Further Education Resources

Further Education Resources Are you considering further education after graduation? While certain career goals require more advanced credentials as an entry point or launching point to a profession, it is not necessarily a requirement for all. Before investing time and energy into applying for and then attending a postgraduate program, it is important to conduct sufficient research so you can select a pathway that is right for you. The following subpages can help you start the exploration process. Career Services staff members are available to assist you with your research. Program Types Graduate School and Professional Programs - Thinking about graduate school or professional programs? Not sure where to start or what program type is right for you? The following information can help you start exploring your options. What are Graduate School Programs? Graduate school programs can help students…- Build on the knowledge and skillsets obtained from previous undergraduate or graduate studies - Provide more opportunities for career advancement, bolster earning potential, and cultivate networks - Become research and/or industry informed experts in a specialized academic or occupational discipline Graduate school programs can be grouped into 3 main categories: - Thesis-Based Programs - Course-Based Programs - Professional Programs* *Professional programs can be offered at any post-secondary level (such as the graduate level or the undergraduate entry level). They can also be thesis-based or course-based. What are Professional Programs? Professional programs can help students… - Enter professions that require licensure - Acquire specific training that is associated with a particular industry - Build on their current skillsets as a practicing or aspiring professional in a specific field Occupations that require licensure are often known as “Regulated Professions.” To become licensed, students will typically complete an accredited and recognized professional training program and register with the applicable regulatory body. In addition to specific professional education requirements, regulatory bodies may also need students to complete competency or ethics exams, character tests, or supervised work experience as part of the licensing criteria. Overall, regulatory bodies protect public interest by ensuring licensed professionals remain competent and continuously adhere to ethical standards. An example could be a student wanting to become a licensed Audiologist in Ontario. To become licensed, the individual would have to register with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (the applicable regulatory body) and fulfill all requirements stipulated by the College. These requirements may include the completion of an accredited professional Master’s degree in Audiology, successfully passing any applicable examinations, and fulfilling any other terms as necessary. If a student would like to become a licensed Audiologist outside of Ontario, they need to consult the applicable regulatory body corresponding to their location of practice. See below for further examples of Professional Programs associated with Regulated Professions. Commonalities and Differences Between the Types of Graduate School and Professional Programs: The following chart can help map out the specific commonalities and differences between Thesis-Based, Course-Based, and Professional Programs Examples of Graduate School and Professional Programs Some examples of Thesis-Based Graduate Programs are: Master of Arts (MA) in English Literature with a Thesis Requirement Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology with a Thesis Requirement Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Engineering with a Thesis Requirement Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science with a Thesis Requirement Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience with a Thesis Requirement Some examples of Course-Based Graduate Programs are: Graduate Diploma in Health Policy with a Coursework Option Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Change Management with a Coursework Option Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Political Economy with a Coursework Option Master of Science (MSc) in Mathematics and Statistics with a Coursework Option Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum Development with a Coursework Option Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Policy with a Coursework/Research Project Option (No Thesis) Some common examples of Professional Degrees associated with regulated professions in Ontario are: Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) to become a Professional Engineer Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Teacher Educationto become a Teacher for Grades K-12 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse Bachelor or Master of Social Work (BSW or MSW) to become a Registered Social Worker Juris Doctor (JD) to become a licensed Lawyer Master of Science (MSc) in Physiotherapy to become a licensed Physiotherapist Master of Science (MSc) in Speech-Lan