Certificate of Business Studies in Marketing (Co-op optional)

at Okanagan College - Kelowna Campus Canada

The civil engineering technologist is involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, highways, streets, parks, subdivisions, dams, drainage and irrigation systems, water supply and sewer systems, and plants. Aspects of civil engineering and urbanization in Canada are studied throughout this program. A diverse and stimulating program, Civil Engineering Technology incorporates field trips to reinforce theoretical background, and to develop appropriate methods of approach and solution. Graduates will possess the following knowledge and skills:

• A knowledge of mathematics, applied science, surveying principles, graphical language and oral and written communication techniques;
• A grounding in applied civil engineering technology as related to highway surveying, road design and construction, municipal construction, bridge construction, municipal water and sewage works, irrigation and drainage, and heavy construction;
• Skills in drafting, detailing, computing, surveying, laboratory testing (soil mechanics, concrete and asphalt paving), construction inspection, writing technical reports and correspondence, preparation of specifications and costs, basic structural design in steel, reinforced concrete, design of water distribution and sewage collection systems, heating and air conditioning and other building services, and engineering law.

Graduates with a diploma or degree in Business Administration from Okanagan College may receive a post-diploma certificate in Business Administration by completing an additional 18 credits of BUAD courses, of which at least 15 credits must be course numbered 200 or higher. This certificate will be of interest to students who have completed one option and now wish to broaden their studies in a second option. Certificates are available in Accounting, Financial Services, General Studies, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Management, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Please contact the department chair for approval of your study plan.

Okanagan College offers first- and second-year courses in Arts and Science. Most courses have transfer credit at universities in British Columbia and will transfer to other universities within Canada. Areas of specialization include: 

• Communications
• Criminal and Social Justice
• Economics
• English
• Geography
• History
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

An associate degree consists of two years of undergraduate university-level study in a variety of disciplines. Specific courses and credits are provincially-approved to qualify students for degree completion. This credential enables students to transfer into the third year of an undergraduate university degree. Block transfer is also available at many universities in B.C.

The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree is a four-year program which includes a broad selection of computing, mathematics, business, and communications courses so graduates can function successfully in a variety of roles in the Information Technology field.

The courses are grouped into required courses (which all students take), courses from one or more options (an option is a collection of courses dealing with a specific area of computing), and elective courses. This structure allows students to concentrate on areas of computing (Software Design and Development, Database Systems and General Studies) which interest them, while ensuring all graduates have a broad knowledge of computing. With further independent study, graduates may earn industrial certification from companies such as Oracle, IBM, Cisco or Microsoft.

The BCIS degree is available as a co-op program. Taking co-op work terms may lengthen the program by one year or more.

Students who have completed Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems diploma or the Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology diploma, or a similar program of studies may enter at year three. Other students enter at year one.

This Program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students so they are able to play a leading role in the water industry - both in Canada and internationally - to monitor, assess and protect both public health and water in the environment.

All students complete a common first year curriculum during which they receive a strong foundation of hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water and wastewater treatment, along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).

• The EM option focuses on natural waters with training provided in surface and groundwater hydrology, limnology, statistics and freshwater biology.
• The WWT option focuses on domestic water treatment, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, hydraulics, and industrial computer control.

Both options also provide further training in water microbiology along with environmental and analytical chemistry. All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.

The curriculum for the Diploma in Human Service Work reflects the expanding responsibilities and evolving practice standards for graduates from non-degree social service programs. It has been developed with extensive community consultation and learning objectives are guided by provincially identified practice competencies.

The Human Service Work Diploma is a full-time and demanding endeavour. Students are in class approximately 18 hours/week and are expected to read and complete assignments outside of class on a daily basis. Students take responsibility for their own learning as well as being active participants in the classroom. Students graduating from this program will be working with people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in some way. This generally requires graduates from this program to be client-centered, able to explore and challenge themselves (thoughts, feelings, behaviours) and to be open to change. Students entering into this program must be emotionally, physically, cognitively, and psychologically healthy.

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is recommended.

Co-operative Education: Entry into the co-operative education option is a student's choice, and subject to completion of all first-year courses and an overall grade average of 65%.

The Office Management certificate provides graduates of applied business technology and administrative assistant programs with a broad business base that emphasizes managerial aspects of secretarial work. Students will be prepared to write the proficiency exams leading to the Certified Professional Secretary designation. Courses leading to this credential will be offered during the day and evening. Some courses are available by distance education.

The mechanical engineering technologist is involved in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation and maintenance of a wide variety of machines and mechanical equipment. Through the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Okanagan College, students are trained in fundamental engineering principles and practice. Students will gain a working knowledge in the fundamentals of materials, structures, fluids, power, machine design, manufacturing, thermodynamics, HVAC, quality, and instrumentation and control. The use of current computer software is emphasized throughout the program. A diverse and stimulating program, Mechanical Engineering Technology incorporates labs and field trips to reinforce theoretical background, and to develop appropriate methods of approach and solution of engineering problems.

Graduates may be employed by a very broad range of industrial organizations. Opportunities include product design, specification, installation and maintenance of equipment, cost estimating, technical sales, quality management, inspection, production planning, automation, CAD/CAM, robotics, and research and development. Mechanical engineering technologists are in demand due to the tremendous diversity of the discipline.

The Studio Woodworking Certificate Program is a 38-week (1140 hours) full-time study of woodworking from the craftsperson's perspective. With a primary focus on furniture, the program will offer a range of woodworking skill sets that can be adapted to any of the many disciplines within the Cabinetmaker/Joiner trade. Inasmuch as this program's focus is 'Art' as well as 'Industry', the range of knowledge covered within this program will enable the successful student to acquire meaningful employment in a range of 'studio' or 'custom' environments with confidence, whether self-employed or working for others. Those successful students who wish to continue in a traditional apprenticeship will be granted level one apprenticeship technical training credit and 450 work-based hours in the Cabinetmaker/Joiner trade by the Industry Training Authority in B.C.

The range of topics taught includes a history of the trade, design basics, an understanding of the materials, safe work practices, hand and machine skills, and joinery techniques. They also include more advanced techniques such as design and creating curved parts, veneer, inlay, marquetry and banding. Basic Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining will be explored. Wood finishing from simple hand rubbed to advanced spray booth techniques will be practiced. Students will also be introduced to portfolio and promotion concepts, including photography of product, and how to interact with clients. Students will design and build a final project from concept to promotion. A public exhibit at the conclusion of the program will spotlight the students' achievements and provide a showcase for their work.