University of Fredericton offers Diploma-to-Degree Program to Canadian College Graduates

Community College Graduates Can Complete their Degree Online.

The University of Fredericton’s Diploma-to-Degree program now allows students from any Canadian Community College to seamlessly upgrade to a degree.

Their partnership with Canadian Public Community Colleges and Husson University, allows alumni holding a two-year diploma from any Canadian Public Community College the opportunity to apply their diploma credits toward an accredited online Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Husson University, in Maine.

The degree is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), one of the top accreditation agencies in North America. The Diploma-to-Degree program provides an accessible and comprehensive formula for educational upgrading. By combing a two-year diploma with ten eight-week courses from Husson University, students will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice through the convenience of online learning.

Community College Graduates Can Complete their Degree Online

The University of Fredericton’s Diploma-to-Degree program was previously limited to diploma holders from New Brunswick Community Colleges (NBCC) in the area of Business Administration. After the successful launch of the NBCC pilot group, who have since completed and graduated from the Diploma-to-Degree program, an additional program was developed in the area of Criminal Justice. Currently both Business and Criminal Justice programs are available to graduates who have completed a two-year diploma from any Canadian Public Community College.

Caralise Cummings, Program Coordinator at the University of Fredericton, said the program was initially developed after graduates from NBCC raised the issue of diploma holders not being able to advance in their career without a Bachelor’s Degree. “It was impossible for a working individual to attend classes at a traditional university in order to complete a degree, without disrupting his or her personal and professional life,” said Cummings. The University of Fredericton realized that this problem was experienced by many working professionals in several other industries as well.

“We, at the University of Fredericton, took it upon ourselves to find a solution” said Cummings. In 2009, after a year of research and development, the online Diploma-to-Degree program was born.

“I am pleased to provide a practical means for Canadian Public Community College graduates to pursue an undergraduate degree,” said Ken Green, Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Fredericton. Green added that the University of Fredericton is fulfilling an important educational mission for Canadian Public Community College graduates who are often not able to access or afford the courses at provincial university campuses.

“This enlightened partnership exemplifies how institutions can undertake action, at minimal disruption or cost, which can provide educational advancement opportunities to the underserved.”

Husson University President, William Beardsley, is proud of Husson’s role in serving as a bridge between Canadian Public Community Colleges and the University for Fredericton. “We all prize students who aspire to continue their education and we commit to the seamless transfer of credits that they deserve. This agreement bears testament to what public and private institutions can do together across national borders in response to a demonstrated need,” said Beardsley.

Students Can Enroll from Anywhere in the World

Students awarded the maximum prior credits are required to complete ten eight-week courses through Husson University, in order to receive their Bachelor’s Degree. At least five of these courses will be in Advanced Studies in the student’s area of concentration, while the remaining five courses will be comprised of a variety of general education courses. Upon the successful completion of the program, the University of Fredericton, who supplies the online technology and support for the Husson University Diploma-to-Degree program, will also award graduates a Diploma in Advanced Studies. Tuition for the program is payable in Canadian funds and is tax deductible.

Students may enroll in the online Diploma-to-Degree program from anywhere in the world, with no residency requirements. Classes are open to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “The University of Fredericton understands that flexibility is essential. By enrolling in the online Diploma-to-Degree program, individuals can earn the degree they need to get the job they want,” Cummings said. She also pointed out that online students receive the same high-quality education as students enrolled in an on-campus program. They are able to interact with peers and professors on a daily basis to ask questions, participate in class discussions and work collaboratively on study material.