Further Education

 

When considering further education, there are many aspects to think about: what programs are the best fit for your career goals; which ones are achievable for you and how can you work towards them. Click below to learn more about the different options and the supports offered by the Career Centre.

Considering Grad School
Professional School
Post-Grad Programs
Further Ed Resources

 

 

 

Considering Grad School

Graduate school offers advanced education through master’s and doctoral programs, emphasizing specialized knowledge and research skills. It prepares students for professional careers or academic pursuits. Prospective students should consider their motivations, financial readiness, and admission requirements, while utilizing resources from the Career Centre for guidance in the application process. 

Take a look at our Resources below to learn more: 

Things you should know about Graduate School

 

 

What is graduate school?

Graduate school includes master's programs (one to two years of full-time study following an undergraduate degree), which can be followed by doctorate programs, such as Ph.D. (approximately four to six additional years of study).
Compared to undergraduate studies, graduate-level work is more:

  • Advanced - it builds upon undergraduate education
  • Focused - it emphasizes the depth of knowledge
  • Scholarly - it requires advanced critical analysis abilities, analytical/interpretive skills and the production of research

 

Types of programs and degrees

Graduate programs may be separated into three broad categories:

  • Professional programs - provide specialized skills and qualifications for a specific profession (e.g., Speech-Language Pathology, MBA programs).
  • Terminal programs - considered an end in itself. The terminal master's gives you flexibility; if your interests change or you decide against the doctorate, you graduate, not quit. In some fields, a master's degree is considered the 'terminal professional degree' in that it provides the knowledge and training you need to join a profession.
  • Non-terminal programs - Master's program feeds directly into doctoral program. The master's is simply the first stage of Ph.D. completion. May be entered into directly from undergraduate studies.

Additionally, your degree may be:

  • a combination of required courses, practicum placement, qualifying exam and independent research; it typically prepares students for professional practice
  • a combination of required courses and a thesis project under the supervision of a thesis advisor; it typically prepares students for research.

Tip: If you plan on entering a thesis-based program, gain research experience at the undergraduate level by completing a thesis and obtaining related work or volunteer experiences.

 

Why go to graduate school?

Given the amount of time and money involved in pursuing a graduate degree, consider your motivation for continuing your studies carefully. Graduate school may be a logical step to:

  • Meet professional ambitions - some professions require a graduate degree
  • Prepare for a career in teaching – college professors typically have a master's degree and university professors typically have or are completing a doctoral degree
  • Pursue a love of knowledge - for those who truly enjoy their field of study and wish to learn more about it
  • Allow for a career change and advancement – to change career path or better position self for promotion opportunities

 

Is graduate school right for you?

Some questions to consider before committing to graduate school:

  • Do I want to study this subject at a more intense level?
  • How will graduate school help me reach my career goals?
  • Do I have the necessary financial resources?
  • Is this the right time for me to go (personally, financially, career-wise)?
  • What are my chances of being accepted? What other programs are available to help me achieve my goals?

 

How will your application be evaluated?

Although standards and criteria vary across programs, one common factor is that the competition is intense. Factors that contribute to admission decisions include:

  • GPA - most schools look for a minimum B+ average during the last two years of undergraduate study
  • Suitability for the program - determined by the quality of your application, your research interests and your compatibility with the program/faculty's research interests
  • Skills and experience - your research experience, volunteer/work experiences and extracurricular activities
  • Reference letters - the type of referee and relevance of their comments are weighted more heavily than the number of reference letters you submit
  • Admission test scores - if required by the program or institution (e.g. GRE, GMAT)

 

Prepare early

Prepare for graduate school during your undergraduate studies by:

  • Strengthening your GPA – although many programs look primarily at your final two years, a GPA that is consistently high will impress admission committees
  • Exploring your options - take a variety of courses to help determine your research interests, talk to T.A.s about their experiences, take part in networking activities, and talk to your professors about graduate programs and their areas of research
  • Identifying references – graduate applications require between two to three references. Get to know your professors by taking more than one class with those whose work interests you, participate in class discussions, attend office hours, and join clubs that allow professors to get to know you outside of the classroom
  • Building experience - gain research experience through part-time or summer jobs, senior-level thesis courses, faculty research projects, the Research Opportunity Program, undergraduate research awards, UTM Internship program, or volunteering with a professor. Experience as a teaching assistant would be an asset. Don't forget to check out our Research Experience Tip Sheets, too.

 

How the Career Centre can help

 

Resources

Applying to Graduate School

Once you’ve considered your career goals, researched options and requirements for your field of interest, and determined that graduate school is a logical step towards entering your chosen field, the next step is to proceed through the application process. The following reviews application basics; however, programs may differ depending on the field of study. Review your program application requirements carefully.

 

 

Evaluating programs

  • Research schools and programs compatible with your interests
  • Ask professors and practitioners in your field about reputable schools and programs
  • Review faculty profiles, identify those with similar interests: talk with them about their research, whether they’re accepting new students in the coming year (and how many they are willing to supervise), and what they look for in graduate students
  • Visit the campus: meet the faculty, talk with students in the program, see the facilities and get a feel for the atmosphere of the program
  • Research program requirements (compulsory courses, research vs. thesis options, experiential opportunities available): Program focus and requirements will be discussed in information sessions (usually held in the Fall), check with the program department for dates
  • Evaluate financial assistance: grants, research and teacher assistantships and fellowships
  • Consider other factors: a school’s geographic location, reputation, campus and community life and student services

 

Parts of an application

Although standards and criteria vary across programs, one common factor is that the competition is intense. Factors that contribute to admission decisions include:

  • GPA: most schools look for a minimum B+ average during the last two years of undergraduate study
  • Suitability for the program: determined by the quality of your application, your research interests and your compatibility with the program/faculty research interests
  • Skills and experience: your research experience, volunteer/work experiences and extracurricular activities
  • Reference letters: the type of referee and relevance of their comments are weighed more heavily than the number of reference letters you submit
  • Admission test scores: if required (e.g., GRE)

Applications typically include Application Form, Application Fee, Pre-Requisite Courses, Transcripts from all Post-Secondary Institutions, References, Personal Statements.

They may also include Test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT), Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), Writing Sample, Experiential Component (e.g., two years related experience), Supplementary Forms (e.g., application for funding).

For tips on creating a CV, check out the CV Worksheet or one of many print resources at the Career Centre.

 

References

You will need two to four references who can discuss your abilities, accomplishments and potential in your area of interest. Graduate programs will be interested in academic references who can attest to your ability to succeed in, and contribute to, a demanding academic program.

 

Personal statements

Admission committees are looking for statements that show insight into:

  • Your research/professional interests
  • Your future goals and career path
  • Why their school and program fits your goals
  • Your knowledge of, and experience in, the field
  • What you will contribute to their program

Some helpful links:

 

Admission tests 

Some programs require an admissions test (such as the GRE general and/or specific, or GMAT) as part of your application. The test must be written in advance to ensure scores are received by admission deadlines.

 

What if you don’t get in?

Given the level of competition for a position in graduate programs, it is important to have a backup plan. Possibilities include:

  • Reapply: contact the program admissions staff and/or faculty to talk about ways to make your application stronger and reapply in the next session
  • Find work: the UTM Career Centre can provide assistance with your job search for up to two years after graduation
  • Consider alternate careers: speak to a Career Counsellor, attend our Explore Your Career Options workshop, visit our website or library for resources on a variety of professions
  • Take a post-graduate diploma: gain industry specific knowledge and experience to facilitate entry into a profession in a related area
  • Broaden your horizons: travel, volunteer and experience new things

The most important aspect of forming a backup plan is to evaluate which of these possibilities is right for you. Use the services and support of the Career Centre to help you find your starting point.

 

How the Career Centre can help

  • Individual Appointments: meet with one of our professional Career Counsellors to discuss graduate school, personal statements etc.
  • Graduate and Professional Schools Fair: held in the fall term every year
  • Print Resources: many admission guides, including Pocket Guide to Graduate School Admissions, Graduate School Admissions Advisor, Making it into a Top Graduate School
  • Personal Statements/Essays: Graduate Admissions Essays, Mastering the Personal Statement, 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays and more
  • Other Resources: How to prepare your Curriculum Vitae, Putting your Graduate Degree to Work, Admissions Tests, Applying to Grad School Video and more

 

Resources

 

Funding Information:

Locating Graduate Programs

Start researching graduate programs as early as possible, ideally before you enter your final year of undergraduate studies.

There are many factors you’ll want to consider when looking at graduate programs, including size, location, academic focus/strengths, reputation, research facilities and so on. Discuss your plans with your professors and ask them where the best places are for graduate studies in your chosen field.

If possible, visit the campuses you’re interested in. Call ahead and see if you can make an appointment to speak to faculty members you’re interested in or who have been recommended by your professors. Also, talk to graduate students who are currently studying in these programs to get the inside scoop.

Some useful websites to get you started:

Log in to the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network to access a more detailed list of Graduate Programs through Career Cruising (look on the menu under "Resources"). This excellent resource is available to all current U of T students.

 

 

 

Professional Schools

NOTE: If you are considering studying outside Ontario and wish to practice in the province, please check with any regulatory or governing bodies for your profession, as not all programs are seen as equivalent to Ontario schools. 

Law

 

 

Admission Basics

  • Gaining admission into law school is competitive. To be considered for law school, candidates must have at least two years of undergraduate study, but most schools prefer three or more years of study
  • The requirements vary for each law school; however, the basic requirements usually include a combination of a candidate’s GPA (minimum of B+/A average) and the LSAT score (minimum 70-85th percentile)
  • There is no one particular program of study required at the undergraduate level before applying to law schools. Courses in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences are all of value in developing the analytical skills and writing skills necessary to excel in the study of law
  • Most law schools also consider candidates’ extracurricular activities and past work experiences

 

How to Apply

  • The admission process for Ontario schools is handled centrally by the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS)
  • Apply early; admission applications are typically due in early November
  • Refer to each university’s admission requirements for supplementary information that may be required, such as personal statements and letters of recommendation

Tip: Preview the online OLSAS application at least one year prior to applying to law school by creating a 'dummy' account, to give you an idea of what is required and will help you understand the process of applying in following year.

 

LSAT

  • The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test, required for admission to most (but not all) law schools in Canada
  • It consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, including a reading comprehension section, an analytical reasoning section, two logical reasoning sections, a fifth section typically used to pretest new test items and a 35-minute, unscored writing sample is administered at the end of the test; copies of your writing sample are sent to all law schools to which you apply
  • The LSAT is offered four times a year in June, October, December and February
  • Review an LSAT guide such as those published by Kaplan, Peterson’s, and/or Princeton Review, etc. for sample questions and solutions. Official LSAT PrepTests can be purchased: www.lsac.org

 

Practice in Ontario with an International Degree

To practice law in Ontario, graduates of international or non-accredited Canadian law schools will be required to demonstrate their competence to the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). For more information on accreditation, visit the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s website.

For more information on the full lawyer licensing process in Ontario, click here.

 

Related Services and Events

 

Resources

Medicine

 

 

Preparing for Medical School

The medical profession can be very rewarding – emotionally, intellectually and financially. Being a doctor allows you to treat the sick, conduct medical research and teach medical/health sciences. However, before you make a decision about medicine as a career, you should carefully research the field to see where the opportunities lie and to determine if the nature of the work suits your personality and career ambitions. There are many different ways to obtain the information necessary to make an informed decision and to be successful in the medical school application process. To discuss your career concerns regarding medicine or any other career question you have, please book an appointment with a Career Counsellor by calling 905-828-5451. The following is a guide to resources at the UTM Career Centre, as well as suggestions for additional ways of obtaining information on careers in the field of medicine.

Watch My Journey to Medical School - a video from our former student staff on his journey to medical School

 

Educational Requirements

Ontario has six medical schools, each with its own academic and non-academic admission requirements. Please check each school’s website for up-to-date information. The application process for all Ontario medical schools is centralized through OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service) and admission must be made through the OMSAS website. The application deadline for fall is usually the end of September or early October, and you MUST create your online COMPASS.OMSAS account by mid September or you will not be eligible to apply for the coming year.

Tip: Create an account with OMSAS well ahead of time (mid-July). You can re-enter your account multiple times and add to your application throughout the summer. Print out the application package, read it carefully, highlight key areas and make notes to help you prepare your materials.

Applications are online at www.ouac.on.ca/omsas

 

Admission Tests (MCAT) (New VERSION as of 2015)

In Ontario, four of the six medical schools (U of T, McMaster, Queens and Western) require applicants to take the MCAT (Medical School Admission Test). The MCAT contains four * sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Things, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological and Social Foundations, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Consider studying well in advance and/or taking a prep course (Princeton, Kaplan, Oxford, Prep101) to prepare yourself for this first major hurdle in your medical career.

For more information (including practice tests and questions) and to register for the MCAT, visit www.aamc.org/mcat, or email mcat@aamc.org.

* More information on this new test is available on the MCAT site listed in the previous paragraph.

Tip: While first-year physical and life science courses will provide the base knowledge for the MCAT, many students spend two to three months studying prior to their MCAT test date to obtain competitive scores. Commercial prep courses may provide a structured study plan as well as motivation for rigorous study. They do, however, require significant time and financial investment (e.g. two to three evenings per week, every other full Saturday for two to three months).

MCAT Administration Dates – as of January 2016 the MCAT is computer-based, with around 20 test dates from January till late September. Check the MCAT website for locations and dates. Registration for tests will typically open three to four months prior to the test date.

 

Researching Your Career Options

Career Information

The occupational binders in the Career Resource Library contain career monographs, interviews with health care professionals, articles offering profiles of the profession, as well as recent trends, along with medical association information. There is also information on the various sub-disciplines of medicine (pathology, neurology, cardiology etc.).

Career Cruising, a Canadian online career exploration tool, provides in-depth information (job description, average day, education requirements, information interviews etc.) for a variety of medical professions including Family Practitioner, Plastic Surgeon, Psychiatrist, Ob-Gyn and Pediatrician. Read more about Accessing Career Cruising.

 

Workshops/Events/Services/Other Resources

The Career Centre offers Medical School Information Sessions, Resume and Cover Letter workshops and Personal Statement workshops to assist you in your career planning and preparation for medical school. You can also make an individual appointment with a Career Counsellor to clarify and prepare for your career goals.

 The Graduate & Professional Schools Fair held in late September allows students to meet representatives from professional schools in Canada, US and abroad and ask questions concerning health-related professional schools. The Get Hired Fair (September/January) allows students to speak with local organizations to explore volunteer and paid opportunities.

 As part of your application process, you will be asked to prepare a Personal Statement. The ability to communicate your motivation, academic and career goals, relevant skills and experiences in application essays and interviews is key to gaining admission to medical school. Jot down accomplishments, goals, essay themes and other ideas as you gather them. The best personal statements are honest, concise and seek to let medical schools know how you can contribute to the program, your peers and the community. To help you with the medical school application process, The UTM Career Centre and the Academic Skills Centre offer feedback for personal statements. Please note that editing services are not offered. The Career Centre offers Personal Statements Workshops three times each semester. You can also begin your statement by completing our Personal Statement E-Module. It is available to you 24/7 for your convenience. Seek others to read and critique your answers. Help is available through the UTM Career Centre. Book an appointment with a Career Counsellor so that we can review your statement. Of course, you are always welcome to drop by the Undergraduate Medical School Admissions Office in the Medical Sciences Building for application concerns to U of T, Faculty of Medicine. The Pre-Med Club on campus provides a comprehensive website of medical school-related links. In addition, they offer a variety of events (MCAT strategies, speaker-based panels) to further assist students in their application for medical school.

 

References, Interviews

We also recommend speaking to your academic/professional character referees at least a month prior to the application deadline. Schedule an appointment to clarify your objectives and provide them with confirmation that the secure link to your confidential assessment form will be emailed to them once you have put their emails into the system. In the event that you are invited to a medical school interview, make an appointment with a Career Counsellor so that we can help you to prepare for the interview.

 

Non-academic Involvement

Develop a personal and professional career portfolio. Strive to gain quality experiences in your community and abroad through work, volunteer and extra-curricular activities. Obtaining work and volunteer experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, centres for disabled children, community and other health-related settings shows compassion, commitment, and most importantly, your understanding of the nature of a physician’s job. While medical school candidates usually have top grades and MCAT scores, it is the sum total of your life’s unique experiences, in addition to top grades, that will give you the edge.

 

Have a Backup Plan

If at first you fail, try and try again! There’s more than one way of getting into medical school. It is no longer the linear, traditional, straight-out-of-undergrad route of the past. Consider a master’s degree, study/work in a paramedical career, working full-time and staying for an extra undergraduate year before (re)applying to medical school. Continue to assess and reassess your goals and motivations for wanting to be a doctor. Related and other non-related career fields may satisfy your evolving career goals.

 

U.S. and Foreign Medical Schools

Before deciding to apply to medical schools outside of Canada, there are several questions to consider: Have I explored and exhausted all my options for applying to medical schools in Canada (in and out of province)? Do I have the academic requirements and financial means to study medicine in the U.S. or abroad? What are my expectations for the future (return to Canada, residency, practice)? For application to U.S. medical schools, Canadian applicants need to satisfy citizenship/residency requirements and have superior academic qualifications and adequate financial means. Canadian students who ultimately wish to do their residency and practice in Canada must obtain their medical degree at an institution recognized by the World Health Organization. Additional steps towards obtaining a residency and practicing in Canada should be researched (residency matching, qualifying exams etc.). For more information read our one-stop guide on Considering Medical School Outside of Ontario.

 

Important Links for researching U.S. and foreign medical schools:

 

Start Early!

Applying to, gaining acceptance, and attending medical school can be a time-consuming process. So, if becoming a doctor is in your career plans, start early, work hard and most importantly – be yourself and do what feels right! Start with a self-assessment of your motives and aspirations; research the career field, your options and the application process; actively seek the skills and experiences you lack; sell yourself with honesty and integrity to the admissions committee; and don’t be afraid to take another path in order to realize your dreams. The union of preparation and opportunity translates to luck when it comes time to get into medical school.

 

Additional Resources

Teaching

 

 

Choosing to Apply to a Consecutive or a Concurrent Program

  • Consecutive Program: Complete an undergraduate university degree, and then apply to a Teacher Education Program
  • Concurrent Program: Complete Education courses concurrently with Arts & Science courses. You usually receive a B.A./B.Ed. or B.Sc./B.Ed. at the same convocation. Currently, Lakehead, Nipissing, Windsor, York and Laurentian University offer concurrent programs.
  • Graduate program: The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto focuses on providing graduate teacher education programs. Interested applicants can consider OISE/UT’s two graduate teacher education programs:

Each Faculty of Education also charges an additional mandatory supplementary/ faculty service fee (between $60 - $100). These fees amounts can be found in the TEAS Instruction booklet, and on the TEAS website 

 

Choosing a Level to Teach

Primary/Junior Level (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 6)

  • Applicants do not choose teaching subjects; subjects taught are determined by the curriculum (i.e., you do not need a 'teachable')
  • Applicants can be at an advantage if they have taken a variety of courses in English, Math, Science, Fine Arts, Social Science/Humanities (Canadian history/geography)*

Junior/Intermediate Level (Grades 4 - 10)

  • Applicants choose ONE teaching subject*

Intermediate/Senior Level (Grades 7 - 12)

  • Applicants choose TWO teaching subjects*

*Each Faculty of Education may have different admissions requirements, and some subjects may have more prerequisites than others, even at the primary/junior level. Refer to the admissions information for each Faculty you are interested in.

 

How to Apply

Apply online for Teaching programs in Ontario in the fall.

  • Please refer to TEAS for supplementary info you are required to submit.
  • The online application service fee allows you to apply to three choices of faculties of education (additional choices are possible for an extra fee per additional school). Each Faculty also charges an additional fee, usually between $50-$100*
  • Order transcripts by completing the “transcript request section” on TEAS.

* Refer to the admissions information for the university you are interested in applying to for supplementary fees and forms.

 

Recommended Experience

  • Gain classroom experience with groups of learners in the grade which you intend to teach, and the subject areas which you intend to teach.
  • Obtain experience in a diversity of settings that relate to teaching (e.g., teacher’s aid, coaching sports/athletics, literacy program instruction, special needs work in schools, instructor of a second language program).
  • In your second last year of university, try to arrange a year-long volunteer experience. Keep a log or diary of your teaching-related experiences, which will help you to reflect on your insights regarding teaching and learning. The reflection logs will help you to complete the experience profile forms required when submitting your application.

 

Teach in Ontario with an International Degree

In Ontario, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers to teach in this province’s publicly funded schools.

If you obtained your education internationally, visit learn how to become an Ontario Certified Teacher.

Alternatively, if you’re certified to teach in a Canadian province or territory other than Ontario, you can learn about the requirements for transferring to Ontario here.

 

Resources

Other Programs

If you are considering studying outside Ontario and wish to practice in the province, please check with any regulatory or governing bodies for your profession, as not all programs are seen as equivalent to Ontario schools.

 

 

Professional master's programs at UTM

 

Dental Schools

Dentists must be licensed to practice dentistry in Ontario. Visit the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) to read more about the qualifying process and requirements. 

 

Pharmacy

If you wish to practice as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Ontario, you must first obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).

 

Health-related

 

MBA

 

Social Work

 

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The profession of speech-language pathology is regulated. If you wish to work in Ontario, you must register with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.  

 

Related Services and Events

Don’t miss the annual Graduate & Professional Schools Fair 2023, held every year in the Fall at UTM, featuring admission representatives from dozens of professional schools in Canada and the U.S.

 

 

Post-Grad Programs & Continuing Education

 

What are Post-Grad Programs?

Ontario Colleges offer post-graduate (also known as post-diploma) programs for students who have already completed university or college degree or diploma. These programs are of relatively short duration (usually one to two years of full-time study) and offer intensive training and practical experience in specific career areas.

Many colleges also offer certificate programs that are geared more toward individuals who want to continue to work full-time while simultaneously furthering their education in the evening or on weekends.

Alternately, visit the website for the Ontario College Application Service and make sure to check out our Post-Grad Tip Sheet!

Continuing Education

University of Toronto - School of Continuing Studies
learn.utoronto.ca

Many of the School of Continuing Studies courses are recognized by professional associations and can be applied towards professional credentials valued in the marketplace. See the list of the School’s recognized courses by a professional association. U of T alumni can receive additional benefits. Read all about the U of T Alumni Benefit for more information.

 

 

Resources and Links for Further Education

 

Graduate & Professional Schools Fair

Representatives from professional programs such as law, dentistry, medicine, physiotherapy, education, business and others will be in attendance. For more information visit the GPSF web page.

Pursue Learning Online Workshops and E-Modules

The Skills Articulation (SA) Module is a 3-part interactive series whereby students use their course syllabus to identify skills and begin communicating them to employers or further education programs. Visit our Online Workshops and E-Modules web page for more information.

Personal Statement Resources and Support

Register for and attend our Mastering the Personal Statement workshop. Log into CLNx to see upcoming dates. 

If time is an issue due to work commitments and academic workload, complete our Personal Statement E-module at your own convenience. Then book an appointment to have a review with a career counsellor. Also see the Reference (academic) tipsheet.

Further Education Guidance & Mock Interviews

Meet with a Career Counsellor to receive support reviewing your grad school application documents or practice your graduate school interview.  

Please note, you are required to attend the Writing a personal statement workshop or complete the 30-minute personal statement online module prior to being eligible to book an appointment.