Graduate Certificate in Financial Services - Canadian Context

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The one-year Human Resources Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you to be a human resources practitioner. This program offers you applied and theoretical lessons focusing on building human resources management graduate-level knowledge and skills needed to attract, select and retain the best organizational talent.

In addition, you learn the foundational knowledge required to act as a strategic partner in an organization. Faculty includes credentialed academics and practitioners from across the spectrum of human resources practice who are dedicated to preparing you for career success.

Acquire essential knowledge and skills related to finance and accounting, organizational behaviour, project management and employment law. Explore the psychology of the workplace, the legal environment, accounting, and economics.

Adopt an applied approach, exploring:

• Recruitment and selection
• Compensation
• Employee and labour
• Industry relations

In your second semester, you may qualify to complete an unpaid work placement. This gives you the opportunity to practice your skills and integrate your knowledge in a real-world organization.

Work toward your Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) accreditation from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA). The nine certified human resources professional coursework requirements from the HRPA are within this certificate and approved by HRPA.

Upon graduation, you are ready for a rewarding career in human resources management. You could find employment in many for-profit and non-profit organizations, such as hi-tech, manufacturing or retail. You could assume the role of:

• Human resources generalist
• Human resources coordinator
• Human resources business partner
• Occupational health and safety specialist
• Recruiter
• Training and development specialist
• Labour relations specialist
• Compensation analyst

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)

Begin your path to a career as a paralegal.

The Paralegal Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you to apply to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) to become a licensed paralegal. This program is offered in three consecutive semesters followed by a mandatory 120-hour field placement.

This program is accredited by the LSO. It prepares you for a career in which you provide legal services to the public in specified areas of practice. Learn in a hands-on environment, acquiring practical skills from experienced and dedicated faculty.

Study areas of law that are relevant to the type of work a licensed paralegal can perform, as governed by the LSO. You learn about case management and trial preparation in areas such as:

• Small claims court proceedings
• Provincial offences and summary conviction matters
• Proceedings before administrative tribunals
• Complete hands-on activities, including participating in mock trials. Learn about ethics, Professional responsibility and the requirements of running a legal services firm.

Benefit from completing a field placement lasting 120 hours. This gives you the opportunity to practise your skills and apply your knowledge to a real work environment.

The General Arts and Science - English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Ontario College Certificate program is an academically-oriented English as a Second Language (ESL) program designed for International and Canadian students whose first language is not English.

Improve your academic English language skills for college and job success in a dynamic multicultural setting. Upon successful completion of the program, you obtain an Ontario College Certificate, which provides a pathway into post-secondary studies by satisfying the language requirements for entry into most programs offered at Algonquin College.

The EAP Placement Test determines your starting point in the program, ranging from low-intermediate to low-advanced language skills. As you move through the program, you actively participate in a variety of large and small group activities that provide engaging opportunities to practice the four language skills of:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

Smaller class sizes allow for ample feedback from your instructors on all in-class and online assignments. Additional features include regular visits to our well-equipped language lab and elective courses that provide opportunities to develop areas of personal interest. Your classmates from countries all over the world bring with them a wealth of cultural perspectives and life experiences to share. The opportunities to grow your language skills are not limited to the classroom. As an International student or a newcomer to Canada, you can benefit from the many opportunities to apply your developing language skills in the nation`s capital city.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze a variety of authentic readings from a range of subjects.
• Critically read and analyze academic texts using effective reading and note-taking strategies.
• Develop and apply fundamental skills and strategies to ensure academic success in post-secondary studies.
• Conduct research and write essays and/or reports to ensure success in post-secondary studies.
• Communicate competently at the level required for postsecondary studies, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
• 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.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The Regulatory Affairs - Sciences Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue an entry-level career in industry and government regulatory agencies in Canada.

The regulation of products in industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, food, industrial chemical and agrochemical is of international concern. The resulting increase in regulation has driven the demand for qualified individuals in regulatory affairs.

With a focus on protecting the safety of people and the environment, professionals in this field have a positive impact on the public good.

Understand the regulatory environment in Canada, including the socioeconomic aspects of:

• Regulations across industries
• How to interpret and apply regulations
• How to develop and manage regulatory submissions

Cooperative education (Co-op)
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.

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.

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 two-year Motive Power Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with the skill-set to find an entry-level position in the transportation service industry.

Through a series of classroom-based courses and extensive practical labs, you acquire skills specific to becoming an Automotive Service Technician. Learn to maintain and repair electrical and mechanical systems within a vehicle, including:

• chassis and drivelines
• fuel systems  
• electrical systems
• internal combustion engines

Begin by learning the operational principles of systems used on vehicles, with hands-on projects to reinforce your knowledge. As you progress in the program, you focus on the advancement of technical fundamentals, advanced diagnostics, and troubleshooting procedures. You also study mathematics and related sciences, ethics, communications and marketing.

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

Explore all aspects of the television and streaming video production process in the two-year Broadcasting – Television Ontario College Diploma program. This program prepares you with a diverse set of skills applicable to working in the creative media industries. Learn to produce television and video for news, sports, esports live events, factual entertainment and film. Focus your education on the area of production that you are passionate about through a personalized capstone project and field placement in industry.

Develop your technical, operational, and editorial skills, in the studio and field, to enhance your storytelling competencies. You gain an understanding of the technical and creative sides of television and streaming production as well as cinematography, motion graphics and post-production processes. Learn the critical skills required to produce content for television, video and streaming media platforms using the equipment used by industry professionals. In the first level of the program, you study alongside Journalism and Broadcasting – Radio students, building a strong foundation in transferable media skills while exploring these related fields. In this program, you are given the opportunity to work on interprofessional teams with other media programs. In the second year, you choose projects and elective courses that align with your interests. You also work on a personalized capstone project to develop skills for the segment of the industry you are passionate about.

There are many job opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment in the following:

• Television networks and stations
• Newsrooms
• Sports and esports teams and venues
• Production companies
• Film studios
• Audio/video equipment providers
• Streaming media companies
• Digital media companies
• Production units within private and public organizations

Endorsed and accredited by the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies, Tourism- Travel Services is a two-year Ontario Diploma program blending on the job training and classroom theory and providing students with opportunities to develop employability skills for a fruitful career in the ever growing travel and tourism industry. Subjects in the curriculum include customized vacation planning, niche and group travel, world tourism geography, sustainability in tourism, social media, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship and customer service excellence. 

The students of the program write the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) exam to gain the mandatory license. The graduates are also encouraged to apply to the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) to write the national certification examination to be accredited as a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC). 

The graduates of the program can seek jobs in the transportation service providers (airlines, rail companies, automobile rental firms, bus operators and cruise lines), travel service providers (agencies-retail and wholesale), government tourist offices, accommodations sector, attractions and tour operators.