Professional Graduate Programs
A 1-year laddered pathway to achieving a Master's degree in some of the world’s fastest-growing job areas
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!
Be the First Scholarship
The Be the First Scholarship is designed to accelerate opportunities in high-demand digital fields. It offers up to $12,000 toward tuition for our students in our course-based Professional Graduate Programs at UCalgary.
All Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who gain admission to our laddered degree pathway programs and enroll in full-time studies in the Fall 2025 intake will automatically be eligible to receive the Be the First Scholarship. To learn more, get in touch with our advisors.
What you need to know
Our course-based, laddered, 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.
As the world and the way it functions becomes increasingly digitized, the demand for digitally-skilled professionals will continue to grow. Enroll in our course-based laddered Professional Graduate Programs to step into a career, or expand your skillset, in one of our country’s fastest-growing job areas!
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Quantum Computing
Four-years bachelor’s degree in science or engineering or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- A minimum admission grade point average of 3.00 on a four-point scale or equivalent, calculated on the last 60 units (20 half-course equivalents) completed in your 4-year Bachelor’s degree (please note that the GPA from Graduate degrees is not included)..
- Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses, with at least a “B” grade or equivalent:
- Linear Algebra
- Computer Programming.
- Demonstration of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Please note: If you hold a degree from an institution that instructs in English, the ELP requirement may be waived.
- View English Language Proficiency requirements here in the University of Calgary calendar: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications. Also, for information on how to submit your scores please view information on "Submitting Official Proof of English Language Proficiency & other Test Scores" (found on the Graduate Science Centre website).
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Information Security and Privacy
- A minimum admission grade point average of 3.00 on a four-point scale or equivalent, calculated on the last 60 units (20 half-course equivalents) completed in your 4-year Bachelor’s degree.
- Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses, with at least a “B” grade or equivalent:
- Computer programming (e.g., CPSC 233)
- Algorithms and data structures (e.g., CPSC 331)
- Either Operating systems (e.g., CPSC 457); OR Computer networks (e.g., CPSC 441)
- Demonstration of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Please note: If you hold a degree from an institution that instructs in English, the ELP requirement may be waived.
- View English Language Proficiency requirements here in the University of Calgary calendar: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications. Also, for information on how to submit your scores please view information on "Submitting Official Proof of English Language Proficiency & other Test Scores" (found on the Graduate Science Centre website).
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Data Science and Analytics
- A minimum admission grade point average of 3.00 on a four-point scale or equivalent, calculated on the last 60 units (20 half-course equivalents) completed in your 4-year Bachelor’s degree.
- Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses, with at least a “B” grade or equivalent:
- one course in computer programming,
- one course in statistics or equivalent, and
- one course in either calculus or linear algebra or equivalent.
- Demonstration of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Please note: If you hold a degree from an institution that instructs in English, the ELP requirement may be waived.
- View English Language Proficiency requirements here in the University of Calgary calendar: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications. Also, for information on how to submit your scores please view information on "Submitting Official Proof of English Language Proficiency & other Test Scores" (found on the Graduate Science Centre website).
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Quantum Computing
The Master of Quantum Computing is awarded to students who have completed 36 units of coursework as follows:
- The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate (12 units of coursework); and
- The courses associated with the Graduate Diploma (12 units of coursework); and
- An Integrated Topics course (6 units) and either a professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
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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:
- The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate in Network Security (12 units of coursework); and
- The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy (12 units of coursework); and
- Either a professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
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Data Science & Analytics
The Master of Data Science and Analytics (MDSA) is awarded to students who have completed 36 units of coursework as follows:
- The courses associated with the Graduate Certificate (12 units of coursework); and
- The courses associated with the Graduate Diploma (12 units of coursework); and
- An Integrated Topics course (6 units) and either a professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
Admitted students will receive registration information from their Graduate Program Administrator after they have received their offer of admission. Fee details are available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website and Graduate Course-based tuition information can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Applications for the Professional Graduate Programs are open until July 25 for Domestic Applicants.
Application deadlines:
- International Students- March 1
- Domestic Students- July 25
Program start: Fall Semester (refer to the Academic Schedule for specific dates)
Applicants must use the online application found at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Apply Now page. Applicants should follow the instructions under the 'Regular Students' drop down.
Graduate Certificate - Domestic Applicants
Please select the Applicable Program:
- Data Science and Analytics: Select 'Fundamental Data Science and Analytics - Certificate'
- Information Security and Privacy: Select 'Network Security'
- Quantum Computing: Select 'Quantum Computing - Certificate'
Documents Required to Apply:
As part of your application, you are required to submit the following:
- All unofficial transcripts and degrees for all post-secondary education to assess prerequisites and a student's GPA. Please include Grade Scale from each institution as well.
- Proof of Prerequisite Completion
- GPA Calculation Worksheet
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.
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.
The maximum allowable completion time is as follows:
Graduate Certificates: The maximum time allowed for the credential is two (2) years.
Graduate Diplomas: The maximum time allowed for the credential is two (2) years for a total maximum completion time of four (4) years.
Master: The maximum time allowed for the credential is two (2) years for a total maximum completion time of six (6) years.
Students may not have more than five (5) years between credentials in the laddered pathway.
View our Contacts page