Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling - Program orientation

Students applying to the Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling must also be prepared to complete the six-week program orientation. However, these students will complete the course on their own rather than as part of a cohort of new students. The orientation is offered entirely online and is designed to prepare students for graduate studies at a distance.

The GCAP 500 student orientation course provides students entering the program with additional information about our programs and courses. There is no credit for this course, which is is designed to familiarize students with the tools, resources, and procedures that they will draw on throughout their graduate program, as well as the roles and expectations of both students and program staff. We recognize that distance learning and online communication are new to many students; however, by the end of GCAP 500, students should feel more confident in this virtual academic environment and be ready to begin their first program course.

In addition to developing the competencies associated with the practice of counselling psychology, we expect our graduates to have exceptional critical reasoning and written and verbal presentation skills. We will work with you throughout your program to ensure that you are able to communicate at a professional level. We also recognize that success in any graduate course or program depends on your basic foundational writing skills. Because we want to ensure the success of all students, we have prepared an instructional process for you to assess and enhance your writing competency before you start your program.

During the Student Orientation, new students area also strongly encouraged to complete Professional Writing in the Health Disciplines. This course contains seven lessons that will guide you through the process of planning, drafting, revising, and editing a graduate paper. Particular focus is placed on implementation of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) publishing standards. There is no credit assigned to Professional Writing in the Health Disciplines. However, students are required to complete the course before they take any other GCAP courses. By applying to the program, you are agreeing to complete this writing course. Failure to complete the course may result in withdrawal of the offer of admission to the program.