University terminology

Credentials 
 

Bachelor’s degree: An undergraduate degree that typically takes four to five years to complete. Many bachelor’s degrees are direct entry; however, some degrees require prior university study (e.g., social work, law and medicine). A student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student. View all of UCalgary’s bachelor degree options.

Combined degree: A combined degree is when a student registers in two different bachelor’s degrees (including honours degrees) at the same time and graduates from both degrees concurrently. It typically requires a minimum of five years of study. UCalgary has many combined degrees to choose from, including a combined degree in engineering and business. Learn more about UCalgary’s combined degree options. 

Honours bachelor’s degree: An honours degree is a further specialization of a bachelor’s degree requiring high academic standing and, typically, a thesis project. A thesis project is an original research idea that’s presented at the end of the undergraduate degree. Some programs at UCalgary, like Bachelor of Health Sciences, are only offered as an honours degree. Some programs the honours degree is only available to select in an upper year.

Professional undergraduate degree: A professional undergraduate degree is one that leads to a professional doctorate (e.g., Doctor of Medicine, Juris Doctor and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). These programs typically require students to present an initial bachelor’s degree before they can apply.

Other common terms

Academic Communication Certificate (ACC): The ACC is the UCalgary English pathway program, designed for English learners who want to improve their English skills to enter a university degree. Students registered in the ACC may be eligible for conditional admission to a degree program. The ACC will take from 4 to 11 months to complete and is eligible for 6 units of transfer credit. Connect with our dedicated recruiter to learn more at acc.recruiter@ucalgary.ca.

Academic year: Begins on the first day of Fall term and ends on the last day of the Summer term. The university operates three academic terms during the year. The Summer term includes two intersessions: Spring Intersession and Summer Intersession. Learn more in the University Calendar.

Co-operative education/internship: The formal integration of academic study with work experience. This experience is often paid. Learn more about work experience.

Double major: When a student registers in an undergraduate degree with two different majors. This typically means an additional 14-16 courses in another major that is different than the first major, but part of the same faculty. For example, a student may pursue a double major in both political science and sociology, which are both offered in the Faculty of Arts.

Embedded certificate: Embedded certificates are completed as part of a bachelor’s degree, at no extra cost, and are designed to focus on a thematic area and be available to students across faculties. Examples include embedded certificates in Sustainability Studies or Entrepreneurial Thinking.

First Year Degree Guide: This online planning tool allows students to see the recommended course list that students would take in their first year of study. Learn more about the First Year Degree Guide.

Major: A major is the main area of focus throughout a bachelor’s degree. Students typically take one-third of their courses in this specialization.

Minor: A minor is an optional secondary area of focus that can be added to a degree in an upper year. It requires fewer courses than a major.

UCalgary badges: UCalgary badges are a form of micro-credential recognizing a variety of learning experiences that when completed are granted a digital badge that can be added to your resumé or on LinkedIn. An example is our Ready for Research Badge that supports students in learning how to begin a university-level research project. Learn more at: badges.ucalgary.ca

Unit: Is a value assigned to a course. Credential programs indicate a total number of units that must be successfully completed before the credential can be awarded. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 units. Also referred to as "credit." 

Detailed course outlines: course outlines or course syllabi are required for transfer credit assessments. Course outlines include all the important information about a course such as instructional hours, laboratory/tutorial hours, course text books, content and topics covered, course assessment/grading components, institution and/or department name, and contact information. Course descriptions are not accepted. 

Generic credit (XX): When an incoming course consists of content that does not match any courses currently offered at UCalgary, completion of the course is acknowledged by generic credit. Because specific course numbers are not available, generic course numbers are noted as XX and credits are granted as junior (2XX) or senior (9XX) level. 

Specific credit: When an incoming course consists of content that closely matches a course currently offered at UCalgary, transfer credit is granted for the matching UCalgary course. In these cases, students receive an exact course subject and number, i.e., ARHI 201 (Art History 201)

Transfer credit assessment: The process of having course outlines reviewed to determine whether and how transfer credit might be granted. Assessments are conducted by subject matter experts within the faculty or department offering the course.