If you are just starting to consider a higher education, your studies will fall under this category. Options include everything from short-term training to help you get to work, to an education that sets you on a path to higher education through graduate study.
In This Section
Certificates
Alberta certificate programs offer short-term learning that prepares students to work in specific occupations.
- Generally one year or less of full-time study
- Normally require the completion of some high school studies for admission
- Successful completion of a certificate program can sometimes earn credit and admission to a diploma program
Certificates are offered in Alberta by:
- Universities, though admission requirements – such as high school completion, mature student status or some higher education – vary by school and program
- Technical Institutes
- Public Colleges
Diplomas
Alberta diplomas prepare students to work in a particular field or group of occupations.
- Normally involve 2 years of full-time study
- May require high school completion or specific grades and subjects for admission (except in universities)
Diplomas are offered in Alberta by:
- Universities, though admission normally involves the equivalent of one year of academic study beyond a bachelor's degree and may be applicable to related master's degree programs
- Technical Institutes
- Public Colleges
Applied Degrees
Applied degrees provide enhanced career preparation at the bachelor's level that can lead to career opportunities beyond entry-level jobs.
- About 3 years of academic studies and 1 year of related, supervised work experience
- May have admission requirements similar to diploma programs
- Completing a related diploma program may be a prerequisite for admission into the third year of an applied degree program
- New applied degree programs must meet specific quality requirements consistent with the Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada
Applied degrees in Alberta are offered by institutions that have received approval from the Minister responsible for advanced education:
Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees provide theoretical or academic learning, with direct access to graduate studies.
- Usually 4 years of full-time study, though program length can vary by program and school
- Programs longer than 4 years often include co-op or work study
- Admission requirements vary by program, though typically require high school graduation with specific minimum grades and subjects for admission
- Schools must meet specific quality requirements consistent with the Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in Canada
Bachelor's degree programs in Alberta are offered by institutions that have received approval from the Minister responsible for advanced education (except for degrees in divinity):