Post-Secondary Education Programs
If you are wondering which program you can take and at what institution, visit Alberta Post-Secondary Education Information (EDinfo) where you can search programs offered by Alberta's post-secondary institutions. Please find below a list of program descriptions available in Albeta. Below you will find descriptions of the types of programs offered in Alberta.
Certificate
- Prepares students for entry into specific occupations
- One year or less of fulltime study at a college or technical institute
- Completion of some high school studies (often specified minimum grades and subjects)
Exception: University-level certificate programs may require high school graduation, some post-secondary education or mature student status
Note: Successful completion of a certificate can sometimes earn you credit and admission into a diploma program. Consult the Online Alberta Transfer Guide at www.transferalberta.ca for a complete list of transferable courses and programs.
Diploma
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Prepare students for employment in a particular field or group of occupations
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Generally involve two years of full-time, applied study at a college or technical institute
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Require high school graduation (often with specified grades and subjects) for admission
Exceptions: Many colleges also offer general studies or liberal arts programs at the diploma level.
University-level diploma programs require one year of academic study or equivalent beyond a bachelor's degree and may be applicable to related master's degree programs.
Applied Degree
- Combines theoretical approaches to learning with elements of practical application, providing a broader range of career and employment opportunities beyond entry-level in an industry.
- Are offered by some public colleges and technical institutes
- Four-year programs consisting of six semesters (about three years) of academic studies and at least two semesters (about one year) of related paid, supervised work experience in the industry
- Admission requirements may be similar to those of diploma programs. Completion of a related diploma program may be a prerequisite for admission to the third year of an applied degree program
Note: Students graduating from an applied degree program may not have direct access to graduate studies.
However, in some circumstances, students may be admitted after completing a bridging program.
University Transfer
- The first two years of a degree-level program can be completed at many colleges before transferring to a university or private college with an accredited degree program for the last two years of study. Consult the Online Alberta Transfer Guide at www.transferalberta.ca for a complete listing of transferable courses and programs
- Some of the benefits of university transfer programs include smaller class sizes, lower tuition fees, less competitive admission and the opportunity to choose from a greater number of program providers
- Many colleges also offer two year general studies or liberal arts programs to prepare students for further studies
Bachelor’s Degree
- Provide a more theoretical or academic approach to learning with direct access to graduate studies
- Are offered by universities, select colleges, and private university colleges with approved degree programs
Usually involve the equivalent of three or four years of full-time study (program length may vary by discipline and by institution) - Have entrance requirements such as a minimum grade or average in five specified Grade 12 subjects, including English 30-1. Admission to faculties with enrolment limits may require marks higher than the specified minimum average required for application (this higher average is generally referred to as competitive average)
Exception: Athabasca University has an open admissions policy (few or no specific entrance requirements) for students 16 years of age and older
Master’s Degree
- Generally involve two years of full-time university study beyond the bachelor’s degree level (there are time limits for completing degree requirements and program lengths may vary)
- Require a completed bachelor’s degree for admission. Applicants who have a three-year undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree are generally required to complete an additional qualifying year
- here are generally two routes within a Master’s program:
• thesis based, or
• course-based (non-thesis)
Doctoral Degree
- Require two or three years of full-time university study and research beyond the master’s degree level (there are time limits for completing degree requirements)
- Involve planning and carrying out high quality research to advance knowledge in the student’s major field of study
- Include the preparation and defense of a dissertation on an approved topic

