Academic Upgrading

Credential

Can earn a High School Equivalency Diploma

Duration

Up to 2 years

Location

Main Campus

The Program

The Academic Upgrading program gives adult students an opportunity to

upgrade academic skills
acquire High School Equivalency Diploma that is accepted by other colleges and universities in Alberta and by most employers
upgrade to meet entrance requirements for vocational, career, and university programs
develop teamwork skills, work with others, practice problem solving, and develop effective study skills
prepare for entry to the workplace or a chosen career
create a portfolio of identifiable skills

Program Content

The Academic Upgrading program offers high school equivalency in all academic disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies). These courses are accepted in place of Alberta Education courses for admission and prerequisite purposes at RDC. The following describes the course numbering system:

40/50 Levels -Pre-high school refresher courses (English, Mathematics)
75 Levels -Grade 10/11 in high school
85 Levels -Grade 11 in high school
90/95/96 Levels -Grade 12 in high school

Visit RDC’s Course Catalogue/Timetable by subject/discipline to read detailed course descriptions.

Academic Upgrading Courses Offered:

RDC Academic Upgrading Courses	Alberta Education Equivalent
ADEV 068 Supported Study I	n/a
ADEV 069 Supported Study II	n/a
BIOL 085 Introductory Biology	Biology 20
BIOL 095 Preparatory Biology	Biology 30
CHEM 085 Introductory Chemistry	Chemistry 20
CHEM 095 Preparatory Chemistry	Chemistry 30
ENGL 050 Basic English	Pre-high school English
ENGL 075 Reading, Viewing and Composition	English 10/20
ENGL 090 Critical and Analytical Study of Texts	English 30-2
ENGL 095 Literature and Composition	English 30-1
MATH 050 Preparatory Mathematics	Pre-high school Math
MATH 075 Introductory Algebra	Math 10C
MATH 082 Intermediate Math Principles	Math 20-2
MATH 085 Intermediate Algebra	Math 20-1
MATH 092 Principles of Mathematics	Math 30-2
MATH 096 Precalculus: Algebra and Trigonometry	Math 30-1
MATH 097 Introduction to Calculus	Math 31
PHYS 085 Introductory Physics	Physics 20
PHYS 096 Preparatory Physics	Physic 30
SOST 095 Twentieth Century World	Social Studies 30-1

Delivery Options

You can learn in a traditional, classroom setting with an instructor.

Program Cost Estimates

Admission Requirements

Admission Procedures

Placement Assessments. Upon applying to the Academic Upgrading program, you are required to write a brief assessment in English and Math. These assessments help to place you in the appropriate level of upgrading courses. Please note: there is a fee to access the assessment.
After completing the assessment, you will be contacted by the Academic Advisor regarding your course registration and funding information.

Note: Transcripts will be required if you have attended high school or another post-secondary institution.

Graduation Requirements

Since most post-secondary programs have special requirements for the admission of mature students, it is strongly recommended that students contact an Academic Advisor to determine how best to meet these entry requirements.

Few programs require mature students to possess a complete high school diploma. For those students who wish to receive a high school equivalency diploma, the Academic Upgrading program will grant a High School Equivalency Diploma if the student has not received one previously. Students must apply to the Office of the Registrar to receive this diploma.

RDC High School Equivalency Diploma Requirements:

You must have 5 courses in order to qualify (3 of the 5 courses must be completed at RDC).

These must include:

ENGL 090 or ENGL 095
Mathematics 075 or higher
Biology 075, Chemistry 075 or Physics 075 or higher
Social Studies 090 or 095
One other course of at least 2 credits that is not a prerequisite to any of the required courses listed above (eg Accounting, Computing).

Note: Students going on to any degree program or to a technical institute are responsible for checking on the Admission Requirements of their future program. Consult with an Academic Advisor.

Special Fees and Expenses

You will have to buy your own textbooks. Textbooks range from $80.00 to $150.00 per course. In addition, a graphing calculator is required for your Math 082, 085, 092, 096 and 097 courses. It will cost approximately $160.00.

Apply Now

Request More Information

Contact Us

RDC Inquiries

Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Main Phone: 403.342.3400
Toll-free: 1.888.732.4630 (in Canada only)
Email: inquire [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca

Virtual Tour

Get to Know Us
View our Faculty & Staff Biographies

Search

Academic Upgrading

Contact Us