Search Resources: Degree Completion

Submit a Resource

These resources are made available thanks to the commitment and involvement of partners from across Ontario.

Click here to access French language resources.

For information on getting involved with developing OCTE resources, visit the secondary panel page.

< Back to Category List

Degree Completion

Background

The Technological Education Pathway Development Project (TEPD) is a consortium of Ontario Colleges including Fanshawe College, Niagara College, Conestoga College, Fleming College, Canadore College, Mohawk College and College Boreal. TEPD has developed degree completion opportunities to technological education teachers with an apprenticeship, diploma or advanced diploma background. TEPD has partnered with Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia and IT Sligo in Ireland. The degree completion programs provide a mixture of credit transfer and Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment (PLAR), and are offered via online learning. We have included a Spec Sheet, sample candidates, and FAQs regarding the degree completion options.

TEPD Spec Sheet

The ‘Spec Sheet’ outlines the distance learning programs at both IT Sligo and Thompson Rivers University, and the various components that may be considered based on background and experience. The degree completion options are a mixture of credit transfer and Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment (PLAR). OCT and OCTE have been consulted during the development of these pathways.

Download the Spec Sheet (PDF)

TEPD Sample Candidates

The TEPD project team has developed sample candidates from different backgrounds and skills. IT Sligo and Thompson Rivers University assessed these sample candidates, and provided an estimate of the amount of credit transfer each would receive. These are intended only as a case study. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the institution regarding their credit transfer and recognition of prior learning assessment. Program requirements at both institutions are subject to change.

Auto Service Technician (PDF)

Cook (PDF)

Design (PDF)

Electrician (PDF)

Hairstylist (PDF)

TEPD FAQs

1. What is the TEPD project?

The Technology Pathway Development (TEPD) project is lead by seven Ontario Colleges. The project team has identified online degree completion pathways for technology teachers who have an apprenticeship, diploma or advanced diploma background.

2. Who is eligible for this pathway?

Any technology teacher or College faculty with an apprenticeship, diploma or advanced diploma background.

3. Where can I complete my degree?

TEPD has identified online degree completion pathways with Thompson Rivers University (British Columbia) and Institute of Technology Sligo (Ireland). Degree completion is offered through 100% online delivery.

4. What about my previous experience?

This pathway is designed to give you recognition for your academic, work, and teaching experience. Credits can be applied to help you earn your degree through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and credit transfer.

5. Where can I find more information about the specific degree completion programs?

Please see the ‘Spec Sheet’ which outlines the distance learning programs at both institutions - and the various components that may be considered based on background and experience. The degree completion options are a mixture of credit transfer and Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment (PLAR). OCT and OCTE have been consulted during the development of these pathways.

6. How do I find out more information about applying?

  • For IT Sligo please contact Patrick Lynch, International Manager (Lynch.Patrick@itsligo.ie).
  • For Thompson Rivers University please contact Donald Poirier, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Thompson Rivers University (Dpoirier@tru.ca).
  • We are tracking TEPD candidates by using a standard email subject line: Ontario Tech Ed Degree Pathway. Please indicate in your email which program you are interested in pursuing. 7. Are these degrees approved by OCT? OCT has been consulted during the TEPD project. Candidates will be required to contact OCT individually; however, the degree completion pathways meet the OCT requirements of an ‘acceptable post-secondary degree’. See OCT regulations below: An acceptable postsecondary degree is defined in Ontario’s Teachers’ Qualifications Regulation and it is as follows:

“acceptable post-secondary degree” means a degree for which a person is required to complete at least 90 post-secondary credits or their equivalent and that is,

    1. (a) granted by a post-secondary educational institution authorized to grant the degree under an Act of the Legislature, including a person that is authorized to grant the degree under the Post- secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000, or
    1. (b) considered by the College to be equivalent to a degree described in clause (a) and is granted by,
      1. a post-secondary educational institution in a Canadian province or territory other than Ontario,
      2. a post-secondary educational institution in the United States that is recognized by, A.the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools,
        1. the New England Association of Schools and Colleges,
        2. the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools,
        3. the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
        4. the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or
        5. the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or
      3. a post-secondary educational institution located in a country other than Canada or the United States; (“grade postsecondaire reconnu”)

Therefore, in order to determine if a credential satisfies the requirement of an acceptable postsecondary degree, the College uses three different criteria to make the determination as follows:

  • Type/Level – must be a postsecondary degree.
  • Duration - [90 credits or their equivalent (3 years of full-time study)] in addition to the credits awarded or allocated for the professional registration requirement. In other words, if a program combines academic and professional coursework it must be three years and four semesters of study.
  • Accreditation – the institution that granted the credential must be authorized in the jurisdiction to grant degrees at the time the credential was awarded. 8. If I complete my undergraduate degree, will my Teaching Certificate/Diploma be converted into a Bachelor of Education retroactively? Some universities have indicated there is a process for updating the Teaching Certificate to a Bachelor of Education once an undergraduate degree is completed. Contact your institution’s Registrar’s Office to confirm the process and required documentation.

8. If I complete my undergraduate degree, will my Teaching Certificate/Diploma be converted into a Bachelor of Education retroactively?

Some universities have indicated there is a process for updating the Teaching Certificate to a Bachelor of Education once an undergraduate degree is completed. Contact your institution’s Registrar’s Office to confirm the process and required documentation.