Diploma in General Arts and Science

at Conestoga College - Brantford Campus Canada

Recognition of the need for managers with sustainability expertise continues to grow as local and global organizations are re-positioning sustainability as a central value. The Sustainable Business Management graduate certificate program provides students with the diverse skill set needed to succeed in this dynamic and exciting field. Whether developing a new product or service, enhancing an existing one through a triple bottom-line approach, leading an organization to more sustainable operations or managing change and promoting engagement for sustainability, graduates will be able to apply their skills in a variety of settings. Students are provided with flexible project options, including opportunities to work with local clients and community partners in developing plans to generate greater value, enhanced corporate responsibility and innovative marketing solutions. Students may also take advantage of experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, such as volunteering at a local sustainability-oriented organization, and attending field trips, workshops and networking events. Upon program completion, graduates will be well positioned to write the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) exam and become a Sustainability Associate (SA). The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

The Mental Health and Substance Use graduate certificate program will provide future human and health service providers with knowledge and applied skills needed to move into service and program planning, delivery and evaluation roles related to persons who are affected by mental health and/or substance use problems. These roles complement and extend clinical services provided by other personnel in a direct delivery organization. As providers in these sectors work increasingly across boundaries to address the complex and intersecting needs of these populations, students will learn how to examine and address service quality at the practice, program and system levels. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community collaboration, public participation, social inclusion, and advocacy in their work with persons experiencing complex conditions. Integrative themes of self-determination, capacity building, resilience, recovery and empowerment will be examined from person-centred, community-based and population-oriented perspectives.

Today's competitive, global businesses require office professionals to be responsible to manage the administrative tasks that support their challenging, dynamic office environments. Employers need office administrators with exceptional computer skills, efficient document processing skills, the ability to communicate professionally, and the organizational expertise to keep the office running smoothly.

In this two-year diploma program, students develop their technical, communication and interpersonal skills. With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience built into the program and emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills, graduates are fully trained to meet the demands of today's challenging office environment. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills by participating in a 90-hour field placement position in a local business.

This one-year certificate program is designed for students who wish to acquire a general education in the arts and sciences while having the flexibility to explore further educational options within the college or pursuing a degree at a local university. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in communication, critical thinking and research, while exploring contemporary issues in today's global society. Students will select and explore a topic of interest through the construction of a research project, paper, and portfolio that culminates in a presentation to an audience. During this program, students will participate in a course that will enable them to discover career opportunities. In the second semester, students will consult with their program coordinator to select from a variety of post-secondary courses in disciplines of their choice. The program is designed to allow students to explore options that meet future academic goals either through selecting courses in a major discipline or courses eligible for credit transfer to local university partners (courses are subject to availability). After successful completion of this program, students may wish to transfer to the Two-year General Arts and Science Diploma program, apply to programs within Conestoga College, or pursue further education at other institutions.

In just eight months, graduates of the Medical Office Practices certificate are prepared to confidently assume front-line roles within the growing community-based health services field. This unique program provides coursework in health care terminology, medical, dental and alternative office management, medical billing, insurance and bookkeeping procedures, and introductory medical transcription. This strong foundation of medical office procedures, coupled with courses in effective communication strategies and the latest computer applications ensures that graduates are in-demand in a wide variety of health care settings. Students who successfully complete this certificate may apply to the second year of the Health Office Administration diploma with advanced standing.

Note:
Students that successfully complete the Medical Office Practices (1308) certificate program are eligible to apply to level 3 of the Health Office Administration (1047) diploma program. Space in the Health Office Administration program is limited and transfer applicants are not guaranteed a seat in the program. Depending on the number of applications and the number of available seats, a ranking process may be used.

Supply Chain Management - Global
The Supply Chain Management - Global program prepares students for careers in the fields of logistics, procurement, supply chain and operations. Through extensive practical learning activities, students enhance their knowledge of supply chain concepts applicable to a variety of sectors. Graduates will be well-prepared to support the management of job functions by examining the connections between strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and supply chain design, functions, processes and roles; determining the value-added and financial implications of supply chain decisions and design on business profitability, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction; using risk mitigation tools and strategies; reviewing supply chain activities and transactions for compliance with relevant policies, standards, legal, regulatory and contractual obligations; collaborating with, and using leadership and communication skills to build strategic relationships with a diversity of stakeholders. This program has been approved for advanced standing towards attaining the Certified SCMP Designation. Interested in taking this program on a part-time basis? It's possible to complete this program while still working full-time and fulfilling your other commitments. 

Global Business Management
The Global Business Management graduate program provides an internationally-focused body of knowledge and skills for individuals interested in extending their business understanding beyond the domestic environment. The curriculum emphasizes the skills and knowledge necessary to operate in different roles within international cultural, legal and political contexts. This broad-based program will explore the field of management both in theory and through practical applications considering different organizational lenses. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) diploma, and the CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) designation (subject to one year of work experience).

This program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in entry-level bookkeeping positions in business and industry. The program focuses on day-to-day operational bookkeeping and managerial accounting in a computerized business environment. 

This one-year certificate program is designed to support students as they prepare to enter a variety of career-based academic programs in the human service fields. The program will strengthen students’ academic skills and assist them in developing greater knowledge and awareness of the range of human service career options. Through intentionally designed program activities, students will engage with relevant career programs in order to develop a fuller understanding of the professional requirements of those programs and determine personal suitability and fit.

Note:
Upon successful completion of the Human Services Foundation program (diploma stream), students may apply to a number of Conestoga College programs, such as Early Childhood Education; Recreation and Leisure Services; Social Services Worker; Educational Support; and Protection, Security and Investigation.
Upon successful completion of the Human Services Foundation program (degree stream), students may apply to Conestoga's Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development degree programs.

The Early Childhood Education Fast Track program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to work with young children in the area of early learning and care. In this diploma program, graduates of university programs will build on their existing knowledge and experience in order to develop skills and knowledge necessary to work as early childhood educators. Through interactive classroom learning and work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, students will develop skills that will enable them to work in collaboration with families, colleagues and communities for the purpose of designing, implementing and evaluating inclusive play-based early learning programs. Building on a thorough understanding of child development and principles of responsive practice, students will work in partnership with college-operated child development centres, kindergarten classrooms, licensed early learning and care programs and community agencies in order to integrate classroom theory and practice in meaningful and engaging ways.Note: The Fast Track version of the Early Childhood Education diploma program is designed to be completed in two plus academic semesters (9 consecutive months) of full-time study.

This two-year diploma program is designed for students who wish to acquire a general education in the arts and sciences while having the flexibility to explore further educational options within the college or to pursue a degree at a local university. Students will acquire skills in communication, critical thinking and research, while exploring contemporary issues in today's global society. Students will explore a topic of interest through the construction of a research project, paper, and portfolio that culminates in a presentation to an expert audience. During this program, students will participate in a course that will enable them to discover career opportunities.

In the second semester students will consult with their program coordinator to select from a variety of post-secondary courses in disciplines of their choice. The program is constructed to allow students to explore options that meet future academic goals either through selecting courses in a major discipline or courses eligible for credit transfer at the University of Waterloo (courses are subject to availability). After successful completion of this program, students may wish to apply to programs within Conestoga College or pursue further education at other institutions.