, working with people with disabilities, etc.). 
  
  Relevant experiences should involve person-to-person and/or group helping relationships in which the applicant plays a facilitative role in learning, personal and emotional growth, and/or psychological development.

Information on supporting documentation to be submitted with your application is found on the MEd (Counselling Psychology) and Master of Counselling web pages.

Information regarding the counselling psychology practicum is found on our website.