About
A Snapshot of Red Deer Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is located in Red Deer, Alberta, halfway between the major centres of Calgary and Edmonton. We offer a growing mix of programs in various subject areas and a breadth of credentials, including apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, micro-credentials and degrees.
As a polytechnic institution in central Alberta, we offer programming that prioritizes applied learning, industry relevance and multi-disciplinary opportunities. This provides our students with engaging learning experiences, direct pathways to employment and well-rounded skillsets that empower them for impact in their workplaces and the world.
Since 2021, we’ve added more than a dozen programs, including five degrees, and have expanded seats in numerous high-demand areas like health sciences, technology, business, arts and creative arts.
Red Deer Polytechnic’s campus is situated on Treaty 7 land, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina and Stoney Nakoda Peoples. We honour the First Peoples who have lived here since time immemorial, and we give thanks for the land where RDP sits. This is where we strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another. Learn more about RDP’s work toward Truth and Reconciliation, including Indigenous services and initiatives.
At Red Deer Polytechnic, we offer more. More ways to learn. More opportunities to grow your career. More applied research. More impactful experiences.
Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here.
Our Impact
Red Deer Polytechnic is proudly rooted in central Alberta, while making an impact across our province and around the world.
RDP has delivered quality, hands-on education that prepares graduates for success within Alberta’s diverse economy for nearly 60 years. We began as Red Deer College in 1964 and have grown from a small community college to a vibrant polytechnic institution.
We currently serve about 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and more than 3,400 extended education students. More than 80,000 alumni make an impact in their communities and careers as they work across all sectors in Alberta, Canada and the world. As we grow our programs, we’re ready to welcome more learners to our dynamic campuses.
We’re energized to step boldly into our new future as a unique, globally relevant post-secondary that leverages the strengths of central Alberta to create bigger and broader impact. We will do this through practical education opportunities, as well as through applied research and innovative partnerships.
Through our partnerships and applied research efforts, RDP plays an important role in finding solutions to society’s challenges, as well as technology and business solutions to fuel Alberta’s economy and beyond.
During the 2021/2022 academic year, more than 80 projects were completed, and faculty and staff engaged with more than 500 industry and community partners. The innovation community connects with RDP through our impressive Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing and Energy Innovation Centre. Applied research and development in manufacturing and energy leverage some of the key strengths of our province’s resources to contribute to economic and social development.
By aligning teaching, learning and applied research with Alberta’s key economic, social and cultural priorities, Red Deer Polytechnic will make a long-term and significant impact for the province, nation and world.
Read more about Red Deer Polytechnic’s impact.
Get to Know Red Deer Polytechnic
Want to learn about Red Deer Polytechnic? Visit the webpages below to discover more.
- Campus Store
- Careers
- Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Events and News
- Financial Services
- Our Story
- Recruitment Services
- Research at Red Deer Polytechnic
- Support Red Deer Polytechnic students
Visit Us to learn more about our diverse programs, participate in a camp or workshop, cheer for our Kings & Queens, or attend a variety of events throughout each year.