University Certificate in Counselling Women

Program overview

Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Counselling Women is specifically designed for those who work directly with women in crisis intervention. The program applies feminist theory to the practice of counselling women in these settings.

In this program you will learn to

• identify client needs
• refer clients appropriately
• critically analyze social and counselling issues from a feminist perspective
• understand the shifting social, political, economic and cultural contexts in which counselling takes place

You will also develop your awareness of the cultural and social bases of human prejudice and discrimination, including

• sexism
• racism
• ethnocentrism
• ageism
• classism

This program explores feminist insights that support the diversity of human experience, identity, and ways of life.

Why take the University Certificate in Counselling Women?

The University Certificate in Counselling Women enhances counselling and problem-solving skills for both professionals and volunteers:

• crisis workers
• social workers
• family life educators
• adult educators
• nurses
• teachers
• vocational counsellors

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 6 credits at AU.

• Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Program requirements

To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.

• Requirements: University Certificate in Counselling Women

Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

• Program plan: University Certificate in Counselling Women

Required courses

Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:

Tuition and fees

Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.

• Calculate your course cost

You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.

Program learning outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• Explain social, political, economic, and cultural contexts informing the human experience from social, cultural, and feminist perspectives.
• Describe multiple factors underlying human prejudice and discrimination from social, cultural, and feminist perspectives.
• Explain counselling theories from a feminist perspective.
• Recognize client psycho/social needs from a variety of theoretical perspectives in order to inform appropriate practice with future clients.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to the client referral process to understand personal limitations as a counsellor in order to inform appropriate practice with future clients.
• Demonstrate competency in supporting the diversity of human experience, identity, and ways of life from a variety of knowledge and theoretical perspectives.

Continuing education

At Athabasca University:

• Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies
• Bachelor of General Studies