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A professional development credential as unique as you are.

In today's world, job roles are fluid, often requiring knowledge and skills from multiple fields. It doesn't always make sense to enrol in a specific program, when maybe not all of the course work pertains to your needs. The Certificate in General Studies is a highly flexible university credential that allows you to customize your own program by choosing courses from the wide range of diploma and certificate programs offered in the Division of Continuing Studies. 

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Questions?

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Program at a glance

Program description

In this program, you choose the courses that best meet your specific learning needs and objectives. The length of the program varies depending on how many courses you take per term. On average students complete the program in one year full-time, but you can complete the requirements in as little as two terms or take longer if that's what fits your life. This is a University of Victoria credential designed by you for you. Have a look at the course choices below and contact us to discuss your unique program.

Here are just a few ways to create a program:

Data Analytics and Health Assessment

Does your work require you to have skills in data analysis and Health Assessment?  With this flexible certificate, you can combine courses in Data Analytics and Coding Fundamentals, Data Visualization and Reporting, Population Health and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Health Services Program Monitoring and Evaluation. These are just some of the course options you can choose if an education in data analysis and health is what you need.

Workplace Safety + Adult and Continuing Education

Are you responsible for safety in your workplace? Do you need to design safety training programs for your employees or coworkers?

With this credential, you can create a program for yourself that combines skills and knowledge in environmental and occupational health with a theoretical and practical foundation in adult and continuing education. Learn what you need to know and how to share it effectively in your workplace.

Canadian History, Intercultural Studies and Practice and French Language

Perhaps you'd like to deepen your understanding of Canadian history and contemporary issues while gaining skills and confidence in our other official language.

In this program, you can combine French language courses with studies in Canadian Culture, Facilitating Intercultural Relationships and many more.

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What does your multidisciplinary certificate look like?

Take the first step in planning your Certificate in General Studies. This short quiz has questions to guide you through the process of designing a certificate that works for you!

Take planning quiz

Note: if you are looking for an undergraduate degree program from UVic, please visit Undergraduate studies.

How does it work?

You’ll work with a program coordinator to identify your goals and find courses to help you achieve your goals. The program is unique for each student and in consultation with the program coordinator you’ll develop a Learning Contract outlining your customized program.

Who is this program for?

  • If you’re a career-focused learner seeking career advancement or an enhancement to existing job skills, this program can help you to achieve your unique goals.
  • If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, the broad range of offerings can help you acquire skills and knowledge from multiple areas, which you can apply to your unique situation.
  • If your focus is personal enrichment and love of learning, this program allows you to package your studies based on your interests.
  • If you’ve already started in another Division of Continuing Studies program but your needs and goals have changed, this program allows you to repurpose your learning and count your completed courses toward this credential. Please discuss this option with the program coordinator, as there are some restrictions.

Courses and fees

Upon successful completion of a minimum of 270 hours of coursework (typically seven to eight courses) you will be awarded a Certificate in General Studies from the University of Victoria.

Please note: you will also be required to meet the pre-requisites for any course you include in your program of study.

Choose courses from the following areas:

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Program Application Fee - International Students $300.00
Program application fee - Domestic students $150.00
Seven to eight courses (most courses are between $525 and $695) $4,930.00
Estimated Total $5,380.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Graduation information

For students that have completed the program, please complete the Application to graduate (online form) 

Application information

Admission requirements

This is a non-credit program requiring admission only to the Division of Continuing Studies. 

Admission requirements vary depending on your course selection and their specific pre-requisites where applicable. At a minimum, graduation from secondary school is normally required for entrance into the program. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be considered on the basis of previous academic or work experience. 

A special note about the CGS certificate: This program is designed for learners who want to combine courses from multiple programs and create a customized credential that supports their specific learning goals. It has not been created to ladder into other programs nor is it a micro-credential that can be completed quickly in on one or two terms. As you are selecting courses from multiple programs, course availability may vary from term to term.

English language requirement for international students

International students must meet all the program requirements as listed above. In addition, applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency through one of the following:

TOEFL 90 on the online test or 575 on the paper-based test, with no section less than 20 or academic IELTS 6.5, with no individual component less than 6.0.

Note: Effective November, 2024, this program is no longer eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) due to changes in eligibility criteria. 

Policies

For more information about fees, processes and requirements, please visit the Certificate in General Studies policies page. It is recommended that all students review the complete policies page prior to application to the program.

How to apply

  1. Contact the Program Office to set up an appointment. 
  2. Complete the online application form, pay the application fee. 
  3. Work on your Learning Contract in consultation with the Program Coordinator. 
  4. Begin your studies!

For additional program details please see our Frequently Asked Questions and the program policies page.

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