Take advantage of Yukon University’s northern expertise and unique location.
This two-year Northern Studies diploma program offers a framework that is ideal for those interested in broadening or formalizing their knowledge of the North and the Circumpolar world and its social, political, historical and physical characteristics, issues and stories. Your northern expertise is rooted here.
COVID-19 and Northern Studies in Winter 2021
In response to COVID-19, Yukon University has made changes to the way its courses are delivered this year. Most courses have been moved to online formats.
Some courses will have set video-conferenced meeting times along with online activities, while others will be entirely online with a study schedule that you work on in pace with the rest of the class. See the course pages and outlines for details.
Contact the School of Liberal Arts or a program advisor for assistance or for more information about COVID-19-related changes to the program and its courses.
Northern Studies is ideal for individuals, students or practitioners who wish to expand and/or formalize their knowledge of the North and its social, political and physical features, issues and stories.
The program's flexibility -- with a small core of required courses -- allows it to be self-directed and multidisciplinary. This makes it a fabulous opportunity for anyone wishing to pursue personal or professional interests in the North and the Circumpolar world, because it enables individually tailored study plans to suit specific needs by including options for independent and multidisciplinary reading, study and research in a range of academic fields.
Previous college or university study can be a step up to a Northern Studies Diploma. Those with sufficient previous university-level coursework, a Yukon University Liberal Arts certificate, another academic credential or a previous degree may be able to achieve a post-certificate or post-degree diploma in only one year of full-time study.
To graduate, students must complete 60 credits, including
- ENGL 100 and ENGL 101 (6 credits)
- Two Northern Studies (NOST) core courses (6 credits)
- Five Northern Studies (NOST) electives (15 credits)
- Two social-science electives (6 credits)
- Two science electives (6 credits)*
- Seven electives (21 credits)
Diploma students must ensure that they
- complete at least six courses (18 credits) at the 200 level or above
- demonstrate Yukon First Nations Core Competency
- complete at least 50% of the work at Yukon University
- maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average)
NOTE: NOST core courses and NOST electives may be used as electives provided all other requirements have been met. Course selection should be done in consultation with a program advisor.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ELECTIVES: Diploma students up to 12 credits from outside the School of Liberal Arts and School of Science. However, students must recognize that such coursework may not be transferable to programs at other post-secondary institutions and may result in a credit shortfall upon transfer. Students working towards a degree should check their course selection with a Program Advisor.
*NOTE ABOUT SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS: As of May, 2019, science elective courses no longer require labs. Please check with a Program Advisor to discuss options.
Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.
For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency
Fees
Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.
Some programs and courses have additional fees - see Ancillary Fees.
Student financial awards
Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.
Financial assistance
There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.
See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.