Natashia Bacchus
Faculty Member
Master of Education (MEd) in School Counselling
CREDENTIAL
Master’s Degree
DURATION
24-33 months
About
Important Dates – Master of Education in School Counselling
Program Description
Earn your MEd in School Counselling degree at CityU in Canada, with options to study in Vancouver, Surrey, or online. Approved by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Become a school counsellor, advocate and change maker. Build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values needed for effective practice, and graduate with a strong theoretical foundation and the confidence to support diverse learners, families, and communities.
The program is designed for individuals pursuing careers in school counselling, child and youth counselling, or related helping professions, as well as working professionals seeking graduate-level training while maintaining employment commitments.
Program Outcomes
- Professional Identity and Ethical Practice: Develop a professional identity as a School Counsellor, gain awareness of own strengths and limitations and make decisions based on legal and ethical issues within accountability structures.
- System Leadership: Collaborate and consult with students, school staff, families, community agencies, and health care systems—leading social-emotional learning initiatives, building strong partnerships, advocating against barriers to equity and inclusion, and coordinating care plans tailored to students’ goals and strengths.
- Counselling Skills & Processes: Apply developmentally and culturally appropriate theories, strategies, and interventions to promote mental health and wellbeing. Build strong therapeutic relationships, apply mental health literacy, conduct thorough assessments including risk evaluations, and design and facilitate group sessions effectively.
- Developmental Contexts: Apply knowledge of human development and cultural diversity to support students’ growth, wellbeing, and inclusion. Integrate career planning into counselling and help enhance students’ academic skills.
- Research and Inquiry: Use research methodology and relevant data to make effective decisions for school counselling program improvement plans and to inform own practice based on evidence and contextual understanding.
The CityU program offers
- Flexible delivery that supports working professionals. Students may choose either an in-person or online synchronous format. Classes are held 3 Saturdays per month during the school year, along with a two-week summer intensive in July. This structure allows students to continue balancing professional, family, and personal responsibilities while completing their degree.
- A collaborative cohort learning environment. Students learn alongside peers and faculty in a supportive community that values co-learning, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue. Through shared experiences and collaboration, students build lasting professional relationships and networks that continue beyond graduation.
- Applied learning and professional preparation. Our curriculum blends current research, theory, and practice to prepare you for real-world counselling roles in schools, and community settings. Grounded in contemporary approaches—including person-centered, trauma-informed, advocacy, and DEI-informed practices—you’ll build the skills needed to support diverse children, youth, and families.
- Internship and real-world experience. Gain meaningful, hands-on experience through internship opportunities tailored to your career goals. With mentorship and supervised practice, you’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world counselling settings while building your professional identity as a school counsellor. Students secure their own placements and complete required supervised hours as part of their journey
- Applied learning and professional preparation. The curriculum integrates current scholarship, theoretical frameworks, and practical application to prepare students for real-world counselling settings. Graduates are equipped to work as school or district counsellors, while some pursue careers supporting children and youth in community agencies or private practice settings.
Graduate with Credentials and Confidence
Graduates of the MEd in School Counselling are eligible for Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) upgrades and meet the course requirements for registration as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association), supporting professional practice opportunities across British Columbia and Canada.
As part of CityU’s commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence, the University undergoes regular internal and external academic reviews by independent experts. Below are summaries of recent reviews and planned initiatives based on their recommendations.
2021 External Review Findings
2020-5-Year Internal Review Findings
Cohort Model
At CityU, you’ll learn in a supportive cohort model that values diversity, inclusion, and holistic well-being. Our experienced faculty bring real-world expertise as school counsellors, clinical counsellors, and social workers ensuring a rich, collaborative environment.
If you’re ready to elevate your career and make a difference in the lives of young people, apply now and join our thriving community of learners.
Still undecided about which is the right program for you?
Find here the comparison between Master of Counselling and Master of Education in School Counselling
| Criteria | MEd in School Counselling | Master of Counselling (MC) |
| Credential | Master of Education (MEd) | Master of Counselling (MC) |
| Target Audience | Educators, aspiring School/District Counsellors | Aspiring Clinical counsellors, Therapists, Private Practitioners |
| Program Focus | School and child/adolescent counselling | Professional counselling in diverse settings, addressing mental health across the lifespan |
| Key Courses | Child and adolescent counselling, mental health assessments, ethics, group counselling, research | Multicultural counselling, trauma counselling, couple and family counselling, ethics, research |
| Delivery Format | In-person or online synchronous (select Saturdays + July intensive) | Mixed-Mode (online/in-person), Saturday in-person cohort, or Full-Time weekday in-person stream. |
| Schedule | In-person or online synchronous classes on select Saturdays (oct-June), plus a two-week summer intensive | Part-time (Saturdays and Mixed-Mode) or Full-Time (2 weekdays) |
| Program Length: | 2 to 2.75 years (52 Quarter Credits) | 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time (72 Quarter Credits) |
| Program Start Dates | Fall (October) and Spring (April) | Fall (October: Mixed-Mode & Sat. cohort), Winter (January: Weekday stream) |
| Internship | Required, independently secured | Required, including practicum and fieldwork |
| Capstone Requirement | Yes – Final project or paper | Yes – Clinical case presentation and integrative paper |
| CityU Accreditation/ Consent | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education |
| Career Pathways | School or district counsellors, child and youth counsellors, private practice | Clinical counsellor, private practice, community mental health |
| Credentialing Eligibility* | RCC, CCC, TQS upgrades | RCC, CCC |
| TQS (Teacher Qualification Service) | Eligible for upgrades | Not applicable (unless student holds teaching certification) |
| *Credentialing Eligibility: Graduates may be eligible for professional designations such as RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor), CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor), and for Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) category upgrades, depending on individual circumstances and regulatory body requirements. | ||
Our Curriculum Covers
- Child and adolescent counselling
- Mental health, trauma, and assessment
- Ethics and group counselling
- Research in counselling practice
- A community-based internship (independently secured)
Admissions
Important Dates
Upcoming Info Sessions
Wednesday, November 18 • 4pm-5pm
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 • 4pm-5pm
Intakes
Spring-April 2026
- Surrey (In person)
Fall – October 2026
- Vancouver (In-Person)
- Online Synchronous
*Based on demand. Please note that cohorts fill up months in advance, so please apply early!
Requirements & Application
Please be advised that this program is not available for International Students.
Domestic Students
1. Check the program-specific requirements
- English Proficiency:
English is the language of instruction at CityU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission. If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English, you must meet our English Language Requirements. - Basic Requirements:
Undergraduate coursework showing the fundamental knowledge in each of the areas of Learning, Cognition, Personality and Human Development. Fill out the form. - Program-specific requirements:
- Essay – Please download the guidelines for the 4-6 page essay.
- Resume
- References – The 3 professional references may be from any combination of academic instructors, professional managers/supervisors, or volunteer supervisors. Personal and client references will not be accepted as one of the three required professional references but may be submitted as supplementary documentation. Download the form.
2. Submit your application
- Visit the Apply Now section, and fill in your application form.
- Pay an application fee of $75.
3. Receive an acknowledgment email
Once your application form and application fee have been received and processed you will receive an email from our Enrolment Team with instructions on how to submit the supplemental documents. Please allow up to 5 business days for your application form to be processed, and please check your junk folder to ensure you receive the email from your Enrolment Advisor.
You can contact our Enrollment Team at: BCAdmissions@cityu.edu
4. Submit your official transcripts
You must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit. If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail. Please send all official documents to:
Registrar’s Office
789 W Pender Street, Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Canada
Official documents may include:
- Official university or college transcripts
These documents must be sent directly from that institution to CityU. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative. - Certified documents
Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.
Notarized copies are not acceptable.
*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.
Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required. - Original academic documents
An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.
Notarized copies are not acceptable.
5. Get ready for your first day
Once you’ve been accepted into a program, you’ll need to start planning your courses. You will be notified of your acceptance through your CityU email and your myCityU account.
If you are new to the city checkout your campus page:
2026-2027 Tuition
Tuition and Your Student Journey
The tuition rates listed here applies to the academic year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Please note that tuition may change in future years.
Domestic Students
| Tuition | CAD |
|---|---|
| School of Education Graduate/ Master of Education — per Credit | $550 |
| Undergrad Prerequisite for Master of Education — per Credit Effective July 1, 2025, the new rate for prerequisite courses will be $149 per credit | $149 |
| Other Fees | |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Alumni Audit per Course | $450 |
| Challenge Course Fee | $450 |
| Diploma Apostille Fee* | $35 |
| Diploma Authentication Fee* | $20 |
| Diploma Apostille/Authentication Fee* | $55 |
| Diploma Re-Issue Fee | $50 |
| English Language iTep Testing Fee** | $75 |
| Final Degree Audit Application Fee | $100 |
| Late Registration Fee | $100 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Online PDF*** | $16,40 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Electronic Exchange*** | $15,90 |
| Official Transcript Fee per copy—Onsite**** | $18 |
| Extended Health Insurance Coverage with Alumo (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027)***** | $380 |
| Auditing Fees | |
| Unpaid Bill Carrying Cost Fee | 1% |
*Fee is set by Government Agency – subject to change.
** Fee is set by vendor and subject to change.
***Fee Includes processing fees set by vendor and subject to change.
**** Shipping to international addresses done via eShipGlobal’s University Express Mail Services (UEMS) and mailing charges are paid to the shipping vendor directly
*****Alumo Coverage – 2026-2027 Policy Year
| Coverage Period | Amount in CAD $ |
| Annual: Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027 | $380 |
| Winter 2027: Jan. 1 – Sept. 30, 2027 | $285 |
| Spring 2027: Apr. 1 – Sept. 30, 2027 | $190 |
| Summer 27/28: July 1 – Sept. 30, 2027 | $95 |
SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Scholarships
CityU in Canada is committed to supporting students through a range of scholarship opportunities. In 2026, students may apply for need-based scholarships and the Investing in Indigenous Scholars Scholarship. We encourage you to explore eligibility and plan for future application cycles.
Find Out About Available Scholarships
Financial Support Through Government Student Loans
We’re committed to supporting you throughout your educational journey. Alongside scholarship opportunities, you’ll find helpful guidance and tips on financial aid in our resources below, tailored to your province of residence.
Explore Financial Aid Guides and Resources
Please note: Government student loan programs are generally not available to international students.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
At CityU, we understand that circumstances can change. The guidelines below explain the conditions under which tuition and fees may be refunded for students who withdraw from courses.
Eligibility for Refunds
- Tuition is refundable only when a student officially withdraws in accordance with the University’s Tuition Refund Schedule.
- Students who are withdrawn due to disciplinary reasons or a breach of conduct are not eligible for a refund of tuition or fees.
- Students who attend classes without having paid may request to be withdrawn; their accounts will be credited according to the standard refund schedule.
- Students who withdraw at the end of the term are not eligible for a refund or credit. If a course must be repeated, full tuition will apply.
Official Withdrawal Process
To officially withdraw from a course:
- Students must contact their Academic Advisor or the Office of the Registrar.
- The date of contact will determine the applicable refund amount.
- Students receiving financial aid must notify the CityU in Canada Financial Aid Office to ensure compliance with applicable funding rules.
- The Financial Aid Office will notify relevant provincial financial aid authorities.
- Students may be required to repay the awards received, depending on the nature and timing of the withdrawal.
Appeals for Extenuating Circumstances
If a withdrawal occurs outside the standard refund schedule due to a personal hardship (e.g., medical, family emergency), a student may submit a refund appeal.
- Appeals must be submitted in writing and include supporting documentation.
- All appeals will be reviewed by the CityU Withdrawal Committee.
- The Committee will notify the students of the decision once a review is complete.
Payment Obligations and Non-Refundable Deposits
- Tuition deposits and tuition fees are non-refundable after the published refund deadline.
- Students who fail to pay in full will be responsible for the unpaid balance on their student account for the quarter.
- Unpaid accounts may be referred to collections in accordance with University policy.
Refund Disbursement
- Students should clearly state how they would like any eligible refund to be processed (e.g., credit card, check, applied to a future term).
- Credit card refunds will be returned to the original card.
- Refund balances of less than $1.00 will be written off at the end of the fiscal year (June 30), unless required otherwise by financial aid or veteran benefit regulations.
2026-2027 Term Schedule Overview
The following table outlines the key dates for the 2026 – 2027 term, including term start dates, refund deadlines (100% and 50%), and end dates.
| Session | Last Day to Officially Withdraw | 100% Refund Due | 50% Refund Due | 0% Refund Due |
| Summer Quarter (July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | August 30 | Through July 12 | July 13 – 26 | July 27 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | July 26 | Through July 6 | July 7 – 12 | July 13 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | September 6 | Through August 17 | August 18 – 23 | August 24 & after |
| 4-Week July | July 24 | Through July 1 | July 2 – 7 | July 8 & after |
| 4-Week August | August 24 | Through August 1 | August 2 – 7 | August 8 & after |
| 4-Week September | September 24 | Through September 1 | September 2-7 | September 8 & after |
| Fall Quarter (October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | November 29 | Through October 11 | October 12 – 25 | October 26 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | November 1 | Through October 5 | October 6 – 11 | October 12 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | December 13 | Through November 16 | November 17 – 22 | November 23 & after |
| 4-Week October | October 24 | Through October 1 | October 2-7 | October 8 & after |
| 4-Week November | November 24 | Through November 1 | November 2-7 | November 8 & after |
| 4-Week December | December 24 | Through December 1 | December 2-7 | December 8 & after |
| Winter Quarter (January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | March 7 | Through January 17 | January 18 – January 30 | February 1 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | February 7 | Through January 11 | January 12-17 | January 18 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | March 21 | Through February 22 | February 23 – February 28 | March 1 & after |
| 4-Week January | January 24 | Through January 1 | January 2-7 | January 8 & after |
| 4-Week February | February 22 | Through February 1 | February 2-7 | February 8 & after |
| 4-Week March | March 24 | Through March 1 | March 2-7 | March 8 & after |
| Spring Quarter (April 2, 2027 – June 30, 2027) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | May 30 | Through April 11 | April 12 – 25 | April 26 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | May 2 | Through April 5 | April 6 – 11 | April 12 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | June 13 | Through May 17 | May 18 – 23 | May 24 & after |
| 4-Week April | April 24 | Through April 1 | April 2-7 | April 8 & after |
| 4-Week May | May 24 | Through May 1 | May 2-7 | May 8 & after |
| 4-Week June | June 24 | Through June 1 | June 2-7 | June 8 & after |
Dates DO NOT correspond to individual courses that fall into a session.
Courses
Courses
CityU’s Master of Education in School Counselling program equips you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective school counsellor. The curriculum covers key areas such as: Counselling children and adolescents; Mental health, testing, and assessment; Ethics and law; Critical approaches to diversity; Family systems; Group counselling; Career counselling; Research and the scholar–practitioner model. Courses are designed to build on one another, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications in school counselling. Students complete an internship throughout the program, gaining hands-on experience in a school setting, a local community social service system, or both.
Core Credits
| ECC 501 | Introduction to Research Skills | 2 cr |
| ECC 512 | Research Methods for School Counsellors | 3 cr |
| Total Core Courses | 5 cr |
School Counselling Core
| ECC 520 | Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counselling to Research Skills | 3 cr |
| ECC 522 | Skills and Approaches in School Counselling | 3 cr |
| ECC 640 | Advanced Issues in School Counselling | 3 cr |
| ECC 646 | Critical Approaches to Diversity in School Counselling | 3 cr |
| ECC 648 | Family Systems Theory and Practice | 3 cr |
| Total School Counselling Core Courses | 15 cr |
School Theoretical and Practical
| EGC 530 | Individual Counselling Theory and Practice | 3 cr |
| EGC 533 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | 3 cr |
| EGC 536 | Group Counselling and Management | 3 cr |
| EGC 539 | Mental Health Issues in Schools | 3 cr |
| EGC 542 | Assessment and Evaluation in Counselling | 3 cr |
| EGC 545 | Career Counselling and Information Services | 3 cr |
| Total School Theoretical and Practical | 18 cr |
Internship Courses
| ECC 601 | Counselling Field Experience | 1 cr |
| ECC 602 | Counselling Practicum | 2 cr |
| EGC 605 | Internship I | 2 cr |
| EGC 607 | Internship II | 3 cr |
| EGC 609 | Internship III | 3 cr |
| Total Internship Courses | 11 cr |
MEd School Counselling Project
| EGC 640 | Project in School Counselling and Presentation | 3 cr |
| Total MEd School Counselling Project | 3 cr |
Exit Requirements
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar
All the information you need to stay on track with your studies. View the academic calendar for class start dates.
Faculty
Jacky Barreiro, MA, MBA, Phd
Faculty Member
Orla Colgate, Ph.D.
Faculty Member
Ian DeLong, PhD, RCC
Faculty Member
Joan Ewing
Faculty Member
Alison Gervais, RCC, CCS
Faculty Member
Marilyn Green
Faculty Member
Wendy Higenbottam
Faculty Member
Leo Holdstock, MC
Faculty Member
Galen Hutcheson, MA, DVATI, RCC
Faculty Member
Carol Langley, Ed.D, R.C.C.
Faculty Member
Tina Lovett
Faculty Member
Heather Main
Faculty Member
Lynne Marvell, B.Ed, M.Ed, CCC
Faculty Member
Laurie McGillivray
Faculty Member
Shannon O'Brien
Faculty Member
Christine Paget, PhD
Faculty Member
Tommy Paley, BEd, MEd, RCC
Faculty Member
Tajinder (TJ) S. Rai
Faculty Member
Marie Ratcliffe
Faculty Member
Jose J. Acevedo Saavedra
Faculty Member
Jalissa Schmidt
Faculty Member
Charles Scott, Ph.D. in Education
Faculty Member
Suzanne Vardy, RCC-ACS
Faculty Member
Bhavna Verma, RP, DCP, CCS, CCC
Faculty Member
Request for Information
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Have a Question?
MEd in School Counselling Vancouver
789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu
MEd in School Counselling Victoria
Vancouver Island Technology Park
Suite 2307 – 4464 Markham St, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8
Ph: 250.391.7444 or 1.800.663.7466
vanisle@cityu.edu
General Inquiries
789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu