Frequently Asked Questions
Application Questions
- When is the application deadline?
- What are the admission requirements?
- Is there an application fee?
- Can I apply without an undergraduate degree?
- Does work experience have to be industry related?
- Is a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) required?
- Is TOEFL required?
- How long is a TOEFL score valid?
- Is the University of Guelph an established and accredited university in Canada?
- How and when am I notified of the status of my application?
Program Financing Questions
Program Delivery Questions
- What is online learning?
- When does the program start?
- How long will it take to complete the program?
- When and where are the on campus components held for the online format?
- How are online courses delivered?
- How much time will I have to study on a weekly basis?
- Do I need to be online at the same time as everyone else in my course?
Application Questions
When is the application deadline?
The deadline date to apply for May entry is March 31st, the deadline date to apply for September entry is July 20th and the deadline to apply for January entry is November 24th. Applications are processed on a continuous basis and program enrollment is limited. As a result, candidates are advised to apply early. In exceptional and limited cases, late applications may be considered. Back to top
What are the admission requirements?
The minimum admission requirements are:
- Applicants are required to have completed a four year Honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum B- average over the last two years of full-time equivalent study AND a minimum 3 years of relevant leadership work experience.
OR
- General degree, diploma and/or acceptable professional designation AND at least 5 years of leadership work experience showing progressive increases in responsibility. Back to top
Is there an application fee?
The application fee for the online program is $150.00 CAD made payable to the University of Guelph. Back to top
Can I apply without an undergraduate degree?
Applicants without an undergraduate degree are welcome to apply, but require significant leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to continuing education in order to be accepted. Back to top
Does work experience have to be industry related?
Participants in the program engage in class and group discussions about leadership problems within their industry. For these discussions to be effective and contribute to learning, each participant requires a significant level of leadership knowledge of the issues and conditions within an industry. Back to top
Is a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) required?
Generally the GMAT is not required, but the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an interview of an applicant and/or a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Back to top
Is TOEFL required?
TOEFL is required for any student whose first language is not English.
The minimum scores are:
Paper: 550
Computer: 213
Internet: 89 (no category less than 21)
Notwithstanding, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an interview of an applicant. Back to top
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
A TOEFL score is valid for two years. When submitting your score, please ensure that the valid date will cover the application and admission period. The score must be valid at the time the offer of admission is signed. Back to top
Is the University of Guelph an established and accredited university in Canada?
The University of Guelph is a fully accredited member of the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada (AUCC). Although universities are provincially regulated and funded, the AUCC accredits universities as legitimate. It determines who can and cannot be admitted to membership following site inspections and evaluations.
The MA (Leadership) program offered at the University of Guelph is fully accredited through the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies. Back to top
How and when am I notified of the status of my application?
Completed applications are processed on a rolling basis. You will be notified in writing once a decision is made. Back to top
Program Financing Questions
Are there any scholarships or grants? What about student loans?
Please visit "How to finance your MA (Leadership)" for more information. Back to top
What do program fees include?
Program fees include: tuition, course material, and on campus stays (excluding transportation costs). Back to top
Program Delivery Questions
What is online learning?
Online education courses allow university students in degree programs the flexibility to study at home, at work, or while traveling the world, according to your own schedule - there are no classes to attend. Online education courses are taken online via the World Wide Web. This innovative format creates a highly interactive, engaging and supportive learning environment. Back to top
When does the program start?
There are three entry points each year. The online MA (Leadership) program commences in May, September and January with the first on campus components. Back to top
How long will it take to complete the program?
The program is normally completed within 24 months although those who qualify for credit for prior academic work may require less time to complete. If you are constrained by your work or family schedule, you can apply to the Office of Graduate Studies for a leave of absence from a semester of studies. Back to top
When and where are the on campus components held for the online format?
On campus components are held in Guelph. Back to top
How are online courses delivered?
All courses are designed, developed and delivered using the Desire to Learn platform. Course materials, readings, assignments, discussions and teamwork are online. Courses may also be supplemented with textbooks.
Courses are delivered sequentially and are generally eight weeks in duration. There are small breaks between each course and two scheduled breaks in December and during the summer. Back to top
How much time will I have to study on a weekly basis?
Students are expected to devote 20 - 25 hours of study per week to participate in the program. Back to top
Do I need to be online at the same time as everyone else in my course?
You can choose the time of day or night to log onto your course website. Your course timeline, materials, and instructions are waiting online for you to read whenever you need to. Our asynchronous computer conference system means that you can read messages from course mates and post messages for everyone else to read without having to be online at the same time as anyone else. All the messages are there waiting for you when you click on a conference. You will want to log on at least once each day to keep up. Back to top