Admission to the Master of Counselling degree program in British Columbia requires the successful completion of a 4 year undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. Candidates for the Master of Counselling program must have completed undergraduate coursework showing the fundamental knowledge in each of the areas of:
- Learning
- Cognition
- Personality
- Human Development
These fundamentals may be covered in any combination/number of courses. For example, if you took one course that included the topic of Learning and Cognition and one course that included the topics of Personality and Human Development, you have probably met this requirement with these two courses. A grade of a “C” or higher is required for the course to qualify.
The eligibility or prior coursework is determined based upon a review of your official transcripts. In cases in which the prerequisites are clearly addressed through prior undergraduate education, your application will be considered for admittance to the Master of Counseling program.
If prerequisites cannot be clearly determined, students will need to prove the direct equivalency of the course through syllabi in terms of content, duration, level, and credit value. A determination about pre-requisites must precede final admission to the program.
If it is determined that your prior coursework does not meet the prerequisite fundamental knowledge, you may be granted conditional acceptance to the Master of Counseling program pending completion of the required prerequisite(s). In this case, you would need to successfully complete the necessary coursework and submit an official transcript indicating your grade PRIOR to starting the Master of Counseling program.
You may request a review of your prior coursework after you officially apply to the Master of Counselling program. Please include the official course descriptions typically found on your university’s website or catalogue and a copy of unofficial transcripts. If you have any further questions, contact our advisor at BCAdmissions@CityU.edu
Additionally, in the instance an applicant has no related counselling experience, a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service is required. Some examples of related experience are: bereavement support, hospice worker, settlement support, coaching, group facilitator, teaching, group homes, special needs support, outreach with vulnerable populations or youth, etc.