The following brief definitions introduce credentials most commonly offered by colleges, institutes and universities in BC.

Apprenticeship Training Certificates - pre-apprenticeship training commonly offered through Entry Level Trades Training (ELTT) or Foundation Certificate programs. These programs enable grads to pursue more education and appropriate qualifications for their intended trade. ELTT programs also offer technical training credit of at least one year towards an apprenticeship. These programs are typically six to 12 months long.

Citation - an entry level credential that formally recognizes a specific area of study. Most academic citations are made up of at least four courses.

Certificate - normally involves up to one year of full-time study. Academic certificates are normally made up of 30 credits (i.e.-about 10 courses).

Diploma - normally involves two years of full-time study. Academic diplomas are usually made up of 60 credits (ie-about 20 courses).

Post-Baccalaurate or Advanced Diploma - enable graduates of diploma or undergraduate degrees to obtain greater specialization in their original area of study or gain core skills in a new field of study. Program length is typically eight months to two years. These diplomas are not considered graduate level studies.

Associate Degree - involves two years of university transfer course work (ie-60 credits) in Arts or Sciences. BC universities will guarantee students 60 transfer credits for completion of an Associate Degree.

Bachelor's Degree - normally requires four years of academic course work. The program structure is designed to have students gain both breadth and depth within their studies. It is common for students to gain specialization within one subject area through a Major (i.e.-about 120 credits) or an Honours (i.e.-about 132 credits) program.

A Major program normally involves 10 third- and fourth-year courses in a specific subject area, and appropriate first- and second-year prerequisite courses.

The Honours program is for students who have shown the academic potential for more intensive study in their field. It normally requires about 12 to 13 third- and fourth-year courses in a specific subject area, and appropriate first- and second-year prerequisite courses.

Masters Degree - normally involves two years of full-time studies beyond an undergraduate degree. This graduate degree offers students the opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills through a combination of course work and independent research under a faculty advisor. The research is presented in the form of a thesis.

Doctoral Degree - normally involves at least two years of study beyond a master's degree. This graduate degree is the highest level of academic achievement available to learners. It involves the completion of oral and written exams and original research presented in the form of a dissertation.

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