According to the Post-Secondary Learning Act, an applied degree is granted by a public college or a technical institute on the completion of a program of study that includes course work and work-related experience, and that is determined by the institution to be oriented to a field of practice. For additional information on applied degree programs, go to www.applieddegree.ca.

Additional applied degree programs may be approved in the future; however, proposals for new programs will undergo a rigorous review. Under the new Post-Secondary Learning Act, the responsibility for reviewing program proposals for new degree programs-including new applied degree programs-is shared by Ministry staff for system coordination and by the Campus Alberta Quality Council for quality assessment.

Institutions offering applied degree programs are required to protect and promote their certificate, diploma, and university transfer programs. In addition, applied degree programs typically have a diploma exit option, providing students with the option of completing a two-year diploma or a four-year applied degree program.

All approved applied degree programs have met standards related to program structure, subject area, protection of other credentials, and evaluation plans. Applied degree programs and the impact of the credential on the Alberta post-secondary system are evaluated through Key Performance Indicators and other departmental processes that focus on outcomes.

Applied degree programs are only approved and offered in subject areas where the labour market clearly requires more advanced and practical career training than is available in diploma programs. Key Performance Indicators are used to track student satisfaction rates and employment outcomes of graduates, thus ensuring that the programs are of high quality and that they meet the needs of the labour market.

In many cases, yes. The Alberta Transfer Guide contains the transfer agreements between post-secondary institutions in Alberta as well as Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College. Students who wish to transfer are encouraged to consult the transfer guide and to contact the post-secondary institution to which they are transferring.

While the primary focus of applied degree programs is on career preparation, students may wish to pursue professional or graduate studies after completing an applied degree program. Applicants to master's programs may be required to complete an additional qualifying year, because a four-year bachelor's degree is generally required for entry into graduate programs.

A requirement for program approval of applied degree programs is documented evidence of sufficient labour market demand and strong employer support for the work experience component of the program. Institutions with approved programs work with advisory committees, which include representatives from industry and related associations, to assure program relevance and recognition.

No, the purpose of offering applied degree programs is to allow public colleges and technical institutes greater flexibility to fulfill their traditional mandate, which is to provide career and technical education programs to Albertans at the certificate and diploma level.