Diploma in Journalism

at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Canada

Learn the fundamentals of journalism and start a career working for publications or in communications or public relations. Specialize in photojournalism to perfect your photographic style or focus on your writing with courses in editing, layout and design.

Journalism in the 21st Century is an exciting world that offers many opportunities for those seeking to build a career. News Writing, and photojournalism are the main skills taught in the Journalism program; other specialties including advertising and public relations, publication design, and online journalism are also covered in the first year of study.

In the second year of the program, students may concentrate either on photojournalism or print and online journalism studies.

• Photojournalism - Students study advanced lighting, feature, sports, advertising, lifestyle, portraiture, studio, location and staff photography techniques, in addition to portfolio strategies as they apply to digital photography systems and applications required by print media publications.
• Students secure their own placements, which are approved by the program, to complete a 4-week work experience internship.
• Print & Online Journalism - Students study professional techniques of writing, editing, designing, and laying out newspapers and magazines using desktop publishing techniques. They also practice special photo techniques.
• During the last two semesters, students complete practicums, usually at newspapers and magazines.

Build a career in software development with training in object-oriented programming, web-based application development and relational databases, while using up-to-date development tools and standards.

The Object-Oriented Software Developer (OOSD) program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practice you need to develop solid software development skills in minimal time. This program takes you from introductory concepts to advanced techniques in only 32 weeks.

You will gain experience in several object-oriented programming languages, web-based and Internet application development and relational databases while using a vast array of development tools. Mobile application development has recently been added to the program. After 24 weeks of formal instruction, you will put your knowledge and skills to work in a mandatory eight-week work practicum.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur at heart or you want to increase your business acumen, the Culinary Entrepreneurship post-diploma will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to turn an idea into reality. An intensive year-long certificate program, you’ll learn first-hand all about the world of entrepreneurialism as you manage an actual, real-life hospitality enterprise.

The experiential learning from a live classroom environment will provide you with the skillset required to operate a business, provide creative solutions and drive product development - skillsets that are increasingly sought after in a globalized, competitive environment.

While managing a business, your learning will be complimented with online courses and professional mentorship from industry experts. Your studies will cover everything from business operations, facilities, and business regulations to finance, human resource management, sales and marketing.

Upon completion of this post-diploma certificate, you will be able to make informed decisions about your tolerance to risk, your ability to manage and your ability to lead. Further, you will be able to determine if you are suited to entrepreneurship, whether or not you are ready to become an entrepreneur, or if you should use your entrepreneurial mindset to enhance your position within an organization.

World-Class Experiential Learning Environment
An integral part of your learning experience will be SAIT’s new state-of-the-art facility designed to foster culinary excellence, creative exchange and innovation. An incubator for entrepreneurs, this space will provide you with a flexible platform to develop and market your products, engage with paying customers in real time and fully immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of entrepreneurialism.

Be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession.

The Optician program is two years in length and trains students to be at the forefront of eye care practice, working as part of a multi-disciplinary vision care team. Students will study ocular pathology, refracting and pharmacology, as well as business and retail aspects of the profession. Application of the theory will be demonstrated through clinical competencies focusing on refraction, filling eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions, ensuring a proper fit, and determining clients’ eyewear needs.

Explore the world of culinary arts — from fundamental cooking techniques to patisserie — through hands-on instruction and action-based learning inside SAIT’s on-campus restaurants. Prepare for a career as a chef, kitchen manager or food stylist.

Considered the best in Canada, the Professional Cooking program at SAIT is delivered by world-renowned chefs who provide expert, hands-on training. In just two short years you will have the opportunity to train and interact with 20 leading culinary professionals - an amazing experience for anyone passionate about the culinary arts.

During this full-time two year program, you will be trained in all aspects of the culinary trade including foundational cooking techniques, Garde manger, culinary perspectives and patisserie. In an industry experiencing high demand, graduates from SAIT’s Professional Cooking program gain valuable, real-life experience and are well prepared for a diverse range of options in the dynamic culinary world.

At SAIT, we are focused on our students’ success and deliver on this promise through small class sizes, a personalized approach and state-of-the-art facilities. Our classrooms and labs have recently received $7 million in upgrades including the new Michelle O’Reilly Charcuterie Lab, SAIT’s gourmet Market Place, the downtown Culinary Campus and our own culinary garden - Jackson’s Garden. Operating in live classroom environments such as the renowned Highwood restaurant and 4 Nines Dining Centre provides real-world experience that readies you for success in the culinary industry.

As a student, you will learn essential cooking skills and current trends through repetitive production style cooking for the public under the watchful eyes of our professional chefs - just like you would in a real kitchen. The capstone of the program is cooking for the public in the award-winning Highwood restaurant and the bustling downtown Culinary Campus where you will prepare world-class cuisine in a live classroom environment.

Professional paid internship and study tours

• Between your first and second year of study, you will get to apply your skills in the industry through a professional paid internship. In addition to learning in a real-world environment, internships provide valuable connections and opportunities to network with future employers.
• As a student, you can also take advantage of exciting international study tours. Previous tour locations have included Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Chile and Thailand.

Global recognition through chef competitions

• SAIT’s Professional Cooking program will give you the skills for a global career path and opportunities to work in the world’s finest dining establishments. You also have the option to compete in skills and culinary competitions - both locally and internationally.
• Our students have won gold and silver in Provincial and National Skills in addition to the Canadian Chef Association competitions. Our students have also competed in Hong Kong and Singapore over the last several years placing in the top three.

Learn to perform surveys, create maps and develop geographic information systems by using global navigation satellite systems (GPS), laser scanning, remote sensing and photogrammetry in preparation for a career as a surveyor, junior party chief, survey assistant or mapping technologist.

Geomatics technologists work in government, construction, mining, energy exploration, and environmental sectors. The Geomatics Engineering Technology program will provide you with extensive practical skills combined with a broad theoretical background to acquire tools and techniques used in: land surveying, remote sensing, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), global navigation satellite systems (GPS), photogrammetry, geography and digital mapping.

To succeed in the program, you will need to be comfortable with mathematics and enjoy working with computers and instrumentation. In addition you must be a good team player, have good communication skills, and enjoy working outdoors.

Developed and certified by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Production Accounting (CAPPA), this program will provide you with the skills required to compile, manage and report financial and petroleum production data in a business setting.

Oil and Gas Production Accounting teaches the basics of petroleum production accounting as it relates to the petroleum industry. Oil and gas production accountants are responsible for compiling, managing and reporting financial and production data for the oil and gas industry.

Production accountants are specialists in their field and must have a sound knowledge of petroleum products in addition to an understanding of the industry's financial practices and government regulations. 

This program is offered full-time on the SAIT campus via an intensive, full-time 35-week program accredited by Alberta Advanced Education. To be issued the CAPPA certificate, students must complete all CAPPA courses within three (3) years. This applies to all students regardless of institution or method of course delivery.

PM - In this program, you will learn how to take a project from concept through to completion and improve the quality of your work in the process, as well as learning how to manage resources more effectively and save your organization money. You will learn about the tools and frameworks the pros use to strategize, as well as how to provide the most value to your organization and your life, by becoming more organized and giving your team a clearer path to success.  Through this program you will become better equipped to manage roadblocks or risks and manage them proactively.
Learn how to plan, budget, prioritize, and execute projects.  You will be able to create actionable steps to achieving your goals while foreseeing challenges and prioritizing.  You will develop organizational and leadership skills which are in high demand in every industry.

SCM - In this program, you will learn how to build, maintain and support an efficient supply chain process.  You will graduate with an understanding of operations, procurement, logistics, performance analytics, and quality management.  You can pursue a career in a variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more.  These highly in-demand courses cover the tools and techniques needed for supply chain practitioners to succeed in this complex industry.

Develop strong techinical, analytical and problem solving essential for a career in mechanical engineering. Find your fit by choosing from one of three majors - design and development, design and automation or design and analysis.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a practical, hands-on, full-time, two-year diploma program. During the common first year, you will be exposed to a variety of topics including foundational math and physics, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and additional specialized courses to prepare you to enter into one of three specialized majors.

Upon successful completion of the common first year, the selection of your major will occur. Although SAIT will attempt to help students complete the program major of their choice, grade point for specific courses will be used in the selection criteria for each major, in case of a seat shortage for specific majors.

The specific areas of study for the three majors will be:

• Design and Analysis 
  • Mechanical system design
  • Vibration Analysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
• Design and Development 
  • Model Making
  • Prototyping
  • Ergonomics
• Design and Automation
  • Automation Systems Design
  • Control Systems (PLC)
  • Industrial robotics

For all three available majors, a focus will be placed on professionalism, creativity, teamwork, effective communication and collaboration. Each student will also participate in a major capstone project that will address a real-world industry challenge.

Developed with input from industry experts, the Hospitality and Tourism Management program will give you practical hands-on education, ensuring you have the real-world knowledge and skills to achieve success in the workforce.

During this program, you will develop a strong understanding of the hospitality and tourism industries. You will gain knowledge in guest experiences delivery, sales and marketing, service and applied leadership, all complemented by a strong financial management foundation. You will expand your knowledge by choosing a specialization in travel and tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation, hotel and accommodation management, restaurant and service operations, event management, beverage management and more.

Develop qualities that are in high demand for all hospitality and tourism jobs such as communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The industry is fast-paced and requires you to be adaptable, enthusiastic and resilient. If you enjoy keeping busy and working within a team to achieve common goals, then this career is perfect for you.

The program allows you to choose an area of specialization in:

• Hotel and Accommodations
• Restaurant and Service Operations
• Beverage Management
• Travel and Tourism
• Event Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
• Multi-Disciplinary

Multi-Disciplinary
Choose a multi-disciplinary approach and select electives from various specializations to build a customized hospitality and tourism path. You will apply that learning through practical, hands-on operations in the specialization of choice and executing special events on and off campus with leading industry partners.