University of Saskatchewan Certificate of Art & Design (USCAD)

Admission Requirements

• Regular Admission: 17 years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent .

• Special or Mature Admission: Applicants 21 years of age or older with a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, recognized artist, or person with similar qualifications who has known you for a minimum of two years

• Probationary Admission: if you cannot gain admission based on the above two categories you can register as general interest student and apply to have your coursework evaluated. If you achieve an average grade of 75%, you will be admitted into the certificate program.

Note: All USCAD applicants are required to download USCAD_application.pdf and submit it with a non-refundable $50 Admission Fee. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. There are no deadlines.

USCAD Program Requirements

To qualify for the USCAD certificate, a minimum of 429 credit hours of study and a minimum overall grade average of 75% is required. This consists of:

• six foundation/core courses (234 credit hours)
• two major stream courses (78 credit hours)
• a minimum of two electives (78 credit hours)
• final project and exhibition (39 credit hours) 

Fall and winter courses are delivered on the U of S Campus for 13 weeks (3 hours/week). Some courses are also available through weekend workshops. Spring courses are delivered on the U of S Campus in May and June.

There are also program entry options for students who have prior learning experience and a portfolio with a proposal for study. Read the sections below to learn more about Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR).

Program completion and flexible timelines

You can complete the program in as little as 1 year based on full-time study, up to a maximum of 5 years working part-time. Full-time students can register in Fall to complete 10 courses over the year and conduct their final project and exhibition during Spring and Summer. Part-time students may complete a minimum of 2 courses per year in the first 4 years of the program, taking their final 2 courses, project course and exhibition in their 5th year. Part-time study allows for flexibility. Students who cannot complete their program in 5 years may apply for an extension.

Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

PLAR is a formal evaluation process that gives you credit for what you have already learned. With USCAD, you may qualify for PLAR from courses you’ve previously taken from

• the University of Saskatchewan or other post-secondary institutions,
• the University of Saskatchewan Community Arts Program and General Interest courses, and
• self-directed learning.

To apply for PLAR, download the USCAD_plarform.pdf  and submit it to our office with a $200 PLAR processing fee. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. No deadlines apply. 

Graduation

Once you have successfully completed of all courses, your portfolio review and exhibition you will qualify for graduation. Graduation ceremonies are held in summer. 

Questions?

Email community.arts@usask.ca or call Val Miles, Program Manager at 306.966.5530.