DEC in Quebec: Diploma of College Studies

A DEC (Diplôme d'études collégiales) is a Quebec college-level diploma, roughly equivalent to a U.S. associate degree. It typically takes three years (six semesters) after secondary school. Two main streams:

• Pre-university: Prepares for university (e.g., Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts).
• Technical: Career-oriented (e.g., Nursing, Engineering Technology, Business).

Offered by public CEGEPs and private colleges. Graduates can enter the workforce or transfer to university (often with advanced standing).