Certificate in Design Foundations

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, video and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries . Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career path.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and pitch your film or TV series ideas at major broadcasting and production companies. You also meet agents, distributors and accomplished screenwriters, and attend industry events during your three-day stay. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements are generally non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you may choose to participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases short excerpts from students` plays read by professional actors. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conceive, write, edit, revise and rewrite scripts using industry standard formats and technology.
• Function effectively as part of a writing and/or production team in the delivery of scripts.
• Apply production and business management skills to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in the workplace.
• Critically evaluate the quality of product being presented for production.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development by analyzing issues and trends in target industries.
• Ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, regulations, and industry principles and practices.
• Apply creative techniques for writing for a variety of media and styles.
• Work in a professional and ethical manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.

Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims` issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field.

Practicum options include:

• Victim crisis units
• Police services
• Victim advocacy centres
• Indigenous healing centres
• Government agencies
• Women`s shelters
• Community action groups

Overall, you develop knowledge of crisis response, sudden and traumatic loss, and victim populations. Learn about crime and its effects on victims in the criminal justice system. In your practicum, you integrate theory with practice and contribute to victim service initiatives within your community.

The Victimology program offers you the means to pursue a unique career. This program is the first graduate certificate program offered by a Canadian college specializing in victimology. More than just theory, this program puts you in the field, allowing you to learn how to look at issues from the victim`s perspective.

You may find work in a wide variety of fields helping victims of crime. Work opportunities may exist in:

• Social services
• Child protection
• Crisis response
• The criminal justice system, and
• In other areas related to victimization

The three-year Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to take your career into many industries. By combining business theory and creative messaging, this industry-respected program enables you to develop skills in idea conceptualizing, copywriting, layout and production design. You also develop integrated marketing communications strategies through researching what drives target audiences and planning how to reach them effectively.

Experienced, industry-connected faculty prepare you to plan, create and implement marketing communications. Key class projects work on real advertising and marketing communications issues with local companies as clients. As well, alumni and industry leaders act as guest speakers in every semester.

Put classroom theory to work through hands-on creation in one of the second-year student-run business unit teams:

• the award-winning Algonquin Times and Glue Magazine - where teams work on websites, print editions, social media channels, events and apps
• DIGG - the student-run ad agency where every client has a unique problem to be solved
• SLiDE - the in-house marketing department for Algonquin`s DARE District that works with Ottawa entrepreneurs.

The program encourages you to expand your learning and network through optional class trips in second and third year. As a second-year student, you have the unique opportunity to visit and tour select advertising and marketing agencies and visit program alumni in Toronto. As a third-year student, you have the opportunity to visit New York and attend one of the largest industry conferences in the world, Advertising Week.

At the end of the program, take your real-world experience a step further with a six-week job placement within the area of advertising and marketing communications. Upon graduating, be ready to start your career in this field.

There are many job opportunities for graduates of this program. You may find employment with an advertising or creative agencies and any organization that has a marketing, communications, media or promotions department. This includes:

• retail
• professional services firms
• technology companies
• associations
• governments

You might even launch your own marketing and communications company.

The two-year Electrical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and skills sought by employers in the industry. Develop skills in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems from cable loops, phone and fire suppression systems to robotics and machinery.

Through a series of theory courses and extensive practical labs, you learn to use scientific and engineering principles, including:

• Foundation of electrical principles, codes and regulations
• How to design, install and troubleshoot electromagnetic controls, electrical machinery and programmable controllers
• The different instrumentation options available and the applicable use for them
• An understanding of robotics and controls as well as industrial telecommunications
• Critical thinking skills and an understanding of the environmental impact of technology
• AutoCAD and applications
• The different infrastructure requirements of distributed electrical systems or fire alarm system codes and standards, installation and maintenance
• Fundamentals of mathematics, calculus, technical communications for engineers, programming and computer applications
• Project management and leadership skills

OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes this program as meeting the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (C.Tech) category. While a student, you are encouraged to register as an Associate member of OACETT.

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technician program may pursue the Electrical Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma to further open career options in the electrical engineering field. The advanced diploma also creates an opportunity to transfer into year 3 of the Electrical Engineering program at Lakehead University.

This program prepares you to work in a wide variety of careers in the electrical industry, including in areas such as electrical testing and maintenance, manufacturing and electrical automation.

Graduates may work in the electrical engineering field as a(n):

• Electrical designer
• Electrical technician/technologist electrical engineering technologist
• Robotics technician
• Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) technician
• Automation engineering technologist
• control/automation technician
• Instrument Technician

Prepare for a variety of dynamic technical positions within the manufacturing industry

The two-year Manufacturing Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for technical positions in the manufacturing industry. Gain a broad overview of manufacturing and industrial engineering principles, with a focus on product manufacturing, and learn from professionals with strong industrial backgrounds.

As a student in this program, you experience a combination of classroom, lab and machine shop environments and cultivate ideas from conception to production within various streams. These include, but are not limited to:

• Solid modelling
• Computer numerical control programming
• Process engineering
• Fabrication
• Project management
• Quality control 

Learn how to use tools specific to the industry such as software and machinery, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, and CNC machinery. In your final term, undertake projects with external or internal industry partners where you analyze, plan and execute deliverables.

Graduates may work in a number of capacities within the industry, finding employment as a:

• CNC programmer
• CNC machinist
• Quality control inspector
• Production scheduler
• CAD drafter and designer
• Process engineering in manufacturing firms and corporations 

The one-year Business Intelligence System Infrastructure (BISI) Ontario College Graduate Certificate provides you with specialized knowledge and skills to support the corporate use of Business Intelligence (BI), Data Visualization, Data Science, Cloud Services, and Agile Project Management. Research and evaluate current BI trends and theory as you specialize your career.

A technical program, BISI is ideal for students who have existing degrees or advanced diplomas in Computing Science, Engineering, Business, Mathematics or a similar relevant business-science- technology field.

BISI provides you with hands-on experience in:

• Database design, implementation and SQL
• Data warehouse design and development
• Data modelling and rendering
• Operating systems and programming fundamentals
• Data science essentials
• Cloud fundamentals
• Agile project management
• Selected current topics

As a student in this program, you collect, analyze, design, build, integrate and manage systems in order to facilitate data-driven decision-making. Use current versions of in-demand, enterprise grade software to access multiple data sources, including complex databases and data warehouses, for application and/or enterprise Cloud/Hybrid/on-premises solution delivery.

Undertake a project, as part of a small team, to use and build upon your acquired knowledge and skills while addressing client requirements. An optional paid cooperative (co-op) work term opportunity exists at program end for qualified students that meet employer requirements.

BISI graduates may work in the public or private sector. They have the knowledge and skills to become Business Intelligence Systems specialists liaising with IT technical support and subject matter experts, as well as Technical Business Analysts designing, developing, and implementing responsive data models. In some situations, the graduate`s previous field of study opens specialized opportunities in emerging markets.

Based on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program, BISI graduates may choose to pursue various certifications, in areas like:

• IBM Cognos CA and related disciplines
• Tableau data visualization
• Cloud foundations
• Python programming

The one-year International Business Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career involving international business management. This program offers an in-depth understanding of versatile international management skills and knowledge. You help meet the need for trained professionals who can work with the increasing volume of cross-border traffic around the globe.

This program`s courses are scheduled to accommodate professionals who have to balance work and school. Faculty consists of experts who are dedicated to preparing you for a high level of career success. Take a hands-on approach, learning to investigate, analyze and manage domestic and international business activities. As well, learn to identify international partners and develop global networks. Activities, projects and case studies simulate a work environment and help prepare you for a career in International Business upon graduation.

Practice preparing documents, including international marketing, research and management plans. Develop strategies for overcoming language and cultural barriers and working with security requirements related to international logistics.

This program prepares you for success immediately after graduation. We put a strong emphasis on connecting students with prospective employers. Upon graduation, you have met the academic requirements for application to the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation granted by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). One year of relevant work experience is also required to qualify for this designation. Graduates may find employment in a wide range of international fields, including:

• Government
• Banking
• Financial services
• Industry
• Logistics
• Supply chain management
• Marketing
• Sales
• Management consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Administration

International Business is one of seven majors available to Business Administration students. The three-year Business Administration Ontario College Advanced Diploma starts with three semesters where you learn essential business skills to build a strong foundation before ultimately deciding on a Major.

The Business Administration - International Business program provides you with a wide range of international business skills, to pursue a career in the growing competitive global marketplace. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of international trade, and provides you with the confidence and expertise to be successful whether you work in government or as an international entrepreneur and a business leader in the global community.

Through activities, projects and case studies, you are fully immersed in the international business environment, including:

• International marketing
• Research
• Business plan development and management
• Supply chain management
• Law
• Market-entry strategies
• Finance

The three-year Applied Museum Studies Ontario College Advanced Diploma prepares you with the knowledge and skills to support curatorial and conservation activities in the museum, heritage and cultural sectors.

• Gain skills and knowledge in:
  • Collections management
  • Educational programming
  • Exhibit preparation
  • Museum management
  • Conservation and preservation

Develop capabilities related to cultural resource management, focusing on collections care, research and interpretation. Areas of study include:

• Classifying, cataloguing and interpreting collections of artifacts and works of art
• Constructing and installing exhibits and displays
• Assessing, preserving and treating material culture

Put theory into practice in our well-appointed conservation and exhibition preparation labs. Working with our teaching collection and in collaboration with local cultural institutions, you complete a variety of hands-on projects and group assignments that will enhance your knowledge and skills and make valuable contributions in museums, galleries and the cultural sector.

This program includes a full-semester field placement. The field experience combines your theory and lab skills with professional practice in the cultural industry. At the end of your placement, highlight your work in a showcase event. The showcase event also gives you the chance to network with industry professionals for future employment.

The two-year Financial Services-Canadian Context Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is specifically designed to support students transitioning into the Canadian work environment in the customer sales and service areas of:

• Banking
• Insurance
• Financial planning
• Wealth management

In this program, you build knowledge and skills to evaluate and recommend financial products and services based on clients` individual needs. You develop techniques to collect and analyze client information to create and present customized financial plans. Sales strategies and relationship building techniques are applied while adhering to legal and ethical practices and industry standards. Throughout the program, you develop a professional competencies portfolio to document marketable skills. The fourth semester of the program focuses on experiential learning within a variety of real-world scenarios.

Through experiential and simulated workplace learning, you develop financial advising strategies to facilitate clients` short- and long-term financial goals. Topics include:

• Saving and borrowing for major purchases
• Postsecondary education and retirement planning
• Insurance for wealth protection
• Investing for diversification, growth and tax efficiency
• Estate planning for succession and wealth transfer

Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Securities Course designation exams. Algonquin College collaborates with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) and the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning (CIFP) to offer the Financial Services Graduate Certificate Program, which meets FP Canada`s Core and Advanced Curriculum educational requirements. The program provides a pathway to the following designations upon completion of their additional requirements and exams:

• Canadian Securities Course (CSC designation)
• Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) designation (see FP Canada website for additional requirements)
• Certified Financial Planner(CFP) designation. (See FP Canada website for university degree and additional requirements)