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Counselling Psychology
The master of arts (MA) degree signifies the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the student's field of specialization and competence in conducting significant and original research in education. This program is for students interested in careers as counsellors in schools, colleges, and community agencies. Students pursue a general program with specialized course and fieldwork opportunities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered if superior scholarly or professional achievement is demonstrated.
Admission is granted to a specific degree and to a particular program or specialization. Application information is available from the Faculty of Education.
Program Requirements
This program consists of courses and a thesis for a minimum of 52 units.
Students must complete
An initial clinical course where students develop their basic and beginning counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 870, 874. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
An advanced clinical courses where students further develop their counselling skills and increase their conceptual understanding of theoretical perspectives of counselling through practice, including counselling processes and case conceptualizations. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 799. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G031 |
Patricia Nitkin |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:00–7:20 p.m.
|
|
| G032 |
Gillian Diane Smith |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:00–7:20 p.m.
|
|
Supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 800. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Advanced supervised clinical experience for students enrolled in the MEd or MA Counselling Psychology Program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 801. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Assessment procedures used in educational and community counselling settings, including intake assessment, case conceptualization, observational procedures, diagnostic categories, ethics, bias and multicultural and diversity issues. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Students examine analytic, phenomenological, existential, behavioral and cognitive approaches to counselling, and the philosophical and personality theories upon which they are based. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the MA/MEd counselling psychology program or permission of instructor. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Issues related to foundational ethical principles and systems, professional and legal standards for counselling psychology, review of ethics codes, ethical decision-making, and other topics including professional boundaries, competence, service across cultures, social justice, consulting and private practice, and ethical guidelines around evaluation, assessment, supervision, and research.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G031 |
Laura Farres |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Counselling skills and strategies are analysed, practiced, and critically examined. Counsellor decision-making, counselling effectiveness, and professionalism in counselling are also considered. Prerequisite: EDUC 870.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G031 |
Gillian Diane Smith |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
and one methodology research course selected from the list below, in consultation with the supervisor
Focus on critical analysis of quantitative research in education. Research studies examined will be based on exploratory and confirmatory data analysis, including group comparisons and correlations. Students will use calculators and computers for data analysis and display. Prerequisite: EDUC 810 or 864.
Designing and interpreting research about education. Introduction to survey techniques, correlational designs, classic experimental and evaluation designs for investigating causal relations, case study methods, interpretive approaches to research. Students with credit for EDUC 814 may not take this course for further credit. Equivalent Courses: EDUC814.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G001 |
Magally Constant |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| G002 |
Engida Gebre |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
| G031 |
Cecile Bullock |
TBD |
This course introduces students to qualitative research in education and examines topics such as identifying problems, using conceptual frameworks, coding, data analysis, drawing interpretations, and constructing arguments.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G001 |
Sessional |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one of
Students discuss models of family dynamics and instructional interventions applicable by school personnel in family counselling interactions. Concepts and techniques will be explicated through discussion and simulation. Prerequisite: EDUC 870.
An examination of contemporary approaches to career counselling.
and a thesis
Thesis
Normally, before the fifth course, a master's thesis research plan is presented to the tenured or tenure track member of the faculty whom the student proposes to be supervisor. The supervisor and at least one other faculty member chosen in consultation with the supervisor constitutes the supervisory committee. The master's thesis is examined as prescribed in Graduate General Regulations 1.9 and 1.10.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements within nine terms.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.