Graduate Certificate in Marketing Research and Analysis

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares students for a career in design research and strategy. Professionals in this field examine the intersection of research, technology, business and design to apply a human-centred approach to solving problems. These professionals work in a variety of fields, including private, public and government organizations, to provide strategic direction for system, product, policy and/or service design. The skills gained in this program complement a myriad of professional backgrounds, from designers, computer programmers and engineers looking to update their skillset to public servants and social scientists looking for new ways to draft policies and model services.

Students collaborate with industry partners in a design studio setting throughout the program to find solutions for real-world issues.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Apply a universal, interdisciplinary design approach to overcome complex problems and create intelligent solutions that address social, technological and economic challenges.
• Manage a holistic, human-centred process to deliver design strategies, products, systems and services for government, corporations and non-profit organizations.
• Design collaboratively in an interdisciplinary studio environment to produce communication, products, systems and service projects for a variety of media.
• Apply primary and secondary research methodologies to the design process using a think/make practice model to achieve project outcomes that meet user needs and adhere to industry standards.
• Adhere to the professional practices of a design studio to facilitate and manage the success of design teams in achieving project goals.
• Participate in an iterative, multi-phase design process in order to create testable prototypes and realized products.
• Liaise and negotiate project direction and process with stakeholders to produce strategies and outcomes that align with business objectives.
• Present and defend research results and design outcomes to a diverse audience using effective communication strategies.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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

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.

Earn a flexible diploma that shows you are aware of all areas of business, and that you also have specialized education in accounting.

Accounting is one of seven majors available to Business Administration students. This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starts with three semesters, learning a variety of essential business skills, before ultimately deciding on a major.

The program prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career in the accounting industry. Accounting is often referred to as the backbone of business - businesses need skilled accountants to monitor financial accounts in order to operate effectively and efficiently.

This program enables you to provide businesses with the complete and accurate financial picture they need to thrive.

Study all major areas of accounting including:

• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Taxation
• Financial management

Practise recording financial transactions, preparing/presenting financial statements, reports and other documents, and using current accounting software.

You may find employment in both the public and private sectors in roles such as:

• Accounting assistant
• Accounting associate
• Accounting clerk
• Junior financial analyst
• Junior staff accountant 

There are opportunities in a variety of work environments, including:

• Accounting firms
• Small and medium-sized businesses
• Service organizations
• Government departments
• Financial institutions 

The two-year Business - Management and Entrepreneurship Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in management or ownership of a small or medium-sized enterprise.

This program has a strong focus on business trends, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and innovation in a digital economy. It encourages your creativity, strategic thinking and originality, as you cultivate the skills to start up and run a small business.

Explore your talents and creativity through hands-on projects that can be customized to your interests. Learn about business concepts and how to:

. Develop a good business idea . Create a business model . Validate your business through market research . Manage people and resources . Understand financial information . Gain customer attention and sell . Create a digital presence . Launch a business

Create a start-up idea that you develop and enhance throughout the program. Complete multiple team-based projects, including the creation of an online store as well as the presentation of a comprehensive business plan.

Our campus is the ideal place for an entrepreneur. Faculty consists of entrepreneurs and business owners who continue to keep up with trends in their areas of specialization. You have access to the Discovery, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship (DARE) District, our entrepreneurship and innovation centre, and several other business supports and competitions. Activities such as the AC Market, B-ME Grill and Wolves Den provide you with opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning.

Upon graduation, you are ready for a variety of career paths. You may start a business, manage an existing business, continue your education or find a career in:

• eCommerce
• Marketing
• Digital marketing
• Visual merchandising
• Store planning
• Professional sales
• Social media
• Marketing research
• Purchasing
• Retail
• Customer service and management

The three-year Biotechnology - Advanced Ontario College Advanced Diploma program gives you a strong overview of the science that drives biotechnology. With a mix of laboratory and theory courses, you learn about:

• Cell biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Statistics

You also gain a foundation in the social and ethical implications of this field, giving you the ability to make informed choices. As a student, you have the opportunity to carry out experiments and use state of the art laboratory instruments and tools throughout the program. Some of the topics you encounter include water analysis, soil analysis, quality and safety of food and beverages, DNA manipulation, and protein purification and analysis.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Perform laboratory duties independently and in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate in implementing and evaluating quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Select and implement best practices for sustainability.
• Complete complex biotechnological applications using advanced principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate molecular biology procedures.
• Manage biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing data.
• Prepare, analyze, interpret, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
• Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply basic business principles to biotechnology practices.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

You have the opportunity to work with government and industry professionals through optional industry internships or through participation in industry-aligned applied research projects.

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 Digital Health Ontario College Graduate Certificate program helps you understand the ever-changing realities of the healthcare system, shifting towards a digital health ecosystem. This program provides you with the skills to lead and implement projects and contribute to their effectiveness and ultimately, to patient safety.

Through online, in-class and simulation activities, you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Your experience is also enhanced through exposure to broad information technology contexts in health care. These may include First Nations and Inuit, rural and remote settings, hospitals and other large healthcare organizations, as well as community-based health care and consumer health. This program provides you with opportunities to access research and development experiences in collaboration with digital health community partners by applying your skills in a hands-on, technology and research-rich learning environment.

By graduation, you understand how to assess, manage and put projects in place in today`s dynamic healthcare system. You may find work leading and managing digital health projects and programs in:

• Healthcare institutions
• consulting firms
• Government, and
• Other private sector health providers

To prepare for further post-secondary study, the General Arts and Science - Community Studies Ontario College Certificate program helps you explore your interests, aptitudes and skills, with a focus on social sciences.

Discover new educational pathways and find your potential. You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Community Studies. This certificate helps prepare you for success in a variety of Algonquin College programs, including:

• Child and Youth Care
• Developmental Services Worker
• Early Childhood Education
• Community and Justice Service
• Social Service Worker

You can enter the workforce and demonstrate that you have well-developed skills and general knowledge 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.

With this certificate, you may also choose to continue your education in Year II of the General Arts and Science 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.

Learn to capture, create and alter images at a professional level

The two-year Photography Ontario College Diploma program encourages you to express your creative side while designing and capturing images that communicate effectively. You demonstrate a professional level of craft and creativity in digital imaging using high-end equipment and the Mac OS platform.

Learn the fundamentals of photography and create images that meet the needs of your client. By creating a state-of-the-art portfolio and a personal website using high-end digital cameras to capture professional-level work, you show your creative and technical abilities.

In addition to photography design and techniques, gain knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Entrepreneurship
• Networking
• Branding
• Marketing
• Business practices 

Our studios have up-to-date studio and location lighting systems, lighting booms, soft-boxes and professional backdrops.

At the end of the program, enhance your knowledge and skills with a real-world experience during a two-week field placement where you gain valuable practical application and industry contacts. The program concludes with a student-run networking trade show, which potential employers and industry representatives attend.

There are many job opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a photographer in areas such as:

• Commercial and industrial photography
• Wedding and portrait photography
• Scientific and medical photography
• Photojournalism
• Image manipulation/retouching
• Print and graphic production companies
• Visual content creation