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Online and Remote Learning

Learn where and when you want.

SCS is committed to making learning as accessible as possible both locally and across the globe. We are continuously expanding our list of over 540 online learning opportunities. From languages to accounting, we offer flexible learning opportunities.

Our online courses are instructor-led and delivered through the University of Toronto’s Learning Management Engine – Quercus. Quercus uses weekly, real time modules and has tools for engagement and community building. Course preparation has built in flexibility so you can read, study, and complete assignments on your own time.

You will communicate with your instructors via discussion boards and/or email. Some online courses include live, interactive webinars. If you’re unable to attend the live webinar, you will be able to view a recording of the webinar on your own schedule.

You may also want to investigate funding opportunities available to you on our  Financial Assistance  page. Your path to lifelong learning is more attainable than you think!

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The Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning

The centre for teaching and continuing learning at laurentian university aims to develop and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for professional and personal development..

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It’s easier than it’s ever been! All of our offerings -- whether completing a degree program through Laurentian Online or a short course micro-credential -- provide you with the flexibility to get ahead, keep up or catch up as your schedule permits. 

Undergraduate Programs

The following undergraduate degree programs are available fully online or through distance education.  Click on the program title, followed by "Program Details" and "Degree Options" for more information on specific degree requirements.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) 

• Criminology  (3-year Concentration)
• Equity, Diversity and Human Rights (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major)
• Gerontology  (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major, 4-year Specialization)
• History  (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (4-year Major, only with subject areas available completely online)
• Psychology  (3-year Concentration, 4-year Major, and 4-year Honours Specialization with non-thesis)
• Sociology  (3-year Concentration)

You may also complete a General BA (3-year) with two (2) minors. For further information regarding minors please see below. 

Other undergraduate degree programs:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)  (4-year)
• Bachelor of Forensic Identification Degree  (3-year, may require on-site practicum attendance) Offered exclusively to Forensic Identification Officers
• Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work  (4-year)
• BIOLOGY (BIOL 1000; BIOL 1700; BIOL 2011; BIOL 2110; BIOL 2701; BIOL 2757; BIOL 2806)
• CHEMISTRY (CHMI 1031; CHMI 1032; CHMI 2031; CHMI 2041; CHMI 2220; CHMI 3031)
• GEOLOGY (GEOL 1021; GEOL 1022; GEOL 2021; GEOL 2022; GEOL 2046;  GEOL 3312; GEOL 3811)
• PHYSICS (PHYS 1211; PHYS 1212; PHYS 1905; PHYS 2606; PHYS 2616; PHYS 3306; PHYS 3616) 

* The  3-year online  degree is a terminal degree which does not allow you to transfer directly into the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Science.  The 4-year degree is only available on-campus and requires 1st and 2nd year courses that are not covered by the 3-year online degree.  Interested in the 4-year degree? Refer to the on-campus  page here for more information  

• Criminology *new
• Equity, Diversity and Human Rights *new
• Gerontology

Certificates

• Family Life Studies  and Human Sexuality

Professional Development

• Cardiac Care on the Web
• Faculty of Education – Additional-qualifications courses
• Fingerprint Detection and Analysis *
• Fire Scene Management and Investigation * Offered exclusively to Fire Investigators
• *NEW*   Palliative and End of Life Care

*These professional development opportunities require on-site practicums

Graduate Programs

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Important Information

Laurentian online faq.

How much time should I spend on one class every week?

A three credit course is offered over one semester. You should set aside 15 - 20 hours a week to read, work on assignments, do research, participate in online discussions, watch videos, and study for tests. 

How do I access my online/distance education course?

Laurentian Online uses the learning management system Desire2Learn (D2L). You will have access to your course(s) on the first day of term.

Are textbooks included?

All the material for your online course(s) except for required textbook(s) can be found online. You may order the required text(s) and case packages from the online Bookstore.

Are there weekly class times?

Laurentian Online courses are geared towards asynchronous learning. Meaning there are no scheduled weekly class meetings, however course professors may chose to schedule a videoconference once or more during the semester. 

Do I have a specific time frame in which I must complete a course?

You must complete a course within its assigned academic semester. 

How many semesters are offered each year?

Courses are delivered in four terms annually: fall (F), fall/winter (FW), winter (W) and spring (SP).  You can consult the Important Dates calendar to learn the “start” and “end” date of each semester. https://laurentian.ca/important-dates-0

Will I have to come on campus?

You will not be required to come on campus to complete an online/distance course.  

Will I have to write a final exam?

Your course may contain a final in person exam. Note that every effort will be made to provide an examination location that is within 100 km for students residing in Canada. However, you will be required to find an invigilator for your invigilated exam if:

• You are located more than 100km from one of our listed test centres; or
• You are registered with Accessibility Services and writing outside of Sudbury; or
• You are writing your exam outside of Canada

If you selected an exam centre, the exam location address, room information and allowable examination room materials will be provided to you seven days prior to the examination period.

Can online students apply for financial assistance?

Yes, Online students can apply for financial assistance. Grants, awards, bursaries, and loans are available to part-time and full-time students who qualify. 

What services are available to online learners?

There are many services available to online learners. Online learners can benefit from Accessibility Services, Academic Advising, Library, Counseling, Indigenous Student Affairs as well as many more. 

How much is tuition?

Based on several factors, your university fees consist of tuition, incidental and administrative fees. The Fees and Financing section of our website will provide you with the information to help you organize and prepare your finances. 

https://laurentian.ca/fees-financing/undergraduate-tuition

How do I pay my fees?

You can use one of the following methods to pay your tuition fees:

Internet banking Telephone banking Interac® debit card In person at the bank

Paying your tuition fees online is the easiest and fastest way. You can pay your tuition fees online if your financial institution is on the following list: CIBC Bank, Bank of Montreal, National Bank, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Caisses Desjardins, Credit Union.

The only way to pay your fees by credit card would be through a third-party service provider. For further information regarding payment methods: https://laurentian.ca/fees-financing/payment-options#how-to-pay

What do I need to know about Online Learning?

In an online course, everything you need is found on the  D2L  Brightspace platform except for your textbooks and/or select reading packages which you will need to purchase from the  Laurentian Bookstore . The benefits of online courses are that they are more interactive and contain built-in communication features such as the discussion board. You can therefore connect with other students and your instructor easily.

All Laurentian Online courses are completed via a learning management system. Depending on the course, you may be required to work independently or with a group. Working online does have its challenges, but it also comes with many benefits. The majority of the Laurentian Online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students have the flexibility to read, do coursework, and go online at their convenience rather than be at a specific place at a designated time. Assignments however will have set deadline dates throughout the semester.

Important Dates

Click here to see important dates

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for online programs at Laurentian University are the same as for on campus programs.

Pathways to LU and Transitioning to the Postsecondary Journey

Pathways to Laurentian University (PDF)

Transitioning to the Postsecondary Journey (PDF)

Register (Current Students)

Click here to apply and register for courses if you are a current student.

Apply (New Students)

Click here  to apply and register for courses if you are a new student.

Interested in our Programs?

Questions to ask yourself in order to become a successful online learner.

Do I have the time and support required to successfully complete my online distance education course?

Do I have the support of my family and employer?

Do I have 15-20 hours a week to read, work on assignments, do research, participate in online discussions, watch videos, and study for tests?

Do I have a designated space that I intend to do my coursework and readings throughout my course(s)?

Can I arrange time off on weekends or evenings to attend my final exam or work on a major assignment?

Support Services for Online and Distance Learners

The Student Success Centre

The Student Success Centre  offers a variety of academic supports to help students transition to university and succeed during their studies. 

• Student Success Advising Academic advisors help students better understand their goals, their academic plans, and guide students as they make important decisions about their future.
• Academic Writing Support Academic Writing assistance is available to all Laurentian students who would like some extra help to improve their writing skills.
• Student Success Tutoring Learning Assistance provides students with resources and opportunities to improve their ability to learn at a university level.

Laurentian Online Understanding the distinct needs of online learners, our team provides support and guidance to our student community to help them achieve their academic goals. Self register for the  A1-Orientation for Online Learners  available on our learning management system. 

Laurentian University Services and Supports

• Accessibility Services
• Counselling Services
• Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office

The  J.N. Desmarais Library  offers a variety of services for online and distance learners.  For example, any library material that is not available to you electronically, can be ordered through  OMNI , whether the material is located in Laurentian's own collections - or elsewhere.

Looking for a new career and need a degree to land an exciting job?

An undergraduate student who needs a flexible learning option other than an in-class course?

A college graduate who wants to pursue a lifelong dream of obtaining a degree?

A student from another university who is interested in completing a course on a Letter of Permission (LOP)?

A working professional looking for professional development opportunities?

A student living abroad and interested in learning from a Canadian University? 

Laurentian Online

J.n. desmarais library, 2nd floor.

•  935 Ramsey Lake Road. Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
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The Best Online Universities in Canada of 2024

March 2020 marked a major turning point in the history of online education. That month, of course, is when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, leading Canada’s postsecondary institutions to upgrade (or adopt) online learning platforms and make everything from part-time bookkeeping classes to nursing degree programs available to remote learners. Suddenly, plans to digitize programs and courses were condensed from years into weeks.

The pandemic has since left us with a vastly expanded landscape of virtual learning options, from new self-paced courses to live online seminars to Augmented Reality (AR) science labs and plenty of hybrid options in between. This newfound flexibility also ramped up demand for mature students exploring opportunities to hone their skills or embark on entirely new careers. (CourseCompare saw a nearly 200 per cent increase in demand for virtual career training programs during this time.)

And the pandemic has forced universities, professors and students alike to mature in their understanding of how technology can enable better and more equitable learning . For some students with families, full-time jobs or disabilities, for example, the alternative to remote learning is sometimes not pursuing higher education at all.

But we also learned how technology, if used incorrectly, can lead to isolation and inhibit the kind of social interactions that are critical to a learner’s success. Which is why it’s so important for Canadian universities to keep pushing the envelope, combining new technologies and evolving teaching techniques to create highly interactive and engaging educational experiences that replicate the best of in-person learning — wherever their students find themselves.

Slack or Teams? Cohort-based, self-paced or synchronous? Two classroom microphones or twenty? With so many vastly improved online options and delivery methods, it may be a challenge to pick which of Canada’s online universities and programs are right for you. At CourseCompare, we’ve taken a microscope to Canada’s evolving online landscape and compiled our list of the very best online universities of 2024.

CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here .

Athabasca University 3.2/5 (14 reviews)

Laurentian university 5/5 (5 reviews), queen's university 5/5 (5 reviews), university of fredericton (ufred) 4.95/5 (20 reviews), university of waterloo 5/5 (5 reviews), royal roads university 5/5 (4 reviews), university canada west (ucw) 4.8/5 (44 reviews), mcgill university 4.8/5 (44 reviews), mount royal university 4.8/5 (44 reviews), thompson rivers university 4.8/5 (44 reviews), university of british columbia 5/5 (3 reviews), university of new brunswick (unb) 5/5 (3 reviews), university of manitoba 3.65/5 (3 reviews), memorial university 4.75/5 (4 reviews), trent university 4.75/5 (4 reviews), lakehead university 5/5 (5 reviews), université téluq 5/5 (4 reviews), royal military college of canada 5/5 (4 reviews), yorkville university 4.95/5 (15 reviews), athabasca university.

Alberta-based Athabasca University was the first university in Canada to specialize in online distance education. The school is a true pioneer in distance learning, opening as Canada’s first open, correspondence-based university back in 1973.

AU offers more than 980 courses across 50-plus undergraduate and graduate programs offering diplomas, degrees and certificates in business, health, humanities and sciences, including programs in architecture, accounting, data analytics, information security, finance, health administration, and both post-LPN and post-RN nursing degrees. A focused menu of professional development programs, courses and microcredentials are also on tap, with training in specialties such as project management, digital innovation, workplace wellness and AI ethics.

What Students Are Saying

“ I had an amazing experience at Athabasca U! I was able to finish my graduate degree in nursing, which was fully online and keep my full-time job. I did not lose any pay from work, or any seniority at work. I only had to work around taking my vacation/stat days off, and needed to do homework in my spare time, usually on weekends. Although, it was challenging to juggle my time, I found my professors to be fair and understanding, and I could always get the support when needed. I felt that I made the best decision for my career by choosing a online degree, and it has made me a more rounded person, and it opened a lot of doors for me! I would recommend AU for any busy working professional!!! ” Sheldon Hubert, Master of Nursing: Generalist

The Online Experience

As an “open” university, Athabasca prides itself on its highly flexible model, making higher education easy and accessible from admission to the final exams. Admission to AU is open to anyone age 16 or older, regardless of previous education. Most courses have no prerequisites and there’s no competition for entry into a program. Classes begin on the first day of every month and never fill up. Coursework can be completed on your own schedule, and even final exams can be booked at your convenience.

AU’s open online model effectively removes many of the traditional barriers to higher learning. According to school statistics, more than 70 per cent of its students are the first in their family to earn a university degree.

In 2018, AU became the first Canadian university to partner with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to design and manage cloud education programs, improving access to education for international students and learners in remote communities.

Athabasca, Alberta

Laurentian University

Laurentian University prides itself on a unique educational vision reflective of its location in Northern Ontario; it is the only university in Canada with a bilingual and tricultural mandate, providing courses in English and French with a drive to serve the postsecondary needs of Indigenous learners.

Laurentian Online delivers a similarly diverse menu of 26 degree programs with over 350 courses, including undergraduate degrees in criminology, sociology, forensic identification, business administration and Indigenous social work, as well as an MBA and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner M.Sc. program.

Online certificate and professional development microcredentials cover specialties such as fingerprint detection and analysis, fire scene management and investigation, cardiac care, palliative care and effective survey design.

“ Small class sizes of about 30 make this business program intimate. Cost of living here in Sudbury is low so our dollars are getting all of us quite far! Great professors and the business school seems unaffected by some of the issues the university has been facing with funding. Having said that, mining engineering and nursing are making bigger names from themselves here than business but I'm proud to be here and excited to graduate next year. The online BBA also offers great flexibility for anyone interested in taking time away from the North to study. ” Marshall McCauley, Business Administration (MBA)

Laurentian’s online format is primarily asynchronous, with no scheduled classes. Students can study at their own pace — the school recommends spending 15-20 hours per week per course on schoolwork — but assignments come with set deadlines and courses must be completed within designated academic semesters.

Some courses include a final in-person exam, although students meeting certain distance requirements can write an invigilated exam at an approved location.

Courses are delivered through the Desire2Learn or D2L Brightspace platform, a popular Canadian-born learning management system (LMS) that provides simplified and intuitive online learning and communication among students and with faculty.

Sudbury, Ontario

Queen's University

Kingston, Ontario-based Queen’s was the first university in North America to offer distance education, introducing courses by mail beginning in 1889. Today, more than 4,000 students “attend” Queens online, earning diplomas, degrees, certificates and microcredentials across a wide range of studies.

Queens’ offers more than 140 online courses across 10 schools, including arts and science, education, health sciences, engineering and applied science, law and its prestigious Smith School of Business, as well as numerous postgraduate degrees.

A robust menu of career-enhancing microcredentials includes 19 free self-directed courses, such as neuroscience for neurotech, behavioural assessment techniques and entrepreneurship.

“ This is probably the best undergraduate business program in Canada with incredible professors. It's also a ton of fun, with most of my classmates live down the street from me in the student "ghetto". There are just so many great experiences here from 50+ clubs to third-year fall or winter exchange, which took me to Australia. But the most amazing thing is the alumni network of successful entrepreneurs, consultants, CFOs and others we see in the news and on television. I'll be starting in management consulting in the fall and all of the best firms (Boston, Baine, Deloitte, etc.) hire directly from our campus. Grads seem to do a variety of interesting things however and that's because Queen's attracts and nurtures the best. My four years here have been the best of my life! ” Julien C., Bachelor of Commerce

Online courses at Queen’s are designed with interactivity and collaboration in mind. Peer and professor engagement are highly prized, and there’s an emphasis on communication and teamwork through group projects and online discussions.

Courses are delivered through the school’s customized OnQ platform, which is built on the popular Desire2Learn system in use at universities across Canada and internationally. Certain programs and faculties have their own custom tools to foster online learning and collaboration.

Queen’s online courses are largely asynchronous. While some live events take place, students can access recordings at any time to schedule their own learning. Courses do have set start and end dates, and assignments have fixed deadlines as well.

Some programs and individual courses involve in-person elements to foster experiential learning and hands-on skill development that can’t be replicated online. Health sciences, for example, can require intensive weeklong on-campus sessions, and a Bachelor of Mining Engineering Technology features on-site field placements to gain real-world experience.

Kingston, Ontario

University of Fredericton (UFred)

The University of Fredericton, or UFred, is a private, for-profit institution founded in 2005. The New Brunswick-based school has built its name on the strength of its business and leadership-focused programs. Its programs, like the University’s administration, faculty and staff, operate 100 per cent online.

Operating exclusively online, UFred delivers a focused selection of certificate, degree and diploma programs through its Sandermoen School of Business and School of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). OHS courses include certificates and diplomas in psychological health and safety, OHS and environmental systems and ergonomics, among others.

UFred’s flagship program, though, is the Master of Business Administration, a perennial leader among CourseCompare’s best online MBA programs . The comprehensive and multidisciplinary program gives students the choice between nine leadership specialties such as innovation, consulting, professional selling, HR, business analytics and artificial intelligence. Pre-MBA Executive MBA and MBA certificates are also available for aspiring leaders at every stage of their career.

“ As a Husband and father of 2 young children who works fulltime, upgrading my schooling was an extremely daunting and seemingly unrealistic goal. There was no was I could take time off work, go to a different location for school, go on EI etc etc and still maintain my relationship and be the Dad I want to be. Then I discovered UFred. The online and Part Time aspect of the OHS and Environmental Systems course I am take has made it extremely accessible and attainable to further my education and take a step up careerwise. Yes there are still some late nights finishing reports and studying after everyone is in bed, but I am still able to be home and present for my family. If you are hesitant about going back to school because of the constraints and feeling that it will set you back years financially, this is the place for you. I am halfway through the course now and the course load is extremely manageable. ” JC Ulrich, Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Systems

UFred’s program delivery and your educational experience will vary depending on the program or course. Some are entirely self-paced while others, including several MBA courses, are instructor-led with live virtual classes, discussions and presentations delivered through online collaboration tools like WebEx. However, even programs with live components allow great flexibility in scheduling around your lifestyle; the online MBA, for example, can be finished in as few as 18 months.

Interactivity and peer-to-peer learning are key components of business courses in particular, where students will collaborate on projects in cohorts via online platforms such as Skype, Zoom and WebEx, and using cloud-based tools like Google Docs and Google Sheets. Instructor-led courses and programs are capped at 25 students maximum to allow effective student-to-faculty interaction and networking opportunities.

Fredericton, New Brunswick

University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo is consistently recognized as one of the most innovative postsecondary institutions in Canada, and was an early adopter of online education. The Ontario university has been delivering web-based learning since 1997, four years before the birth of Wikipedia.

Since then, its Centre for Extended Learning has built a sprawling course catalogue with over 600 courses across 40 undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines, including arts, engineering, environmental, health, mathematics and science, with a diverse range of individual courses such as history of the Internet, tactics for workplace success, applied epidemiology, business law, and Vikings! (Yes, the course name includes an exclamation point.)

On top of its range of degree programs, Waterloo also delivers more than 170 online professional development courses and certificate programs in categories such as business administration, computers and IT, languages, project management, sales and marketing, and writing and publishing.

Waterloo’s online degree courses are cohort-based, meaning an entire class moves through a syllabus and schedule at more or less the same pace. While you have flexibility within the schedule, it’s recommended to dedicate 10-12 hours per week per course to your coursework, whether that’s course readings, lectures, group discussions or assignments. Assignments, quizzes and exams are scheduled at set times although most tests can be taken within a 24-hour period.

Professional development courses and certificates are more independent; lessons are released at regular intervals and don’t require any scheduled online attendance.

Waterloo, Cambridge, Kitchener and Stratford, Ontario

Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University is a public institution geared primarily toward postgraduates and mature students, with learning models designed to accommodate existing jobs and busy lifestyles. Approximately 70 per cent of RRU students remain in their jobs while studying in the school’s online and blended programs, which have been running since the 1990s.

RRU delivers a focused menu of 20 fully online and 57 blended programs in business, communication, environmental science, executive education, leadership, and tourism and hospitality management, among others. In keeping with its focus on mature and working students, the course catalogue has an emphasis on business, management and leadership-focused education. Programs kick off with a mandatory, non-credit course on academic integrity.

“ Gorgeous campus, amazing experience and some of the best instructors in the province if not the country. Royal Roads has assembled a rare mix of teachers who are industry pros but also dedicated and experienced teachers. ” Jason G., Organizational Change Management

RRU’s course catalogue features predominantly blended courses, which include both online and on-campus components. Blended programs tend to be mainly online, but require an immersive on-campus residency of varying length which demands intensive in-class work as well as team assignments and extracurriculars. While demanding, students tend to describe the intensive and highly interactive residency as a particular highlight of the program.

Fully online courses can consist of synchronous and asynchronous lectures and assignments with set deadlines. Even while completely online, collaborative work is a major part of the programs; group assignments and meaningful participation in discussions and online forums are considered foundational and a key part of the complete learning experience.

Victoria, British Columbia

University Canada West (UCW)

University Canada West is a private university with a focus on business and career education. Since its founding in 2004, the Vancouver-based, for-profit institution has acquired a reputation for innovative career-enhancing education emphasizing leadership and persuasive business communication.

UCW’s course catalogue is lean and highly focused, with two bachelor programs  – commerce and business communication, respectively. Its most popular course is the online masters in business administration, a two-year program incorporating tools, projects and technology from leading sources such as Facebook Blueprint, Salesforce, Shopify, Riipen and the Digital Marketing Institute . Students completing the MBA also earn digital marketing certifications from DMI and Facebook.

Those seeking bite-sized career-enhancers can also choose from a menu of business-focused online microcredentials, such as blockchain entrepreneurship, data and web analytics, online e-commerce and corporate social responsibility.

“ My experience with University Canada West (UCW) as an international student pursuing an MBA has been an amazing one thus far. UCW's team from day one has gone the extra mile to ensure seamless application and enrolment processes into the institution. The professional and warm team at UCW does a tremendous job in ensuring that students are supported and are clear of the university’s expectations of students starting from the new students’ orientation. The institution provides exceptional support via workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one interactions with departments to ensure student's personal and professional development. UCW personnel ensure that students are guided and support our pre-arrival preparations for Canada. UCW’s teams assist students in getting settled into the university by offering innovative and valuable resources and support throughout our tenure as students. The institution offers relevant courses; the highly experienced and qualified instructors challenge and guide students to strengthen their skillset and equip us with the knowledge and hands-on exposure needed to become better professionals. The programs UCW offers strives to further mould us into valuable assets to our fields of choice and so that we will excel in our careers. I am happy that I chose UCW! ” Nicola Barrett-Ross, MBA

UCW’s online courses are structured for maximum flexibility and self-paced learning. There are no scheduled classes and all course materials – except for quizzes and exams – are made available on day one, so you can effectively plan your own learning schedule.

UCW boasts small class sizes of 28 students or fewer, maximizing interactivity with instructors and other students. Even in the virtual space, UCW courses stress open and effective communication; each program includes virtual office hours every week, as well as group projects, discussion forums and other collaborative activities.

Vancouver, British Columbia

McGill University

Montreal-based McGill university routinely ranks as one of the top universities in the country and one of most competitive to enter. A 2021 survey found McGill had the highest average grades of any Canadian university, with 86 per cent for arts and 91-93 per cent for sciences.

McGill’s online offering, though, is largely focused on professional development courses and certificate programs in disciplines such as agile project management, data analytics for business, applied cybersecurity, graduate ESL and Indigenous business management. Diplomas are offered in public administration and governance as well as legal translation. The university recently unveiled an online Bachelor of Nursing, but it’s only open to graduates from Quebec’s CEGEP nursing program.

Another online platform, McGillX, delivers massive open online courses (MOOCs), which are free and flexible learning opportunities open to anyone, with verified certificates available to participants paying a $62 fee.

Given McGill’s focus on career development credentials, most online programs are built to accommodate working lifestyles and hours. Courses are largely asynchronous and self-paced, and require about 4-5 hours of work per week.

Programs requiring live online attendance are generally scheduled in evenings after traditional working hours. These live online classes are convened with collaboration in mind, using virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, polls and other interactive tools.

The two diploma programs are blended, combining self-paced learning with live, scheduled classes, timed assignments and instructor-led learning with an emphasis on problem-based learning and engagement with both peers and faculty.

Montreal, Quebec

Mount Royal University

Calgary-based Mount Royal first introduced a self-paced learning program in 1996 when students in a politics class were allowed to choose whether to attend classes and could complete work at their own pace. The catch was that the highest achievable grade in the self-paced option was a C+.

Fortunately, the university has widely expanded its approach since then, and now offers more than 50 fully online certificate and diploma programs in business, health sciences, education and the arts. Specific areas of study include fields as diverse as machine learning, children’s mental health, digital marketing, police foundations, interior decorating, neonatal nursing and funeral services. Some programs are also offered in a fast-track format, using a more intensive learning schedule to achieve your learning goals more quickly.

MRU introduced micocredentials in 2022 and is building a wider range of career-enhancing options. It currently offers three microcredentials in ESG Reporting, and is developing a new course in applied machine learning.

MRU offers a blend of online learning methods, with both synchronous and asynchronous courses and programs. Asynchronous pacing can vary; some courses may be largely self-paced but others will have set schedules and assignment deadlines. Asynchronous courses include no live interaction, but may still involve group projects and discussion forums to connect with classmates.

Programs are offered with a highly elastic schedules to help students complete their studies while balancing life commitments. To take one example, the addiction studies program can be completed in just two semesters, but students can take up to three years to finish their studies. Similarly, the esports management certificate requires just four courses within three years, allowing for a flexible learning pace.

Calgary, Alberta

Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University embraces four fundamental pillars that inform its approach to learning: accessibility, flexibility, choice and credibility. The B.C.-based school operates on the open model, striving to make postsecondary education as accessible as possible, requiring minimal admission requirements and continuous enrolment for most programs.

TRU students are spoiled for choice, with approximately 550 courses delivered through over 60 programs such as the arts, business and management, education, health sciences, nursing, science, social work, trades and technology, and tourism. The tuition-free adult basic education program helps aspiring students meet some TRU program requirements or earn a high school diploma.

TRU allows students maximum flexibility in their learning style, even with the choice of self-paced or paced programs. Self-paced programs allow students to enrol and start anytime and learn at their own pace within a 30-week timeframe, with flexibility even around their final exam date. Paced programs are cohort-based with defined semesters. Some individual courses, such as microbiology and anatomy, include lab sessions that require in-person attendance.

Personalized faculty attention and interaction are a key component of TRU’s online courses. Students work and communicate directly with instructors via email through the school’s course management system and by phone to receive direct discussion and motivation. TRU also employs dedicated program advisors who consult with students to design education plans to help best achieve your learning goals.

Kamloops, British Columbia

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia has a long and innovative track record in distance learning. In 1976, UBC launched an independent study program delivered on TV. Its online learning programs debuted in 1995, when only about 10 per cent of Canadians had home internet.

UBC delivers more than 100 mostly undergraduate online courses for degree and certificate programs spanning 10 faculties, including applied science, arts, dentistry, education, land and food systems, law, medicine and science.

The university’s extended learning faculty also offers a wide range of online microcredentials in studies such as anti-racism, mining law, cybersecurity, cloud computing, languages, career coaching and a course on blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs.

UBC’s online offering has something for every style of learner, with courses that are fully online, hybrid (a mixture of mandatory online and in-person components) or multi-access, which allows students to attend either in person or online. A highly customizable course catalogue allows you to search all courses by delivery format, making it simple to find the best courses to fit your style and schedule.

The individual online courses delivery varies widely, allowing for a highly tailored educational experiences. Self-paced courses have no specific start or end dates, assignment deadlines or scheduled class meetings. Then there are four different cohort-based models with defined semesters but varying levels of faculty involvement and student demands; a course may have real-time classes but no set deadlines, or asynchronous classes with timed assignments. The choice is yours, and there’s a lot to choose from.

Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia

University of New Brunswick (UNB)

The University of New Brunswick is Canada’s oldest English-language university and an educational trailblazer on several fronts. It is home to Canada’s first programs in engineering and forestry, as well as the country’s first faculty of computer science.

Those specialties are all included among UNB’s wide range of online educational opportunities, with degree, certificate and professional development courses also in anthropology, biology, economics, family violence issues, management, math, recreation and sports studies, statistics and more. An online university prep course helps would-be students meet their admission goals and develop essential skills to postsecondary success.

UNB students can also take advantage of the school’s partnership with online learning services UGotClass and MindEdge Online, which collectively offer more than 400 additional for-credit, professional development and continuing education courses.

UNB has something for every type of learner, whether completely independent and self-starting, or those wanting more structure in their online education.

The university operates a partially open model, meaning many programs and courses are available for enrolment at almost any time, and to almost anyone with no prerequisites. You pick your own start date and learning is entirely self-paced; the only deadline is that you have to finish each course within six months.

Other online courses are term-based, with scheduled weekly learning and assignments, and most be finished within an assigned academic term. Term-based programs feature more interactivity, such as collaborative work and participation in online discussions.

Fredericton and St. John, New Brunswick

University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba was the first university in western Canada and ranks as one of the largest and oldest universities in the country. In 2008, the school pioneered a digital first when a UM instructor launched the world’s first massive open online course (MOOC) attended by 2,300 students around the world.

Today, UM offers more than 80 online courses across a diverse mix of disciplines, such as business, finance and management, process and technology management, public sector and municipal administration, and applied social sciences.

One unique offering is the professional development in higher education administration program, providing skills to build a career in postsecondary education. Courses and seminars cover key areas such as leading academic departments, university management and women in academic leadership.

UM’s online experience is largely asynchronous, giving students maximum flexibility to study at their own pace. Courses are still a defined length, ranging from anywhere between 2-12 weeks. The one exception is the applied counselling program, where each course involves multiple synchronous online sessions over the length of the course.

Even while studying independently and asynchronously, UM provides extensive support and resources to set students up for success. Its Academic Learning Centre provides tutoring and workshops to develop essential student skills like academic writing, time management and study plans. Students needing group support and motivation can join virtual study halls or group study sessions for select courses.   

Fort Garry and Bannatyne, Manitoba

Memorial University

Memorial University was founded in 1925, before its home province was officially part of Canada, and has been delivering for-credit distance education since 1969.

It’s also the largest the largest university in Atlantic Canada, and its online course catalogue is sizable as well, with more than 475 courses in degree, diploma and certificate programs in a wide range of specialties, such as business administration, marine and maritime studies, education, criminology, food safety, human kinetics and nursing.

While the majority of programs are fully online, some are delivered in what the school calls “mixed mode,” meaning 75 per cent online with some on-campus components.

Online learning at Memorial is designed with maximum flexibility in mind where possible. Most courses are asynchronous and built to support a self-directed learning experience. Learning, coursework and communication are done though the Brightspace, a popular cloud-based learning platform with a mobile app allowing students to complete tasks or communicate easily while on the go.

While self-directed, online courses are still designed to facilitate meaningful interaction with course content, faculty and classmates while still allowing that all-important flexibility. Instructors and students meet for regular check-ins to provide feedback and monitor academic progress, and courses are built with spaces designed for effective interactivity. Memorial’s Brightspace platform includes “online rooms” where students can attend office hours or presentations, and also meet for group work, language practice, role play and collaborative work.

St. John's, Newfoundland

Trent University

Trent University is a public university established in 1964 with two separate colleges for male and female students. The now fully coeducational school has a reputation experiential learning and  small class sizes to deliver an intimate and personal learning experience.

The Peterborough, Ontario-based school offers over 100 courses across a vast range of studies, including business administration, journalism, Chinese, forensic science, physics, and social work. Popular courses include dreams and dreaming, computer crime and forensics, artificial intelligence and introduction to genetics.

The selection of online programs is small but growing, and delivers undergraduate and graduate studies in unique and highly specialized areas. Current options are a master of bioenvironmental monitoring and assessment (MBEMA), an Ontario tech master of science and nursing (MScN) and a diploma in circumpolar studies, one of the few programs of its kind anywhere in the world.

Trent Online prides itself on flexibility, interactivity and a personalized learning experience. Its asynchronous course delivery is designed to provide full flexibility to fit your schedule, while still promoting lively interactivity. Courses materials are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to study at your own pace. While study is independent, courses will typically include a variety of interactive activities such as class discussions, group projects and lab simulations. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides a personal learning experience and assures you won’t get lost in the crowd.

Given Trent’s emphasis on developing work-ready skills, some online programs will include experiential and hands-on learning opportunities. The MScN program, for example, requires a one-week residency on-campus residency.

Peterborough and Oshawa, Ontario

Lakehead University

Lakehead is a public university based in Northern Ontario which prides itself on a friendly student atmosphere, commitment to Indigenous students and small class sizes to deliver personalized learning experiences.

The university offers two fully online undergraduate programs. The first is a three year “general” BA aimed primarily at mature students and designed to give them significant leeway in their course selection. The second is a BA in history, also spread over three years. Both courses can include a wide range of electives as well as an Indigenous content requirement.

Lakehead partners with more than a dozen other universities and colleges to deliver over 1,300 online micocredentials with a dizzying array of topics covering real estate planning, Python, digital scrapbooking, public speaking, digital photography, music, welding and many, many more.

In 2021, Lakehead University was awarded $751,000 by eCampusOntario as part of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS), designed to expand virtual and hybrid learning opportunities in the region.

Lakehead divides its online course delivery for students with different learning styles. There are  synchronous courses, which involves scheduled real-time lectures, discussions, tests and other learning activities.

In asynchronous courses, students can consume lectures, readings and other course materials at their own pace, but are still held to assigned deadlines. Instructors may release course materials week-by-week, limiting how quickly you can self-pace.

Synchronous or not, Lakehead provides extensive support for successful online learning, from tips on writing effective emails to virtual study groups and its Academic Support Zone, which provides test prep resources, study strategies, tutoring and access to academic advisors to best position you for success.

Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario

Université TÉLUQ

Université TÉLUQ is the only French-language university in North America that offers all its courses via distance learning and the only distance university in the Quebec. It was founded in 1972 as an exclusively distance learning university named Telé-université but has grown enormously since then, and now teaches 18,000 remote students each year while also holding classes on campuses in Québec and Montreal.

TÉLUQ currently delivers 430 courses across 125 programs in administrative sciences – which includes accounting, economics, HR, law and management; communications – as well as computer science, education, environment, humanities, languages and sciences. A multidisciplinary BA allows students to earn a certificate or degree while studying multiple areas. There’s also a dedicated course to teach strategies for successful online education.

As a distance university since its birth, TÉLUQ has a long history of building educational programs that strike an effective work-life-school balance and position online students for success. Registration is open year-round and you can start your courses when ready at any point during the academic term.

Courses are asynchronous and generally timed to take 15 weeks, with 6-9 hours of coursework per week. While learning is self-directed, there are set deadlines for tasks and assignments. Instructors will provide a roadmap of the work to be completed each week.

TÉLUQ emphasizes the learning independently doesn’t mean your own your own. For each course you take, you are assigned a resource person to monitor and facilitate your learning and help you overcome difficulties with your studies.

Quebec City, Quebec

Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College trains and educates officer cadets for all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The Kingston, Ontario-based college debuted its distance learning program in 1997 to cater to the unique time demands that come with a military career. As a result, RMC Online enrolment is open primarily to CAF members and their spouses as well as civilians in certain federal government departments, such as the department of defence. Students at select other universities may take RMC courses as a visiting student, but credits count towards a degree at their home institution.

Through RMC Online, students can pursue a selection of undergraduate and graduate certificate and degree programs, such as in military arts and sciences, public administration, military leadership and management, war studies and a masters in business administration.

To best suit the operational commitments of a military life, RMC Online delivers fully asynchronous instruction. Some courses are formatted as dual-delivery, using both synchronous and asynchronous instruction and allowing students to choose whichever mode suits them best. The course can still be totally asynchronous if you prefer, but comes with the opportunity to access real-time learning to enhance the online learning experience.

RMC Online uses Moodle, a popular open-source learning platform where students access course materials and submit assignments. RMC’s Moodle platform also features courses on academic integrity and “how to succeed in online learning,” which covers essential bases like time management and effective study techniques.

Yorkville University is a private, for-profit school based in New Brunswick delivering professional skills training since 2004. YU offers a lean but diverse online course catalogue with four undergraduate programs and seven graduate programs in disciplines such as counselling psychology, interior design, psychotherapy, social justice and educational leadership.

The undergraduate bachelor of business administration is among YU’s premier offerings, and allows specializations in accounting, project management, energy management and supply chain management. The masters in counselling psychology is another popular option which is taught fully online but does require a live and hands-on practicum lasting about 30 weeks at the end of the program.

YU students experience a fast-paced but flexible program designed to work around part-time jobs and other commitments. Program start dates are offered year-round and students have the option to graduate faster via an “accelerated program” where you also study year-round without extended breaks.

With an average class size around 20 students, YU promises a highly personalized learning experience with active participation and  thriving online communities to promote peer interaction and skill development, as well as networking opportunities and career advice from faculty.

YU students report course loads can be heavy and intensive, but the school’s elastic scheduling options help keep academics manageable. The Student Success Centre offers students 24/7 support and access to writing and math labs, tutoring and one-on-one academic support.

New Westminster, British Columbia

CourseCompare is Canada's marketplace for education. Its editorial staff consists of award-winning journalists, visual storytellers, data analysts and web developers working together to help prepare people for the future of work.

4 thoughts on “The Best Online Universities in Canada of 2024”

I am a senior citizen, and I wondered if any of these online cross programs were free to seniors? I’m looking mostly into English.

Hi Cynthia,

Some universities do offer programs free-of-charge for senior citizens (over 65), although application fees are still required. You’ll have to check each school for details. McMaster, for example, covers tuition fees while UofT waives non-academic fees and ancillary fees. If you’d like to learn more, you can email us at [email protected] and we can help map out a learning plan based on your program(s) of interest and location.

Happy (lifelong) learning! CourseCompare

Thank you for posting this helpful article. Do you know of any universities listed in this article that allow students to design their own curriculum for Master’s/ Graduate programs?

Thank you again

What distinguishes Athabasca University’s online learning model, and how has the university adapted to the changing landscape of online education, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

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Looking to advance your professional skills from the comfort of your home? Check out our list of specialized online courses and programs in topics like Written English or French for Workplace Communication, Project Management ,  Cybersecurity , and Public Administration and Governance .

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The University of Waterloo is committed to growth in our online graduate programs. 

Current online graduate programs

Master of digital experience innovation.

The  Master of Digital Experience Innovation  (MDEI) program focuses on the development of creative leaders, with a strong focus on user experience design, marketing, project management, leadership, and business development. Students will design, prototype, and evaluate innovative, forward-thinking design solutions, including problem formulation, solution design, and solution delivery.

It is a professionally-oriented program that connects you to the real world. You'll be mentored by professors and corporate partners, and complete industry projects that reflect real opportunities in the digital media sector.

The program consists of 8 core required courses which can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, and 2 on-site intensive workshops.

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING

The master of engineering (meng) in electric power engineering.

This  online graduate program  provides advanced state-of-the-art training, skills development, and education to power engineering professionals. The courses, available on a part-time basis, are offered online in a multi-media environment that encourages a learn-while-you-work philosophy.

Upon completing nine courses, students are eligible to receive the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electric Power Engineering degree.

MASTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND BUSINESS

The  Master of Environment and Business  (MEB) is a program aimed at meeting the growing need for business sustainability professionals as a distinct group of knowledgeable, skilled, confident and motivated individuals with the information, tools and expertise to integrate environment with business in very practical ways. The MEB program offers you an executive, MBA-equivalent degree through online courses with minimal on-campus study, and with course materials distributed online. Students can complete the MEB in 12 months or take the 3 year part-time option designed for working professionals.

MASTER OF HEALTH EVALUATION

The  Master of Health Evaluation  (MHE) is Canada's first professional online course-based graduate degree in the evaluation of health programs and services. The program, offered by our  School of Public Health and Health Systems (SPHHS),  will particularly appeal to those in public health, health promotion, community health, applied health care settings and health system planning and design

MASTER OF HEALTH INFORMATICS

The  Master of Health Informatics  (MHI) degree is an online program that is offered by the University of Waterloo's School of Public Health and Health Systems. Health Informatics is a rapidly developing field where health sciences and information technologies converge to support and improve the health status of individuals and communities.

By the end of the 16-month program (four months of which are spent in a placement) you will have gained the interdisciplinary knowledge, industry skills, and practical experience you need to start, or deepen, a rewarding career in health informatics. The MHI program is available full time or part time.

MASTER OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES, MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

The  Master of Management Sciences  (MSCI) Management of Technology degree, offered by Waterloo's Faculty of Engineering, through its Department of Management Sciences, is available on a part-time basis and delivered via an online classroom environment with live lectures and class interaction.

MASTER OF MATHEMATICS FOR TEACHERS

Waterloo's  Master of Mathematics for Teachers  (MMT) degree provides current math teachers with the opportunity to expand your knowledge base. In addition to providing a deeper understanding of mathematical foundations relating to core secondary school curricula, students will also be exposed to areas of applications of modern mathematics. The primary focus of the program is on mathematics and its applications, rather than on pedagogy, but it will also challenge you to look for new and innovative ways to bring your newfound knowledge into the classroom.

The MMT program is offered on a part-time basis, over two to five years. It consists of eight half-credit online courses plus a project-based capstone course.

MASTER OF PLANNING

The  Master of Planning  (MPLAN) is an advanced, professional master’s degree offered through the School of Planning in the Faculty of Environment.

The MPLAN offers professionals with experience in planning the opportunity to expand their knowledge of planning, keep up-to-date with recent developments, and to obtain a graduate degree for career advancement. The emphasis is on upgrading planning knowledge and skills in new areas and refreshing core concepts. This program is a part-time, online, course-based program, which is open to both domestic and international applicants. The content is highly interactive including regular communication with instructors and other students. Courses are taught by faculty members who are actively engaged in planning practice and research in Canada and beyond.

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Waterloo is offering a course and practicum-based  Master of Public Health  (MPH) degree, building on the successful MSc and PhD degrees in population health currently offered by the School of Public Health and Health Systems. The program is available for both full-time and part-time study. On-campus attendance is required on two occasions for two week block courses. The Foundations in Public Health is the first two week block course which takes place in August, at the start of the program. The Capstone course in Public Health is the second block course which takes place in the final two weeks of the program, during the month of May/June.

All other required courses have no on-campus component. On occasion, new elective courses may be offered on-campus for one term and then offered online during subsequent years.

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

The University of Waterloo and the School of Social Work at Renison University College is pleased to offer Canada's first health-focused online  Master of Social Work  (MSW) program. It is being offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Health.

The Master of Social Work is a professional, graduate degree program, delivered primarily online. On-campus attendance is required on two occasions for one-week Summer Institutes. The first Summer Institute is in August at the start of the program and the second is also in August, in the final semester. All other required courses are online with no on-campus component. A practicum of 462 hours will be offered in the students' own community or region, subject to the availability of suitable placement agencies/organizations, and field instructors.

The MSW program will prepare students for advanced social work practice in settings related to health, including public health and health promotion programs, primary care and long-term care, hospitals, health-related governmental agencies, community-based health services, and health advocacy groups.

Other programs

Career advancement for electric power engineers.

The following  online graduate programs  provide advanced state-of-the-art training, skills development, and education to power engineering professionals. The courses, available on a part-time basis, are offered online in a multi-media environment that encourages a learn-while-you-work philosophy.

• Graduate Diploma in Electric Power Engineering Upon completing six courses, students are eligible to receive the diploma.
• Certificate of Completion Students admitted in the non-degree track will receive a certificate after completing a course.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The  Graduate Diploma in Climate Risk Management  (GDip CRM) is designed to meet the needs of professionals who have been tasked with climate change risk management as part of their regular professional duties.Graduates will possess competence in the science of climate change and associated mitigation and adaptation challenges as well as response strategies at the global and Canadian scales, and gain in-depth expertise in applied climate risk management.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PLANNING

The  Graduate Diploma in Planning  (GDip) is a post-graduate diploma offered through the School of Planning in the Faculty of Environment. The GDip offers professionals with prior experience in planning the opportunity to expand their knowledge of planning and to keep up-to-date with recent developments. The emphasis is on upgrading planning knowledge and skills in new areas and refreshing core concepts. The GDip is a part-time, online, course-based program that is open to both domestic and international applicants. The content is highly interactive including regular communication with instructors and other students. Courses are taught by faculty members who are actively engaged in planning practice and research in Canada and beyond.

The best way to learn more about a graduate program is to visit the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs  website.

Master of Education - Online Option

Program overview.

You may choose from the asynchronous coursework only MEd degree option to complete the program in 12 months, through asynchronous/synchronous online or hybrid, as well as in-person course offerings. Or you may want to dive into research by completing a research project (MEd-MRP degree option) or even a final thesis (MA degree).

A recent  CIBC World Markets report  identifies Education as one of seven top yielding master’s degrees in Canada, with an average earning premium of 86%.

Concentrations offered

• Studies in Teaching and Learning
• Second Language Education
• Leadership, Evaluation, Curriculum and Policy studies  (Option offered in french only)
• Health profession Education

Admission Process

Minimum admission requirements.

• 4-year bachelor's degree, BEd or other degrees accepted​

​The admission requirements vary depending on the program of study and the concentration chosen. It is important to read all the information before submitting an application. Our programs have limited places available, meeting all the requirements don't guarantee a successful admission.

Check out all the admission requirements​

Learn more about our programs

Our flexible programs meet all of our students' needs. Find the right program for you among:

• Our diplomas and short-term programs
• Our fully online Master's of Education degree
• Our Master's in Education with coursework option
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This student status allows you to take a maximum of two courses in graduate studies. 

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Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education

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Build a core foundation of skills, knowledge, and values in distance education and training.

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The Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education is a 33-credit online graduate program. You must complete at least 21 credits through Athabasca University.

You can choose either a thesis-based or a course-based route. All courses are paced, with scheduled start and end dates and assignment deadlines. You can also complete a focus area. M.Ed. graduate program students choosing a focus area may do so through the course-based route or thesis route.

You can take up to 6 years to complete all requirements.

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Program regulations and procedures, academic schedule, admission requirements, program fees, focus areas, leadership in education.

Learn and develop knowledge and skill in inclusive, innovative leadership strategies, and the management of education programs.

Instructional Design

This focus area emphasizes instructional theory, learning design, and technology-enabled instructional innovation.

Mobile Learning

Discover learning theory and design as it relates to course and program delivery to anyone, anywhere.

K-12 Online and Blended Learning

This focus area will develop knowledge and skills in the current context of K-12 education spaces as it relates to technology-enabled instruction, innovative curriculum design and delivery.

Course schedule

Group study – spring 2024, may 6, 2024 - august 2, 2024.

• MDDE 601 - Introduction to Distance Education and Training
• MDDE 602 - Research Methods in Distance Education
• MDDE 603 - Foundations of Instructional Design: Systems Analysis and Learning Theory
• MDDE 604 - Instructional Design in Distance Education
• MDDE 605 - Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training
• MDDE 610 - Survey of Current Educational Technology Applications
• MDDE 612 - Experiential Learning
• MDDE 617 - Program Evaluation in Distance Education
• MDDE 620 - Technology in Education and Training
• MDDE 621 - Online Teaching in Distance Education and Training
• MDDE 632 - Leadership in Education Innovation
• MDDE 650 - Tutoring and Student Support in Distance Education and Training
• MDDE 690 - Independent Study
• MDDE 694 - Capstone ePortfolio Project
• MDDE 700 - Introduction to Thesis Research
• MDDE 701 - Quantitative Research Methods
• MDDE 702 - Qualitative Research Methods
• MDDE 703 - Research Proposal Writing
• MDDE 704 - Thesis Completion and Oral Defense

*This is a tentative list of courses.

Group study - Winter 2024

January 8, 2024 - april 5, 2024.

• MDDE 613 - Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
• MDDE 614 - International Issues in Open and Distance Learning
• MDDE 618 - Instructional Project Management
• MDDE 631 - Inclusive Leadership and Practice in Education
• MDDE 651 - Gender Issues in Distance Education
• MDDE 660 - Professional Seminar: Leading Change in Teaching and Learning for a Digital World
• MDDE 663 - Emerging Issues in Distance Education Technologies

Group study - Fall 2023

September 5, 2023 - december 1, 2023.

• MDDE 611 - Foundations of Adult Education
• MDDE 619 - Trends and Issues in Instructional Design
• MDDE 622 - Openness in Education
• MDDE 630 - Trends and Issues in K-12 Online and Blended Learning
• MDDE 665 - Collaboration and Mentorship in Educational Environments

Group study - Spring 2023

April 24 - july 21, 2023, explore more.

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Related programs

Graduate certificate in instructional design.

Learn how to apply learning theory to instructional design, how to apply current Instructional Systems Design models to distance education, and more.

Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning

Get up to date on current theories and technologies in the technology-based learning space.

Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design

Get state-of-the-art knowledge and research in instructional design and hands-on experience with various distance education technologies.

Doctor of Education in Distance Education

Get a professional doctoral degree that provides rigorous preparation for advanced responsibilities and leadership in the distance-learning field.

Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies

Get a master’s degree that allows you to study across arts, humanities, and social sciences. Choose your own learning path according to your interests—we offer 12 focus areas, including an independent study track.

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Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education - Course-based route and e-portfolio

Are you a student pursuing the course-based route of the MEd? Find out more about what is an e-portfolio as well as how to get started.

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education - Program learning outcomes

Learn more about the learning outcomes for this particular program.

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education - Course information

Find out more about how Distance education courses work.

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education - Thesis route

Are you a student pursuing the thesis route of the MEd? Find out more about how to get started.

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education and Doctor of Education in Distance education - Course registration form

Registration form for the Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education and Doctor of Education in Distance Education programs

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education - Reference and appraisal form

Applicant reference and appraisal form for February 15, June 15, and October 15 application deadlines.

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Official policy and procedures to obtain independent study credits.

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Graduate programs in Distance Education withdrawal request form

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Dr. Adnan Qayyum

Associate Professor and Chair of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Agnieszka Palalas

Associate Professor & Program Director, Doctor of Distance Education Program

• E-mail: [email protected]

Brad Eastman

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Cindy Ives

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Constance Blomgren

Associate Professor and Program Director for the Masters of Education in Open, Digital and Distance Education

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Debra Hoven

Professor in Open, Digital, and Distance Education

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Eliana El Khoury

Assistant Professor

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Coordinator, Graduate Student Services

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Leanne Jewell

Graduate Programs Administrator

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Dr. Connie Levina Yuen

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Lorene Schmidtke

Administrative Assistant

Martha Cleveland-Innes

Professor of Open, Digital, and Distance Education

• E-mail: [email protected]

Mary F. Kennedy

Contract instructor

Dr. Mickey Vallee

Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Mohamed Ally

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Nathaniel Ostashewski

Associate Professor

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Dr. Rob Power

Adjunct Professor, Educational Technology

• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Robert (Bob) Sochowski

Adjunct Professor

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Dr. Susan Bainbridge

• E-mail: [email protected]

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Distance education program

Distance education program Mode of delivery Is studying by distance education for you?

Distance education courses provide students residing in Canada an opportunity to create a flexible, full- or part-time program of studies. The first of its kind in Canada, UVic’s distance BSW has been established for over 30 years and continues to offer a progressive, interactive curriculum that responds to the needs of the profession. All required academic courses in UVic’s BSW curriculum are available through distance education study, allowing you to continue to be employed while completing your studies.

NOTE: Students applying to the distance education program option must participate in mandatory, real-time/synchronous class sessions as part of SOCW 312A or may be required to attend an on-campus face-to-face component of SOCW 312A . Further details of this course delivery format will be provided to incoming students and also posted to the UVic academic calendar after mid May.

Graduation from the BSW program provides you with a fully accredited degree that opens career opportunities in a variety of different social service organizations. You are also eligible for membership in your provincial professional association of social workers.

Mode of delivery

It is important to note that distance BSW courses are scheduled in the September, January and May semesters with set start and end dates, and specific assignment deadlines within each course. Distance BSW courses are offered using a combination of delivery methods:

• Online classroom  For each course, you are given access to a Brightspace course site. This is a server-side software application that provides tools for facilitating courses online. Instructors can post lecture notes, create quizzes, facilitate class discussions and small group exercises, and provide links to learning resources. Online participation is a required component of each course. Instructors are available for group or one-on-one consultation online and by telephone.
• Face-to-face instruction The majority of coursework is completed via distance education. NOTE: SOCW 312A is a core course and includes a mandatory real-time/synchronous class sessions or may be required to attend a five-day face-to-face component held on campus at UVic (the on-campus session is usually offered in late August for September term; the session schedule is subject to change).
• Field education Along with academic coursework, you must complete both a third and fourth year field education placement. These placements can usually be completed in your own community. Please see the field education  page for additional details.
• Course materials Distance education textbooks/course materials are easily ordered through the UVic Bookstore .

More information on the School of Social Work's distance education program may be found in the Learning resource kit . On this page you will find a number of links to information, policies and other resources that we hope will assist you in preparing for and completing BSW courses online. 

To help you determine whether distance education is a good fit for you, here are some important considerations:

• You will require regular and reliable access to a computer and the Internet
• You will be required to spend 8-12 hours per week on each course
• All online Social Work courses follow the regular UVic semester schedule with set start and end dates, and specific participation and assignment deadlines
• You need to be comfortable communicating online in a group environment, via both written discussions and live web conference sessions

What some of our distance education students have said:

“I would like to pass on my gratitude to the department for their excellent instruction, administrative support, and program delivery. I have nothing but accolades for UVic and your BSW program. It exceeded my expectations, both in content and experience, which is no small feat considering the challenges inherent in distance education. I actually feel prepared to work as a social worker! If and when the time comes for me to continue on to my Master's, I know where I will be applying.”

“For me, the two biggest surprises about online learning have been that I don't feel alone in cyberland, but rather feel connected to folks across the country and inspired and challenged by them (the depth of this connection varies depending on the group, but is there nonetheless). Secondly, I love the peer learning aspect of our online learning together — overall group discussions have been a very positive experience.” “AOP (Anti-oppressive practice) enhanced my learning and way of life. I use this in my social work practice everyday."

“Didn’t realize I had such dedication and determination and could accomplish my dream BSW online.”

“The depth of support I received from people I had never met completely amazed me.”

Further information

Check out our   faculty, instructors and staff The School of Social Work has a unique   student mentorship   program.

Information on   tuition and costs

For more information about applying to the program, contact:

SOCW Admissions (BSW) Phone: 250-721-8036 Email: [email protected]

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Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions

The  Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions  prepares health professionals to practice in today's person, family and community-centred Mental Health and Addictions System (MHAS).  Students in the program will develop the knowledge, attitude and skills to help those with mental health, substance use and addictions to achieve optimal health and well-being.

The School of Social Work offers both the Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) and Master’s of Social Work (MSW) degrees through online distance delivery. Studying by distance offers students an opportunity to study in their home community with the ability to continue to work and participate in family and community life. Our programs are CASWE accredited and nationally recognized. 

It is important to note that these programs are open only to residents of Canada (citizens or permanent residents) who are currently living in Canada.

The BSW and MSW programs by distance offer a rich and highly interactive learning environment. Students in our programs live in communities across Canada, bringing a diversity of perspective and experience to the online classes. You will be required to actively engage in course content online through a variety of course tools, including discussion boards, chat, and other interactive media. The BSW and MSW program courses are offered through Brightspace, an Internet-based learning management system. Learn more about Brightspace  at the School of Social Work.

The School of Social Work assists students and faculty in the online environment. If you have questions regarding distance delivery of either the BSW or MSW programs, please contact  [email protected] .

Contact us:

[email protected] 1-866-776-0227 902-494-2703

School of Social Work Dalhousie University Suite 3201-1459 LeMarchant Street PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2 1.902.494.3760

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School of Social Work Suite 3201, 1459 LeMarchant Street PO BOX 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2 1.902.494.3760

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Research summary – Distance education in Canada

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Official title: Demographic Profile and Labour Market Outcomes of Post-secondary Graduates Who Participated in Distance Education

Author of report: Mohammad Chowdhury

Alternate formats

Distance education in Canada: Alternate Formats [ PDF - 222 KB ]

Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter ( TTY ), call 1-800-926-9105.

Why this study

We took on this research to learn more about:

• the characteristics of students taking part in distance education programs, and
• the benefits and barriers related to online learning, or distance education

What we did

We took data from the 2013 and 2018 National Graduates Surveys. Our focus was on post-secondary graduates who took part in distance education while they were in school in Canada. We looked at their demographic characteristics and how they did after completing their studies. This included:

• whether they got a job
• how much they earned, and
• how much it matched to what they studied in school

We compared these findings with post-secondary graduates who did not take part in distance education while they were in school.

What we found

About one-third of post-secondary graduates who finished school in 2015 took part in some form of distance education. Nearly one-quarter of graduates took less than half of their studies through distance education and 7% of graduates took half or more of their program through distance education.

Certain factors played a role in a graduate's decision to having taken part in distance education, such as:

• marital status
• citizenship status
• disability status
• field of study
• level of study
• location of post-secondary school

Graduates who took part in distance education were more likely to have a permanent job 3 years

out of school.

Graduates who took part in distance education were not any more likely to be working in a job

related to their field of study.

Graduates who took half or more of their schooling through distance education were more likely to

have earnings higher than $60,000. This is in comparison to graduates who did not take any distance

Taking part in distance education was more beneficial for college and bachelor's graduates aged 40

What it means

The findings help the federal government better understand how well graduates who took part in distance education did after leaving school. Such information can be helpful in supporting learners through school and their efforts to find a job after graduation.

Learning Branch, Learning Policy and Services Directorate, Policy, Planning and Partnerships Division

Email: [email protected]

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