Type of Certification

• A qualification awarded upon successful completion of a program of generally one year in length is a Certificate. It is offered at colleges.
• The qualification awarded on the basis of two or three years’ successful study is a Diploma.
• Undergraduate/bachelors degrees are awarded by a university after three or four years of full-time study, and lead to graduate level studies. A co-op year in the degree would increase the duration of the degree by another year.
• Graduate Certificates or Post Baccalaureate Diploma last for eight to twelve months and in some cases also for two years. They need a 3 year post secondary diploma or a bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite.
• Graduate/post graduate degrees lead to advanced degrees, diplomas and certificates. Bachelors/undergraduate degree (4 years) is a pre-requisite for participating in graduate studies.
• M.B.A. programs require a minimum of two to three years of relevant work experience, GMAT score of 580-600, TOEFL score of 560-600, and a 4 year degree, and are generally 2 years in duration, though a few institutes offer a fast track option. Some MBAs are possible directly with a 3 year bachelor’s degree though some universities have now begun to offer a pre-qualifying year for 3 year degree holders or a short Pre-MBA for a 4 year non-business degrees too! The options are plenty; consult a Canam counselor for the most appropriate one for you!
• Participating in a master’s program requires: a four year bachelor’s degree with high academic standing equivalent to a minimum mid-B grade in Canada (mid 70’s); at least two academic letters of reference; and other qualifications as specified, i.e., TOEFL, GRE general and/or subject test. Master’s programs generally require two years to complete full time.
• Doctorate or Ph.D. is a degree ranking above a master’s degree. It requires four to seven years to complete full time. It requires a combination of course work, original research, and a thesis. Prerequisites are typically a master’s degree, although direct entry from a bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D. program may be possible depending on the school and program. It also requires a minimum high-B grade in Canada (high 70’s) with relevant, demonstrated research competence equivalent to at least a B+ grade; at least two academic letters of reference; and other qualifications as specified, i.e., TOEFL, GRE general and or subject test.
• Much more specialized, research oriented programs are Post-doctoral programs. The personal network established between the interested applicant and the faculty member within the institution is one of the most important factors in granting post-doctorate fellowships.