Master of Counselling
Intake
Program components
Coursework
Practicum
Project (pending ministerial change to Professional Portfolio)
Description
Prepare to be Canadian Certified Counsellor or Registered Psychologist in a ULethbridge Master of Counselling cohort
In this program you will:
- be part of a diverse, distributed learning community
- receive a quality education through a blend of online courses and face-to-face components (summer institutes and practicum seminars)
- experience supervised practice in counselling psychology settings
- benefit from a personal and supportive learning environment
- study with experienced faculty and practicing counsellors
The 12-course Master of Counselling program is completed over three years in a blended delivery format. Summer term includes an online portion, as well as a two-week face-to-face component in July. Fall and winter courses are offered online. On-campus accommodation is available.
While the program is designed to accommodate working professionals, students are encouraged to limit other obligations during the time frame of the program. Many students reduce or adjust their hours of work while engaged in their practica.
International students: More than 50% of the courses in this program follow an online delivery format. Please be advised that due to the blended nature of this program, graduates will not be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit after completing this program.
Program Schedule Counselling Programs FAQ
Related Program: The Faculty of Education also offers a Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) program, with on-campus courses in the first year and a practicum in the second year. A background in teaching is not required.
In case of discrepancies between this page and the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue, the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue shall prevail.
Admission information
Applicants will meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. undergraduate degree) from a recognized degree-granting institution, in the discipline of interest or in a closely cognate discipline.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the terms containing the last 20 graded university courses (60.0 credit hours).
- Breadth of undergraduate courses in counselling, educational psychology or psychology. Particular emphasis is paid to courses in human development, learning, personality, psychological disorders (abnormal psychology), and counseling and/or interpersonal skills.
- Approximately two years of work experience in a counselling or related setting. Volunteer experience in counselling settings is also desirable.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) for graduate students.
See here for information regarding international graduate-level admission requirements.
Step 1: Prepare Supporting Documents
Before you begin an application, review the requirements for your supporting documents below. If additional documentation is required, the Office of Graduate Studies and Research in Education will contact you.
Step 2: Submit Online Application by Deadline
Submit your complete application by midnight (MST/MDT) on the deadline date.
Step 3: Arrange for Official Documents
Official documents (e.g., transcripts, English language proficiency test scores) are required prior to course registration.
Note: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending an institution participating in ApplyAlberta do not need to arrange for official transcripts to be sent to uLethbridge from the issuing institution. A list of participating institutions is available at www.applyalberta.ca.
Step 4: Admission Interview
The selection committee reviews applications. Applicants selected for consideration may be invited to a scheduled admission interview. To accommodate applicants from a greater distance these interviews may be conducted online.
Step 5: Admission Decision
The selection committee makes a recommendation on admission to the program committee. You will be notified of your official admission status by the Registrar's Office no later than April 1.
For more details please see the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue.
The following criteria are used in the selection process:
- Grade point average
- Relevancy of undergraduate degree
- Breadth of undergraduate courses
- References
- Relevant work and/or volunteer experience
- Results of interview
Supporting documents
Unofficial Transcripts
You will need to upload and submit your unofficial transcripts, including proof of graduation for your completed degree(s) and transcripts of all post-baccalaureate work, if any, via the online application system.
Official Transcripts
You will also need to arrange for your official transcripts to be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Your official transcripts are required to be received prior to course registration.
Applicants who have attended or are currently attending institutions NOT participating in ApplyAlberta must arrange to have official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office. A list of participating institutions is available at applyalberta.ca.
Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope to:
Registrar’s Office
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive West
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
Canada
Your transcripts are required to display your up-to-date coursework, including grades/marks received for completed coursework.
Applicants to the Master of Counselling program are required to submit three (3) academic or professional references. A minimum of two references must be professional (someone with whom you have worked professionally, preferably who have served in a supervisory capacity).
Please see the Application FAQ for detailed information regarding submitting Letters of Reference.
Your CV is a comprehensive document with a formal structure and academic focus. It should include your background, work experience, awards, scholarships, publications, and other achievements. If you are a current or former University of Lethbridge student, contact Career and Employment Services for additional information on the content and structure of a CV.
Your Letter of Intent for the Master of Counselling program must contain:
- Nature of interest in the program and the intended career outcome upon completion.
You should address your letter to the Graduate Programs in Education Committee.
Things to Note:
Be concise and include only important information – reviewers have many graduate applications to review; your Letter of Intent should generally be no more than one page in length unless otherwise stated.
English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Lethbridge. Prior to registration, all applicants to the School of Graduate Studies must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instruction, written assignments, research, and participation in tutorials and discussions, regardless of their citizenship or country of origin. Please see the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for graduate students for detailed information.
I wanted a program with small class sizes that also allowed for me to have the freedom of not being in class every single day. The Master of Counselling program was honestly the perfect option. I think this program requires students who are ready to take the driver seat in their education. If that sounds like you, the Master of Counselling program would be a great fit.
Iso Ogumbor, MC student