What is Executive & Professional Development at Saint Mary’s University?
Executive & Professional Development (EPD) is a unit at Saint Mary’s University specializing in short, practical, non-credit programs designed to help professionals build skills, advance their careers, and stay current in their fields. Programs are focused on applied learning and are taught by experienced instructors and industry experts.
EPD’s courses and certificate programs are called non-credit. What does non-credit mean?
Our programs are non-credit, which means they do not count toward a university degree. Instead, they focus on practical, workplace-relevant skills. You will receive a certificate of completion for courses and other non-credit certificates depending on the program but no academic credits.
Do I need previous university education to enroll or pre-requisites?
No. Most programs do not require prior university education. They are designed for working professionals with relevant experience or an interest in the topic. Most of our courses do not require prerequisites either.
Do I have to complete a certificate or can I just take 1 or 2 courses?
You can choose to take individual courses or complete a full certificate program. Certificates are awarded once all required courses are successfully completed. You can apply for the certificate once you have completed the course requirements. If you have questions, please contact epd@smu.ca
Do you take personal cheques?
We do not accept personal cheques. Accepted payment methods are outlined at registration. Popular payment methods are credit cards and eTransfer. Inquire with epd@smu.ca to learn more.
Are courses offered online or in person?
Courses are offered in online, in-person, or blended formats (some online self-paced and online, instructor-led), depending on the program. Please check individual course descriptions for delivery details.
What technology do I need to take online courses? What are your computer requirements?
You will need:
Some courses may have additional software requirements, which will be communicated in advance.
How do you access the online course?
You will receive login instructions and links to access your course platform via email before the course start date.
Are instructor-led online classes recorded? Can I watch later if I miss a session?
No, classes are generally not recorded, and sessions cannot be viewed later. Live attendance is required to get the full benefit of the course.
What is the method of payment? Can I get an invoice and a receipt?
Payment is typically made by credit card or through approved employer sponsorship. Yes, invoices and receipts can be provided upon request during or after registration.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates are issued after you successfully complete all program requirements and you have completed an application. Processing times may vary, but you can typically expect your certificate within a few weeks of completion.
Does my camera have to be on for the whole session?
Camera expectations vary by course. Some instructors may request that cameras be on to support engagement and participation, as you are comfortable. Specific guidelines will be shared before or during your course. Feel free to share any accommodation with your instructor.
When will I get notified of my upcoming course and access to course materials?
You will receive course details, access instructions, and any required materials shortly before your course begins (typically within a few days to one week in advance).
What will I need to attend the course?
Do the courses and the certificate need to be taken in order?
Not necessarily, in most cases courses can be taken in any sequence for certificate completion. Our programs are meant to be flexible for busy people! Any exceptions to the sequence of courses will be clearly indicated in the program description.
Do you have a payment plan? Can I pay installments?
At this time, payment plans may not be available for all programs. Please contact us to discuss options for the program you are interested in.
Is there homework? Can the work be done in class? Are there any exams?
Programs are designed to be practical and manageable alongside work commitments. Some courses include assignments, applied exercises or knowledge check quizzes, which may be completed during or outside class time. Formal exams are uncommon in most of our programs.
I am on a wait list to take a course - How long does it take to get off the waitlist?
Waitlist timelines vary depending on course demand and availability. If a seat becomes available, you will be contacted as soon as possible with next steps.
I started a certificate program before—why does it look different now? Where is my program?
We have recently updated and refreshed our programs to better align with leading executive and professional development offerings across Canada. These updates ensure our programs remain relevant, practical, and responsive to evolving workplace needs.
If you began a program under a previous structure, please contact us—we will help you understand how your completed courses apply to the updated program and we will do our best to find an alternative for you as we transition to our applied certificate and professional certificate programs.