How to Complete Your Academic Journey
From the moment you first consider applying to a graduate program at the University of Alberta to receiving your degree at convocation, the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is here to support you throughout your academic journey.
Each graduate program is unique. Explore what your academic journey looks like — from registration to convocation — as a certificate, course-based master’s, thesis-based master’s or doctoral student below.
Credentials offered
Graduate certificates
A focused, four-course credential designed for rapid professional upskilling.
- Overview: Complete a targeted set of four graduate-level courses in a specialized professional area. In select programs, earned credits can be stacked toward a full master’s degree.
- Duration: Less than 1 year (multiple intake dates per year).
- Format: In-person or online; full-time and part-time options available.
- Ideal for: Working professionals seeking to advance their skill set without taking a career break.
Master’s studies (thesis-based)
An intensive, research-driven degree designed to prepare you for advanced research and academic careers.
- Overview: Focus on conducting original, systematic research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense. Requires fewer taught courses to allow deep focus on your research project.
- Duration: 2 to 3 years.
- Format: Full-time, in-person study.
- Ideal for: Students aiming for careers in academia, high-level corporate R&D, or doctoral-level study.
Master’s studies (course-based)
A comprehensive degree focused on broad coursework and practical application.
- Overview: Gain deep subject-matter expertise through a higher volume of coursework, applying your learning to a practical capstone research project.
- Duration: Approximately 2 years.
- Format: Primarily full-time; select programs offer part-time options. Primarily in-person; select programs offer online options.
- Ideal for: Professionals seeking specialized expertise, practical knowledge, and career advancement in today's global economy.
Doctoral studies
The highest level of academic study, establishing you as an authority and expert leader in your field.
- Overview: Conduct groundbreaking, high-impact research that addresses real-world challenges. Prepare for leadership positions across higher education, industry, government, and clinical sectors.
- Duration: Up to 6 years.
- Format: Full-time, in-person research.
- Ideal for: Scholars and innovators driven to conduct high-impact research and lead in their field.
Program delivery
On-campus programs
On-campus programs offer a traditional learning environment where students meet face-to-face with their peers and instructors at a defined time and place. This type of learning environment involves more social interaction and collaboration. The majority of graduate programs and research take place at North Campus. Programs that require use of research facilities, regular collaboration with supervisors and peers, or are designed for full-time study typically are delivered on-campus.
Additional graduate programs can be taken at Campus Saint-Jean (our French-speaking campus in Edmonton) and Augustana Campus (in Camrose).
Online programs
Designed for working professionals and those balancing multiple commitments, our fully online programs offer a flexible, high-quality learning experience without the need to relocate or pause your career. Students engage on their own schedule and gain the same rigorous education as on-campus students — from wherever you are.
Hybrid programs
A combination of on-campus and online learning, hybrid programs allow for more flexibility while still being connected to the physical university campus. Hybrid learning combines on campus social collaboration with the convenience of online delivery. Programs that feature an online certificate that ladders into a master’s with on-campus delivery is an example of a hybrid option.
Student Service Portal
Connect with GPS and the university services you need, when you need them in the Student Service Portal.