May 08, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Open Studies

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus), Online


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Choose from various courses to explore your interests and strengths, helping you make informed choices about your program and career while earning post-secondary credits. 

General studies 

The Open Studies program allows you to explore your path with general studies and sample different courses to figure out which field of study or university/college education is right for you.  

Maybe the program you want to join isn’t available until a later semester. With Open Studies, you can get a head start by taking some courses in advance. This option is especially useful for programs that lead to diplomas, certificates, or degrees. 

Flexible class times 

Some students prefer a slower pace. Open Studies allows you to ease into a full program by taking a few courses each semester. The program enables those who are working and studying the time to manage their workload. 

You can take Open Studies courses in two ways: 

  • online asynchronous which is flexible and can be done anytime that suits you 
  • online synchronous or in-person, which is scheduled class times. 

Please note that daytime class options are not available to Open Studies students. 

Benefits for international students 

If you’re an international student already in a program but want to switch to a different one, Open Studies can help. It helps you maintain the required number of credits to study in Canada, even if the courses aren’t directly related to your future career. 

Prepare for postsecondary

Whether you are working towards an undergraduate degree in business studies or another area of study, the Open Studies program can help you get there. 

Credential


While you won’t receive a specific credential in Open Studies, the program allows you to: 

  • build a solid foundation for further education at SAIT with transfer credits for transferable courses
  • earn credit for up to 30 credits or 50% of a program’s courses if you pursue a certificate, diploma, applied degree, or bachelor’s degree program at SAIT 
  • take advantage of free SAIT student services, such as tutoring, learning strategy workshops, appointments with a learning strategist, and counselling. 

Program length


Based on course(s)

Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible


This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). 

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. 

Not eligible for CAJG


This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant

Admission requirements


You’ll require an English proficiency level equivalent to at least a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 7 or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 5 in all categories.

There are no further requirements to register in Open Studies courses.

Program outline


Most Open Studies courses are delivered in online asynchronous (unscheduled, self-directed classes) format.

We also deliver select courses in online synchronous (scheduled) or evening classrooms (scheduled, on-campus). You will see available options once registered as an Open Studies student.

To register for the following courses, you must be admitted into either the Open Studies program or another academic program at SAIT.

Available courses


Explore available courses by the programs they are offered in. Programs are listed alphabetically.

Not all courses are offered every semester. 

Available courses - Administrative Information Management


Available courses - Automotive Service Technology


Available courses - Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems


Available courses - Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering


Available courses - Chemical Laboratory Technology


Available courses - Dental Assisting


Available courses - Diagnostic Medical Sonography


Available courses - Information Technology Services


Available courses - Integrated Water Management


Available courses - International Business Management


Available courses - Land Analyst


Available courses - Medical Laboratory Assistant


Available courses - Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk


Available courses - Medical Radiologic Technology


Available courses - Nuclear Medicine Technology


Available courses - Office Professional


Available courses - Pharmacy Assistant


Available courses - Power and Process Operations


Available courses - Radio, Television and Broadcast News


Available courses - Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant


Available courses - Software Development


Available courses - Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations


Progression


You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies


Costs associated with the required books and supplies vary by course.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist for your course(s) on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to your program start date. Can’t find your course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your advisor directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.

Open Studies program advising


For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with Academic Services.

Phone: 403.284.8923
Email: open.studies@sait.ca 

Program outcomes


  1. Academic readiness - apply strategies to learn effectively, balance personal life, work, and academics, and manage stress/anxiety while navigating a large organization/system.
  2. Self-exploration - identify personal interests, strengths, skills, and abilities to inform career choice.
  3. Career exploration and planning - explore various career options through a career planning process.
  4. Foundational skills - develop foundational skills, such as math, communications, and technological literacy, required for various careers.
  5. Technical knowledge, skills, and abilities - develop specialized technical skills specific to a discipline or industry.
     

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