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Academic Upgrading

Female student in class
Credential
Can earn a High School Equivalency Diploma
Duration

Up to 2 years

Location
Main Campus
The Program

The Academic Upgrading program gives adult students an opportunity to

  1. upgrade academic skills
  2. acquire High School Equivalency Diploma that is accepted by other colleges and universities in Alberta and by most employers
  3. upgrade to meet entrance requirements for vocational, career, and university programs
  4. develop teamwork skills, work with others, practice problem solving, and develop effective study skills
  5. prepare for entry to the workplace or a chosen career
  6. create a portfolio of identifiable skills
Program Content

The Academic Upgrading program offers high school equivalency in all academic disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies). These courses are accepted in place of Alberta Education courses for admission and prerequisite purposes at RDP. The following describes the course numbering system:

  • 40/50 Levels -Pre-high school refresher courses (English, Mathematics)
  • 75 Levels -Grade 10/11 in high school
  • 85 Levels -Grade 11 in high school
  • 90/95/96 Levels -Grade 12 in high school

Visit RDP’s Course Catalogue/Timetable by subject/discipline to read detailed course descriptions.

Academic Upgrading Courses Offered:  

RDP Academic Upgrading Courses Alberta Education Equivalent
ADEV 068 Supported Study I n/a
ADEV 069 Supported Study II  n/a
BIOL 085 Introductory Biology Biology 20
BIOL 095 Preparatory Biology Biology 30
CHEM 085 Introductory Chemistry Chemistry 20
CHEM 095 Preparatory Chemistry Chemistry 30
ENGL 050 Basic English Pre-high school English
ENGL 075 Reading, Viewing and Composition English 10/20
ENGL 090 Critical and Analytical Study of Texts English 30-2
ENGL 095 Literature and Composition English 30-1
MATH 050 Preparatory Mathematics Pre-high school Math
MATH 075 Introductory Algebra Math 10C
MATH 082 Intermediate Math Principles Math 20-2
MATH 085 Intermediate Algebra Math 20-1
MATH 092 Principles of Mathematics Math 30-2
MATH 096 Precalculus:  Algebra and Trigonometry Math 30-1
MATH 097 Introduction to Calculus Math 31
PHYS 085 Introductory Physics Physics 20
PHYS 095 Preparatory Physics  Physic 30
SOST 095 Twentieth Century World Social Studies 30-1

 

Delivery Options

You can learn in a traditional, classroom setting with an instructor.

    Admission Requirements
    Admission Procedures
    1. Placement Assessments. Upon applying to the Academic Upgrading program, you are required to write a brief assessment in English and Math. These assessments help to place you in the appropriate level of upgrading courses.  Please note: there is a fee to access the assessment.  
    2. After completing the assessment, you will be contacted by the Academic Advisor regarding your course registration and funding information.

    Note: Transcripts will be required if you have attended high school or another post-secondary institution.

    Graduation Requirements

    Since most post-secondary programs have special requirements for the admission of mature students, it is strongly recommended that students contact an Academic Advisor to determine how best to meet these entry requirements.

    Few programs require mature students to possess a complete high school diploma. For those students who wish to receive a high school equivalency diploma, the Academic Upgrading program will grant a High School Equivalency Diploma if the student has not received one previously. Students must apply to the Office of the Registrar to receive this diploma.

    RDP High School Equivalency Diploma Requirements:

    • You must have 5 courses in order to qualify (3 of the 5 courses must be completed at RDP).

    These must include:

    • ENGL 090 or ENGL 095
    • Mathematics 075 or higher
    • Biology 075, Chemistry 075 or Physics 075 or higher
    • Social Studies 090 or 095
    • One other course of at least 2 credits that is not a prerequisite to any of the required courses listed above (eg Accounting, Computing).

    Note: Students going on to any degree program or to a technical institute are responsible for checking on the Admission Requirements of their future program. Consult with an Academic Advisor.

    Related Careers

    The Academic Upgrading program at Red Deer Polytechnic enables individuals to get the pre-requisites needed to enter into a number of post-secondary programs and broaden their career options.

    Special Fees and Expenses

    You will have to buy your own textbooks. Textbooks range from $80.00 to $150.00 per course. In addition, a graphing calculator is required for your Math 082, 085, 092, 096 and 097 courses. It will cost approximately $160.00.