Graduate Certificate in Financial Services - Canadian Context

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The four-year Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours) degree program imparts the theory and hands-on instruction allowing you to develop a systematic approach to public safety to counter, coordinate and investigate man-made and natural threats to individuals, information systems security, critical infrastructure, organizations, companies, and governments.

You learn the proven and sound principles of public safety within the context of Canadian legislation. Theoretical and experiential courses, combined with applied research and two co-op work terms, provide you with work-integrated learning opportunities, as well as the opportunity to develop and build investigative and analytical problem-solving skills. You develop inter-professional capabilities using a collaborative approach to addressing public safety situations.

This program prepares you for positions in the field of public safety encompassing security, countering crime, and emergency management. Graduates may find public safety employment opportunities in policing and the military, as well as various public and private sector organizations, government and non-profit organizations.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Design, apply and validate security, emergency and business continuity measures conforming to current industry practices.
• Investigate, document and report security related incidents in accordance with accepted investigative practices.
• Comply with established national, provincial and local laws, legislation, policies, and professional and ethical standards pertaining to public safety.
• Analyze and interpret security related case scenarios using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Develop and communicate plans and recommendations that integrate the results of research, assessment and investigations.
• Adopt and use information technologies in accordance with current industry standards.
• Use strategic leadership and critical thinking in professional roles and in decision-making contexts.
• Develop operational threat mitigation strategies consistent with a fact-based assessment of geo-political trends.
• Respond to emerging situations using the principles of crisis management.
• Develop public safety strategies that synthesize current scholarly thinking and emerging trends in the field.
• Lead personnel and manage facilities while applying standard business practices.
• Design, implement, manage and evaluate security awareness education initiatives.
• Adapt to changes in employment requirements through the development, implementation and updating of professional and personal development plans.
• Work with diverse stakeholders and populations.
• Work with other professionals by applying the principles of inter-professional practice.
• Research and analyze criminal behaviour within the broader context of social trends in today`s society consistent with current scholarly thinking.

Co-op Information:
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though 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. For more information Click on

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

Launch your legal career

In the two-year Law Clerk Ontario College Diploma program, you study a broad range of legal topics and processes to prepare you for a career as a legal assistant or law clerk.

This program prepares you for administrative work in an office environment where you work independently under the general direction of a lawyer, or as part of a legal services team. Learn from dedicated faculty who ensure that your skills surpass industry standards.

As a student, you develop and practise the skills that are essential for a successful career, including:

• paying attention to details and independently following instructions
• organizing client files and managing deadlines
• interviewing clients
• performing general office procedures
• working with legal software to compile information and prepare documents
• compiling evidence and documentation
• maintaining corporate documents and filings
• entering data in legal forms and drafting routine correspondence
• preparing briefs
• learning about family, estates, civil litigation, corporate, administrative and real estate law practices
• engaging in civil litigation and research

Benefit from the ability to participate in an off-site field placement or in an in-class workplace simulation. These experiences give you real-world experience and an opportunity to practise your skills.

This four-year honours degree program provides students with a foundation in digital storytelling and digital technology, allowing them to effectively craft a message for a target audience and to create a communications plan to disseminate this message. Graduates of advertising, public relations and marketing diploma and advanced diploma programs may be awarded advanced standing.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge regarding media channel selection, digital storytelling, marketing communications research, digital analytics and global communications. The program utilizes case studies and fieldwork to provide opportunities for students to practice the newly-acquired skills in a real-world context. Additionally, students conduct marketing research, utilize digital analytics and marketing research to make decisions and craft communications plans for clients within the classroom setting.

Graduates may seek employment in media and communications departments within:

• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Associations
• Advertising and digital agencies
• Private corporations

They may work in areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing communications, professional writing and social media.

Co-op Information
The proposed Bachelor of Digital Media and Marketing Communications includes two co-op work terms, one optional and one mandatory. The mandatory co-op work term must be completed successfully to qualify for graduation. Both work terms are scheduled for the summer semester (May - August) when potential employers/supervisors are likely to have the greatest need for additional help. These work terms will be fourteen (14) weeks in length.

The first optional co-op work term follows the second year of study. It is expected that after four (4) semesters, students will have gained the foundational knowledge to make a reasonable contribution in the workplace with supervision. The first co-op work term will help students expand their understanding of potential areas of specialty within the industry.

The second mandatory co-op work term follows the third year of study. After six semesters, students will be able to function with a sense of autonomy and demonstrate a greater level of contribution than possible in the optional first co-op work term. This second mandatory co-op work term will help in building practical work experience and will act as an educational tool in subsequent semesters.

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

Graduates from the General Arts and Science - Aboriginal Studies Ontario College Certificate program develop a better understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples and the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Within this one-year program, you explore your culture and heritage and examine Indigenous content studies in:

• Contemporary issues
• Languages
• Community development strategies
• Career planning
• Government
• Law

You also learn general skills in communications and computer applications.

The first-year program helps you to expand your knowledge and choose your career path. You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science with a concentration in Aboriginal Studies. You can enter the workforce and show that you have developed essential employment skills and a general understanding in a wide variety of topics. Completion of this certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level to any potential employers.

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.

Paramedic is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program well suited for the students who are looking for a dynamic, challenging and professional career and are able to work effectively under stressful situations in challenging environments. 

The program revolves around professionalism and dedication, integrity, leadership, compassion and commitment are the learning outcomes. The curriculum is challenging and includes practical/laboratory, in-class and online learning, high fidelity simulation and hospital clinical and paramedic practicums allowing the students to develop the clinical reasoning skills necessary to deal with traumatic and medical emergencies and the ability to communicate effectively with patients, family members and healthcare professionals.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Communicate and interact effectively and appropriately with patients and others.
• Assess patients using relevant theory and practices and in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
• Establish patients` treatment and transport priorities based on assessment findings.
• Implement preventive and therapeutic patient management strategies to maintain and promote patients` well-being in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and best practice guidelines.
• Integrate and perform delegated controlled medical acts in a simulated, clinical, and field setting.
• Evaluate in an ongoing manner the effectiveness of patient management strategies used and adapt or change strategies to provide optimal care for patients.
• Report and document patient information completely, accurately, and in a timely manner, in compliance with current legislation, regulations, standards, and applicable policies and procedures in a simulated, clinical, and/or field setting.
• Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of partners, patients, and others.
• Ensure the operational safety and preparedness of an ambulance and its equipment and operate an ambulance-type vehicle in a simulated setting.
• Collaborate with a broad range of personnel such as first responders, paramedics, emergency services personnel, health care professionals and other allied health care workers.
• Integrate and meet legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities while providing optimal care for patients.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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

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

Today`s global business environment requires students that have developed the ability to become technology professionals capable of creating and implementing information and communications technology solutions to achieve competitive advantages, productivity gains, and innovation. This four-year degree program prepares students for a career in business software systems development and technology management by providing skills and competencies in two closely related disciplines, technology and business. Our program curriculum provides the necessary key knowledge in software development and business technology management required by business and offers students the opportunity to use, develop, and research emerging business technologies such as mobile and wearable computing, artificial intelligence and agent technologies.

Students gain practical experience in technology project management, systems analysis and design, software development and implementation, data analysis, database technologies, operating systems, web applications and information security. When combined with knowledge of business principles, economics, accounting, internal audit and human resource management, students develop a unique skill set critical for strategic information and communications technology development environments.

Graduates have a unique blend of applied knowledge and skills in core competencies in software development and business, including the project management book of knowledge (PMBOK) and the business analysis book of knowledge (BABOK). Students gain significant hands-on experience through online, in-class, simulation-based learning experiences and experiential learning activities such as co-op work terms and interdisciplinary final year team-based projects. The combination of knowledge, skills and experience allows students to integrate quickly into the complex global technology and business workforce in entry level information communications technology positions.

The Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) (Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
• Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
• Develop and improve business systems by applying accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices.
• Manage data using appropriate methodologies and standards to improve business processes and decision-making.
• Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems software engineering projects.
• Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
• Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems software engineering.
• Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
• Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business processes.
• Apply business technology management skills to innovate in business systems development targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards.
• Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in business systems development.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
• Leverage artificial intelligence and agent technologies to support short and long term business decisions