Program Overview

Certificate in Formal Reasoning

The Certificate in Formal Reasoning provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the abstract laws of thought through the study of logic, critical thinking, and axiomatic mathematics. The valid deduction and clear communication skills emphasized in this training are universally valuable; sharpening your reasoning and argumentation abilities will allow you to more effectively pursue your intellectual passions, whatever they may be.

Program Details

• Two-year certificate
• Full or part-time program
• You can enter this program directly from high school
• You can begin this program off-campus
• You can complete this program concurrently alongside a degree program

What You Will Learn

You will study critical thinking and learn to analyze both everyday and technical arguments for faults and fallacies. You will study symbolic logic and become proficient in the art of valid deduction. You will study important abstract mathematical structures - including sets, fields, and vector spaces - and explore their properties and applications, gaining an understanding of and appreciation for proofs and axiomatic systems.

Featured Classes

• PHIL 140.3: Critical Thinking This course is an introduction to principles of logic and reasoning. It is designed to develop skills in critical thinking, including the analysis, evaluation, and development of arguments. The course will cover topics in informal logic, deductive logic, and inductive logic, which may include argument analysis, fallacies, categorical logic, natural deduction, causality, Bayesian probability theory, and scientific reasoning.
• MATH 163.3: Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning This course provides an introduction to techniques and communication in abstract mathematics. It explores the notion of proof and introduces standard notation and nomenclature through the study of logic and proof techniques, sets, functions and relations, integers and counting, complex numbers, and graphs. The student will learn to comprehend and construct proofs using direct and indirect methods, and recognize the value of mathematics beyond the act of computation.
• PHIL 241.3: Introduction to Symbolic Logic I An introduction to modern logic. The syntax, semantics, and proof theory of truth-functional statement logic and first order predicate logic. Formalization of natural language statements and arguments.

Why Study Here?

• Existence and uniqueness: The Certificate in Formal Reasoning is the first and only program of its kind at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
• Interdisciplinary perspectives: The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to benefit from the complementary expertise of two departments: the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the Department of Philosophy.
• Complementary certification: The Certificate in Formal Reasoning can be completed as a useful ancillary credential concurrently with undergraduate degree programs across campus, from Arts and Science to Engineering to Education.

Careers

The abstract reasoning skills and clear expression of thought engendered by the study of formal reasoning are valuable in academic research and in all professions involving argumentation. Some career opportunities include:

• Scientific/technical communication
• Scientific research
• Computer programming
• Systems analysis
• Diagnostics/troubleshooting
• Investigative journalism
• Industrial and operations design
• Artistic design and criticism
• Fiction writing
• Puzzle making
• Public policy
• Law
• Engineering: all majors/specializations
• Education: elementary, secondary, or post-secondary instruction
• Other fields involving abstract reasoning

Tuition Estimates

| Canadian students | International students
---|---|---
Tuition | $822.60 per 3 credit unit class | $3,981.30 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees | $1,308.24 per year | $1,308.24 per year
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program Options

The Certificate in Formal Reasoning is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree program from this college or others, or after having already received a degree.

International Students

The College of Arts and Science strongly recommends that international students do not enrol in a certificate program alone, as course offerings per term and program length may not be sufficient to maintain eligibility for a study permit, on/off-campus work permit, or post-graduation work permit when taken as a stand-alone program. If you are interested in pursuing a certificate program, plan to enrol in your certificate of interest only alongside a degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on your situation. For high school students or graduates, university/college students or graduates, and international students, specific requirements apply.

Application Deadlines

Start term | Application deadline | International deadline
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Winter | Dec. 1, 2025 | Sept. 1, 2025
Spring | April 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2026
Summer | May 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026
Fall | July 15, 2026 | May 1, 2026
Winter | Dec. 1, 2026 | Sept. 1, 2026

Related Programs

• Computer Science
• Education
• Law
• Mathematics
• Philosophy