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University Certificate, Gender & Social Justice Counselling

Regulations amended, effective Sep. 1, 2025.

The University Certificate, Gender & Social Justice Counselling (GSJC) applies contemporary intersectional feminist and social justice theory to the practice of counselling. The program develops applied therapeutic skills in crisis intervention, mental health-focused community service, and a wide variety of helping professions.

Students will explore the relationship of social location, prejudice, discrimination and identity—such as one's gender, race, class, sexuality, and disability—to mental health and well being. The certificate additionally allows students to specialize in relevant issues such as decolonization, violence against women, and social activism.

This program is ideal for professionals and volunteers, including crisis workers, social workers, family life educators, adult educators, nurses, teachers, and vocational counsellors. Students will acquire practical skills to meet diverse client's psycho/social needs and support the empowerment of marginalized groups.

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

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, .

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.

Program structure

program structure
Total credits in the program 30
Required credits 18
Elective credits 6
Specialization credits 6
Residency requirement. A minimum of 15 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University 15
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits 15

Required courses

(18 credits)

required courses
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)

Specialization courses

(Select 6 credits from the following)

WGST 305 – Decolonizing Mental Health (3)
WGST 422 – Violence Against Women: A Global Perspective (3)
WGST 470 – Activism and Social Movement Making (3)

Electives

(Select 6 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, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026.

Updated July 18, 2025 by Office of the Registrar