Graduate Certificate online
Overview
The Graduate Certificate is a course-based program, available in the on-campus and online formats.
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate program, students may ladder to the Graduate Diploma or Master of Disability and Community Studies (MDCS) program with a full academic and fee credit from a Graduate Certificate. The Post-Degree Continuous Learning (PDCL) framework is behind the laddering concept.
Requirements
The Graduate Certificate consists of a total of two full-course equivalents (four half-courses). Graduate students are required to complete:
(a) One and a half full-course equivalents (three half-courses) in the student's area of Specialization.
(b) A half-course equivalent in the student's area of Specialization or related Specializations.
If a student wishes to take courses in other departments, faculties, or universities, the unit in question should be contacted for permission to take the course. The student should ensure that the CRDS office receives written confirmation.
Students typically complete all program requirements within one year and are expected to complete all requirements within two registration years.
Fees
Students in course-based programs pay course fees on a course-by-course basis. Effective May 1, 2007, the distance half-course fee is $1,115 Cdn for students who reside in Canada, and $1,450 Cdn per half-course for students who reside outside of Canada.
In the Graduate Certificate program the total course tuition is 4 half-courses X $1,115 Cdn or 4 half-courses X $1,450 Cdn, plus general fees.
General fees, based on full-time or part-time status, are levied upon entry into the program and on an annual basis on the anniversary of entrance into the program. Course-based students must take 3 full-course equivalents (6 half-courses) in their 12-month registration year to claim full-time status. A description of current general fees follows:
| General Fees | |
| Registration | $ 10.00 Cdn |
| Graduate Students’ Association | $ 83.45 Cdn |
| Group Insurance | $ 11.00 Cdn |
| Graduate Bursary Donation* | $ 10.00 Cdn* |
| TOTAL | $114.45 Cdn |
* Student may opt out by the fee payment deadline.
Continuing fees are assessed annually, after one year in program. The annual continuing fee amount is equivalent to a distance half-course fee (as of May 1, 2007 $1,115 Cdn or $1450 Cdn).
If the student cancels program registration before the fee payment deadline for his/her annual registration term, the tuition fee will be refunded. If the student withdraws from program after the fee payment deadline, the minimum tuition fee will not be refunded whether or not the student has registered in a course for that term.
Course-based students who are not taking courses must complete their annual registration by indicating their full or part-time status andpay the applicable fees by the fee deadline date in their anniversary term.
Students can access their fee statements and pay their fees through the
Students who do not pay their fees by the fee payment deadline date will be assessed a late registration fee. Students who add a course after the fee payment deadline will be assessed a late fee for each course added.
After the fee payment deadline, a student may withdraw from a course up to the last day of lectures, but no refund of any portion of the tuition fees will be made.
General fees are not refunded following the fee payment deadline.
Note: Fees listed on this page are subject to change without notice.
The University of Calgary Office of the Provost has announced a 3.3% tuition fee increase, effective May 1, 2007. This increase will affect all on-campus and online/distance delivery course and program tuition fees.
Admission
The minimum admission requirements for an online Graduate Certificate program include:
- "A University of Calgary four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
- "A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents.
Note: In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements, but who have significant life achievements, may be considered for admission to some graduate programs. The candidates must provide evidence demonstrating a potential to successfully undertake the proposed program of studies. Such candidates are advised to make early contact with the CRDS Graduate Coordinator, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, as outlined in internal Guidelines to Establish Degree Equivalency. In all these cases, the decision whether or not to admit the applicant rests with the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Students who do not meet the above academic admission standards and wish to pursue graduate work are advised to enroll in the equivalent of a full year (a minimum of three graded full-course equivalents) at the senior undergraduate level in order to improve their academic record to acceptable admission standards (a grade of "B" or higher in every course). All such courses represent "make up" work and cannot be used for advanced credit towards a graduate degree program. Successful completion of "make up" work does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
- "A written statement indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies.
- "Candidates will be expected to have a minimum of two years experience in some aspect community rehabilitation and disability studies related fields.
- "Proficiency in the English language is essential for the pursuit and successful completion of graduate programs at the University of Calgary. Prior to admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, an applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirements as outlined at the Faculty of Graduate Studies 2007-2008 Calendar. An official TOEFL score of at least 580 (written test) or 237 (computer-based test) or 93 (Internet-based test) or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher is required. The test must have been taken within the last two years. Proficiency may also be met by successful completion of Level III of the Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP).
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Please refer to the How to Apply link for information about application deadlines and procedures.
Additional Information
Program Forms
There are various forms related to a student's progress through their graduate degree. Please refer to the forms for detailed instructions on their proper completion. Students who have any questions or concerns should contact their Graduate Program Administrator. Required forms are available in the CRDS office and some can be accessed by downloading them from the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
