Read more on the institution's website

The Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University offers graduate programs leading to a graduate diploma in Couple Counselling and Spirituality and to a master’s (MA) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Counseling and Spirituality, all of which is conferred jointly by the Senates of Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa under the terms of the federation agreement between them.

The goal of this program is to educate counselors who are also researchers capable of independent and collaborative research. As researchers, they will be able to contribute to the knowledge base that informs counseling and spirituality.

Applications to the Ph.D. program are evaluated based on the following criteria:

A master’s degree in Counselling or in a related discipline such as practical theology, health care, psychology, social work, pastoral studies or a discipline judged equivalent to these, with a minimum overall average of 75% (B+);

Completion of at least one course in each of the following: research methods, professional ethics, psychopathology, and treatment, theory of counseling, spirituality, and religion;

Completion of at least three undergraduate courses in the area of spirituality and religion and one graduate course such as IPA5134, or IPA5144. Depending on the candidate’s background the Admissions Committee may require additional courses prior to admissions such as IPA6120, IPA6108, IPA5106, and IPA5131;

A good academic performance and research potential as shown by official transcripts, major research papers, master’s thesis, research reports, publications in peer-reviewed journals, abstracts, presentations, etc. The admission dossier must include a written description in the form of a basic outline of the proposed research project;

At least 120 hours of supervised direct, face-to-face, contact with clients;

Successful completion of an admission interview with the Admissions Committee - the factors evaluated at this interview will include the relevance of the candidate’s proposed research topic, the candidate’s previous experience, the capacity of the candidate to succeed in doctoral-level studies, personal aptitude, and interpersonal skills, and the availability of appropriate core faculty to direct their research;

Three confidential letters of recommendation, including at least one addressing clinical skills and one addressing academic strengths from a professor who has known the applicant and is familiar with the candidate’s work;

A statement of purpose indicating the interests, career goals, research focus, and other factors relevant to the proposed research area;

Identification of two potential thesis supervisors ranked in order of preference.

All applicants must be able to understand, speak and write proficiently in either English or French and must have a passive knowledge (ability to read and understand university-level texts) of the other language. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other.

Students in a master’s program who have achieved an 80% (A-) average in their last two years of undergraduate studies may be allowed to transfer to the Ph.D. program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

Completion of 5 graduate courses (15 units) with a grade of A- or better in each;

Satisfactory progress in the research program;

Written recommendation from the supervisor and the thesis advisory committee;

Approval by the graduate studies committee.

The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial registration in the masters. Following the transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Some additional documents, and in some cases specific forms, are required.

Admissions Option 2

Research Methods and Design Problems in Counselling and Spirituality (3u)

Completion of a minimum of 1500 hours of clinical practicum, with at least 300 supervised hours of direct clinical contacts hours at Saint Paul University Counselling and Psychotherapy Center.

At least 400 supervised hours of direct clinical contacts in the context of an externship.

Comprehensive examination / Examen de synthèse

Doctoral Thesis / Thèse de doctorat – the thesis can be either a monograph or a series of articles prepared for publication in scholarly journals.

The Thesis Committee is formed during the first term of registration in the program. It is composed of the thesis supervisor and two additional faculty members. At least two members of the Committee must be from the Faculty of Human Sciences.

The proposal must be approved by the Thesis Advisory Committee and Research Ethics Board must give its approval before data collection can commence.

Curriculum

¹ This category includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, members of the diplomatic corps, and refugees.

² Applies as of the 2021 Fall term to newly admitted and Special Students. As of the first day of their study period, Ontario must be the most recent province in which the student resided for twelve consecutive months, not including time as a full-time post-secondary student.

³ Anyone who is not included in, or cannot provide supporting documents for, the Canadian student's category.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

Master

Social Sciences

Social Work

Counseling

Humanities Studies

Theology

Spirituality

Proud of its rich heritage, over the years Saint Paul University (SPU) has evolved into an institution whose primary focus is on the multiple facets of the human experience. Not surprisingly, that priority is reflected in our current study programs: in addition to our founding disciplines—canon law, philosophy, and theology—we offer courses in social communication, social innovation, transformative leadership, counselling and psychotherapy, public ethics, conflict studies, and human relations and spirituality.

Ph.D. in Counseling and Spirituality

Key Information

Introduction

Admissions

Curriculum

Compulsory Courses (12 units)

Professional Practice (6 units)

Comprehensive Examination and Thesis

Program Tuition Fee

About the School

Questions