Professional Graduate Programs
Earn a Master's degree in some of today's fastest-growing fields in just one year.
Stand out with a Master’s degree in a high-demand field
University of Calgary's Professional Graduate Programs combine academic excellence with hands-on learning. Taught by experienced faculty and industry-connected experts, these career-focused programs help you build in-demand skills and prepare for opportunities in some of today's fastest-growing fields.
Who are these programs for?
Our Professional Graduate Programs are designed for individuals looking to build in-demand technical skills and advance their careers in a rapidly evolving digital world. Whether you're looking to launch a new career, transition into technology from another field, or expand your existing skillset, these programs provide a relevant graduate-level credential and practical learning experiences that prepare you for success in high-demand industries.
Recent graduate? Stand out with a Master's degree in a high-demand field. Looking to make a career change? With a four-year bachelor's degree, you can transition into technology from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Please note that these course-based professional programs are designed for career development and are not intended as a pathway to a PhD.
Program Structure
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 (3 units) and either a competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
Direct Entry
Laddered Pathway
Data Science and 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 (3 units) and either a competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
Direct Entry
Laddered Pathway
Information Security
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 competitive professional internship in industry or a research/capstone project (6 units)
Direct Entry
Laddered Pathway
Frequently Asked Questions
Our programs are delivered exclusively in person to support hands-on learning, meaningful collaboration with peers, and direct engagement with instructors.
Domestic students who successfully complete their first credential (Graduate Certificate in Data Science, Quantum Computing, or Network Security) may apply to continue into the second credential (Graduate Diploma in Data Science, Graduate Diploma in Quantum Computing, or Graduate Certificate in Data Privacy). If admitted, students receive laddering credit for previously completed coursework.
Students who complete both credentials and are subsequently admitted to the Master's program will receive 24 units of laddering credit (12 units from each credential).
Students completing the laddered pathway receive a parchment for each credential earned along the way, allowing them to build their qualifications as they progress toward their Master's degree.
These programs are designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study when taken continuously through to the Master's degree. Students following the laddered pathway may choose to take time between credentials, providing additional flexibility. For maximum completion timelines and program regulations, please refer to 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.
Available to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled in a laddered Professional Graduate Program.
The Be the First Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in high-demand digital fields by providing up to $12,000 in tuition funding for eligible students enrolled in UCalgary's Professional Graduate Programs.
Students are automatically considered for the Be the First Scholarship if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship Status
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Program Status
- Admitted to an eligible laddered Professional Graduate Program
- Enrolled full-time (four courses per term)
How the Scholarship Is Applied
- Student Account
- Students must enter their Social Insurance Number (SIN) in their student account.
- Please use this guide to complete the SIN requirement.
- Tuition Credits
- Eligible students will receive $6,000 in tuition credit in the Fall term and $6,000 in the Winter term, applied directly to their student account, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
You can view the original press release announcing this scholarship here.
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