DEGREE PROGRAMS at
George Brown College

Frequently Asked Questions about
Applied Degrees

What are applied degrees?
Applied degrees are undergraduate bachelor (baccalaureate) degrees with an applied, hands-on focus in a particular field. They prepare people to work in a profession or earn a professional designation or standing while also earning a degree. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) degree, for example, rather than a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

How long is an applied degree program?
Applied degrees are normally four years in length, similar to an honours bachelor's degree at a university.

Are applied degrees new in Ontario?
No. Applied degrees have been offered by Ontario universities for many decades. They are recognized and respected by employers, as well as schools of graduate studies, and professional bodies and associations. Ontario colleges, including George Brown, started offering applied degrees in 2003.

What are the admission requirements?
Like university degree programs, George Brown degree programs require students to have six university (U or OAC) senior level courses, with specific prerequisite courses at minimum final grade percentages. For full details, including mature student admission requirements, go to georgebrown.ca/degrees. You may apply for admission to George Brown degree programs online at the Ontario College Application Service at ontariocolleges.ca.

What grades are required for admission?
Each program has published minimum percentage marks for admission. However, if the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, then applicants will be ranked by their marks. In this case marks required for entry will probably exceed the published minimums. Go to www.georgebrown.ca/degrees for details.

How much do applied degree programs cost?
Annual tuition fees for George Brown applied degree programs are about $5,000. The exception is the first two years of the consecutive diploma/degree in Early Childhood Education, with annual tuition of about $2,500. Go to www.georgebrown.ca/degrees for details.

Can applied degrees lead to graduate studies?
While graduate schools review applications on an individual basis, George Brown applied degree graduates have been accepted for admission into masters level graduate programs at The University of Waterloo (Master of Taxation degree), The University of Windsor (Master of Business Administration degree), and Ryerson University (Master of Building Science degree).  In addition, Niagara University in New York State, USA, will accept George Brown Hospitality Operations graduates for admission to its master's program. While the Early Childhood Education degree can be used for entry into teacher's college in Ontario, George Brown applied degrees cannot. Many people have used applied degrees as the basis for entry into graduate or professional schools.

Can I transfer into a university from a George Brown degree?
Over the years, many people have earned advanced standing or credits at universities with George Brown credentials. While academic achievements are assessed individually, we expect the same will hold true for our degree programs.

Who approves applied degrees?
At Ontario colleges, including George Brown, applied degrees are approved by an internal review process, and then must also satisfy the exacting requirements of the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB). This government-appointed academic panel studies all aspects of the program before recommending acceptance to the Minister of Colleges and Universities. For more information about PEQAB and the applied degree program approval process, go to www.peqab.edu.gov.on.ca.

Who teaches in applied degree programs?
As in universities, professors teaching in applied degree programs at George Brown have academic qualifications superior to the program outcome (e.g. master's or doctorate degrees), the appropriate professional designations (e.g. CA or CGA), and often extensive industry experience.

What makes applied degrees at George Brown different?

• The applied, professional focus of the program
• The opportunity for work experience as part of the program
• Assurance of demand for graduates by employers
• Professors whose full-time job is teaching
• The combination of a solid grounding in theory and analytical skills with a practical, career-focused education
• Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention.
  

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Revised: September 2, 2009