caregiving and counselling
What makes this program unique?
The Caregiving and Counselling program at Columbia is unique in that it incorporates courses in biblical studies, theology, and psychology to offer insight into the human condition that is neither spiritualized nor secularized. Consequently, the program incorporates the best of these disciplines and offers students a solid foundation for integrating their faith with current psychological research.
What is the purpose of the Caregiving and Counselling program?
The purpose of the program is twofold: the curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for helping others; and the program prepares students for additional education in the helping profession, in particular Masters level work in Counseling Psychology. The Caregiving and Counselling program provides a solid foundation for a variety of occupations and is not focused on a particular client group, need, or setting.
Diploma
The diploma program is designed to equip students with a foundation for understanding the needs, issues, and problems facing people in today’s society and how basic people-helping skills can be used to minister to those in need. Graduates will know how to apply biblical principles to life situations and be committed to assisting in programs and ministries in the local church.
Bachelor of Arts
The degree program is designed to equip students with training in basic caregiving and counselling skills and a solid biblical foundation as a basis for ministry and service in the church and society. Students will develop an integrated approach to helping people that is rooted in scripture and informed by the social sciences. Students will display an understanding of the issues confronting individuals, families and the church today and be able to apply counselling and caregiving skills in ministry.
“My experience at Columbia has been one that will stay with me forever. Not only did I earn a degree that enables me to get my masters, my personal faith developed a lot as well."
Darren Thiessen – BA Grad 2006
What will be the outcome for the student?
Graduates from the Caregiving and Counselling program will leave with a worldview that is grounded in the scriptures. They will also have acquired an understanding of current psychological research and theories with specific courses in counselling, human development, personality and psychological disorders. Students will be equipped to work with others in a number of positions, including but not limited to the following:
• public and private supportive care service agencies (for persons living with physical and/or developmental disabilities)
• public and private family support services
• agencies funded for intervention programs working with high-risk youth
• provincial ministries for youth services
• youth corrections
• youth and family Christian ministries
• student services
• municipal organization for youth
• crisis counselling centres
• admissions counselling
Students will be able to seek admission into a number of graduate programs focused on counselling including those at Trinity Western University, ACTS Seminaries, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and Providence Seminary.
“Choosing the Caregiving and Counseling program at CBC had been one of the best decisions of my life! My perspectives, understanding and insight into people and how to effectively communicate, interact and minister to individuals, has been developed and refined through the Caregiving and Counseling program at CBC. Completing the BA program has also equipped me to move into a career that I am passionate about and/or to pursue further education. The combination of psychology, counseling, and theology courses has given me a solid foundation from which to move into the next chapter of my life.”
Amelia Kent – BA Grad 2005
Please view the following pages for detailed information on the Caregiving and Counselling program at Columbia:
View the Caregiving and Counselling one page program overview (pdf)
View the Caregiving and Counselling program overview and course requirements in our catalogue (pdf).
Graduate employment examples
Faculty Information
