Certificate in General Arts and Science - Community Studies

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

Gain the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for a career in programming and software development.

The three-year Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for an information technology (IT) career in the private or public sectors. You gain the knowledge and skills to use a broad range of IT-based analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in support of the day-to-day operation of an enterprise`s software systems or in the development of new systems.

Learn a variety of programming languages (Java, C#, C++, C, and others) and operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux, and QNX). In addition, you study the development tools and debugging techniques used to design, code and test integrated and/or embedded applications and software systems.

In your final year, you work in teams on sponsored real-world projects to develop a comprehensive application as part of the software engineering portion of the program. You also have the opportunity to select an elective course from an approved list, in areas that include graphics/multimedia, advanced database programming, android, business programming (Cobol), security and advanced web programming.

The majority of the program consists of courses in systems programming, software development, testing and maintenance. The balance of the curriculum consists of courses in technical communications skills (both oral and written), mathematics and general education electives.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may find employment as systems, integration, and applications programmers and/or testers, and as customer service representatives providing training and product support to clients of high technology corporations.

• Graduates may also pursue careers in such diverse areas as:
• Game and multimedia development
• GUI (graphical user interface) development
• IT communications, IT security, real-time and database systems
• Web-based applications
• Technical roles in all levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal) 

The two-year Business - Marketing Ontario College Diploma program provides learners with a strong theoretical marketing foundation and the opportunity to apply it through hands-on industry projects, assignments and simulation tools. You develop the knowledge and applied skills to succeed in a wide range of marketing and business roles. Additionally, you use computing technology in a collaborative learning environment to learn, develop and apply the technical skills that employers desire.

Learn about how marketing affects the operations of a business - from product conception to launch and delivery.

Explore concepts such as:

• Marketing to the consumer and business marketplace
• Product and pricing strategies
• Marketing planning and decision-making
• Global marketing
• Marketing communications and promotions
• Marketing research
• Professional selling
• Sales management
• Digital marketing and distribution

Complete hands-on assignments that involve case studies, simulation platforms, research assessments and role-playing. You also have the opportunity to work with industry clients in the program, including developing a full marketing plan for a local client.

Cooperative education (Co-op)
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

This one-year General Arts and Science - Environmental Studies Ontario College Certificate program allows you to research and debate environmental issues on the global, national and local level. Topics include environmental citizenship, environmental ethics, sustainable development and ecology. Expand your knowledge about the environment and the impacts made by humans.

This program prepares you for further study, rather than moving directly into the chosen industry. You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Environmental Studies.

Upon completion, you are eligible to apply to other specific Algonquin College programs if you desire. These programs include:

• Forestry Technician
• Environmental Technician
• Water and Waste Water Technician
• Biotechnology - Advanced
• Outdoor Adventure Naturalist

You may also choose to continue your education in Year II of the General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma program. After completion of Year II with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can apply for advanced standing at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa.

This program helps you expand your knowledge and choose your career path. You can enter the workforce and show that you have well-developed skills and a general understanding in a variety of topics. Completion of this certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
• Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business
• and industry.
• Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
• Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
• Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

The Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for immediate work in healthcare. This two-semester program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to work as a care provider in a range of healthcare settings.

Develop the ability to engage with persons and families of various ages and health-related needs to promote healthy living. Learn how to assist clients with their daily personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. In your career, you help those who need assistance to remain as independent as possible.

Through theory, lab practice and clinical/community experiences, learn how to deliver person-centred care, encourage independence and improve the quality of life for your clients.

Participate in clinical experiences, where you focus on the various skills needed to succeed in the field. In these clinical placements, you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and learn about applying different concepts to real-world environments. These clinical experiences provide you with the opportunity to continue learning as a student member of a healthcare team.

After graduating, you may find employment as a Personal Support Worker. In this role, you work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and/or Registered Practical Nurses in:

• retirement homes
• long-term care facilities
• home care agencies, and
• hospitals

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

Specialize with a challenging and rewarding career in Supply Chain and Operations Management.

Supply Chain and Operations Management is one of seven majors available to Business Administration students. This 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 - Supply Chain and Operations Management program provides you with in-depth knowledge of various facets of a supply chain management career, including:

• procurement
• production planning
• inventory management
• logistics
• project management
• Lean process improvements
• Six Sigma quality analysis

This program can lead to obtaining recognized national professional designations in production and inventory management, purchasing management and logistics. Furthermore, graduates obtain a certificate from SAP , the world`s largest supplier of enterprise software. This certificate affirms that you have direct hands-on knowledge of SAP.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

This Major has very high graduate placement rates in supply chain positions for public and private organizations including high technology industries, such as communications, fiber optics, bio-technology and electronic manufacturing.

The Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of law enforcement. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in policing - helping you prepare for the employment in industry. This program offers instruction in:

• Police powers and procedures
• Community policing
• Investigation processes
• Diversity
• thics, and
• Communication

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning through in-class scenario situations and our fitness program. Outside the classroom, students are given opportunities for community volunteering and work integrated learning.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in policing. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by police departments. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule .

There are a number of potential job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• Municipal, provincial or federal police services
• Military police service
• Bylaw services
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Transit security
• Private or public sector security
• Correctional Services Canada
• Social services agencies
• Government of Canada
• Parliamentary Protective Services, or
• Commissionaires

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

Energize your career in only 8 months

The one-year Energy Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate prepares you for an exciting career in energy, innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of efficient new energy technologies.

Learn about energy solutions such as efficiency, conservation and sustainability. Participate in laboratory work, contribute to a real-world project and learn from case-studies in the energy management industry. Explore how to implement, manage, administer and work on energy management practices throughout the program. By analyzing data sets, evaluating the impact of energy efficiency and conservation programs and performing cost-benefit analyses, you obtain highly-regarded skills for the industry.

During your final semester, participate in an energy management project with peers and industry partners. Through in-class discussions and collaboration, you plan and create an energy strategy for a commercial building.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may find employment in public, private and non-profit sectors, including: federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels of government; corporate agencies; energy service providers; commercial and industrial organizations related to the energy sector.

Graduates may find opportunities as a(n):

• conservation professional
• energy consultant
• energy manager
• energy evaluator

The Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) degree program prepares you to pursue a professional career related to the design of the built environment. The curriculum integrates professional and general studies with an emphasis on critical thinking and applied research.

Enriched with a focus on environmental and global perspectives in interior design, you learn to consider ecological, economic and social aspects to analyze and design healthy living environments.

The program contains a strong experiential component that includes design studio experiences and an active engagement with the professional design community. In the fourth year, you have the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest specific to the profession and are required to complete an applied research paper.

To complete your degree, you must complete one mandatory paid co-op work term where you gain valuable work experience and network within the industry.
You also earn a Building Biology Advocate (BBA) Certification upon successful completion of the seven required Construction courses.

The integration of theory, analysis and practice prepare you to assume a leadership role within the profession. As a graduate, you are able to apply strategic thinking and a research orientation to your responsibilities as a professional interior designer and can contribute to the development and evolution of the field of design.