University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling

The program name will change to University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling, effective Sept. 1, 2025.

At a glance

Credential: university certificate
Credits: 30
Next start: monthly

Athabasca University’s online University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling is specifically designed for those who work directly with women in crisis intervention. The program applies feminist theory to the practice of counselling women in these settings.

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About University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling

The University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling is a comprehensive program aimed at equipping professionals and volunteers with the skills to understand and address the unique challenges faced by women. Through this program, you'll gain valuable insights into the cultural, social, and feminist perspectives that inform the human experience, learning how to identify client needs, refer them to appropriate services, and critically analyze various issues from a feminist viewpoint. Whether you're a nurse, social worker, teacher, or in another helping profession, this certificate will enhance your problem-solving and counselling abilities, making you better equipped to support diverse human experiences and tackle issues such as sexism, racism, and ageism.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Program details

Overview

This program explores feminist insights that support the diversity of human experience, identity, and ways of life. In this program you will learn to:

identify client needs
refer clients appropriately
critically analyze social and counselling issues from a feminist perspective
understand the shifting social, political, economic and cultural contexts in which counselling takes place

You will also develop your awareness of the cultural and social bases of human prejudice and discrimination, including:

sexism
racism
ethnocentrism
ageism
classism

Why take the University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling?

The University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling enhances counselling and problem-solving skills for both professionals and volunteers:

crisis workers
social workers
family life educators
adult educators
nurses
teachers
vocational counsellors

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your certificate.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 6 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

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Tuition and fees

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0 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$163
Course Materials Fee	$56 (*exceptions apply)
Out of Province Fee	$175
0 credit total	$1,003

1 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 1-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee	$203
Students' Union Fee ($3.75)	$3.75
1 credit total	$206.75

3 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 3-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee	$609
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$163
Course Materials Fee	$56 (*exceptions apply)
Students' Union ($11.25) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$13.25
Out of Province Fee	$175
3 credit total	$1,016.25

4 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 4-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee	$812
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$163
Course Materials Fee	$56 (*exceptions apply)
Students' Union ($15) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$17
Out of Province Fee	$175
4 credit total	$1,223

6 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 6-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee (except HADM 435*)	$1,218
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$163
Course Materials Fee	$56 (*exceptions apply)
Students' Union ($22.50) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$24.50
Out of Province Fee	$175
6 credit total	$1,636.50
HADM 435 base tuition fee is $1,437 (Total = $1,855.50)

9 Credit

Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for an out-of-province Canadian student in a 9-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
Tuition fee	$1,827
Course Administration and Technology Fee	$163
Course Materials Fee	$56 (*exceptions apply)
Students' Union ($33.75) and Alumni Relations ($2) Fees	$35.75
Out of Province Fee	$175
9 credit total	$2,256.75

Courses

In this certificate program, you'll delve into a mix of required and elective courses covering topics from feminist counseling methods and the psychology of gender to communication skills. The electives offer flexibility, allowing you to explore various subjects such as literature, political economy, and social movements, tailoring your educational experience to better suit your interests and career goals.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling.

Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program requirements

Program course plan

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Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

With a University Certificate, Gender and Social Justice Counselling, you'll be well-positioned for careers that require a deep understanding of gender dynamics, social issues, and counseling methods. This can lead to roles in diverse settings such as crisis centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations, where you can make a meaningful impact as a social worker, educator, counsellor, or advocate.

Depending on your work experience and other credentials, you could pursue careers such as:

crisis worker
social worker
family life educator
adult educator
vocational counsellor
mental health counsellor
human resources specialist
school counsellor
women's health advocate
gender equality officer
domestic violence support worker
sexual health educator
substance abuse counsellor
employee wellness coordinator
community outreach coordinator

Resources and links

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