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- DO I NEED TO COMPLETE MORE THAN ONE CERTIFICATE BEFORE I CAN LADDER TO A COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAM?
No. You can ladder into a course-based master's program with the completion of only one certificate. The maximum number of course credits you can ladder to a course-based master's program is 24 credits (equivalent of two graduate certificates).
- DO I NEED AN ACADEMIC SUPERIVSOR WILLING TO TAKE ME ON AS A STUDENT PRIOR TO APPLYING?
Yes, it is the student's responsibility to find a faculty member who's area of interest matches theirs and is willing to take you on as a student. The Research section of our web site can help you determine which professor's research may match your own areas of interest.
3. WHICH COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAMS CAN I LADDER INTO?
3. WHICH COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAMS CAN I LADDER INTO?
You can ladder into a Master of Arts (MA) , a Master of Arts - Recreation and Leisure Studies (MA-RLS), or the Master of Coaching.
4. AM I GUARANTEED ADMISSION INTO A MASTER'S PROGRAM AFTER I COMPLETE A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE?
4. AM I GUARANTEED ADMISSION INTO A MASTER'S PROGRAM AFTER I COMPLETE A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE?
Completion of a graduate certificate will strengthen your application but there is no guarantee of admission to a Master's program.
5. ARE MY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE COURSE GRADES INCLUDED IN THE ADMISSION GPA CALCULATION?
5. ARE MY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE COURSE GRADES INCLUDED IN THE ADMISSION GPA CALCULATION?
Yes, graduate certificate course grades are included in the GPA calculation for admission. The admission GPA is calculated on the most recent 60 credits. This will include your graduate certificate courses and any other prior work until the minimum of 60 credits is reached.
6. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY TO THE COURSE-BASED MASTERS PROGRAM?
6. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY TO THE COURSE-BASED MASTERS PROGRAM?
Complete the application on the GSMS portal like you did for the graduate certificates
Updated CV and Letter of Intent
ALL post-secondary education must be listed on the application, including the graduate certificates from the U of A
Transcripts from ALL post-secondary education (including the graduate certificates from the U of A). All transcripts from domestic institutions must be issued within one year of applying. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
Three references with a minimum of two being academic references
KSR Laddering Application form. This form is to be completed and emailed to the KSR Graduate Program office at ksrgrad.info@ualberta.ca. The Graduate Programs Coordinator will review and upload it to your application. You can access this form from the FORMS CABINET.
7. DO TRANSCRIPTS UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION NEED TO BE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS?
7. DO TRANSCRIPTS UPLOADED TO THE APPLICATION NEED TO BE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS?
Transcripts from ALL post-secondary education must be uploaded. These transcripts MUST have an issue date within one year of the application date. The transcripts can be official or unofficial. Unofficial transcripts must include the institution name and/or logo, your name and ID number, the date issued/printed and the URL.
8. WHAT DEADLINE DO ALL DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCES NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY?
8. WHAT DEADLINE DO ALL DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCES NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY?
Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline of JANUARY 16, 2026.
9. WHERE CAN I FIND THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR A MASTER OF ARTS AND/OR MASTER OF ARTS-RLS DEGREE?
9. WHERE CAN I FIND THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR A MASTER OF ARTS AND/OR MASTER OF ARTS-RLS DEGREE?
You can view the admission requirements on the KSR website HERE.
10. WHEN IS THE APPLICATION TIMEFRAME TO APPLY TO LADDER TO A COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAM?
10. WHEN IS THE APPLICATION TIMEFRAME TO APPLY TO LADDER TO A COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAM?
The application period to apply is from October 1, 2025 until January 16, 2026. Students can apply anytime during this time frame. Please refer to question #8 for official deadlines.
11. WHEN CAN I START MY MASTER'S PROGRAM?
11. WHEN CAN I START MY MASTER'S PROGRAM?
Admission is for acceptance to Fall (September) 2026 or Winter (January) 2027 start. The application timeframe for applying is the same whether you wish to start in the Fall or Winter term.
12. I AM STILL COMPLETING MY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE, CAN I STILL APPLY TO A THE COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAM?
12. I AM STILL COMPLETING MY GRADUATE CERTIFICATE, CAN I STILL APPLY TO A THE COURSE-BASED MASTER'S PROGRAM?
As long as all certificate courses are completed by the term in which you intend to start your Master's program (e.x. if you wish to start a Master's program in Fall 2026 you must be completed the certificate by August 31, 2026), you can apply during the application period for that intake.
13. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY IF I HAVE NOT YET FINISHED MY CERTIFICATE COURSES?
13. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY IF I HAVE NOT YET FINISHED MY CERTIFICATE COURSES?
Please click HERE for most up to date guidelines for applying to ladder into a course-based Master's program.
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