Diploma in Broadcast and Online Journalism (Co-op)

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

You are curious and creative. You know what’s going on in the world and you want to make a difference as a multi-media storyteller. Join BCIT’s Broadcast and Online Journalism program to take the first steps in your new career. Our reputation in industry means that more than 90% of our graduates are employed. From day one you’ll be working as a hands-on journalist in news, sports and current affairs. Students will be mentored by experienced faculty and connect with professionals in the field. Our emphasis on multi-platform production puts this program on the cutting edge of journalism schools across the country. Check out our student work on our BCIT News website.

The two-year, full-time Broadcast and Online Journalism program prepares students for multiple journalism and media positions, offering them hands-on and comprehensive training from day one. 

Work Integrated Learning
Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner (TV and Radio stations; production, sports and entertainment companies). Practicums are typically four weeks in duration. In addition to practicum, students may have the opportunity to enter co-op in level four.

Who should apply for the Broadcast and Online Journalism Diploma?
This program was developed by industry professionals for people who have a strong curiosity about the world and want to develop critical thinking skills related to news and current affairs storytelling. You should also have strong written and oral communication skills.

The Architectural and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician program offers two areas of specialization: Architectural CADD and Graphics Technician and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician. Applicants must indicate area of specialization on their application.

The Architectural and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician programs at BCIT offers training for a variety of applications in architecture, building construction and industrial applications. CADD (Computer-Aided Drafting and Design) is an integral part of all our drafting programs.

The Program
This specialty applies drafting, computer applications, and graphic presentation with architectural and design skills used in the preparation of architectural projects, and construction of buildings. 

Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction. High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.

The Program
Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.

Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and 'hands-on' workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.

In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:

Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.

Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technicians apply, install, repair, calibrate and tune those measurement and control instruments that are used in industrial manufacturing processes. Students will learn to program computerized control, programmable logic controllers, and microprocessor instrumentation and install and maintain all of the field instruments that these computerized controllers rely on. These job skills are essential for employment in instrumentation.

The Program
The Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technician program stresses practical, hands-on experience to complement theory. This program will appeal to learners who are interested in working with mechanical and electronic equipment.

Half of the students' time is spent performing hands-on activities using the same equipment that is found in industry. The result is a very job-ready graduate, who can step into a position in one of many related fields, or transition into an apprenticeship at an advanced level with an industry sponsor.

The Electrical Power and Industrial Control option of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program offers students a foundation in the technology used in utility, industrial, commercial and residential applications. Graduates will have strong theoretical and practical, hands-on knowledge in many areas, including:

• Power generation including renewable and conventional energy resources
• Electric machines (motors and generators) and their controls
• Power distribution design for utilities
• Industrial electrical systems and lighting design according to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)
• Measurement of power quality issues and how to solve them
• Troubleshooting and operation of electrical power equipment including transformers and switchgear
• Power systems protection including both legacy and modern protection system
• Field measurement and design for grounding and bonding systems
• Industrial data communications including traditional SCADA systems and new smart grid technologies
• Industrial power electronics including variable frequency drives, inverters and rectifiers
• Power conversion systems for renewable energy resources such as wind and solar
• Programmable logic controller (PLC) system design and programming
• Managing and completing student-initiated or industry-sponsored projects in small groups

Co-operative education:
Co-operative education is an optional part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology programs. Students who successfully complete a minimum of two co-op terms receive a co-operative education designation on their diploma.
During a co-op term, you will have a full-time paid position with an employer in the electronics industry for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. You must complete Level 2 of the program before taking a co-op term, and co-op terms may be taken consecutively.
The industrial experience you will gain in the co-op component of the program will give you an added advantage in securing a position after graduation. You are encouraged, but not required, to participate in co-operative education.

Are you thinking of an accounting career but are also interested in finance and investments?
BCIT's Finance Diploma Program offers you unique, practical training for a solid foundation in accounting, economics, finance, and investing principles. All the courses in this program are designed to teach you to the necessary skills and confidence to help you pursue a career in finance while preparing you for accelerated study to become an accountant.

See more about how the Finance Diploma gives you the necessary skills for a successful career at the Program Details.

Who should apply for the Finance Diploma?
This program is designed to give you strong technical skills in accounting plus a broad understanding of finance and economics, providing a wider range of employment opportunities.
This program might be right for you if you:

• Want accounting training that is supplemented by investment skills and knowledge
• Aren’t an accountant, but need some accounting knowledge for your current job
• Want to know more about financial services, capital markets and securities
• Have an interest in investments and financial markets
• Work well with numbers and big-picture planning

The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.

Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.

Why BCIT?

• Great Faculty - You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements and through the program advisory committee.
• Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you learn and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
• Fantastic Career Choices - You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
• Degree Completion - With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.

The Bachelor of Technology Construction Management (BTech CM) degree program equips students with the skills necessary to effectively manage construction projects of varying complexity and size. The program focuses on developing management, technical and interpersonal skills, while introducing practical tools and current approaches used in the industry to plan, manage and track construction projects from conception to completion.

The BTech CM program is a degree completion program – it provides years 3 and 4 of a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Students can enter the program through a few different pathways; including related or unrelated degree or diploma programs, trade certification and through demonstrated work experience in the construction industry. Students broaden their existing knowledge and skills through BCIT’s unique applied learning environment. Our approach, which includes collaboration with industry, ensures that the program is responsive and can adapt to emerging needs, trends, and industry issues.

The BTech CM program recognizes the wide range of roles available to construction managers in today’s competitive and technologically advancing construction industry. Graduates of the program are able to advance diverse career opportunities, coordinating and managing projects for general contractors, trade contractors, developers, owners, municipalities, public sector institutions and private clients, to name a few.

Building on the knowledge and skills gained in the first year of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program, students learn the principles required to design, develop, manufacture, and test telecommunication systems and networks. The program covers land mobile radio systems, digital data transmission, fibre optic and microwave technology, satellite communications, radio frequency (RF) design, local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), wireless networks, internet engineering technology, digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and the application of microcontrollers.  Students will also complete a student-initiated or industry-sponsored project.

Graduates of this option may obtain a dual diploma in another ECET option by completing all the additional required courses for that option. Entry to this second option is competitive and priority is given to students completing their first option.

The Diploma in Interior Design is designed for students seeking a career in residential and commercial interior design fields. The Diploma focuses on commercial design including hospitality, offices and retail environments.

Students will study advanced design theory, commercial space planning, sustainability practices, codes and barrier-free compliance, lighting, design history, advanced 2D & 3D visual communication, critical reading and writing, construction drawings, and architectural millwork. Students will gain hands-on experience in the Joinery shop to expand their understanding of millwork details and assembly. Students will achieve both a strong academic and technical foundation on completion of this program. Students learn from industry-based faculty and develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers.