13.5 Graduate Certificate Programs 2017/2018

13.5 Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate programs provide students with the opportunity to study graduate-level course work without committing to a graduate degree. These programs recognize specialized education in a particular discipline and may ladder to a graduate diploma or a graduate degree. The minimum admission requirement is a baccalaureate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (some programs may require a graduate degree), and students are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits of graduate-level course work.

13.5.1 Graduate Certificate in Psychological Assessment

These post-BA programs are meant to meet the needs of students and practicing psychologists to enhance their knowledge and skills in assessment. For post-BA students, the program is intended to offer professional preparation to provide skilled assessment services under the supervision of a registered psychologist (e.g., as a psychological assistant). For registered psychologists, the courses are intended to allow students to incorporate specific domains of psychological knowledge and assessment skills into their professional practice.

A. Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, post-BA students (including those with graduate degrees) who are not registered psychologists must be prepared to present the following minimum requirements:

1. A four-year Bachelor degree from a recognized educational institution, preferably in psychology. Note: Students with a 4-year degree in a related field may be admissible but may be required to take qualifying courses.
2. A 3.0 GPA including the last 60 credits taken, as indicated by an official transcript.
3. A security clearance.
4. An academic/employment CV with a statement of career objectives.
5. Applicants who have completed their most recent degree in a language other than English require an overall score of 98, and the following minimum scores, on each component of the TOEFL-iBT: 27 in Speaking, 25 in Writing, 23 in Listening, and 23 in Reading.

Registered psychologists will be required to provide:

1. Proof of registration in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists or equivalent licensing body for psychologists.
2. An academic/employment CV with a statement of career objectives.
3. . Applicants who have completed their most recent degree in a language other than English require an overall score of 98, and the following minimum scores, on each component of the TOEFL-iBT: 27 in Speaking, 25 in Writing, 23 in Listening, and 23 in Reading.
4. A 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits taken, as indicated by an official transcript.

B. Program Requirements

C. Graduation Requirements

Students graduate on one of three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation and Convocation, section 13.0.2.E.

13.5.2 Graduate Certificate in Public Health Leadership

Leadership is recognized as a growing need in public health. The multidisciplinary nature of both health policy and health management presents both challenges and opportunities. The core disciplines include human resource management, public finances, health policy, law, organizational and personal ethics, and organization studies as applied to health care. The goal is to address problems relevant to health policy, health services delivery, outcome measurement, patient safety, leadership, and organizational management relevant to health care organizations and systems.

A. Admission Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized educational institution (in a field such as environmental health, nursing, or related health sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience and have a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of post-secondary education. A professional resume is also required.

B. Program Requirements

C. Graduation Requirements

Students graduate on one of three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation and Convocation, section 13.0.2.E.

13.5.3 Graduate Certificate in Public Health Strategic Communication

Health communication has been defined as “the main currency of healthcare in the 21st century”(Clancy quoted in Krisberg, 2004). Health Communication is a multidisciplinary field with the objective to share public health information to multiple audiences. The goals of public health communication is to influence, engage, and support individuals, communities, health professionals, special groups, policy makers, and the public to champion, introduce, adopt, or sustain a behaviour, practice, or policy that will ultimately improve health outcomes. The diversity of the audience for public health information necessitates that public health professionals be sensitive to the public’s needs, cultural practices, and environments where they work and live. Additionally, the public health professional must take into account the best research evidence and translate (communicate) this evidence into action.

A. Admission Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized educational institution (in a field such as environmental health, nursing, or related health sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience and have a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of post-secondary education. A professional resume is also required.

B. Program Requirements

C. Graduation Requirements

Students graduate on one of three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation and Convocation, section 13.0.2.E.

13.5.4 Graduate Certificate in Public Health For Vulnerable Populations

In Canada, the importance of reducing health disparities has emerged as an imperative for health policy makers and public health practitioners. Over the next ten years, jurisdictions across Canada will see rising rates of chronic preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, tobacco-related illnesses, and environmental illnesses. These problems are, and will continue to be, particularly acute in specific vulnerable populations.

A. Admission Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized educational institution (in a field such as environmental health, nursing, or related health sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience and have a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of post-secondary education. A professional resume is also required.

B. Program Requirements

C. Graduation Requirements

Students graduate on one of three degree-conferral dates following successful completion of their program requirements. For further information about graduation requirements, see Graduation and Convocation, section 13.0.2.E.