Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will it usually take to complete a degree in Counselling Psychology? |
| Q. My first choice on my application was an M.A. but I was accepted into the M.Ed. Is it possible for me to transfer into the M.A. at a later time? |
| Q. Would I be able to pursue my degree while living in another city? Can I pursue my degree in Counselling psychology through distance education? |
| Q. If I have obtained my graduate degree in Counselling Psychology from your program, will I be eligible to become a psychologist? |
| Q. Will I be able to become a licensed as a psychologist outside of Ontario if I complete your Ph.D.? |
| Q. Am I eligible for registration or certification as a professional counsellor after I have obtained my master's degree in your program? |
| Q. If I were to pursue an M.Ed. in the Community and Educational Settings Program, would I still be able to be a guidance counsellor within schools? |
| Q. If I were to specialize in the Guidance and Counselling stream, would I be limited to counselling in schools only? Or would I also be able to work in other educational and social sectors? |
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Q. How long will it usually take to complete a degree in Counselling Psychology? It depends students' individual planning and effort. Full-time students can take up to four courses per semester in the Fall or Winter sessions, though the typical full-time courseload is three per semester. Full-time students can take two courses during each of the two Summer Sessions (May-June and July-August), though course selection is limited during the summer months. Part-time students can take only one course per semester, resulting in a maximum of four courses per year. Many students reduce their courseload during their practicum placement. M.A. students must complete eight courses, and are usually able to do so within two or three semesters. However, the thesis and practicum requirements results in most students needing 18 to 24 months to complete their degree. M.Ed. students can complete their degree in 2 years if they are full-time. Part-time M.Ed. students average two to three years to complete their degree.
Doctoral students (Ph.D and Ed.D) usually require at least four years to complete their degree. Q. My first choice on my application was an M.A. but I was accepted into the M.Ed. Is it possible for me to transfer into the M.A. at a later time?
M.A. and M.Ed. candidacy is not normally interchangeable. Similarly, the two doctoral degree programs, Ph.D. and Ed.D., are distinct in design and orientation and candidacy is not normally interchangeable. It is therefore most important for applicants to give serious consideration to their choice of program. Q. Would I be able to pursue my degree while living in another city? Can I pursue my degree in Counselling psychology through distance education?
No, you cannot. You have to be physically present at OISE/UT while pursuing your degree in Counselling Psychology. The program does not offer any degrees that can be done through distance, and only offers a handful of courses online. Q. If I have obtained my graduate degree in Counselling Psychology from your program, will I be eligible to become a psychologist? You will not be eligible to apply for registration to become a psychologist if you are in the M.Ed. and Ed.D. stream. A counselling psychology degree in M.Ed. and Ed.D. stream will equip you with the expertise to become a counsellor who is in demand in diverse community and educational settings.
An M.A. degree will prepare you to register as a Psychological Associate, and a Ph.D. degree will prepare you to register as a Psychologist in the province of Ontario. Please note that the Ontario College of Psychologists has its own additional requirements that you have to fulfil in order to obtain such registration. You need to check with the College directly to find out its detailed policies on registration.
Each province within Canada has its own separate process for registering psychologists. It is your own responsibility to find out this information in advance, and plan your program of study accordingly to meet the certification requirements set by the Canadian Counsellors Association. Q. Am I eligible for registration or certification as a professional counsellor after I have obtained my master's degree in your program?
The M.A. degree provides the background necessary for certification with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). The course of study for both M.Ed. degree streams can provide basic preparation for this certification as well. However, the M.Ed. programs are not specificallystructured to ensure certification. It is students' responsibility to ensure that their program of study is properly planned to ensure it meets certification requirements. Further information regarding the detailed requirements is available at the CCPA's website.
It depends on the preference of your prospective employer, and how she or he perceives your specialty. For example, each school or school board may sets its own specific policy on hiring. It is possible that the school may be more interested in hiring a counsellor specialized in "Guidance and Counselling" than a counsellor with a more general focus in "Community Settings." You need to do research to make a better decision for your career option before choosing your training option. Most school boards in Ontario require their guidance counsellors to have teacher certification.
You will not be limited to work as a guidance counsellor in the school system only. You may be able to work in other educational and social sectors. However, it depends on the preference of your prospective employer, and how she or he perceives your specialty. For example, it is possible that a community health organization may be more inclined to hire a counsellor with a more general focus in "Community and Educational Settings" than a counsellor with a training background in "Guidance and Counselling". You need to do research to make a better decision for your career option before choosing your training option. |