Master of Counselling
Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted.
The Faculty of Health Disciplines offers a 36-credit Master of Counselling (MC) program. The MC is a mixed online delivery master's program designed to meet the graduate academic requirements for the career paths of counselling therapist, psychotherapist, or counselling psychologist. The program incorporates core and specialization courses to ensure that all learners attain entry-level competence.
We offer:
- Master of Counselling: Counselling Psychology
- Master of Counselling: Art Therapy* (Admissions to the Art Therapy program specialization are currently suspended. See note below.)
Learners in the Art Therapy specialization take their art therapy courses through the .
Counselling Psychology
The Counselling Psychology specialization is designated as an approved program of the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) in 2021. Graduates with sufficient additional psychology coursework meet the academic requirements for licensing as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta.
Graduates from the Master of Counselling course-based route require an additional 36-credits in psychology. Graduates from the thesis-route require an additional 30-credits in psychology. To meet the academic requirements to be a Registered Psychologist, CAP requires that this additional coursework include 3 credits at the senior undergraduate (i.e., typically 300 or 400 level) or graduate level in each of these foundational knowledge areas:
- Social bases of behaviour
- Biological bases of behaviour
- Cognitive/affective bases of behaviour
- Psychology of the individual
Learners from other provinces are responsible for checking their provincial regulatory body for licensure requirements.
Psychotherapy
The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario approved the Master of Counselling (MC) degree in Counselling Psychology in 2022 for a 5-year term.
MC students In the course-based exit route are eligible to become Registered Psychotherapists – Qualifying (RP-Q) after completing 10 courses. Students in the thesis route are eligible to become RP-Qs when they have completed other coursework and have not yet defended their thesis.
Given our status as an approved program, our students are eligible to apply via an expedited and streamlined application route.
Art Therapy*
* Program suspended – Athabasca University and the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute have suspended admissions to the Master of Counselling: Art Therapy specialization. Current students are able to complete the program up to Dec. 31, 2024. The program is suspended as of June 30, 2025.
Learners in the Art Therapy specialization take art therapy courses through the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (). VATI was established in 1982 and is accredited by the Degree Quality Assessment Board of the Province of British Columbia. VATI offers a graduate level diploma program in Art Therapy. Learners in the Master of Counselling: Art Therapy take core program courses through Athabasca University and then access specialization courses through VATI. The VATI courses are recognized for transfer credit into the Athabasca University Master of Counselling Art Therapy specialization.
The Art Therapy specialization is designed to provide learners with both a solid foundation in counselling practice as well as specialized training in art therapy. Art therapy provides individuals with an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials through painting, sculpture, or drawing. The symbolic communication of emotions and experiences through art leads naturally into other more traditional verbal forms of counselling processes.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education effective February 24, 2014, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions). Reconfirmed Aug. 12, 2019.
To be admitted to the Master of Counselling (MC) program, applicants must have:
- an undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree, normally 4 years.*
- a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the last 10 half course equivalents (30 credits).
- a minimum of 3 courses** (nine credits) in psychology or educational psychology, including:
- a course in developmental psychology (3 credits),
- a course in learning psychology (3 credits),
- a course in counselling theories or personality theories (3 credits).
* The undergraduate degree must be conferred prior to the application deadline. Official, sealed transcripts including the date of degree conferral must be received by the program office on or before the application deadline. Canadian degrees must be granted by institutions that are members of Universities Canada or are provincially authorized to grant university degrees. US degrees must be granted by institutions that are regionally accredited.
** These courses must be at the second-year undergraduate level or above (senior-level), and must be completed, with a grade issued on an official transcript, by the application deadline. An official, sealed transcript stating final course grades must also be received by the Faculty of Health Disciplines office on or before the application deadline. Official translated transcripts must be submitted for applicants with transcripts issued in a language other than English (e.g. Canadian French language post-secondary institutions).
To calculate your program admission GPA (the GPA ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓwill use for your entry into the program), please visit the Graduate Admission GPA page on the Faculty of Health Disciplines website.
If you are lacking the prerequisite psychology courses, they are available through Athabasca University. These courses are offered in an online learning format. To register in a course, please follow Athabasca University undergraduate course registration process.
| Prerequisite | Available courses | |
|---|---|---|
| Learning psychology | PSYC 365 - Behaviour Modification Principles | (3) |
| PSYC 387 - Learning | (3) | |
| PSYC 355 - Cognitive Psychology | (3) | |
| Developmental psychology | PSYC 323 - Developmental Psychology | (3) |
| PSYC 381 - Psychology of Adult Development | (3) | |
| PSYC 350 - Adolescent Development | (3) | |
| Counselling theories | PSYC 406 - Introduction to Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy | (3) |
| PSYC 356 - Introduction to Personality Theories and Issues | (3) | |
| PSYC 388 - Introduction to Counselling | (3) | |
If you are submitting alternative prerequisite courses from another post-secondary institution, please submit a course outline/syllabus and a website link to the course if available. Courses are not reviewed for equivalency prior to the application deadline. Prerequisites will be evaluated during the admission process.
Preference is given in the admissions process to applicants who have at minimum 1–2 years full-time paid or volunteer experiences in counselling or a related field.
Successful applicants are required to participate in an online self-study GCAP 500: Student Orientation before the start of the program. Failure to successfully complete the orientation may result in removal from the program.
Applicants without a 4-year degree
Applicants without a 4-year degree will be considered if they have completed a degree equivalent to 3-year academic degree programs at Athabasca University. The degree must consist of a minimum of 90 credits (15 full-course equivalents). In addition, applicants must meet 1 of the following additional criteria:
- A minimum of 18 additional credits (3 full-course equivalents) at the senior undergraduate or graduate level. The average grade point of the additional coursework must be at least 3.0 to apply to the Master of Counselling program or 2.5 to apply to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling. (OR)
- Evidence of at least 3 years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience. Applicants must demonstrate that the work experience has been completed within the last 5 years and was in an area related to counselling/human services or equivalent. Applicants must also demonstrate active professional development during that time period in areas related to counselling. Applicants must have an average GPA of 3.3 in psychology and educational psychology courses in their degree program and in any additional program prerequisites if applying to the Master of Counselling (and 2.8 if applying to the Graduate Diploma in Counselling*).
Advanced standing
Some learners may have completed work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the MC program. Only courses taken within 6 years of the date of application will be considered for advance credit. Learners may apply for advance credit for up to 12 credits of graduate study from other universities into the MC program. A maximum of 3 credits can be applied to the area of specialization. The remaining courses must be applied to the core program courses. Learners must demonstrate that previous course work is equivalent to core MC courses or appropriate for option or specialization course credit.
Transfer credit
Learners may apply for transfer credit for up to 12 credits of graduate study from other universities into the MC program if courses were not used to fulfill requirements of a completed degree or credential. A maximum of 3 credits can be applied to the area of specialization. The remaining courses must be applied to the core program courses. Transfer credit maximums are inclusive of any advance credit awarded at the time of admission. Only graduate level course that were successfully completed with a final grade of B- (70%) or higher, will be considered for transfer credit. For more information on applying for transfer credit, there is a Transfer credit tab below.
Non-program students
Current and post-master's learners who are not enrolled in the MC program may apply to register in MC courses on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting. Applications are considered based on credential evaluation from a regulatory or crediting body that specifies the courses required. Courses taken as a non-program learner may be directly applied toward the program in accordance with the degree requirements, if and when a learner becomes a program student. However, the MC program is under no obligation to admit non-program learners. To apply to take a course as a non-program learner, please contact gcapadmin@athabascau.ca.
English language proficiency
There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the learner's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.
Application deadlines
The Faculty of Health Disciplines typically recommends that students start the application process at least 12-16 weeks prior to the application deadline (noted in the chart below). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It may take 8-12 weeks after the deadline to receive an admission decision.
| Program | Application deadline | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Counselling and Graduate Diploma in Counselling | Jan. 15 | September |
| Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist | Nov. 1 | May |
| March 1 | September | |
| July 1 | January | |
| Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling and Post-Masters Diploma – Nurse Practitioner | Dec. 1 | May |
| April 1 | September | |
| Aug. 1 | January |
These deadlines are final, and no exceptions will be granted. There are no appeals to admissions decisions. Incomplete or late applications are not assessed nor retained for consideration for admission the following year.
Application process
Follow the steps in the application process on the Health Disciplines website and include the non-refundable application fee.
Non-program student application deadlines
The following are deadlines to apply as a non-program student:
- May 15 for Fall session courses (September to December)
- Sep. 15 for Winter session courses (January to April)
- Jan. 15 for Spring session courses (May to August)
Late applications are not assessed nor retained for future consideration.
Visiting students and prospective students who have not been admitted to the Master of Counselling (MC), Graduate Diploma in Counselling (GDC), or Post-Master's Certificate in Counselling (PMCC) programs may be permitted to register in up to 2 approved MC courses on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting. Applications are considered based on credential evaluation from a regulatory or credentialing body that specifies the courses required.
This option is only available to current and post-master's learners who are not currently enrolled in the MC, GDC, or PMCC programs. Eligible applicants may apply to register in MC courses on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting. Courses taken as a non-program learner may be directly applied toward the program in accordance with the degree requirements if a learner is accepted as a program student. Grades on courses completed as a non-program student will be considered in the admission process. However, the MC program is under no obligation to admit non-program learners into the MC program.
Application process
Follow the steps in the application process on the Faculty of Health Disciplines website and include the non-refundable application fee.
Non-program course registration deadlines
The following deadlines are for non-program course registrations:
- June 15 for Fall session courses (September to December)
- Oct. 15 for Winter session courses (January to April)
- Feb. 15 for Spring session courses (May to August)
Register in courses
Course registration is not possible until our office has completely processed your application. Existing non-program students can proceed to registering in courses.
- View course offerings to review the syllabus for your course selection. Note: not all courses are available to non-program learners. Access to courses will depend on availability with priority given to program students.
- Review the applicable fees. Ensure you include the appropriate Course Tuition Fee as well as the Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) Fee.
- For those students taking a course through the Western Dean's Agreement, online registration cannot be completed. Note that the fully completed and approved must be received in the Faculty of Health Disciplines (FHD) program office by the applicable course registration deadline noted above.
- It is the learner's responsibility to register by the course registration deadline and ensure that all prerequisite requirements are fulfilled. If a learner registers in a course for which they are not eligible, the registration may be cancelled and the tuition fee, less the withdrawal processing fee, will be refunded.
- Ensure you are aware of the applicable course withdrawal regulations. Information about course withdrawal is under Course regulations and procedures. Contact the FHD program office at gcapadmin@athabascau.ca at least 1 month before the applicable course registration deadline.
- Funded students will be required to pay out-of-pocket if funding is not received prior to the course registration deadline. You must contact the Student Financial Aid office at Athabasca University, three months prior to your anticipated start date to ensure funding is in place for your start date. For more information, contact ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓStudent Financial Aid.
- Late registrations will not be accepted.
Only after you've been accepted to your Athabasca University program, can you apply for transfer credit for courses previously taken at other institutions towards your ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓprogram.
To apply for transfer credit, please complete the following steps:
- Carefully review the transfer credit allowance for the program to which you are applying to.
- Complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form, making sure to include the following information for each course:
- a clear indication of the Faculty of Health Disciplines course you are seeking transfer credit toward and
- institution name, course title and number, and number of credits of the previously completed course that you want to have evaluated for transfer credit.
- Provide a complete syllabus for each course, including course description, learning objectives, course materials list, evaluation procedures, outline of core topics covered, and program regulations related to mark required for a passing grade. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information provided is complete.
Submit all the following components for transfer credit assessment:- official transcripts
- Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form
- course syllabi
- other pertinent materials
Transfer Credit Assessment Forms are to be emailed to the graduate academic advisor at fhdgradadvise@athabascau.ca.
Payment for transfer credit evaluation
You can pay your fees either by credit card or by electronic funds transfer (e-transfer). E-transfer information can be found on the Office of the Registrar site. More information on fees can be found here. Please do not submit your payment until the amount has been confirmed by your academic advisor.
For more information contact fhdgradadvise@athabascau.ca
| Winter 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 8 | First day of winter session courses | Ìý |
| Jan. 15 | Registration opens for spring session courses (May start) | |
| Feb. 7 | Early withdrawal deadline for winter session (January start) courses. The course will not appear on the transcript. | Ìý |
| Feb. 15 | Registration and tuition payment due for spring session courses (May start). No late registrations permitted. | |
| Feb. 17 | Family Day (Alberta) | University closed |
| March 1 | Nurse Practitioner – Preceptor Request Form deadline (Typhon) for clinical (September start). | |
| March 7 | Late withdrawal deadline from winter session (January) courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | Ìý |
| March 13 – 16 | Master of Counselling – GCAP 681: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| March 13 – 16 | Master of Counselling – GCAP 682: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| March 18 – 21 or March 20 – 23 | NURS 518 ON-site Physical Assessment Lab for Winter 2025 session NURS 518 students will attend one of the following:
| |
| April 8 | Last day of winter session courses | |
| April 18 – 21 | Easter break | University closed |
| April 27 | Deadline to submit Application for Graduation forms, grades, and other applicable program requirements to the Office of the Registrar for June Convocation. Thesis students must complete their oral exam by April 7, 2025, and upload their Thesis to the DThesis Repository by April 21, 2025. | |
| Spring 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| May 7 | First day of spring session courses | Ìý |
| May 15 | Registration opens for fall session courses (September start) | |
| May 19 | Victoria Day | University closed |
| May 31 | Deadline to register to attend Convocation 2025. Note: in order to apply to graduate in June, all requirements must be met by April 27. See above. | |
| June 5 – 6 | Convocation 2025. Visit the Convocation website for more information. | |
| June 6 | Early withdrawal deadline for spring session courses. The course will not appear on the transcript. | Ìý |
| June 15 | Registration and tuition payment due for fall courses (September start). No late registrations permitted. | Ìý |
| June 25 –Ìý July 30 | Orientation for new Counselling program students (MC, GDC, PMCC) | |
| July 1 | Canada Day | University closed |
| July 1 | Nurse Practitioner – Preceptor Request Form deadline in Typhon for clinical (January start). | |
| July 1 | Master of Counselling – Practicum Placement Request Form deadline in Typhon (September start). | |
| July 4 | Last day for late withdrawal from spring session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
| July 10 – 13 | GCAP 682: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| July 22 – 25 | NURS 518 On-site Physical Assessment Lab for Spring/Summer 2025 sessions NURS 518 students will attend July 22 – 25 (Tuesday to Friday) at one of:
| |
| Aug. 4 | Civic holiday | University closed |
| Aug. 5 | Last day of spring session courses |
| Fall 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sep. 1 | Labour Day | ÌýUniversity closed |
| Sep. 3 | First day of fall session courses | |
| Sep. 15 | Registration opens for winter session courses (January start) | Ìý |
| Sep. 30 | National Day of Truth and Reconciliation | Ìý |
| Oct. 2 | Early withdrawal deadline for fall session courses. The course will not appear on the transcript. | |
| Oct. 13 | Thanksgiving | University closed |
| Oct. 15 | Registration and tuition payment due for Winter session (January start). No late registrations permitted. | |
| Nov. 1 | Nurse Practitioner – Preceptor Request Form deadline (Typhon) for clinical (May start). | |
| Nov. 1 | Master of Counselling - Practicum Placement Request Form deadline in Typhon (January start). | Ìý |
| Nov. 2 | Late withdrawal deadline Fall courses (September start). Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
| Nov. 6 – 9 | Master of Counselling - GCAP 681: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| Nov. 11 | Remembrance Day | University closed |
| Dec. 2 | Last day of fall session courses | |
| Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 | The University will close at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026. | University closed |
| Winter 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 7 | First day of winter session courses | Ìý |
| Jan 15 | Registration opens for spring session courses (May start) | |
| Feb. 6 | Early withdrawal deadline for winter session (January start) courses. The course will not appear on the transcript. | Ìý |
| Feb. 15 | Registration and tuition payment due for spring session courses (May start). No later registrations permitted. | |
| Feb. 16 | Family Day (Alberta) | University closed |
| March 1 | Nurse Practitioner – Preceptor Request Form deadline (Typhon) for clinical (September start). | |
| March 6 | Late withdrawal deadline from Winter session (January) courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | Ìý |
| March 12 – 15 | Master of Counselling – GCAP 681: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | Ìý |
| March 12 – 15 | Master of Counselling – GCAP 682: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| April 7 | Last day of winter session courses | |
| April 3 – 6 | Easter Break | ÌýUniversity closed |
| TBD | Deadline to submit Application for Graduation forms, grades, and other applicable program requirements to the Office of the Registrar for June Convocation. |
| Spring 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| May 6 | First day of spring session courses | Ìý |
| May 15 | Registration opens for fall session courses (September start) | |
| May 18 | Victoria Day | University closed |
| TBD | Deadline to register to attend Convocation 2026. Note: in order to apply to graduate in June, all requirements must be met by April deadline. See above. | |
| TBD | Convocation 2026. Visit the Convocation website for more information. | |
| June 4 | Early withdrawal deadline for spring session courses. The course will not appear on the transcript. | Ìý |
| June 15 | Registration and tuition payment due for fall courses (September start). No late registrations permitted. | Ìý |
| June 24 –Ìý July 29 | Orientation for new Counselling program students (MC, GDC, PMCC) | |
| July 1 | Canada Day | University closed |
| July 1 | Nurse Practitioner – Preceptor Request Form deadline in Typhon for clinical (January start). | |
| July 1 | Master of Counselling – Practicum Placement Request Form deadline in Typhon (September start). | |
| July 4 | Last day for late withdrawal from spring session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing. | |
| July 9 – 12 | GCAP 682: Practicum Virtual Intensive Seminar | |
| Aug. 3 | Civic holiday | University closed |
| Aug. 4 | Last day of spring session courses |
Program delivery
The program is offered during 3 semesters each year. Learners participate in paced learning activities that require completion of course work on a fixed schedule. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted, if circumstances warrant.
Learners progressing through the Master of Counselling program on the standard program plan sequence generally complete the program in 3.3 years. Learners may take courses at a slower pace to accommodate life circumstances. Thesis learners usually take approximately 1 extra year to complete the program.
It is strongly recommended that you consider the time commitment involved with online graduate work as you prepare for this program. You should plan to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week in each course. During the semesters when you are completing your practicum, you must be able to devote 200 hours per semester on your practicum placement.
Program requirements
The MC program involves 36 credits of graduate psychology courses: 7 core courses, two 3-credit practicum courses, and 9 more credits.
Core courses
All learners are required to complete the following core courses:
All learners are also required to complete 2 counselling practicum courses:
| GCAP 681 – Counselling Practicum I | (3) |
| GCAP 682 – Counselling Practicum II | (3) |
Learners may apply to complete a thesis as part of the counselling psychology program. Thesis learners complete the following additional courses:
| GCAP 692 – Advanced Quantitative Research | (3) |
| or | |
| GCAP 693 – Advanced Qualitative Research | |
| GCAP 696 – Thesis I | (3) |
| GCAP 697 – Thesis II | (3) |
All learners are automatically enrolled in the course-based exit route. In the course-based exit route, learners also complete 2 elective courses:
| GCAP 643 – Health Psychology | (3) |
| GCAP 648 – Counselling Children and Adolescents from a Developmental Perspective | (3) |
| GCAP 650 – Special Topics Course | (3) |
| GCAP 654 – Family Therapy: Theory and Practice | (3) |
| GCAP 672 – Group Counselling and Process Skills | (3) |
And the following culminating course
| GCAP 695 – Specialization Seminar – Knowledge Transfer | (3) |
Maximum time in the program
Under exceptional circumstances, you may be permitted to complete the program over a longer period of time (taking up to a maximum of 7 years). However, you must still complete the first-year courses as part of your cohort. Be prepared to plan ahead to ensure course availability if you deviate from the standard program plan.
Program status
To maintain program status, learners must complete 6 credits during each academic year (Sep. 1 to Aug. 31). Learners are required to receive an overall grade of 70% or B- to pass each MC course. In addition, learners are expected to maintain at least a B or 75% in the program. Learners who fail a course or receive a grade of B- in 2 courses will be removed from the program with no option for re-admission to MC graduate programs (with the exception of GCAP 695 - Specialization Seminar – Knowledge Transfer where learners may have a second opportunity to repeat the seminar if they do not pass).
Residency
In keeping with Athabasca University's mandate of open access, residency requirements for the MC are satisfied when the learner has successfully completed 24 credits within the MC program. The remaining credits may be transferred from other institutions if they are applicable to AU's MC program.
Throughout the program, learners must participate in synchronous virtual labs and virtual intensive seminars (VIS). All learners must complete GCAP 671 - Responsive Counselling Relationships & Interpersonal Communication, GCAP 681 - Counselling Practicum I, and GCAP 682 - Counselling Practicum II within the MC program.
Program withdrawal
Learners may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the MC program office and formally withdrawing from any courses in which they are currently registered. Learners who withdraw may apply to re-enrol in the program by following the regular application procedures outlined above.
Full- and part-time status
Normally, the MC program is completed at a pace of 4 courses per year. Learners may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time learners must complete a minimum of 6 credits per calendar year. Program learners are considered full time if they complete a minimum of 9 credits in a given calendar year. Note however, that other organizations (e.g. provincial student loan programs, First Nations, Canada Revenue Agency) may have other criteria for defining full-time status.
Program completion time limits
Learners must complete the MC degree requirements within 7 years of their initial enrolment in the program. Learners who do not do so may be required to repeat courses completed at the beginning of their program.
Use of Master of Counselling credential
The MC program does not have candidacy exams, therefore the use of MC (C) or MC (Candidate) during your program is not permitted. You may use this credential only after the degree is conferred.
Graduation requirements
To be eligible for graduation, each learner must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate coursework required for the MC degree, including either the thesis or course-based exit.
Course registration
It is the learner's responsibility to register by the course registration deadline and ensure that all prerequisite requirements are fulfilled. If a learner registers in a course for which he/she is not eligible, the registration may be cancelled and the tuition fee—less the withdrawal processing fee—will be refunded.
Course extensions
The program is offered 3 semesters each year. Learners participate in paced learning activities that require completion of course work on a fixed schedule. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted, if circumstances warrant.
In exceptional circumstances, and where the course instructor concurs, learners may be assigned a grade of "Incomplete" (INC). This allows learners to take 1 additional month to complete and submit the course work. In order for learners to extend their course work, they must submit the course extension form and fee for approval. One month after the original course completion date, a final grade will be assigned to the course based on the assignments completed before that date. If no assignments have been submitted, a final grade will be assigned based on the course work received as of that date. Normally this will result in a grade of F being assigned.
Course withdrawal
Learners may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the session (refer to the current Academic schedule). In order to withdraw from a course, students must submit a Graduate Course Withdrawal Form to their program office. The date of withdrawal will be the date of the emailed form.
Learners who withdraw from a course any time after their course registration is finalized and up until the early withdrawal deadline (1 month after the course start date) will have the record of registration deleted from their official transcript and will be refunded the course tuition less the Course Withdrawal Processing Fee. Course materials should not be returned as there will be no additional refund.
Learners who withdraw from a course after the first month of the course start date and before the last month of the course will have their official record and transcript indicate that they withdrew without credit, and without prejudice or academic penalty (W). No fees will be refunded for learners withdrawing after the first month of a course.
Learners may not withdraw from a course within 30 days of the final day of the course.
A learner will only be allowed to withdraw from a core course 2 times (non-medical) before being asked to leave the program. Continued enrolment and withdrawing from a course—in particular a core course—is interpreted as the inability to successfully meet the academic requirements of the program.
Code of ethics
Learners, instructors, and faculty are required to abide by the .
Grading system
All courses will be graded using the Alpha/4.0 grading scale (effective September 1, 2004).
Please review the Graduate Grading Policy and information about academic records on the Office of the Registrar site for more information on grading scales.
Clinical Placement
FHD students in a clinical placement are bound by the Clinical Placement Misconduct Policy. Any actions or behaviours that fall under the scope of the university’s Academic Misconduct Policy, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, or Academic Integrity Policy will continue to be dealt with under those policies.
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
| Learners living in Canada | $1,8661 |
| Learners living outside Canada | $2,1111 |
1 Master of Counselling (MC) course tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology Fee of $58 and Course Materials Fee of $37 per course and are included in this calculation. This calculation also includes the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fee of $14 per credit.
| Program fee per 3-credit course (non-refundable) | $676 |
| Program fee per 6-credit course (non-refundable) | $1,352 |
| Total program fee (non-refundable)2 | $8,112 |
2 The total program fee is split up and charged with individual course registrations.
Estimated program tuition cost (2024-2025):
The total tuition cost for a learner living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, over a 3 ⅓ year period, would be $30,504 ($1,866 x 12 = $22,392, 3-credit course equivalents, plus program fees of $8,112 for a total of $30,504). AUGSA fees are included in the above calculations. Application, admission, and Art Therapy specialization fees are not included in the above calculation.
The Athabasca University Graduate Student Association Fee of $14 per credit will be added to the Course Registration Fee.
Other fees
| Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee | $348/course |
| Course Extension Fee (this fee applies to extensions of all FHD graduate courses, regardless of credit weight) | $334 |
| Letter of Permission Fee: | $100 |
| Course Withdrawal Processing Fee2: | $453 |
| ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓGraduate Student Association Fee (per credit): | $14 |
2 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a learner withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to the information about course withdrawal under Course regulations and procedures.
Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.
Information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.
Helpful links and resources:
Updated May 01, 2025 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)