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Professional Graduate Programs

Achieve a Master's degree in some of the world’s fastest-growing job areas in just 1 Year

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Stand out with a Master’s degree in a high-demand field

The University of Calgary’s Professional Graduate Programs in the Faculty of Science are taught by experienced faculty hand-picked to deliver these high-level graduate courses. We provide a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on learning experiences, led by industry-connected researchers who are experts in their fields. Enroll in our course-based laddered Professional Graduate Programs to step into a career, or expand your skillset, in one of the world’s fastest-growing job areas!

Quantum Computing

UCalgary is one of Canada’s top quantum universities, and we’re proud to offer Canada’s first hands-on, industry-oriented Quantum Computing program. Gain expertise in the application and integration of quantum technologies with existing IT infrastructure and be part of the next wave of technology!

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Data Science and Analytics

This unique, interdisciplinary program's curriculum was developed by Faculty members from the Faculty of Science, the Cumming School of Medicine, and the Haskayne School of Business. Students take full advantage of the expertise from all of these disciplines to accelerate their career.

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Information Security

Employers are looking for cybersecurity professionals with practical experience – which is why this program integrates real-world scenarios and tools with the most recent research and best practices, providing a flexible approach so your learning can quickly adapt to rapidly changing technology.

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What you need to know

Our course-based, professional graduate programs in digital technologies are designed for those who are interested in becoming a skilled technical professional in an increasingly digitized world. Whether you are looking to step into a career or expand your skillset, these programs provide a relevant graduate-level credential to advance your career. 

Recent grad? Stand out with a Master’s degree in a high-demand field. Come from a different field? With a 4-year bachelors degree, you can transition your career into tech from any background. This route is NOT suitable for individuals seeking to progress to a PhD.

  1. Quantum Computing

    The Master of Quantum Computing is awarded to students who have completed 36 units of coursework as follows:

    1. The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate (12 units of coursework); and
    2. The courses associated with the Graduate Diploma (12 units of coursework); and
    3. An Integrated Topics course (3 units) and either a competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)

  2. Information Security and Privacy

    The Master of Information Security and Privacy (MISP) is awarded to students who have completed 30 units of coursework as follows:

    1. The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate in Network Security (12 units of coursework); and
    2. The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy (12 units of coursework); and
    3. Either a competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)

  3. Data Science & Analytics

    The Master of Data Science and Analytics (MDSA) is awarded to students who have completed 36 units of coursework as follows:

    1. The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate (12 units of coursework); and
    2. The courses associated with the Graduate Diploma (12 units of coursework); and
    3. An Integrated Topics course (3 units) and either a competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)

Frequently Asked Questions

Our programs are offered exclusively in person to allow for relevant hands-on learning and ensure students have the most impactful connection with instructors.

For Domestic Students who successfully complete the first credential (Graduate Certificate in Data Science, Quantum Computing, or Network Security) will be eligible to apply for admission to the second credential (Graduate Diploma in Data Science, Quantum Computing, or Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy) and, if admitted, will receive laddering credit for the 12 units of coursework completed. Students who successfully complete both credentials and who are subsequently accepted into the Master will be granted 24 units (12 units each for the first two credentials) of laddering credit.

Students completing the laddered pathway will receive a parchment for each credential earned in the pathway.

While the programs are designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study through to the completion of the Master as a continuous program with no scheduled break, there is some flexibility for students following the laddered pathway looking to take time off after a credential. For more information, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Be The First Scholarship

The Be the First Scholarship is designed to accelerate opportunities in high-demand digital fields by providing up to $12,000 toward tuition for students enrolled in UCalgary’s course-based Professional Graduate Programs. 

You can view the original press release announcing this scholarship here.

To be automatically eligible to receive the Be the First Scholarship, 
the student must be:

  • Citizenship Status:
    • Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents 
  • Program Status:
    • Admitted to our laddered degree pathway programs 
    • Enrolled in full-time studies (defined as four courses)

Be the First Scholarship payment process:

  • Student Account:
    • Students must enter their Social Insurance Number (SIN) into their Student Account
    • Please use this guide to complete the SIN requirement
  • Fall and Winter Term Deposits:
    • $6000 will be deposited into your student account as tuition credit each term, during the first month of the term, if you maintain the criteria listed above.
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