A group therapy session with the counsellor and five attendees sitting in a circle and chatting

Foster mental health with a career as a counsellor or case manager

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology Honours Bachelor Degree program

Broad range of counselling theories and techniques. Promote mental health in diverse populations. Strong foundation in research and theory. Field placements to practise skills.

Program code HBCP
Duration 4 Years
Credential Honours Bachelor Degree
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

This program is designed for students who want to understand human behaviour and use this knowledge to promote the mental health of individuals, families, groups and communities. Students are exposed to a range of counselling and psychotherapy approaches as well as a strong foundation in psychology research and theory. In the practicum and work term, students obtain experience with different populations and working environments that allows them to explore career options and practice the skills that prepare them for employment or graduate studies. The curriculum fosters an understanding of diverse sociocultural factors, lifespan development, theory and practice in a range of counselling and psychotherapy approaches, ethical and evidence-based professional practices, as well as the research methods and psychological theories that inform counselling and psychotherapy practice.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2024 Orillia

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

  • This program includes internship and field placement components where you will apply your academic knowledge and gain practical, hands-on work experience in a setting relevant to your program.
  • Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology program?

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent, with:

  • minimum overall average of 65 percent
  • six Grade 12 U or M level courses
  • grade 12 English (U) (ENG4U)

Students presenting equivalent qualifications will also be considered for admission. A grade 12 U or M Mathematics course is highly recommended.

Mature applicants may also be considered for admission to this program providing their previous school performance and/or recent work record suggests a strong possibility of academic success. In order to qualify, applicants must be 19 years of age by December 31 of the year of admission and must have been away from formal education for at least one year immediately prior to beginning studies. Mature applicants must meet subject prerequisites prior to registration.

Applicants should be aware that first-year enrolment is limited; satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

Selection is based on academic grades and subject prerequisites; applicants must meet minimum averages to receive final acceptance.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

This college has been granted consent by the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development to offer this applied degree for a seven year term starting
April 29, 2019. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Non-core courses are required in all degree programs to meet the Ministry of Colleges and Universities benchmark for depth and breadth in degree-level learning. These courses are designed to give students the tools to develop interdisciplinary perspectives that inform their approach to their own discipline, their continued education and their life outside work.

Students are required to take: at least one first year interdisciplinary course (INTS1xxx); two introductory courses in their choice of disciplines outside their main field of study, which may include psychology (PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1001), social science (SOCI 1000), humanities (HUMA 1012), or science (SCEN 1000); one advanced course in a discipline (ex. PSYC3xxx, SOSC3xxx, HUMA3xxx), and; one upper level interdisciplinary course (INTS4xxx). These courses and any remaining non-core course requirements to be selected from the program list.

What career paths can I take in counselling or psychology?

Your Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology degree gives you many career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work with diverse populations in a variety of roles (e.g. case manager, mental health worker, support worker, disability counselor, educational assistant, attendance counsellor, employment counselor, intake coordinator, parole supervisor, probation officer, residential worker) and in different settings (correctional institutions, community support agencies, schools, youth residences, self-employment). Graduates may start a career upon graduation or pursue a graduate degree in counselling or a related applied psychology area.

Meet our faculty

Learn from passionate. experienced professors

What courses are included in the Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology degree program?

Course overview

28 Core Courses
1 Elective Core Course
3 Non-Core Courses
6 Elective Non-Core Courses
2 Field Placements
1 Clinical Placement

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology program outline.

  • CNSL 1000 – Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • PSYC 1000 – Introduction to Psychology 1
  • INTS 1007 – Interdisciplinary Modes of Communication
  • Select 2 of the following courses: SOCI 1000, HUMA 1012 or SCEN 1000.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Pathways for Indigenous program graduates

Seek your master’s degree with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education!

Georgian is thrilled to partner with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), a global leader in graduate programs.

Through this partnership, a pathway is available for Indigenous graduates of Georgian’s Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology degree into the OISE Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (Counselling and Psychotherapy field) to qualify for registration as a registered psychotherapist in the province of Ontario.

For more information, connect with Dr. Adam Stibbards, Program Coordinator via email, or call 705.418.3320.

Are you familiar with the Indigenous student self-identification form at Georgian? Access the form here.

Do you have questions about Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology? Contact us!

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