Frequently asked questions about bridging an Algonquin College diploma with a university degree program.

1) What is an Articulation agreement?
The articulation agreements set in to place by Algonquin College act as a bridge to earning a university degree. There are a number of agreements between the Algonquin College School of Business and universities across Canada and internationally which are intended facilitate the pathway to degree completion. These agreements outline how a student can be eligible for ‘block transfer’, ‘direct entry into a program’ or ‘advanced standing’.

2) What is a “block transfer” agreement?
A block transfer is a specific number of transfer credits applied to degree
which is based on completed diploma. These arrangements and the amount of credits applied to the block transfer vary from institution to institution. For example, students would receive a block transfer of X number of credits toward a 120-credit degree program. This would identify for students the number of remaining credits required for degree completion. The student would then complete these credits while studying at that university, which may include courses from all undergraduate levels.

3) What is ‘direct entry into a program’?
Direct entry would refer to what level of the degree program a transferring diploma graduate would be eligible for entry. For example, direct entry into year 3 of a 4-year business degree. In other words, students would be eligible for 2 years of credit toward a degree.

4) What is meant by “advanced standing”?
Similar to block transfer, advanced standing refers to the recognition of credits eligible for transfer. Courses are evaluated on a one to one basis. For example, students may be eligible for up to x number of academic semesters of credit.

5) How do I know if I qualify?
As a graduate of specified Diplomas at Algonquin you may be eligible for acceptance into the Universities/Institutions for degree completion or exchange. The qualifying School of Business programs are reflected at. It is important to note that each university has its own admission requirements unique to that institution.

6) Does my grade point average (GPA) play a major role in my eligibility to enter a degree program?
Your GPA will play a very important role in the number of degree options you will have available. This forms part of each university’s admission requirements. For example, a general indicator fo the GPA needed (72% or higher).

7) How many years or credits are granted with the completion of Algonquin's 3- year Business Administration diploma program?
This depends entirely on the articulation agreement struck between the university and the School of Business at Algonquin College. Each institution and each program is unique. There is a question of compatibility with the your diploma program and admissions requirements.

8) Which Algonquin School of Business programs qualify for University transfer?
Many of the articulation agreements are compatible with the Business Administration program.

9) Does there need to be an articulation agreement in place for me to be able to transfer to a university?
Our graduates are welcome to discuss transfer potential with any university. The articulation agreements help simply this process for our students.

10) How do I know if I should consider completing a degree?
This very is a personal choice which can only be evaluated by the student. This path is not for everyone and therefore requires careful consideration. There are a number of factors which students tell us may motivate their decision to pursue a University degree; these may include: wishing to obtain additional credentials, further professional development and others.

11) What do I need to take into account when contemplating a degree completion option?
There are a number of considerations we recommend taking into account, these include such things as: what degree are you seeking, where is it offered, what transfer credits are you eligible to receive, credibility of the university, what are the fees, will you need to budget for travel and accommodation, what time is required for completion of the degree, does the program offer CO-OP or internship opportunities, does the institution offer graduate degrees, do I need to consider farther to spend fewer semester at study? Each relevant element needs to be considered very carefully.