What is a microprogram?
A microprogram is an identified set and sequence of courses or other units of study, research, or practice within an area of disciplinary or interdisciplinary study that is completed on an optional basis to partially fulfill the requirements of a degree and which may be included in the student’s academic record.
Who are microprograms for?
Microprograms allow current students to expand their knowledge of a specific field. Individuals in the workforce may seek to pursue a microprogram for professional reasons, or to enhance their careers, instead of formally enrolling in a graduate diploma or master’s degree program.
Do I have to apply for graduate studies to take advantage of the microprograms?
No. However, students who would like to pursue a graduate-level microprogram but who are not enrolled in, or intend to complete, a graduate diploma or degree program must first obtain the approval of the academic unit offering the graduate microprogram by contacting scsgrad@uOttawa.ca.
How do I apply for a microprogram?
There are two options.
1. If you would like to enrol in a microprogram without enrolling in graduate studies, send an email to the graduate studies office of the Faculty of Social Science at scsgrad@uOttawa.ca and include copies of the admission documents required for the microprogram.
2. If you are already enrolled in a graduate program that permits microprograms (currently Anthropology, Public and International Affairs, and Sociology) and would like to undertake a microprogram during your graduate studies, contact the graduate studies office of the Faculty of Social Science at scsgrad@uOttawa.ca.
What are the admission requirements for the microprograms?
In general, when submitting an application to the Graduate Studies Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences, please include the following documents. Remember to also include any additional documents specific to the microprogram you’re applying for:
- Two letters of recommendation
- A Curriculum Vitae
- You must submit copies of all transcripts from all universities you have attended with your request. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting student, etc. If your transcript(s) or degree certificate(s) are not in English or French, you must submit a certified translation (signed, stamped and sealed).
- Letter of intent (check the specific microprogram for particularities about the letter of intent)
- Proof of proficiency in your program’s language of instruction if your first language is neither English nor French.
Language proficiency test score equivalencies:
TOEFL 580 / IELTS 6.5 overall - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
TOEFL 92-93/IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)
Does the completion of a micro program be applied if I choose to pursue a master’s?
Yes. Upon subsequent admission to a graduate program at the University and subject to departmental approval, students who have completed a graduate-level microprogram at the University of Ottawa as a non-degree student may apply to transfer a maximum of one graduate-level microprogram to partially satisfy the requirements of the graduate program.
What are the advantages of taking a micro program?
A microprogram introduces students to graduate-level education and allows students to choose a specific theme. Through a set of courses or research activities, the microprogram can enhance a student’s skills in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area without requiring the student to complete a full set of degree requirements. A graduate microprogram is a type of academic micro-credential that is stackable and can be credited toward a future degree program.
A student who pursues a graduate microprogram without enrolling in a master’s or graduate diploma program will not obtain a graduate degree or diploma. However, the successful completion of the graduate microprogram will be recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
What are the degree requirements for enrolment in a microprogram?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major in a related discipline with a minimum average that varies between 70% (B) and 75% (B+), depending on the program. Be sure to check the requirements specific to the particular microprogram.
How much does a microprogram cost?
Students pay the fees expected of a non-degree student, which are calculated on a per-credit basis.
