Northwestern Polytechnic is proud to offer a range of post-secondary education pathways through our:
• School of Applied Science and Technology
• School of Business
• School of Health
• School of Skilled Trades
Within these four distinctive schools you will find various certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, and undergraduate degree options.
Programs That Work.
The following information has been developed to highlight program admission requirements and length of study. Please note that Alberta Education high school courses and equivalents, along with relevant course groups, may be found by referring to the Classification of Alberta Education Courses found at NWP.me/Classification
For additional information, including admission as a mature student, view the Academic Calendar online at NWP.me/Calendar. Classification of Alberta Education Courses:
Grade 12-level subjects required for admission have been grouped according to classification of Alberta Education courses. Please ontact the Admissions Office for further information on out-of-province and out-of-country equivalencies, at admissions@nwpolytech.ca.
Group A (Humanities)
• Aboriginal Studies 30
• Social Studies 30-1
• 30-level Language other than English
Group B (Fine Arts)
• Applied Graphic Arts 35
• Art 30
• Art 31
• Communication Technology Advanced (5 credits)
• Dance 35
• Drama 30
• Music 30 (Choral, Instrumental or General) (5 credits)
Arts, University Transfer (UT) University Transfer Program 1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
CAMPUS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Fairview
• 50% in English 20-2
• 50% in Math 20-1, 20-2, or 20-3
• Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Biology 20 OR Science 20.
Must be 18 years of age prior to starting year 2 of the program, and hold any class of Alberta nonprobationary driver’s licence.*
*Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program drivers are not eligible for a Class 1 driver’s licence
Grande Prairie A minimum 60% average required.
• English 30-1
• Four subjects chosen from Aboriginal Studies 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, a Fine Arts (only one fine arts subject may be presented), Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, Math 31, Physics 30, Science 30, Social Studies 30-1, 30-level language other than English.
For a Psychology major, Math 30-1 or Math 30-2. For a Mathematics major, Math 30-1 and Math 31. For an Economics major, Math 30-1 and Math 31 is recommended.
Bachelor of Computing Science NWP Degree 4 Years
Grande Prairie High School Diploma with a minimum overall average of 60%in the following five Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1
• Math 30-1
• One from Group A, B, or C
• Two from Group C (not Science 30)
Students in the NWP UT Computing Science, CST certificate/diploma programs, or with previous post-secondary education may be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Computing Science program, years 2 or 3. Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be assessed on a course-by-course basis. Normally, the completion of the NWP CST diploma or two years UT, Computing Science, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher is sufficient to enter year 3 of the Bachelor of Computing Science program.
Computer Systems Technology NWP Certificate 1 Year
Computer Systems Technology
NWP Diploma 2 Years
Grande Prairie Equivalent of a High School Diploma with both Math 30-1 and English 30-1 (min 50%).
Grande Prairie
Equivalent of a High School Diploma with both Math 30-1 and English 30-1 (min 50%).
SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL LENGTH
Engineering, University Transfer (UT)
Fine Arts, University Transfer (UT)
University Transfer Program 1 year at NWP (4-5 years total)
University Transfer Program 1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
Open Studies Non-credential Varies
CAMPUS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Grande Prairie
Minimum overall average of 60% in the following five Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1
• Chemistry 30
• Math 30-1
• Math 31
• Physics 30
Grande Prairie
Overall average of 60% in the following Alberta Education courses:
• English 30-1
• Three from Group A or C
• One from Group A, B, or C NWP does not require the submission of a portfolio for admission into year 1 of the transfer program; however, students applying for the Fine Arts, UT program need to be aware that admission to a university for degree completion is subject to the admission and portfolio requirements of the transfer institution.
Power Engineering Technology NWP Diploma 2 Years
Science, University Transfer (UT)
University Transfer Program 1- 2 years at NWP (4 years total)
University Arts NWP Diploma (Emphases: English and Psychology) 2 Years
Grande Prairie
• High school diploma or minimum 18 years of age
• English 30-1 (min 50%)
The prerequisite courses for the university transfer or career program selected should normally be completed during the first year at NWP.
Grande Prairie 50% in the following subjects:
• English 30-1 or 30-2
• Math 30-1
• Chemistry 30
• Physics 30
Grande Prairie
Overall average of 60% in the following five Alberta Education courses:
• English 30-1
• Math 30-1
• One from Group A, B, or C (except Math 30-2)
• Two from Group C (except Science 30)
Grande Prairie
Minimum grade of 60% on the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1
• Choice of other 30-level subject from Aboriginal Studies 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Computer Science - Advanced Level CTS, an approved 30-level Fine Arts (only one Fine Arts subject may be presented), Math 30-1 or 30-2, Physics 30, Science 30, Social Studies 30-1, 30-level language other than English.
• Biology 30 is strongly recommended for students pursuing the psychology emphasis or who intend to complete a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL LENGTH CAMPUS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
University Biological Sciences NWP Diploma 2 Years
Grande Prairie
Overall average of 60% and minimum 50% in each of the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
• English 30-1
• Math 30-1
• Physics 20 or equivalent is required (Physics 30 strongly recommended) for students planning to take PC1240 and PC1260.
Veterinary Technology NWP Diploma 2 Years Fairview All applicants need the following courses (or equivalents) with no mark lower than 50%:
• English 30-1 or English 30-2
• Math 30-1 (min 50%) or Math 30-2 (min 65%)
• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
A minimum of 40 hours of job shadowing with a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) or a licensed veterinarian that is evidenced by a Verification of Work Experience form signed by the RVT, veterinarian or person who most closely supervised the applicant in the location where the job shadowing was completed.
Visual Arts and Design NWP Diploma 2 Years
Water and Wastewater Technician NWP Certificate 1 Year
Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 50% in English 30-1
• High School Diploma
• English 30-1 or English 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Applied Math 20 (min 50%)
• One of the following (min 50%):
• Biology 20
• Chemistry 20
• Physics 20
• Science 20
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
Academic Upgrading Certificate of Achievement in Foundational Learning (optional)
LENGTH
CAMPUS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Varies Grande Prairie You must be 18 years of age or older in the semester in which you plan to attend the program. English and Math placement assessments may be necessary in order to properly place you in your courses.
Placement assessments are written to determine if a student has the required academic skill to gain program admission, or placement in academic upgrading courses. You will be asked to write a placement assessment if:
• You have been out of school for two or more years.
• You received less than 60% in Alberta Education English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 or in Alberta Education Math 10C, 20-1, 30-1.
• You have not taken courses in the Alberta Education English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1 or Math 10C, 20-1, 30-1.
Bachelor of Business Administration NWP Degree (Emphases: Accounting & Human Resources)
4 years
Grande Prairie Admission to the BBA program requires an overall high school average of 60% in the following four Alberta Education courses:
• English 30-1
• Math 30-1 (60%) or Math 30-2 (min 70%)
• Two 30 level courses from Group A, B or C (Only one Fine Arts course will be used for Admission)
Post-Diploma Admission Requirements
Applicants who have completed a Business Administration Diploma* are eligible for admission into Year 3 and 4 of the BBA based on the following criteria:
• Complete 60 credits earning a Business Administration Diploma (or equivalent) with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+)
*Certain courses within the Business Administration Diploma are required for the BBA. If the Business Administration Diploma is completed without these required courses, students will be required to complete these courses for degree completion.
Students with previous post-secondary education outside of the NWP Business Administration program may be eligible for Admission to the BBA. Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be assessed on a course-by-course basis.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
Bachelor of Business Administration (Continued) NWP Degree (Emphases: Accounting & Human Resources)
4 years
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Grande Prairie Skilled Trades – Admission Requirements
Applicants who have a recognized four-year journeyperson trades qualification are eligible for admission into the BBA program and can gain up to 45 credits toward this degree. Students are expected to have university-level writing skills upon entry into this program.
Applicants that have a journeyperson trades qualification and 5+ years of experience, can apply for additional credits through the Prior learning Assessment and Recognition procedure.
Bachelor of Education (Teacher Education North)
Collaborative Degree (U of A credential offered on the NWP Campus)
Bachelor of Commerce/ Management University Transfer (UT) University Transfer Program
4 years
1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
Grande Prairie Transfer Students
Successful completion of the first two years and 60 credits of course weight transferable and applicable to a Bachelor of Education, Elementary, University of Alberta. A competitive GPA equivalent to a “C” or 65% is required but does not guarantee admission. Application opens October 1st of the previous academic year from desired start. It is highly recommended to apply as early as possible to allow for early application review and course assessment.
Approved Undergraduate Degree
Degree holders must present a minimum of six credits in English Language or Literature and a competitive GPA.
Grande Prairie Admission to the University Transfer, Commerce program requires an overall high school average of 60% in the following four Alberta Education courses:
• English 30-1
• Math 30-1
• One from Group A
• One from Group C
If students plan to transfer to an institution other than the University of Alberta, the admission criteria may vary.
Business Administration NWP PostDiploma Certificate
(Specializations: Human Resource Management, Financial Planning, and Marketing)
1 year
Grande Prairie & Distance (Year 1)
If applicants are entering the Business Administration Program directly from high school, they require a High School Diploma with these Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1or 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1 or 20-2 (min 60%) or Math 30 -1 or 30-2 (min 50%)
If applicants do not have a High School Diploma but have been out of school for at least one year, they require the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1or 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1 or 20-2 (min 60%) or Math 30 -1 or 30-2 (min 50%)
If applicants are entering the Business Administration Program directly from high school, they require a High School Diploma with these Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1or 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1 or 20-2 (min 60%) or Math 30 -1 or 30-2 (min 50%)
If applicants do not have a High School Diploma but have been out of school for at least one year, they require the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents:
• English 30-1or 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1 or 20-2 (min 60%) or Math 30 -1 or 30-2 (min 50%)
Grande Prairie
• Admission to the Business Administration Post-Diploma Certificate program requires successful completion of a two-year diploma program based on the following criteria:
• Complete a minimum of 60 credits earning a Diploma with a minimum 1.7 cumulative GPA (60% or C-).
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
Early Learning and Child Care
Early Learning and Child Care
Educational Assistant – Inclusion Supports or Literacy Supports or Both
NWP Certificate 1 year
NWP Diploma 2 years
NWP Certificate Varies - 1 year
Grande Prairie & Distance
Grande Prairie & Distance
Distance
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have an Alberta Education High School Diploma or equivalent with successful completion of English 30-1 or 30-2 (min 50%).
Applicants must have an Alberta Education High School Diploma or equivalent with successful completion of English 30-1 or 30-2 (min 50%).
Applicants must have 60% in English 30-2 or 50% in English 30-1 or required minimum score on the ACCUPLACER reading and writing assessment.
Education, University Transfer (UT) University Transfer Program 1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
Grande Prairie Admission to this UT program requires an overall high school average of 60 % in the following five Alberta Education courses.
• English 30-1
• Group A or C*
• Two courses from Group A or C
• One course from Group A, B, or C or PE 30 or CTS Adv (5 credits)
*Admission will be granted to a student into the University Transfer Education program if the student presents the requirements as laid out above. However, each major/ minor or chosen route (elementary or secondary) will require specific courses completed at high school to complete courses required within the degree. Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 is required for Elementary route students to complete the 6 credits of Math courses required within the program.
Students will be granted admission to year 1 of the University Transfer Education program if they meet the requirements listed above. Successful admission to the Education program in year 2 and 3 is determined by the institution to which students are transferring. Admission at NWP is based around the rules of the University of Alberta. Students spend the first one or two years taking courses that work towards the program in hopes of receiving admission based on the Grade Point Average students gain while at NWP and the student’s Casper test results*.
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
Education, University Transfer (UT)
(Continued) University Transfer Program 1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
Students planning to specialize in a particular subject area, need to present Grade 12 prerequisites basic to that subject area. Students planning on completing an Elementary Education transfer degree with the University of Alberta, or the Teacher Education North Collaborative program, will be required to present successful completion of Math 30-1 or Math 30-2.
The following requirements must be met to be eligible for entry into the Office Management Program:
• 50% in English 30-1 or 30-2
• 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2 or 20-3
Grande Prairie & Distance
The following requirements must be met to be eligible for entry into the Office Professional program.
• English 30-1 or English 30-2 (min 50%)
• Math 20-1, 20-2, or 20-3 (min 50%)
PROGRAMS THAT WORK.
SCHOOL OF HEALTH
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL LENGTH CAMPUS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Collaborate Degree (U of A degree offered on the NWP Campus)
Health Care Aide NWP Certificate
4 Years Grande Prairie
Kinesiology NWP Diploma (Emphasis: Coaching and Training)
1 Year Grande Prairie & Fairview
2 Years Grande Prairie
All applicants under 21 years of age must present a High School Diploma or equivalent and an overall average of 65% with no mark lower than 60% in any of the following:
• English 30-1
• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30 or Science 30
• Math 30-1 or 30-2
• One of Aboriginal Studies 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30, Math 31, Physics 30, Computer Science – Advanced Level CTS (5 credit), Social Studies 30-1, Physical Education 30, 30-level Language, Fine Arts course
• English 20-1 or English 20-2 (min 60%) or
• English 30-1 or English 30-2 (min 55%) or deemed equivalent by completion of ACCUPLACER assessment
The Kinesiology Diploma requires passing grades and an overall average of 60% in the following Alberta Education high school courses or equivalents.
• English 30-1
• Two subjects from Group A or C
• One subject from Group C (Biology 30 recommended)
• One subject from Group B, C, Physical Education 30, or Rec Leadership Adv (CTS) Only one language other than English will be accepted
Kinesiology, University Transfer (UT) University Transfer Program
4 Years Grande Prairie
The Bachelor of Kinesiology requires an overall average of 70% in the following Alberta Education high school courses or equivalents.
• English 30-1
• Two subjects from Group A or C
• One subject from Group C
• One subject from Group B, C, or Physical Education 30 (5 credit)
Biology 30 is recommended. Only one language other than English will be accepted.
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL LENGTH
Kinesiology (Science), University Transfer (UT) University Transfer Program 1-2 years at NWP (4 years total)
Grande Prairie
SCHOOL OF HEALTH
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology requires a minimum average of 70% in the following Alberta Education high school courses.
• English 30-1
• Biology 30 or Physical Education 30 (5-credit)
• Chemistry 30
• Math 30-1
• Physics 30
Personal Trainer NWP Diploma 2 Years
Grande Prairie
Practical Nurse NWP Diploma 2 Years
Grande Prairie & Fairview
For admission into the Personal Trainer Diploma, an overall average of 50% in the following Alberta Education courses or equivalents is required. See Entrance Requirements tables for courses within groups A or C.
• English 30-1 or English 30-2
• One subject from Group A or C, or Physical Education 30, or one of Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2.
Biology 30 is recommended.
• English 30-1 (min 60%) or English 30-2 (min 70%)
• Biology 30 (min 60%)
• Math, one of:
• Math 30-1 (min 50%)
• Math 30-2 (min 60%)
• Math 20-1 (min 60%)
• Math 20-2 (min 70%)
Primary Care Paramedic NWP Certificate 1 Year
Grande Prairie
• Biology 30 (min 60%)
• English 30-1 (min 60%) or English 30-2 (min 70%)
• Math 20-1 (min 50%) or Math 20-2 (min 60%)
Students must be years of age on the first day of the program. There are additional nonacademic requirements.
SCHOOL OF SKILLED TRADES
Automotive Service Technician AIT Journeyperson Certificate AIT Advanced Diploma 4 years
Carpenter AIT Journeyperson Certificate AIT Advanced Diploma 4 years
Electrician AIT Journeyperson Certificate AIT Advanced Diploma 4 years
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
Gasfitter Class A AIT Journeyperson Certificate 3 years (after Gasfitter Common is Completed)
Gasfitter Common 1st year requirement to continue to Plumber, Gasfitter B or SteamfitterPipefitter 1 year
Davidson®
• Gasfitter B, Journeyperson Certificate
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
• English 10-1 or English 10-2 (min 50%)
• Math 10-C or Math 10-3 (min 50%)
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
SCHOOL OF SKILLED TRADES
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Instrumentation & Control Technician
AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma 4 years Grande Prairie
AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma 3 Years at NWP (4 years total)
Grande Prairie
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
Completion of an Alberta high school diploma that includes the following:
• English 20-2
• Math 30-3
• Physics 30
• Chemistry 30
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
Motorcycle Mechanic AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma 4 years Fairview
Motorcycle Mechanic NWP Certificate 1 year Fairview
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
• English 10-1, English 10-2 or equivalent (minimum 50%)
• Math 10-C, Math 10-3 or equivalent (minimum 50%)
Parts Technician AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma 3 years Grande Prairie
Plumber / Gasfitter B AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma 3 years (after Gasfitter Common is Completed) Fairview
• English 10-2
• Math 10-3
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
PROGRAM CREDENTIAL
SteamfitterPipefitter AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma
3 years (after Gasfitter Common is Completed)
SCHOOL OF SKILLED TRADES
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Fairview
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
• Science 10
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
ThinkBIG Service Technician
NWP Diploma
2 years
Fairview
• High School Diploma preferred.
• CDN Citizen or Permanent Resident required.
• Please see program information in the calendar for other admission requirements as determined by Finning Canada.
Welder AIT Journeyperson Certificate
AIT Advanced Diploma
3 years
Fairview & Grande Prairie
• English 20-2
• Math 20-3
Or a passing mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests or AIT Entrance Exam
