Program Description
As an industry changes and grows, so too does the benchmark for knowledge and skills expected by leading industry professionals. Developed to meet the communicated needs of those in the health and safety industry, the Professional Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety program expands and builds upon the OHS Certificate program to foster a deeper knowledge and provide new skills for health and safety professionals.
Is This Program Right For You?
The courses in our diploma program are closely aligned with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals’ CRSP accreditation requirements (see OHS — BCRSP CEU equivalency) This alignment serves two purposes: it allows us to meet industry needs and, at the same time, gives our graduates a more straightforward path to build their health and safety careers.
Learning Objectives
- Equips OHS professionals with knowledge and skills such as essential business processes and protocols, effective decision-making, leadership, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Classroom knowledge that is immediately applicable to everyday work places.
- Gain valuable networking opportunities and widen your circle of professional connections.
What will I receive?
Upon completion of all program requirements, you will receive an Occupational Health and Safety Diploma Certificate
Cost
- The approximate cost of this Certificate is $12,000 CAD
- Course Fees range from $495 to $795 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 is required for admission into the program
- Courses are GST-exempt
- Some courses may require additional resources such as textbooks. This information can be found in the course section details
Program Details
- This program is comprised of twelve core courses and 131 electives. Core/elective courses range from 14 to 39 hours hours in length, for a total of 466 instructional hours
- This program is designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within 18 months. Most students complete in 2-3 years (and have a maximum of eight years to complete).
- To be admitted into the professional diploma program, you must have an OHS certificate. The University of Alberta’s OHS Certificate program meets the admission required for the Professional Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety program. OHS certificates from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be accepted, though some conditions apply.
- Students have the flexibility to schedule courses around their availability. Typically students complete 1-3 courses per semester based on the course length
- Courses are graded with assessments. This might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, assignments, papers, and presentations.
- Courses are offered online synchronously and/or asynchronously. Please check the course section for details. Further details on delivery formats can be found here
- Course materials are shared in eClass. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks. This information can be found in the course section details
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
- 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
- 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 your Academic Advisement
- 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 and Professional Designations
- Completion of this diploma program meets the formal education requirements for the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) – view our equivalencies chart. The designation of choice for Canadian OHS professionals, the CRSP designation is granted by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).
- Electives in the professional diploma can be used as credit in both the diploma and in a professional development series’ allowing students to receive additional, specialized recognition in Workplace Wellness Leadership, Change Management, Project Management.
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To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information
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
- eClass support
- IT assistance
- Learning remotely
Contact us