Certificate vs. Diploma vs. Degree: Types of College Programs

Fanshawe College offers a wide range of programs providing theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Whether you have a clear career path in mind or are still deciding what to take, it’s important to choose the right program that aligns with your goals. Let’s explore the different types of programs available at Fanshawe to help you find the best fit for your future.

Ontario College Credentials: The Difference Between Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees

Ontario College Credentials are designations approved by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. These credentials are recognized across Canada by employers and educational institutions. Fanshawe offers over 250 Ontario College credential programs to choose from. Let's break them down so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Ontario College Certificate

An Ontario College Certificate typically takes one year of full-time study to complete. At Fanshawe, our certificate programs provide you with a specific skill set designed to prepare you for your desired career. Our certificate programs are ideal for those with or without prior post-secondary education who are looking to gain specific education to train for a career. Many certificate programs prepare you to jump right into a career in your field but you can also pursue further education.

Fanshawe also offers Ontario College Certificates known as Prep Programs that help you build foundational knowledge and give you the prerequisites needed to get into another educational pathway such as a Diploma or Degree. Learn more about Preparatory Programs below [anchor link to prep programs below].

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Ontario College Diploma

Fanshawe offers over 80 Ontario College Diploma programs. Diplomas typically take two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study. Our diploma programs provide a broad foundation of in-depth knowledge and practical skills through a combination of in-class learning and real-world experience like co-op placements. After completing your diploma program, you’ll be prepared to start your career right away but you can also follow pathways into an advanced diploma, bachelor's degree and more.

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Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Earning an Ontario College Advanced Diploma typically takes three years of full-time study or five or six years of part-time study. Our advanced diploma programs at Fanshawe mix theoretical learning with real-world practice and typically include two or three work terms where you’ll get hands-on experience. Fanshawe's advanced diploma programs offer in-depth, specialized training at an advanced level, and equip you with both the technical and the soft skills needed to succeed. After you get your advanced diploma, you’ll be ready to start your career, but you’ll also have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree, special certificates, or post-diploma graduate certificate programs.

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Degree

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A degree typically requires four years of full-time study and you can take it either in a college or a university. Fanshawe offers 12 degree programs that combine the traditional theoretical knowledge you get from a degree with the hands-on learning experience you receive at Fanshawe College, making you uniquely skilled in your industry and ready for the workplace. You'll learn from our well-connected industry professionals committed to student success, and you'll be career-ready through co-op and field practicum opportunities. After completing your degree, you can enter the workforce, or further your education with a graduate certificate or master's degree.

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Ontario College Graduate Certificate

A graduate certificate is a credential for students who already have a university or college degree or diploma. At Fanshawe, we offer over 80 graduate certificate programs that provide specialized training in specific areas with flexible, hands-on learning options including full-time programs (completed in one year) and part-time programs (completed in as little as two years). When you finish your program, you will get an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. If you're considering whether this path is right for you, check out our blog post: "Is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate Right for You?"

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Continuing Education Programs at Fanshawe

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Continuing Education programs at Fanshawe are opportunities to advance or retrain, with offerings across a wide variety of career fields. These credentials don’t typically have admission requirements and are issued by the College. Dip your toes into a new subject with a single course or take an entire program. You can earn the following two credentials by completing all the required courses in a program. These credentials are a great way to gain new knowledge and skills quickly, without a large financial commitment. Plus, our Continuing Education Programs are offered in flexible formats like online or asynchronous (meaning you won’t have to attend classes at a specific time) making them easy to fit into your busy schedule and balance your work, life, and learning.

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Declaration of Academic Achievement

The Declaration of Academic Achievement is issued by Fanshawe College and is not an Ontario college credential. Whether you’re looking to boost your job skills or explore a personal interest, this credential can help you get there. Fanshawe offers just over 30 programs in this category in a variety of fields. You can earn this credential by completing three or four courses with roughly 120 to 200 instructional hours in total.

Certificate

Our Continuing Education Certificates are issued by Fanshawe College and are not Ontario college credentials. These certificates require a total of 300 instructional hours, typically distributed across 8 courses. These programs are offered in a variety of flexible formats, including online, blended and in-class. If you want to enhance your job skills, have a passion for learning, need a flexible study schedule, or prefer shorter commitments, our Certificate programs might be just right for you!

Micro-credentials

Fanshawe’s micro-credentials offer quick, focused training that fits right into your busy schedule. Most micro-credentials take just a few weeks to complete, with only about three or four hours per week, and many are fully online. In just a short time, you can earn digital badges to add to your LinkedIn profile or resume. Take one or two micro-credentials as desired or stack all micro-credentials in a series to earn a series badge. In a world where job markets are always changing, micro-credentials are a great way to build on your education and keep your skills up to date. If you’re wondering if a micro-credential is right for you, check out our top six reasons to take a micro-credential.

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Preparatory programs

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At Fanshawe, our Prep Programs provide you with foundational knowledge and skills related to broader career interests. You'll earn an Ontario College Certificate in just eight months of full-time study, or two years of part-time study. Fanshawe offers nine different prep programs across various career fields so you can step into your chosen area of study feeling confident. If you're interested in a career but unsure if it's the right fit, our prep programs are the perfect starting point. For instance, start with our Pre-Technology program if you're curious about technology but need a closer look. Then, you can move on to explore areas like Building Technology, Applied Science and Technology, Transportation Technology, or even Aviation and Aerospace Technology. Prep programs are also the perfect option if you’re looking to gain more foundational knowledge or improve your academic standing before starting a specific program. For example, successfully completing our Pre-health Sciences Pathway not only prepares you for one of our health career programs but it also gives you additional consideration when you apply for these competitive programs.

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Apprenticeships

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With a high demand for skilled trades in Ontario, if any of the over 140 skilled trades recognized in the province sparks your interest, our Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship programs could be the perfect way to turn your passion into a career. With more than 40 skilled trades and apprenticeship programs at Fanshawe and flexible learning options to choose from, you’ll gain in-class training at Fanshawe and hands-on learning with your sponsor to become a successful tradesperson. Plus, you'll earn money while you learn and your wages will increase as you progress through your apprenticeship. After three to five years, you'll get a Certificate of Apprenticeship. If you're wondering where to start, our step-by-step guide on how to get an apprenticeship is a great place for you to explore different trades and discover job opportunities.

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Plus, check out our flexible learning options

Looking for something that’s not here or not sure what program is right for you?

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