Program Description
This award-winning, online program focuses on the theories, concepts, principles, issues, and best practices involved in the appropriate administration of access and privacy legislation such as FOIP, PIPEDA, ATIA, and others. Complex legislation, practices, and application in the public and private sectors are also explored.
A balance between privacy and transparency is a crucial issue in a democracy. Access and privacy legislation seeks to achieve this delicate balance. It is important as well as challenging to clearly understand how access and privacy principles are applied.
The IAPP program has received numerous awards:
- Information Rights Pioneer Award (2015)
- Robert C. Clark Award (2013)
- Grace-Pépin Access to Information Award (2011)
- CAUCE/AÉPUC Program Award of Distinction for Academic Excellence (2004)
Is This Program Right For You?
This program will be of benefit for individuals interested in pursuing a career in access and privacy, as well as for professionals: Federal, provincial, and municipal government employees, access and privacy administrators in the private and public sectors, human resources professionals, auditors and management consultants, records management professionals, publicity, marketing, and telemarketing staff, and lawyers and legal professionals.
Testimonials
- “I’d recommend the IAPP program both to those already in the field and those who want to start an exciting career and move up fast.” Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student.
- “The support we received during the pandemic was immeasurable.” Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student
- “This was my first fully online program, and I loved it. Never thought one can learn so much using this method. Now I am hooked!” Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate student
- “The IAPP certificate completely changed my career path. It opened new professional opportunities and allowed me to be a part of an exciting and fast-developing field. The program was very engaging, and instructors were able to create a sense of community even though students were interacting online from all over Canada. I felt encouraged and supported by all instructors and staff. I am certain that future students will also find that this certificate equips them to embark on a captivating new career path.” Prabhjeet Kaur
Learning Objectives
- Explore issues in privacy theories, best practices, and exercising sound judgment.
- Develop the practical skills necessary to become effective information rights administrators.
- Share information and network with information rights industry leaders and experts from across Canada as you learn and grow into this new profession.
- Understand how access to information and protection of privacy impact information/records management, IT and security.
What will I receive?
Upon completion of all program requirements, you will receive an Information Access and Protection Privacy Certificate.
Cost
- The approximate cost of this Certificate is $4,225 CAD
- Course Fees are typically $845 CAD
- Pay as you go - students pay on a course-by-course basis as they register. You do not need to pay the entire program fee at once
- An application fee of $100 CAD is required for admission into the program
- Course fees are GST-exempt
- Consider applying for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Program Details
- This program is comprised of four core courses and 40 hours of electives, for a total of 200 instructional hours.
- This program is designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within one to two years.
- Students have the flexibility to schedule courses around their availability. Typically students complete 1-2 courses per semester based on the course length.
- EXIAPP 8171, Information Access and Protection of Privacy Foundations is a prerequisite to all other courses in the program. There is no specific order recommended for the remaining courses as long as the prerequisite is met, students may choose the core courses or electives that best fit their schedule in any given term.
- Courses are graded with assessments. This might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- Courses are typically offered online asynchronously. Please check the course section for details. Further details on delivery formats can be found here
- Course materials are shared in eClass.
Your Instructors
- Our instructors are not just educators; they are industry experts, adult learning specialists, and professionals deeply connected to the pulse of their respective fields.
How to Apply
- We are open to students with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Our expectation is that you have a commitment to learn and achieve your continuing education goals. It is recommended students have prior knowledge and/or work experience in the related field.
- To apply, download the Application for Program Admission
- The admission fee is $100
- Individual courses are open for general studies and may be completed without being admitted into a program, provided prerequisites are met.
- Programs change occasionally, so we recommend applying for admission early. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program are locked in. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will continue to apply to your program.
How to Apply for your Credential
- Students can verify their program requirements and progress by logging into the University of Alberta’s student portal, Bear Tracks, to view their Academic Requirements.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to graduate
- To qualify for program completion, you must submit a request to obtain your credential
- For a breakdown of details and how to qualify, visit the program completion page
- Upon completing this credential, you are eligible to become a UAlberta Associate Alumni
Transferability
- The course EXIAPP 8171, Information Access and Protection of Privacy Foundations in this program is transferable to the NACLAA Level I program.
Explore Funding and Scholarship Opportunities
International Students
International Students are welcome to enroll in our courses, with the only requirement being a stable internet connection. There are no differential course fees for international students completing courses in this program
- Students are responsible for ensuring that they are proficient in English so that they can fully participate in classes
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. Foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada who are prohibited from engaging in studies as a condition of their work permit are allowed to engage in distance learning courses. For more information please contact University of Alberta International Student Services
Further information can be found on withdrawals, refunds+ transfers, assessment and grading, Program Admission
Support Services
Student Service Centre - for payment and registration inquiries
- Program Office - for course/program inquiries and the Canada Alberta Job Grant
- eClass support
- IT assistance
- Learning remotely
Contact us