by Athena Raypold
Alberta’s capital city is home to some of the country’s best post-secondary institutions. From technical schools to research universities, Edmonton offers a wealth of learning opportunities, perfectly suited for any career path. [Image credit: iStock.com/Arpad Benedek]
A Top 5 Canadian university and 107 in the World University Rankings, the University of Alberta is a public research university that hosts more than 500 graduate programs, 200 undergraduate programs and a wealth of active student groups and clubs. Dedicated to making academia and knowledge accessible to everyone, the University of Alberta aims to better the lives of Albertans and Canadians in a vibrant and supportive environment. Hosting 37,830 students from 143 countries on five campuses, the University of Alberta also employs 15,000 Albertans while contributing $12.3 billion to the Alberta economy, and boasts 71 Rhodes Scholars. The university is widely lauded for its research in health, science, and technology and has made waves in paleontology, water supply and quality, and in climate change research.
A student-focused university that combines academic excellence and supportive learning, MacEwan University was founded in 1971, and is located in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown Oliver community. Focused on sustainability, the university is uniting its campuses into one sustainable, LEED® certified campus downtown. With smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on teaching, MacEwan University provides offers more than 65 programs in a collaborative, community-based learning environment. The school was awarded an A+ ranking in the Globe and Mail's Canadian University Report for teaching style and class sizes and A grades for teaching quality and student-faculty interaction. Offering four-year bachelor degrees, applied degrees and diploma and certificate programs, creativity is central to the school’s identity. Providing an outstanding undergraduate experience, many MacEwan University graduates move onto graduate programs across the country. Standout programs include their Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, Psychiatric Nursing, and Communication Studies.
Alberta’s foremost technical school, a leading Canadian polytechnic and the largest apprenticeship trainer in Canada, NAIT provides students with technical training and applied education, all designed to meet Alberta’s employment and industry demands in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. Emphasizing employable skills and knowledge, NAIT graduates have high employment rates and often earn high salaries. Also ranked at 14 on the list of Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada, NAIT is promoting stewardship of Alberta’s boreal forests through land reclamation and ecosystem restoration. Emphasizing meaningful impact, NAIT’s programs are developed with industry input and their research is industry-driven in order to serve Alberta’s needs. Notable programs include trades and apprenticeship training, business, construction and engineering, design and communications, and culinary school.
A small, Lutheran university hosting nearly 2,000 students a year in Edmonton, Concordia University of Edmonton is globally recognized globally for academic excellence in teaching and research and is among the top 100 universities in Canada. Primarily a liberal arts university, Concordia offers 45 majors and minors in arts, science and management, with two after degree programs, three master’s programs and certificate and diploma programs, as well. Focusing on employing active scholars as educators, Concordia emphasizes the importance of research and academic excellence. Concordia’s beautiful campus overlooks the Edmonton river valley and offers students a close-knit community dedicated to research in the arts.
Edmonton’s leading community college, Norquest educates “approximately 11,550 students, 60 per cent of whom are born outside of Canada.” An inclusive college offering student-centred instruction, graduates receive an education that is work-force relevant and professional; Norquest programs parallel industry needs, making graduates easily employable. Designing programs for students with varying education levels, Norquest assists students in achieving their goals and creating exciting learning paths. Offering full time, part time and continuing education courses, Norquest takes pride in treating students with integrity and respect while empowering them and encouraging risk taking. Popular programming includes Administrative Professional training, Practical Nurse, Early Learning and Child Care, ESL, Health Care Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and Social Work.
Edmonton offers post-secondary education in both academic and practical applications. Whether you want to pursue higher education and research, trades or nursing, Edmonton has a school for you.
