Education in Alberta - Accreditation

Alberta institutions offer many options to meet students' education and employment needs. All programs of study are of high quality and Alberta credentials are recognized around the world. Entrance requirements vary by program and institution. Please contact institutions directly for specific information.

Alberta's colleges and technical institutes offer several types of certificate programs.

Alberta Journeyman Certificate (Apprenticeship) Programs:

When an apprentice successfully completes his/her apprenticeship program, he/she becomes a certified journeyman. The Alberta Journeyman Certificate proves to potential employers, in Canada or internationally, that the certificate holder meets Alberta's high industry standards.

Apprenticeship programs are:

• Available in 57 designated trades and occupations in Alberta.
  
  
• Structured so that in order to earn this qualification, you must:

- Register as an apprentice - Complete the on-the-job training - Participate in classroom instruction

Certificate Programs:

To enter a certificate program, you usually need the equivalent of an Alberta High School Diploma.

Certificate programs are:

• To prepare students for entry into specific occupations.
  
  
• Usually involve one year or less of full-time, hands-on study at a college or technical institute.
  
  
• Sometimes require course prerequisites.
  
  
• Generally not able be applied towards further education and do not meet entrance requirements for other post-secondary institutions.

Diplomas

Alberta's diploma programs prepare students for employment in a particular field or for a specific occupation. To enter a diploma program, a student usually must already have the equivalent of a High School Diploma.

Diploma Programs:

A diploma program is:

• Usually two years of full-time, in-class study at a college or technical institute, except for Alberta College of Art & Design's diploma in the visual and applied arts, which requires four years of study.
  
  
• Recognized around the world and is beneficial when seeking employment, however it is generally not applicable towards further education, such as a graduate degree.

Degrees

Applied Degree Programs:

The Alberta applied degree is a relatively new credential that was designed to respond to the career preparation needs of students.

The applied degree is:

• Offered by public colleges and technical institutes in areas where there is a demonstrated labour market demand for programming that is more extensive than what can be offered in existing two year diploma programs.
  
  
• Different in structure from most university degrees, as it focuses on advanced studies in career or technical fields and involves classroom instruction and formal work experience.
  
  
• When both the academic components and the work experience focus on developing specific abilities and skills and are employment focussed.
  
  
• Generally cannot be used as an entrance requirement for a Master's degree program.

Entrance requirements generally include the equivalent of a High School Diploma, a minimum grade point average (GPA), and course prerequisites; however, admission polices vary by discipline and institution.

Bachelor's degree programs are:

• Offered by universities and private institutions authorized to offer accredited degree programs.
  
  
• Three to four years of studies, however the length of a program can vary by discipline and by institution.

Entrance requirements to a specific program usually include the successful completion of a four-year Bachelor's degree; those with a 3-year Bachelor's degree are generally required to complete an additional qualifying year.

A Master's degree program:

• Usually takes at least two years of full-time university study, and there are usually time limits for completing degree requirements.
  
  
• Is course based, thesis (dissertation) based, or a combination of both.

Entrance requirements to a specific program usually include the successful completion of a Master's degree.

Doctoral degree programs:

• Generally take a minimum of three years of study, and there are usually time limits for completing degree requirements.
  
  
• Involve extensive planning and high quality research to advance knowledge in the student's major field of study.
  
  
• Include graduation requirements such as writing comprehensive exams and the preparation and defence of a dissertation on an approved topic.

Post-Doctoral Programs may also be available at some institutions.  Please contact your preferred institution directly for details.

Please contact your preferred Alberta institution directly as well to find out if your qualifications meet their entrance requirements.

• Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions
  Quick links to home pages. Here you will find a list of Alberta universities, publicly funded colleges, private colleges accredited to grant degrees, technical institutes and more.
• Educational Programs (EDinfo)
  A resource in helping you to choose a program or institution.
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  IQAS provides an advisory educational assessment service which compares educational qualifications from other countries to provincial educational standards.
• Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
  Trade Secrets - Supporting your bright future in the trades. Resources for employers, employees and apprentices. Offers information about training, certification, scholarships, financial assistance and more.