Graduate Programs

Graduate Certificate in Couple Counselling and Spirituality

The objective of the program is to train in couple counselling professionals who are already experienced counselors. Professionals who seek to update their credentials and skills in the area of couple therapy, by completing the Certificate, will have completed, in the area of theory and therapy, the six marriage and family courses required towards certification by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). AAMFT Clinical Membership pre-requisites include three master's courses in MFT theory and three courses in MFT training. The Certificate does not imply clinical competence.

Students can usually register for only one course per session. To be registered full-time, a student must submit a request to the Faculty of Human Sciences.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

Applicants must hold an honours bachelor's degree or a 4-year bachelor's degree with a major in a related area, including appropriate courses in psychology and sociology (24 credits in total), and counselling training and experience (minimum of 120 face-to-face hours).

The applicants must already have significant counselling experience. No counselling training is offered in the proposed Certificate.

Program Requirements

Core Courses

IPA 5138 Theories of Family Systems and Intervention
IPA 5144 Theology and Counselling
IPA 7104 Theories of Couple Counselling
IPA 7107 Couple Dysfunction and Assessment in Couple Counselling

Optional Courses

Students must choose two courses from the following:

IPA 5134 Practical Theology*
IPA 5142 Working with Trauma and Violence in Families*
IPA 5160 Understanding the Trauma of Sexual Abuse**
IPA 7109 Survey of Sexual Dysfunction and Treatment**
ECS 5112 Trauma, healing and reconciliation**

*These optional courses are offered every year.
**These optional courses are offered on a two-year cycle.

Master of Arts in Conflict Studies (39 credits)

Students may prepare for a master's degree in one of two ways:

• Master's with thesis: The successful completion of 30 credits at the graduate level and the preparation and effective defence of a thesis (ECS 6442).
• Master's without thesis: The successful completion of 39 credits at the graduate level including a research paper submitted at the end of the Research Seminar (ECS 6140)

Residence

The residence requirements for the program are three full-time sessions. The residence requirements does not apply for one course per session.

Admission procedures specific to the program

Additional documents required for admission:

1. resumé;
2. autobiographical questionnaire (completed and signed);
3. two letters of recommendation.

Admission requirements specific to the program

Minimum Requirements:

1. A four year undergraduate degree with honours (or a major) in Political Science, Psychology, Theology, Ethics, or the equivalent such as a B.A. with honours (or a major) in Criminology, Philosophy or Law.
2. A minimum (70-74%) "B" average in the bachelor's degree.

An Admissions Committee will review all applications. It will give priority to candidates with strong grades in the core disciplines of the program, and in fields of study related to conflict studies in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Law. Candidates who possess an academic profile different from the above mentioned may also be admitted if they have significant experience in the analysis and/or resolution of conflicts. Candidates with an active or passive knowledge of the other official language will be taken into consideration in the selection process.

Program Requirements

Nine Compulsory Courses

First Year

ECS 5101 Identity-Based Conflict
ECS 5103 Research Methods
ECS 5110 History of Conflict Resolution
ECS 5131 Conflict Resolution: Analysis and Design
ECS 5302 Approaches to Conflict and Social Justice

Second Year

ECS 5304 Ethical Dimensions of Conflict
ECS 5311 Religious Identities and Conflict
ECS 5330 Conflict Resolution: Results Assessment
ECS 6140 Research Seminar
or
ECS 6999 MA Thesis (9 cr.)

Optional Courses

Students select four courses (two if the thesis option is chosen) from the elective courses.

ECS 5112 Trauma, Healing and Reconciliation
ECS 5114 Genocide and Reconciliation
ECS 5116 Political Economy of Conflict
ECS 5118 Contemporary Peacebuilding
ECS 5119 Mediation and Negotiation: Theory and Practice
ECS 5120 Selected Topics in Conflict Studies
ECS 5132 Group Processes: Theory and Research
ECS 5313 Spirituality and Conflict
ECS 5315 Gender and Conflict
ECS 5316 Indigenous Cultures: Conflict and Coexistence
ECS 5333 Dialogue: Theory and Research

Master of Arts in Counselling and Spirituality
(45 credits with thesis, 39 credits with research seminar)

Candidates for the M.A. in Counselling and Spirituality must demonstrate reasonable competence in one of the two concentrations offered at the Faculty. This requires a satisfactory standing in the course work and practica. The total number of credits required of students in the non-thesis option is 39: 21 credits in theoretical courses in theology and social sciences, 15 credits in professional practice (practica, professional ethics, and personal and integrative seminars), and 3 credits for the research seminar.

The total number of credits required in the thesis option is 45: 18 credits in theoretical courses in theology and social sciences, 15 credits in professional practice (practica, ethical issues and personal and integrative seminars), and 12 credits for the thesis.

This two-year program features two areas of concentration:

• Counselling (individual and/or marital/couple);
• Spiritual Care.

Admission procedures specific to the program

Additional documents required for admission:

1. Detailed transcripts of previous university records;
2. Three letters of recommendation (academic, professional, and personal) on special forms. These letters must be written by trustworthy persons who know the candidate well and are able to assess his or her work;
3. An autobiographical questionnaire completed by the candidate and outlining his or her motivations for requesting admission into this program, his or her projects, and all previous pastoral and work experience. This document remains strictly confidential;
4. A criminal record check is required for the practicum in hospitals;
5. All requests for advanced standing (cf. section on General Regulations and Specific Requirements);
6. Evidence of language proficiency: language testing. The Faculty requires evidence of language proficiency when the candidate's native tongue is neither English nor French.

NB: An interview is required for admission to the program.

Admission requirements specific to the program

1. an Honours Bachelor's degree or its equivalent;
2. 12 credits of theology or religious studies at university level;
3. 48 credits in psychology, sociology, social work, health sciences, theology or in related fields such as, but not exclusively, animation, social communications, mission sciences or conflict studies.
   
   Among the 48 credits:
   
   1. for the concentration in Counselling (individual and/or marital/couple): at least 18 credits in psychology, and at least another 6 credits which can be in psychology, sociology or social work;
   2. for the concentration in Spiritual Care: at least 12 credits in psychology, at least 6 credits in sociology, and at least another 6 credits which can be in psychology, in sociology or in social work.
      
      
4. Applicants must have a minimum 70% ("B") average in the Honours Bachelor's degree and the credits mentioned under points a and b above. The latter (credits) can be included in the Honours Bachelor.

Applicants who lack the necessary qualifications in theology or religious studies may be admitted to a qualifying year at Saint Paul University. Students wishing to complete this qualifying year at another university are advised to have their program approved by the Faculty of Human Sciences.

The academic record, maturity and motivation of the candidates, as well as their experience in the field of pastoral activity are additional credentials considered by the admissions committee. Candidates will also be required to pass an interview and write a report describing the interaction that will have taken place during the interview.

1. CONCENTRATION IN INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND/OR MARITAL/COUPLE COUNSELLING

Additional Costs

Other than regular tuition fees, students registered in a practicum in the Counselling program will have to pay additional costs for supervision.

Program Requirements

a. Compulsory courses (15 credits)

IPA 5131 Methodology of Empirical Research (3 cr.)
IPA 5134 Practical Theology (3 cr.)
IPA 5144 Theology and Counselling (3 cr.)
IPA 5146 Professional Issues and Ethics in Counselling (3 cr.)
IPA 6108 Psychopathology and Treatment (3 cr.)
IPA 6115 Personal Development Seminar (Mandatory, no credit)
IPA 7108 Integrative Seminar (Mandatory, no credit)

b. One Elective (3 credits) – not required with thesis option

c. Research

IPA 6356 Research Seminar (3 cr.)
or
IPA 6257 MA Thesis (12 cr.)

d. Professional Practice (18 credits)

Specialization in Individual Counselling

IPA 6120 Theories of Individual Counselling (3 cr.)
IPA 6221 Practicum in Individual Counselling I (6 cr.)
IPA 6321 Practicum in Individual Counselling II (3 cr.)
IPA 7211 Practicum in Individual Counselling III (6 cr.)
OR

Specialization in Marital Counselling

IPA 6221 Practicum in Individual Counselling I (6 cr.)
IPA 6321 Practicum in Individual Counselling II (3 cr.)
IPA 7104 Theories of Marital/Couple Therapy (3 cr.)
IPA 7205 Practicum in Marital/Couple Counselling (6 cr.)

2. CONCENTRATION IN SPIRITUAL CARE

This area of concentration is offered to men and women who wish to be chaplains and ministers in hospitals, health care institutions, prisons, and other institutions. The program blends an academic core with supervised pastoral education with the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE).

Additional Costs for Spiritual Care Students

Other than regular tuition fees, students registered in the Spiritual Care concentration of the M.A. program will incur additional costs for parking and transportation to and from the hospital setting. The Canadian Association Pastoral for Practice and Education (CAPPE) requires registration fees, per practicum.

Program Requirements

Core courses (6 credits)

IPA 5131 Methodology of Empirical Research
IPA 5134 Practical Theology

Compulsory courses (12 credits)

IPA 5149 Professional Issues and Ethics in Spiritual Care
IPA 6103 Spirituality and Human Development
IPA 6151 Spirituality and Adaptation to Illness
IPA 6152 Theology and Spiritual Care

One Elective (3 credits) – not required with thesis option

[Suggested electives]

HSS 4100 Death Made Visible (UO)
IPA 6108 Psychopathology and Treatment
IPA 5138 Theories of Family Systems
IPA 5162 Trauma, Healing and Reconciliation

Research

IPA 6356 Research Seminar (3 cr.)
or
IPA 6257 MA Thesis (12 cr.)

Professional Practice (15 credits)

IPA 6160 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Practicum I (4 cr.)
IPA 6161 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Practicum II (4 cr.)
IPA 7162 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Practicum III (4 cr.)
IPA 7163 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Practicum IV (3 cr.)
OR
IPA 6181 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extended Practicum I (4 cr.)
IPA 6182 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extended Practicum II (4 cr.)
IPA 6183 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extended Practicum III (4 cr.)
IPA 6184 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Extended Practicum IV (3 cr.)

Collaborative Program in Women's Studies at the Master's Level

The collaborative program in women's studies at the master's level is designed for master's students in arts, education, health sciences, law, social sciences and counselling and spirituality who have an interest in women's studies. These students combine advanced studies in their particular discipline with analyses from a women's studies perspective. The degree awarded is a master's degree in the chosen discipline with "specialization in women's studies".

Students should normally apply for acceptance in the women's studies collaborative program when they apply for admission to the master's program in counselling and spirituality. For further details, please consult the women's studies brochure of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Master of Arts in Mission Studies and Interreligious Dialogue (30 credits)

Residence and Time Limit

The Master's program requires two sessions of full-time residence. The candidate must complete all degree requirements within four years from the date of the first registration in the program.

Admission procedures specific to the program

Additional documents required for admission:

1. resumé
2. autobiographical questionnaire (completed and signed);
3. two letters of recommendation

Admission requirements specific to the program

To be admitted to the program, candidates must fulfil the following conditions:

1. hold an honours B.A. in Mission Studies and Interreligious Dialogue with a minimum of 70% ("B") average, or its equivalent;
2. be proficient in one of the two official languages of Canada (English or French) and have at least a passive knowledge (ability to read and to follow lectures) of the other.

Candidates who hold an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with the required average in a discipline other than mission studies and interreligious dialogue may be admitted into a qualifying program to be determined by the admissions committee and in which they must achieve an average of at least 70% ("B").

Program Requirements

A) With thesis (30 credits)

1. Four courses as follows:

a) Two compulsory courses (6 credits)

MIS 6100 Mission Studies and Religious-Cultural Pluralism
MIS 6101 Interreligious Dialogue, Christian Mission, and Human Sciences

b) One course from among the following (3 credits)

MIS 6102 Religions and Christian Faith I: A Case Study
MIS 6103 Religions and Christian Faith II: A case study

c) One elective from among the other courses in the program or, with the approval of the director, from other graduate programs (3 credits)

For a list of courses, please refer to the Faculty website: www.ustpaul.ca/humansciences.

2. MIS 6200 Master's Research Seminar (6 cr.)

3. MIS 7999 Master's Thesis (12 cr.)

B) With research paper (30 credits)

1. Six courses as follows:

a) Two compulsory courses (6 credits)

MIS 6100 Mission Studies and Religious-Cultural Pluralism
MIS 6101 Interreligious Dialogue, Christian Mission, and Human Sciences

b) One course from among the following (3 credits)

MIS 6102 Religions and Christian Faith I: A Case Study
MIS 6103 Religions and Christian Faith II: A Case Study

c) Two courses from among the following (6 credits)

MIS 6104 Special Topics in Bible, Dialogue and Mission
MIS 6105 Special Topics in Theology of Dialogue and Mission
MIS 6106 Special Topics in History of Christian Encounter with Other Religions and Cultures
MIS 6107 Special Topics in Praxis of Mission
MIS 6108 Dialogue, Mission and Social Ethics
MIS 6109 Culture, Mission and New Religious Movements
MIS 6110 Conflict, Dialogue and Mission
MIS 6111 Social Communication and Interreligious Dialogue
MIS 6112 Special Topics in Socio-cultural Anthropology and Religious Diversity
MIS 6113 Special Topics in Religious Anthropology and Dialogue
MIS 6114 Special Topics in Sociology and Mission
MIS 6115 Directed Readings and Research I
MIS 6116 Directed Readings and Research II

d) One elective from among the courses of the program or, with the approval of the director, from other graduate programs (3 credits)

For a list of courses, please refer to the Faculty's website: www.ustpaul.ca/humansciences.

2. MIS 6200 Master's Research Seminar (6 cr.)

3. MIS 6998 Research Paper (6 cr.)

Doctorate in Counselling and Spirituality

Admission requirements specific to the program

Admission for FULL-TIME students only, who must enroll for at least the six consecutive terms of the program.

Applicant must:

• have completed a Master's degree in a related discipline:
  • counselling
  • spirituality
  • practical theology
  • health care
  • psychology
  • social work
  • pastoral studies
  • a discipline judged equivalent to these
• clearly demonstrate research potential. Research competence can be demonstrated either through:
  • the completion of a master's thesis or
  • through activities completed as part of a non-thesis program: major research paper, research reports, publications in peer-reviewed journals, program development and evaluation reports, abstracts, presentations, etc.
• overall average of "B+";
• have sufficient knowledge of research methods and of counselling, spirituality and religion;
• have completed at least one course in each of the following: research methods, professional ethics, psychopathology and treatment, counseling, spirituality, and religion;
• have completed 120 hours of supervised direct, face-to-face, contact with clients.

APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREE IN COUNSELLING AND SPIRITUALITY may be asked to take qualifying courses prior to admission such as:

IPA 5106 Professional Issues and Ethics in Counselling
IPA 5131 Methodology of Empirical Research
IPA 6108 Psychopathology and Treatment
IPA 6120 Theories of Individual Counselling

Also to be completed:

• 3 undergraduate courses in the area of spirituality and religion;
• 1 graduate course such as IPA 8101 Spirituality and Counselling;
• 1 course IPA 5144 Theology and Counselling.

Candidates could also submit an application form for the Qualifying year of the Master in Counselling and Spirituality Program at Saint Paul University.

Program Requirements

Compulsory courses

Six (6) compulsory courses (18 credits), and 1500 hours of clinical practicum are required for all students:

IPA 8101 Spirituality and Counselling
IPA 8102 Counselling in Multi-faith and Cross-cultural Settings (3cr)
IPA 8103 Issues in Special Populations (3 cr.)
IPA 8104 Existential Issues in Counselling (3 cr.)
IPA 8105 Research Methods and Design Problems in Counselling and Spirituality (3cr)
IPA 8106 Doctoral Seminar (3 cr.)
IPA 8201 Internal Clinical Practicum (S/NS)
IPA 8202 External Clinical Practicum (S/NS)

Comprehensive exam

IPA 9998 Comprehensive Exam (S/NS)