Diploma Program in Education (D.P.E.)

The Diploma Program in Education is designed for certified practicing educators who wish to engage in further professional development.

Completion of the program results in the credential, Diploma in Education.

a.Student Initiated Diploma Program

The Student Initiated Diploma is available to teachers who are self-motivated and self-directed and who are also able to identify and develop programs to meet their own specific needs. This program consists of eight term courses (24.0 credit hours). The courses are proposed by the student at the time of admission according to a topic or theme related to the student’s professional development needs or interests. Programs are individualized and courses are approved by the Assistant Dean, Student Program Services in the Faculty of Education, in consultation with an appropriate faculty advisor.

The designation of Student Initiated Major with a specific text record, as authorized and approved by the Faculty of Education, will appear on the recipient’s official academic transcript.

1.Program Requirements

a.The program consists of the successful completion of eight term courses (24.0 credit hours), which may consist of a combination of 3.0- and 1.5-credit-hour courses, as follows:

•Six term courses (18.0 credit hours) in Education at the 3000 level or above.

•Two term courses (6.0 credit hours) from any Faculty or School at the University of Lethbridge, including Education courses at the 3000 level or above.

b.Students must maintain a minimum program GPA of 3.00.

2.Academic Policies and Regulations

a.Prior to completing the Diploma, and if accepted into the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, students may apply to have courses transferred into the M.Ed. program. Students apply to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Education who decides which courses transfer. Admission to the M.Ed. program is not guaranteed.

b.Prior to completing the M.Ed. degree, students may apply to have courses transferred into a Student Initiated Diploma program. Students apply to the Assistant Dean, Student Program Services in the Faculty of Education.

c.Residence Requirement: A minimum of 15.0 credit hours must be completed at the University of Lethbridge.

d.Permission may be given by the Assistant Dean, Student Program Services in the Faculty of Education, for the inclusion of credit for courses at other levels.

e.At the time of admission, qualifying courses from other institutions may be transferred up to a maximum of 6.0 credit hours. Other courses from other institutions, up to a maximum of 3.0 credit hours, may be transferred during the program provided prior approval is granted by the Assistant Dean, Student Program Services in the Faculty of Education.

f.At the time of admission, students may be permitted to use for credit prior courses completed at the University of Lethbridge provided such courses have not been counted for other credentials.

g.Students are required to complete their entire program within five years from the date of admission. Students who fail to complete the program within five years may apply for an extension from the Assistant Dean, Student Program Services in the Faculty of Education.