Certificates

Note: For detailed information, including program approval templates and the Handbook on University Certificate Development, refer to the Office of the Provost's Program Changes and Approval website. 

Certificates are intended to recognize student achievement in particular areas of focus not readily apparent on a student’s degree or transcript. The University of Alberta offers three general types of certificates across a range of disciplines:

Embedded Credit Certificates

Embedded certificate programs are taken concurrently with students’ regular U of A degree programs. These certificate programs may be offered in either an undergraduate or graduate level. 

Embedded credit certificates are approved by the following route: Faculty Council, GFC Programs Committee (PC). In the event that the certificate proposal includes significant resource implications, it will also be sent to GFC Academic Planning Committee (APC) for approval. 

Freestanding Credit Certificates and Diplomas

Freestanding credit certificates and diplomas are stand-alone programs, taken independently of a degree program. Students in freestanding credit certificate and diploma programs are not required to be current University of Alberta students in order to gain admission. These certificates may be offered in either an undergraduate or graduate level.

Freestanding credit certificates are approved by the following route: Faculty Council, GFC PC and the Minister of Advanced Education (AE). As above, in the event that the certificate proposal includes significant resource implications, it will also be sent to GFC Academic Planning Committee (APC) for approval before it is submitted to AE. Proposals for freestanding certificates are submitted to AE via the Program Registry System (PRS). This process is coordinated by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic). 

Non-Credit Certificates

Non-credit certificates are offered and administered largely by a Faculty or Department. For example, Online and Continuing Education offers a variety of non-credit continuing education certificates.

Non-credit certificates are approved by the following route: Faculty Council, and GFC PC.