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Master of Counselling,(Vancouver & Victoria) British Columbia

CREDENTIAL
Master’s Degree

DURATION
21-42 months

Contact an Enrollment Advisor

NEXT INFO SESSIONS:

Victoria
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30 pm PST

Vancouver

Master of Counselling

About

Important Dates — Master of Counselling (BC)

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About the Program

The Master of Counselling (MC) program at City University in Canada prepares compassionate, ethical, and culturally responsive counselling professionals. Offered in Vancouver and Victoria, the program combines rigorous academic coursework, supervised clinical training, and experiential learning to prepare graduates for professional counselling practice.  

Designed for aspiring counsellors, career changers, and professionals in helping fields, the program emphasizes clinical competence, ethical practice, cultural humility, and social responsibility. Students develop the knowledge and confidence to support diverse individuals, families, and communities while preparing for meaningful careers in counselling and mental health services.  

Why Choose CityU? 

  • Flexible study options with full-time and part-time pathways designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.  
  • A supportive cohort model that fosters collaboration, peer connections, and long-term professional networks.  
  • Experienced faculty who are active practitioners and scholars, bringing real-world perspectives into the classroom.  
  • Supervised practicum and internship experiences that help students build clinical skills, professional confidence, and practical experience.  
  • Preparation for professional credentials, including academic pathways toward Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designations.  

Our Approach 

At CityU, we believe effective counselling begins with self-awareness, cultural humility, ethical practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The program encourages students to understand the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence well-being while developing the skills to work respectfully and effectively with diverse individuals and communities.  

Take the Next Step 

Ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Explore the Master of Counselling program and take the next step toward a rewarding career in counselling. 

Attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the program, admissions requirements, and career opportunities. 

NEXT INFO SESSIONS:

Victoria
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30 pm PST

Vancouver

Program Description

Earn your Master of Counselling degree at CityU in Canada, with programs in Victoria and Vancouver. Approved by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. 

Become a trusted counsellor, advocate, and change-maker. At City University’s Master of Counselling program, we balance rigorous clinical training with a deep commitment to social justice, cultural humility, and ethical practice. Students graduate not only with academic knowledge, but with clinical confidence that is grounded in practice, supervision, and applied learning.  

The program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the counselling profession, career-changers, as well as working professionals in the mental health field seeking graduate-level training and credentials.  

Still undecided about which is the right program for you?

Find here the comparison between Master of Counselling and Master of Education School Counselling
Criteria Master of Education School Counselling Master of Counselling
Credential Master of Education (MEd) Master of Counselling (MC) 
Target Audience Educators, aspiring School/District Counsellors Aspiring Clinical counsellors, Therapists, Private Practitioners 
Program Focus School and child/adolescent counselling Professional counselling in diverse settings, addressing mental health across the lifespan 
Key Courses Child and adolescent counselling, mental health assessments, ethics, group counselling, research Multicultural counselling, trauma counselling, couple and family counselling, ethics, research 
Delivery Format In-person or online synchronous (select Saturdays + July intensive) Mixed-Mode (online/in-person), Saturday in-person cohort, or Full-Time weekday in-person stream. 
Schedule In-person or online synchronous classes on select Saturdays (oct-June), plus a two-week summer intensive Part-time (Saturdays and Mixed-Mode) or Full-Time (2 weekdays) 
Program Length: 2 to 2.75 years (52 Quarter Credits2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time (72 Quarter Credits
Program Start Dates Fall (October) and Spring (April) Fall (October: Mixed-Mode & Sat. cohort), Winter (January: Weekday stream) 
Internship Required, independently securedRequired, including internship (fieldwork) and practicum courses. Internship is independently secured.
Capstone Requirement Yes – Final project or paperYes – Integrative research paper and presentation
CityU Accreditation/ Consent Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education 
Career Pathways School or district counsellors, child and youth counsellors, private practice Clinical counsellor, private practice, community mental health 
   
Credentialing Eligibility* RCC, CCC, TQS upgrades RCC, CCC 
TQS (Teacher Qualification Service) Eligible for upgrades Not applicable (unless student holds teaching certification) 
*Credentialing Eligibility: Graduates may be eligible for professional designations such as RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor), CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor), and for Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) category upgrades, depending on individual circumstances and regulatory body requirements. 

Program Outcomes

  • Counselling Skills:  Apply sound essential counseling skills derived from a credible knowledge base that encompasses diverse theoretical perspectives.
  • Counselling Theory:  Articulate and apply a range of coherent theoretical approaches that are relevant to clients’ concerns and aspirations.
  • Diversity & Collaboration:  Collaborate with people of diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs and socioeconomic status.
  • Counsellor in Community:  Demonstrate an understanding of the role of counselors in promoting social justice and the well-being of the greater community.
  • Professional Development:  Establish a commitment to professional development through continuing education, clinical supervision, self-reflection, and consultation with peers.
  • Research:  Locate and critically evaluate research related to core areas of counseling practice.
  • Ethical Practice:  Recognize and apply professional ethical standards, including clear and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community.
  • Assessment & Testing:  Gathers information to assess needs and next steps in the counseling process, including assessment for suicide/homicide risk and reporting requirements for abuse/ neglect of vulnerable populations.

The CityU program offers

  • Flexible formats that fit your life. Choose from full-time or part-time options—enabling you to pursue your education while balancing work, family, and wellbeing. Full-time programs involve all-day classes two days a week. Part-time options include a Weekend stream (in-person) and a Mixed Mode stream that blends in-person and online learning.  
  • Built-in support through cohort learning. You’ll progress through the program with the same group of peers, creating a close community that fosters collaboration, accountability, and mutual encouragement. These peers are  important collaborators when you are in the program and become part of invaluable professional networks after graduation.  
  • Hands-on clinical experience. An internship component offers students the opportunity to work with clients in the community. Students are supported through structured supervision and mentorship that strengthens clinical competence and ethical decision-making. You graduate with meaningful and applicable skills and confidence in your professional identity as a counsellor. 
  • Guided by active practitioners. Faculty are experienced clinicians and scholars, bringing research-backed knowledge and real-world practice into the classroom. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty from a range of backgrounds who are committed to bringing the material alive through demonstrations, role-plays, case studies, and interactive classroom elements. 
  • A comprehensive foundation. Your coursework includes the foundational areas of ethics, psychotherapy models, assessment, research methods, and more. Additionally, CityU sets itself apart by offering dedicated courses in specialized areas, such as grief and loss, trauma, clinical supervision, aging psychology, and couples counselling —preparing you for diverse client needs and practice settings. 

Graduate with Credentials and Confidence  

Upon completion, you’re eligible to register as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) or Canadian Certified Counsellor (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association), empowering you to practice professionally across BC and beyond.  

If you’re driven by purpose, committed to growth, and ready to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, City University’s Master of Counselling program is a pathway crafted for you. Flexible, experiential, and rooted in ethical practice—this program supports you every step of the way. Graduates leave prepared to support clients with skill, integrity, and confidence—and go on to work in private practice, community agencies, schools, post-secondary settings, health services, addictions, and trauma-focused programs. Ready to take the next step? Explore the program details and apply to join our next cohort. 


Apply today to gain the skills and credentials needed for a rewarding career in counselling. 

At CityU, we prioritize career advancement, accessibility, and flexibility in education! The Master of Counselling program in BC is offered in two formats: 

1. Flexible Learning: Designed for working professionals, this part-time option allows you to balance your career and studies. Students can choose between Saturday classes or a Mixed-Mode format, with a Fall start date.


2. Full-Time Day Stream: Perfect for those looking to fast-track their studies, this full-time option requires attendance two weekdays per week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a Winter start date each year.

Career Pathways

  • Community mental health agencies
  • Behavioral healthcare organizations
  • Social service agencies
  • Private practice
  • Hospitals
  • Government agencies
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Military system
  • Substance use treatment centers

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Master of Counselling, Vancouver

789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu

Master of Counselling, Victoria

Vancouver Island Technology Park 
Suite 2307 – 4464 Markham St, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8
Ph:  250.391.7444 or 1.800.663.7466
 vanisle@cityu.edu

General Inquiries

789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu

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