Universities
Universities in Alberta are classified in the
Roles and Mandates Framework as Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions.
Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions
These institutions offer baccalaureate degrees and graduate level programs, and are responsible for the majority of post-secondary research undertaken within the province.
The University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge are campus-based institutions that conduct pure and applied research in a wide range of disciplines. Athabasca University is an open university that provides education through distance delivery and conducts research primarily in the area of distance delivery education.
Mount Royal University and Grant MacEwan University are classified as colleges in accordance with the Post-Secondary Learning Act.
Types of Programs and Credentials Offered
Baccalaureate DegreeBaccalaureate Degree programs, commonly known as bachelor’s degrees, provide broad knowledge including specialized knowledge in at least one discipline or field. These programs prepare graduates for further study and/or employment. Admission requirements include a minimum average in five specified Grade 12 subjects. Baccalaureate degrees typically require student to complete 120 credits (four-year programs) or may be 90 credits (3 year programs).
Post-Baccalaureate CertificatePost-Baccalaureate Certificate programs provide students with the opportunity to study graduate-level course work without committing to a master’s degree. These programs recognize specialized education in a particular discipline, and may ladder to a post-baccalaureate diploma or master’s degree. The admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits.
Post-Baccalaureate DiplomaPost-Baccalaureate Diploma programs provide students with the opportunity to study graduate-level course work without committing to a master’s degree. These programs recognize specialized education in a particular discipline, and may ladder to a master’s degree. The admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits.
Continuing EducationContinuing Education includes professional development and personal interest non-credit programs and courses that may contribute to an individual’s lifelong learning goals
Doctoral DegreeDoctoral Degree programs provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a high degree of intellectual autonomy, and to implement projects for the generation of significant new knowledge in a discipline. These programs prepare graduates for employment in specialized fields. Doctoral programs vary in length and generally consist of coursework and a dissertation.
Post-Doctoral CertificatePost-Doctoral Certificate programs provide students with the opportunity to continue doctoral-level coursework. These programs recognize specialized education in the discipline, and may ladder to a post-doctoral diploma. The admission requirement is a doctoral degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits.
Post-Doctoral DiplomaPost-Doctoral Diploma programs provide students with the opportunity to continue doctoral-level course work. These programs recognize specialized education in the discipline. The admission requirement is a doctoral degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits.
Master's DegreeMaster’s Degree programs provide students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced research skills. These programs prepare graduates for employment in a specific field. The admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree (students with a three-year bachelor’s degree may be required to complete a qualifying year). Master’s programs vary in length and may either be course-based or thesis-based.
Post-Master’s CertificatePost-Master’s Certificate programs provide students with the opportunity to pursue graduate-level coursework without committing to a doctoral degree. These programs recognize specialized education in a particular discipline, and may ladder to a post-master’s diploma or doctoral degree. The admission requirement is a master’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits.
Post-Master’s DiplomaPost-Master’s Diploma programs provide students with the opportunity to pursue graduate-level coursework without committing to a doctoral degree. These programs recognize specialized education in a particular discipline, and may ladder to a doctoral degree. The admission requirement is a master’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits.
University Certificate
University Certificate programs provide specific skill training at the undergraduate level. These programs recognize a basic level of education in the discipline, and may ladder to an undergraduate diploma or a second baccalaureate degree. The admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits.
Athabasca University and The University of Lethbridge also offer university certificate programs. Generally, these programs have an admission requirement of high school completion (which may include specified subjects), and require students to complete 30 credits (one year of full-time study).
University Diploma
University Diploma programs provide specific skill training at the undergraduate level. These programs recognize an intermediate level of education in the discipline, and may ladder to a second baccalaureate degree. The admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree, and students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Athabasca University and the University of Lethbridge also offer university diploma programs. Generally, these programs have an admission requirement of high school completion (which may include specified subjects), and require students to complete 60 credits (two years of full-time study).
For more information, please visit Credentials, Programs and Approval Processes.
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