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Admission Requirements & Applications Process
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) Program
The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) is a program for professional librarians and archivists. The program permits experienced information professionals who hold a post-graduate degree to engage in focused further study in their field over a period of up to five years, leading to the award of a Certificate of Advanced Study. The Certificate program allows the candidate, with advice from the faculty, to build a program of coursework that is uniquely designed to further his or her own interests. It also permits an intensive exploration of some aspect of the field through a research project, directed study, or thesis.
Eligibility
Each applicant to the certificate program must hold an entry-level professional degree. Applicants for the library and information studies curriculum must hold a Master's degree in library and information studies earned in an ALA-accredited program, or a program of equivalent stature in another country. Applicants for the archival studies curriculum must hold a Master's degree in archival studies or a related field. All applicants must present evidence of satisfactory professional work experience, preferably showing progress over time to positions of greater responsibility and authority.
Proposing a Program
The applicant will select an advisor from among the School's full-time faculty members. The applicant and advisor, following consultation with instructors within and perhaps outside the School, will design a proposed program of study suitable for the applicant. The proposed program must include:
- A list of courses which the applicant proposes to take, following the appropriate term timetables
- A timeline indicating the applicant's ability and willingness to complete the Certificate program within five years
- A one-page description of the extended written work which the applicant proposes to complete as a thesis, research project, or directed study.
The proposed program of study, approved both by the applicant and the advisor, must be accepted by the School's Admission Committee prior to the applicant's admission to the Certificate program. Once the proposed program of study is approved, the applicant to the Certificate program must submit a formal application to the School.
Application Procedures
Once the proposed program of study is approved, the applicant to the Certificate program must submit a formal application using the Online Application Form.
In addition to the completed Undergraduate/Unclassified Application form and the fee, the applicant must arrange to have sent to the School:
- two copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended; and
- two letters of reference from professional librarians or archivists, university instructors under whom the applicant has studied, or employers. Please provide them with a copy of the reference form. Referees may elect to send a letter instead of using the form, but should still fill out the contact information and sign the form and include it with the letter.
The transcripts and letters of reference must be sent directly to the School from the institutions and by the referees.
Applicants from a university outside Canada, in which English is not the primary language of instruction, must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. The School of Library, Archival and Information Studies requires a score of at least minimum score of 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or a score of at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The Academic (not General) IELTS exam is also accepted and requires a minimum score of 7.5, with no band less than 7.0.
There is an application fee of $60 for Canadian and Permanent Residents and $100 for international applicants. This fee is non-refundable.
The deadline for application is the first of the month at least two months prior to the proposed start of the certificate program, i.e., July 1, or November 1. Please note, processing of admissions applications can take three or four weeks. International students are encouraged to apply well before the deadline, in order to provide time for applying for student visas where necessary.
Certificate Requirements
For detailed information on the Certificate's requirements please use the "Programs" link to the left.
