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Master of Arts + Master of Counselling Psychology

Vancouver

The Adler University Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology blends academic rigor with real-world practice. A 700-hour practicum, faculty mentorship, and small classes prepare students to enter the field as responsible, effective, and self-reflexive clinicians.

  • Master of Arts: 59 credits
  • Master of: 55 credits
  • 2-year program, full-time study
  • Part-time opportunities
  • 90% employment rate
  • Ranked a top-10 program
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Admission Deadlines

Term Priority Final
Fall 2026 4/1/2026 8/1/2026

Program overview

For more than 50 years, Adler University has set the standard for counselling education in Canada. With rigorous training and supervised practice, over 90% of graduates enter counselling or related roles within 12 months of program completion.

Direct training in theory, applied practice, and supervised experience enables students to address mental and emotional health needs for individuals, families, and groups across community, clinical, and private practice settings.

Why choose a master’s in counselling psychology at Adler?

  • Professional standards alignment: Meets requirements for the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC).
  • Nationally recognized for excellence: Ranked among the Top 10 Best Master’s in Counselling Psychology programs in Canada by CourseCompare (2025).
  • Clinical preparation: Gain 700 hours of supervised practicum experience through Adler’s extensive network of clinical sites, built on more than five decades of training counselling professionals in Canada.
  • Expert faculty mentorship: Learn from faculty who are practicing clinicians and researchers, bringing current expertise into the classroom.

Thesis + NON-THESIS options

Adler University offers both a Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology (MACP | MCP), giving students the choice between a thesis or non-thesis option. Both degrees are accepted by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Thesis | MACP

The MACP is designed for those interested in conducting primary research through an additional 4-credit thesis series. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, students engage in a rigorous and systematic investigation for the purpose of completing and defending a thesis, often required for doctoral work in counselling psychology.

STUDENT VOICES in research

Beyond symptoms: Adler graduate’s research explores the many paths to chronic pain recovery

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‘You’re Just a Kid’: Parentification in siblings of children with developmental disabilities

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Counselling Psychology Careers That support communities

Graduates of the master’s of counselling psychology programs at Adler are prepared to work in multiple environments, from community and health care organizations to schools and private practice.

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Mental Health Clinician

Deliver therapeutic services in community agencies, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Mental health clinicians assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counselling interventions that improve mental and emotional health outcomes.

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Family Counsellor

Support families in navigating relationship difficulties, communication issues, and life transitions. Family counsellors apply systemic approaches to build stronger connections and healthier family dynamics.

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Private Practice Counsellor

Work independently or within a group practice to serve clients with a wide range of mental health concerns. Private practice counsellors enjoy professional flexibility and autonomy while building an impactful career in counselling.

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Addictions Counsellor

Provide individual and group counselling to those experiencing substance use challenges. Addictions counsellors harness evidence-based interventions to support recovery, strengthen coping strategies, and promote long-term well-being.

Admission requirements

Apply Now (opens in a new tab) international applicants

Eligibility

Applicants to the MACP or MCP programs must meet the following requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or counselling-related discipline.
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate or graduate coursework. *3.0 is for MCP and 3.25 is required for MACP
  • The equivalent of at least 15 semester credit hours in baccalaureate-level psychology coursework with a grade of C or better. These courses must include introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and a fourth foundational course in life span/development.
  • Coursework or volunteer/work experience that involves the use of counselling-related skills and demonstrates counselling capacity is required.

International students:

  • 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
  • 7.0 IELTS Academic overall with no bands below 6.5.
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 66.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

  • Application fee.
  • Completed application submitted via the online portal.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  • Statement of Intent.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada). International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.
  • Three letters of recommendation. These should be from someone who can specifically speak to your academic and professional abilities.
  • Faculty interview.  
    • Writing sample as part of the interview process.  

Statement of Intent

Applicants are required to provide a statement of intent answering the following questions. They should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.

  • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
  • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
  • What are your career goals and interests?

Prerequisites

Equivalent of 15 semester credit hours in baccalaureate-level psychology coursework with a grade of C or better. Courses must include: 

  • General or Introduction to Psychology.  
  • Abnormal Psychology.  
  • Research Methods. 
  • Lifespan Development.
  • Basic Counselling Skills.

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts
  1. Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
  2. Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

    Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

    Physical transcripts should be sent to:
    Adler University – Office of Admissions
    520 Seymour Street
    Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5

View our professional licensure disclosure by state

View the Art Therapy Disclosure PDF

Change Agent Nazanin Fasihi sits in a living room with yellow sofas, a wooden coffee table, and colorful artwork on the wall, wearing a crisp white blazer.

“I was taught from a young age to care for and respect others, put myself in the shoes of others, and to give back to my community.”

– Nazanin Fasihi, graduate
Master of Counselling Psychology
Read more about Nazanin'S ADLER EXPERIENCE

Curriculum | Internships | practicums

The Master of Counselling Psychology is a 55-credit-hour program and the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a 59-credit-hour program, which includes the 55 credit hours in addition to a 4-credit thesis series.

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University Course Catalogue.

Academic Advisement Sheet (M.a.) (opens in a new tab) Academic Advisement Sheet (Master of) Part-Time trajectory (opens in a new tab)

CORE COURSES

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University Course Catalogue.

Professional Development Seminar I + II

The course covers advisement and mentoring around Adler degree requirements and mission, orientation to the field of professional psychology, issues of diversity as it relates to the field and students’ personal and professional growth, and overview of the ethical codes and professional standards of psychology.

Group Psychotherapy

This course examines the history, theory, methods and application of group psychotherapy in professional psychology. The development of competence in group methods is enhanced through a combination of lectures, student presentations, class exercises, break-out practice groups, and participation in and experience leading an experiential in-class group.

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychotherapy

Cover the major principles of Adlerian or Individual Psychology. Students learn the theoretical principles as a basis for understanding each individual’s creation of a “unique style of life” or personality.

Counselling Skills and Intervention

This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level counselling practice. In the area of intervention, the course familiarizes students with the primary elements of the psychotherapeutic relationship, common factors in counselling and psychotherapy, and basic diversity competency in helping relationships.

Research in Counselling Psychology

This course discusses the assumptions and methods of a range of both qualitative and quantitative research designs used in counselling psychology research.

Masters Practicum Seminar I + II

Using a peer consultation model facilitated by a qualified clinical instructor, this seminar provides students engaged in practicum training with an opportunity to integrate learning about assessment, case conceptualization and treatment planning and intervention through application to their clinical practicum experiences.

Structural and Sociocultural Bases of Health and Dysfunction

Traditionally, psychologists and counsellors work within circumscribed clinical contexts within which mental health issues are deemed functions of individual pathology.

Child Development and Counselling

This course provides an overview of developmentally appropriate knowledge and approaches to counselling children (approximately 4-11 years of age). Theories, techniques, and strategies for working with children and adolescents are presented.

THESIS

Adler University offers both a Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology (MACP | MCP), giving students the choice between a thesis or non-thesis option. Both degrees are accepted by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

The MACP is designed for those interested in conducting primary research through an additional 4-credit thesis series. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, students engage in a rigorous and systematic investigation for the purpose of completing and defending a thesis, often required for doctoral work in counselling psychology.

ADLER SOCIAL INTEREST PRACTICUM

Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.

A unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Adler Social Interest Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Faculty

Meet the faculty leading Adler’s master’s counselling psychology programs.

View All Faculty
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Financing your degree

Use our tuition calculator to help you start to plan your budget. Financial aid from the government, scholarships, or part-time employment can help you more easily afford your degree.

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Do you want to know more about Adler University before applying? Learn more about the University, explore programs, view admissions requirements, and review available scholarships.

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