Ontario Colleges:

Programs, Pathways, Possibilities

Peter Meehan, Chair, School of Liberal Arts and Academic Partnerships

Seneca College

College ProgramsWide variety of programs, all tied to industry or

a particular sector: Applied Arts (animation, broadcasting, media

arts, photography, music) Business (accounting, marketing, financial

services, international business) Health, community and human services

(practical nursing, social service worker, early childhood education, tourism)

College ProgramsWide variety of programs, all tied to industry or a

particular sector: Information Technology (computer programming

and analysis, software development, information security, communications technology);

Applied Science and Engineering Technology (biotechnology, civil engineering technology, aviation, environmental science);

Coop /field placement/internship opportunities.

College ProgramsWide range of credentials

One year (two semesters) certificate; Two year (four semesters) diploma; Three year (six semesters) advanced diploma; Four year (eight semesters) college degree; One year (two or three semesters) Ontario Graduate

certificate; Coop Apprenticeship Diploma; Pre-apprenticeship; Industry/sector certifications (standalone or

embedded)

Pathways to CollegeAdmission Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma; College preparation (“C”) courses for diplomas and

certificates; “U” courses, “M” (University/College) credits; Degree programs require six Grade 12 “U” level

credits with a minimum of 65%; English; Mathematics; Program specific requirements

Pathways to College Dual Credits/Specialist High Skills Major; Foundation programs – enhance skills, build

confidence and explore programs/careers. Importance of Learning Skills; Importance of deep understanding of

“foundational concepts and skills” for success in a college program – the big “disconnect”.

Pathways to College Importance of selecting the “right” course to

provide the best preparation for a particular program (College Mathematics Project report);

Don’t underestimate the “fit” between the learning environment and the learner;

Graduate certificates- why university grads flock to colleges;

Pathways from College – the Possibilities

Employment – program connection to industry results in strong graduate employment rates;

Industry Accreditation and Certification = industry recognition;

Coop, field placement and internships = employment advantage;

Articulation into degree programs – university and college degrees (B.A. and B. Sc. - e.g. Liberal Arts program York, U of T, Trent), Chemistry and Biotechnology (University of Guelph), Engineering (Lakehead).