University Certificate in Counselling Women

Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2024.

The University Certificate in Counselling Women applies contemporary feminist theory to the practice of counselling. The program develops basic counselling skills with a particular emphasis on acquiring crisis intervention skills.

The program is ideal for professionals and volunteers—crisis workers, social workers, family life educators, adult educators, nurses, teachers, and vocational counsellors—who will acquire the skills to help women solve specific and everyday problems.

The elective courses can consist of Athabasca University courses and approved courses from other institutions. The certificate can be transferred to other programs at Athabasca University and other universities if the courses fit the requirements at the receiving institution. Students who are planning to complete the certificate in one year (based on a full-time Student Finance study plan) should first discuss their plan with the Program Coordinator.

Planning your program

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.

Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

The following general regulations apply to all certificate programs.

University certificate programs provide interim qualifications in specific subject areas. Athabasca University has developed individual program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Fifty per cent* of the total credits required must be completed through Athabasca University. Up to 50 per cent of the required credits may be transferred from another post-secondary institution.
* Some certificate programs require less than 50 per cent, e.g., University Certificate in Counselling Women.
University certificate credentials are awarded throughout the year. Students must submit an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar (see Graduation).
Students with less than 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program may withdraw from their degree and apply into a university certificate program. Credit will be awarded (from the previous incomplete degree program) to the extent permissible under the applicable program regulations in effect at the time of the change of credential.
Students with 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program are encouraged to consult with a student advisor before changing programs.
Students who change their program of study from an Athabasca University degree program to a university certificate program forfeit their standing in the degree program. If students wish to return to the degree program (after being enrolled in the university certificate program) they will be required to meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-enrolment (see Changing Programs) to the degree.
Students who have completed a previous credential (degree, certificate, or diploma) from Athabasca University or another institution must complete a minimum of 50 per cent of the credits in course work not previously used towards any credential.
Students who have a previous credential in the same subject area as the certificate cannot enrol in the certificate.
Students who have completed the former University Certificate in Labour Relations or the University Certificate in Labour Studies may not enrol in the University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations.

Program structure

program structure
Total credits in the program	30
Required credits	21
Elective credits	9
Residency requirement. A minimum of 6 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University	6
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits	15

Required courses

(21 credits)

required courses
WGST 305 – Decolonializing Mental Health	(3)
PSYC 345 – The Psychology of Gender and Sexuality	(3)
PSYC 347 – Introduction to Feminist Counselling	(3)
WGST 201 – An Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies	(3)
WGST 302 – Communication Skills and Counselling Practice	(3)
WGST 310 – Feminist Approaches to Counselling Women	(3)
WGST 499 – Final Project	(3)

Electives

(Select 9 credits from the following)

Alternative courses not listed below may be acceptable with permission of the program coordinator.

electives
Any senior (300/400) level WGST course
Any senior level (300/400) level PSYC course
ENGL 255 – Introductory Composition	(3)
ENGL 307 – Women in Literature	(3)
ENGL 308 – Indigenous Literature in Canada	(3)
SOCI 378/CMNS 385 – Rebel With a Cause: Social Movements in History and Popular Culture	(3)
INST 358 – Aboriginal Women in Canada	(3)
POEC 395 – Political Economy of Development: People, Processes, and Policies	(3)
POLI 350 – Women in Canadian Politics	(3)
CMNS 419 – Digital Storytelling	(3)
INST 420 – Indigenous Resistance	(3)

Information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.

Updated July 16, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)