Admission Requirements

This certificate may be used to ladder into the Master of Business Administration program.

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two
    years of study (i.e. 60 credit units).
  • A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university.
    • Applicants with three-year degrees and strong demonstrable potential for success in the
      program may be considered for admission. All applicants will be considered using a
      holistic admissions approach.
  • Statement of Intent: Applicants must provide a written Statement of Intent (1000-word
    maximum) describing why they want to undertake the program and how their expertise, work
    and/or volunteer experience make them an ideal candidate for the program and their chosen
    field of study. This statement is a key component in adjudicating each applicant’s suitability to
    the program. An interview may also be required to assess language proficiency.
  • Current resume detailing positions held and a description of responsibilities.
  • Two years of leadership* experience. Emerging leaders who have fewer than two years of leadership experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential through their
    professional and life experiences, are preparing for further leadership roles, and otherwise meet
    the standard admissions criteria, are encouraged to apply. Please ensure that you demonstrate
    your leadership experience in your detailed resume and Statement of Intent.
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation (minimum one academic).

Applicants are assessed on a holistic basis for admission purposes. We look at a variety of factors when making admission decisions including undergraduate degree, grade point average, work experience, and reference letters. Applicants whose qualifications do not meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to contact the Edwards graduate programs office to discuss potential opportunities for admission.

Applicants whose qualifications do not meet the minimum requirements or whose academic qualifications are difficult to assess may be admitted on a probationary status to a program. Applicants in this category will be required to participate in an interview with the Edwards MBA Admissions Committee and may be required to take certain preparatory courses to improve their qualifications. In this case they will be required to pay additional fees. The student’s status will be reviewed after a specified amount of academic work is completed. If progress is satisfactory, the Edwards MBA Admissions Committee may recommend to CGPS that the student be considered fully qualified. Students who do not achieve the probationary conditions may withdraw voluntarily or, failing this, will be required to discontinue. In certain exceptional situations, the academic unit may extend the probationary period with a new set of conditions, agreed to by the student and by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

*Leadership experience could include (but is not limited to) one or more of the following:

  • Formal leadership role within an organization or volunteer group
  • Extensive, high-level supervisory experience
  • Experience in consulting or negotiating change in a complex environment
  • Experience leading others to shared outcomes (informal leadership experience)

Certificate Requirements (9 credit units)

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership (GCL) is a three-course program that introduces students to the
fundamentals of leadership. Graduates of this program will be effective leaders, understand the
complex interplay between business and society, and be effective contributors to team performance.
All three of the courses in this program are fully transferrable to the Master of Business Administration
(MBA) degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Students must maintain continuous registration in MBA 890.0.

  • MBA 803.3
  • MBA 877.3 
  • MBA 885.3 
  • MBA 890.0