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| The Ontario College-University Degree Completion Accord |
March 26, 1999
The following principles and matrix provide a framework for the development of program to program degree completion agreements between Ontario colleges and universities. Degree completion is one of several forms of collaborative arrangements between colleges and universities. This framework is intended to complement other arrangements such as joint and concurrent programs which capitalize on the respective strengths of colleges and universities. This accord does not address other postsecondary credential matters such as joint degrees, ministerial consents or applied degrees. Although this document does not deal with financial issues, the Ministry of Education and Training will work with colleges and universities to resolve funding issues related to articulation and joint programming.
1. It is recognized that different college programs have varying degrees of affinity with university programs. This framework is intended to facilitate expansion of degree completion programs in program areas where there is substantial academic affinity. In addition, universities will work to develop new post diploma degrees for college programs for which there are no apparent affinity degrees.
2. The framework will facilitate better educational choices by Ontario’s students. At least one university in each region of Ontario will actively pursue the implementation of this accord. It is anticipated that many university and college agreements will involve institutions from all parts of the province. For example, where a university and college develop a program-specific agreement, this agreement could be extended to other interested colleges. Success will have been achieved if degree completion arrangements are developed for 90% of programs with substantial academic affinity.
3. Program teams comprised of roughly equal representation by university and college partners will recommend degree completion agreements to their governing bodies through the normal approval processes.
4. Course and program prerequisites are an important component of sound academic programs. The degree completion opportunities based on this accord will recognize learning achieved by college graduates and respect the missions and academic standards of all institutional partners. To ensure that university admission and degree standards are met, while protecting the viability and broad appeal of college diploma-level studies, project teams should recommend the components of college program curricula which need to be revised or augmented to facilitate the transition from the college to the university degree completion program. Teams may also recommend necessary changes to university degree programs to facilitate direct entry by college graduates.
5. Admission standards to degree completion programs should be based on a specified gradepoint average, related external accreditation requirements and workplace demands. Relevant non-academic admission requirements and the availability of space in a program will also be considered.
The matrix below provides a model for articulating the 2-year and 3-year college diploma programs to the 3-year and 4-year degrees and indicates the additional university studies required to complete the degree.
Degree completion from college diploma program to university
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3-year degree program (15 full courses) *
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4-year degree program (20 full year courses) *
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3-year related college diploma program
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1 - 1.4 years (5 - 7 full-year courses)
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1.4 - 1.8 years (7 - 9 full-year courses)
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2-year related college diploma program
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1.4 - 1.8 years (7 - 9 full-year courses)
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2.4 - 2.8 years (12 - 14 full-year courses)
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*or equivalent in credit hours/program hours
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