Program help
What's the difference between a program and a course?
Programs:
- Complete
"packages' of courses
- End result: a specific certificate,
diploma, or other credential
- Usually one to two years long
- Examples:
Courses (also called
"classes"):
- Individual units making up a program
- Many courses, especially in Community
and Continuing Education, are standalone (not part of a program)
- Examples:
- MATH 157: Business Statistics
- ENGL
205: Creative Writing I
- NURS 101: The Art and Science of
Nursing
At CNC, you can take as many or as
few courses as you like. Eventually, you may approach completion of a
program. You’re in charge -- do it at your own pace, on your terms!
What do all those credentials mean?
The type of
credential you'll receive -- for example, degree, diploma, or
certificate -- is usually determined by how long the program takes to
complete.
- Associate Degrees
are awarded in recognition of the completion of two full years (60
credits) of university credit course work. For specific course
requirements, please see the college calendar.
Requirements for Associate Degrees are governed by provincial
legislation.
- Diplomas
are awarded for programs which generally require the equivalent of two
years of full-time study and are approved by the Ministry of Advanced
Education.
- Advanced
Diplomas are awarded for programs which generally include one
year of full time study after the completion of either a two-year
diploma, or at least two years of full-time study in appropriate
coursework. Advanced diplomas are ministry-approved.
- Adult Graduation Diplomas are equivalent
to high school graduation credentials. For specific course
requirements, please see the college calendar.
Requirements for Adult Graduation Diplomas are also governed by
provincial legislation.
- Certificates
are awarded for the completion of full-time programs which are
generally four months to one year long (or equivalent.)
- Foundation-level
trades programs are pre-apprenticeship programs that give
students the basic knowledge and skills for entry into a trade. They
usually link to one or more apprenticeship programs, and may provide
credit towards apprenticeship training.
- Citations are awarded for programs which
last between six hours and five months. Citations include student
evaluations, and, where appropriate in partnership arrangements, an
identification of the partner.
- Letters of Successful Completion may be
granted for educational pursuits which have not been reviewed by CNC's
Education Council. The minimum period of studies is 6 hours and students
will be formally evaluated.
- Awards of Participation maybe granted
for educational pursuits which have not been reviewed by CNC's Education
Council. There is no minimum length of studies established, and
students aren't formally evaluated.
University Transfer /
University Credit -- what does that mean?
Both mean the same
thing -- university-level courses that you can
take at college. You can take up to 2 years (60 credits) of
university-level courses at CNC -- in smaller classes and for
significantly less cost.
Will your CNC courses transfer
to university? It depends on the university, but the answer's usually
"yes."
For more information