Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) – Interactive Multimedia and Design degree is a joint collaboration between Algonquin College and Carleton University; graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Information Technology degree as well as an Interactive Media Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma.

The degree is designed to offer students programming centred around both a practical experience and a theoretical background. For more information about each of these unique collaborative degrees, applicants should visit bitdegree.ca

Interactive Media Design is a two year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in the digital media industry. Web-design and programming, as well as video and motion graphic skills, are in demand in all employment sectors. You explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and the technical aspects. This balanced learning experience prepares graduates to be generalists in the media industry, meaning you can jump into a wide variety of roles as you begin your careers.

Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on media production through courses in computer-based web design and programming, as well as video and motion graphics. Through a number of program-specific elective courses, you can focus your path towards specializing as a video producer or a web developer, or you can choose to remain as a generalist, depending on your interests. You plan and execute individual and team-based projects under the guidance of a faculty, industry experts in the media field. You gain practical experience working with live clients through applied projects. You navigate these learning opportunities with the operating system of your choice, such as Apple OS X, Windows or other platforms.

This industry-driven program provides you with the diverse skillset that makes you adaptable in today`s dynamic job market across all sectors. Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of fields utilizing their skills in dynamic media development, web design and programming, photography, videography, motion graphics, project management, UX design, graphic design and content management. Other opportunities involve start-up businesses and a wide variety of alternate professional fields.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) is a one- year certificate program that allows the students to enhance their skills and knowledge and practice in ethical and professional dental settings. The students have a provision of client care in Algonquin College’s onsite dental clinic and participate in a two- week (60 hours) placement in a dental office and thus develop expertise in intra-oral care, oral health education and promotion, radiography, clinical chair side and laboratory skills. 

The graduates of this college are eligible to give the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) examination which is a requirement to practice as a Level II Dental Assistant in Ontario and are also eligible to apply for certification with the Ontario Denal Assistants Association (ODAA).

Today`s global business environment requires students that have developed the ability to become technology professionals capable of creating and implementing information and communications technology solutions to achieve competitive advantages, productivity gains, and innovation. This four-year degree program prepares students for a career in business software systems development and technology management by providing skills and competencies in two closely related disciplines, technology and business. Our program curriculum provides the necessary key knowledge in software development and business technology management required by business and offers students the opportunity to use, develop, and research emerging business technologies such as mobile and wearable computing, artificial intelligence and agent technologies.

Students gain practical experience in technology project management, systems analysis and design, software development and implementation, data analysis, database technologies, operating systems, web applications and information security. When combined with knowledge of business principles, economics, accounting, internal audit and human resource management, students develop a unique skill set critical for strategic information and communications technology development environments.

Graduates have a unique blend of applied knowledge and skills in core competencies in software development and business, including the project management book of knowledge (PMBOK) and the business analysis book of knowledge (BABOK). Students gain significant hands-on experience through online, in-class, simulation-based learning experiences and experiential learning activities such as co-op work terms and interdisciplinary final year team-based projects. The combination of knowledge, skills and experience allows students to integrate quickly into the complex global technology and business workforce in entry level information communications technology positions.

The Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) (Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
• Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
• Develop and improve business systems by applying accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices.
• Manage data using appropriate methodologies and standards to improve business processes and decision-making.
• Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems software engineering projects.
• Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
• Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems software engineering.
• Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
• Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business processes.
• Apply business technology management skills to innovate in business systems development targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards.
• Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in business systems development.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
• Leverage artificial intelligence and agent technologies to support short and long term business decisions

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) – Network Technology degree is a joint collaboration between Algonquin College and Carleton University; graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Information Technology degree as well as a Computer Engineering Technology – Network Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma accreditation.

The degree is designed to offer students programming centred around both a practical experience and a theoretical background. For more information about each of these unique collaborative degrees, applicants should visit www.bitdegree.ca

The three-year Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to take your career into many industries. By combining business theory and creative messaging, this industry-respected program enables you to develop skills in idea conceptualizing, copywriting, layout and production design. You also develop integrated marketing communications strategies through researching what drives target audiences and planning how to reach them effectively.

Experienced, industry-connected faculty prepare you to plan, create and implement marketing communications. Key class projects work on real advertising and marketing communications issues with local companies as clients. As well, alumni and industry leaders act as guest speakers in every semester.

Put classroom theory to work through hands-on creation in one of the second-year student-run business unit teams:

• the award-winning Algonquin Times and Glue Magazine - where teams work on websites, print editions, social media channels, events and apps
• DIGG - the student-run ad agency where every client has a unique problem to be solved
• SLiDE - the in-house marketing department for Algonquin`s DARE District that works with Ottawa entrepreneurs.

The program encourages you to expand your learning and network through optional class trips in second and third year. As a second-year student, you have the unique opportunity to visit and tour select advertising and marketing agencies and visit program alumni in Toronto. As a third-year student, you have the opportunity to visit New York and attend one of the largest industry conferences in the world, Advertising Week.

At the end of the program, take your real-world experience a step further with a six-week job placement within the area of advertising and marketing communications. Upon graduating, be ready to start your career in this field.

There are many job opportunities for graduates of this program. You may find employment with an advertising or creative agencies and any organization that has a marketing, communications, media or promotions department. This includes:

• retail
• professional services firms
• technology companies
• associations
• governments

You might even launch your own marketing and communications company.

Build your architectural career within the construction industry

The two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program teaches you the skills and techniques to enter a career in the architecture and construction fields.

Your professors are industry professionals who provide you with a learning experience from the construction industry and the architectural profession, enabling you to be successful in your academic and professional ventures.

Begin the program with a focus on residential construction, and progress to studying commercial construction, as defined in the Ontario Building Code. Develop skills related to all facets of building construction, including design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing.

As a student in this program, you have the opportunity to study and learn in a variety of practical topics, using both applied and theoretical learning, and a project-based, integrated studies approach. Courses include:

• Working Drawings
• Methods and Materials of Construction
• Codes and Standards
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• Visual Communications
• Design
• Environmental Systems

This four-year honours degree program provides students with a foundation in digital storytelling and digital technology, allowing them to effectively craft a message for a target audience and to create a communications plan to disseminate this message. Graduates of advertising, public relations and marketing diploma and advanced diploma programs may be awarded advanced standing.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge regarding media channel selection, digital storytelling, marketing communications research, digital analytics and global communications. The program utilizes case studies and fieldwork to provide opportunities for students to practice the newly-acquired skills in a real-world context. Additionally, students conduct marketing research, utilize digital analytics and marketing research to make decisions and craft communications plans for clients within the classroom setting.

Graduates may seek employment in media and communications departments within:

• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Associations
• Advertising and digital agencies
• Private corporations

They may work in areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing communications, professional writing and social media.

Co-op Information
The proposed Bachelor of Digital Media and Marketing Communications includes two co-op work terms, one optional and one mandatory. The mandatory co-op work term must be completed successfully to qualify for graduation. Both work terms are scheduled for the summer semester (May - August) when potential employers/supervisors are likely to have the greatest need for additional help. These work terms will be fourteen (14) weeks in length.

The first optional co-op work term follows the second year of study. It is expected that after four (4) semesters, students will have gained the foundational knowledge to make a reasonable contribution in the workplace with supervision. The first co-op work term will help students expand their understanding of potential areas of specialty within the industry.

The second mandatory co-op work term follows the third year of study. After six semesters, students will be able to function with a sense of autonomy and demonstrate a greater level of contribution than possible in the optional first co-op work term. This second mandatory co-op work term will help in building practical work experience and will act as an educational tool in subsequent semesters.

The one-year Geographic Information Systems Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with knowledge and skills relating to geographic and cartographic science, with a focal point on information systems technology.

In this program, you use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:

• Field data collection
• Programming
• Remote sensing
• Enterprise geo-database design and management
• Cloud-based services
• Application development
• 2D and 3D cartographic design
• Spatial analysis and project management

A key part of this program is the independent project that you begin in your first semester and complete throughout your studies. You identify an area of interest, develop a project proposal, and then implement and complete your project, all in collaboration with an industry or government sponsor.

Cooperative education (Co-op)    
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

Sharpen your skills in world-class culinary labs

This one-year Culinary Skills Ontario College Certificate program teaches you the cutting-edge skills you need to succeed in the high-growth culinary industry. Learn essential food preparation skills and techniques from industry professionals in Algonquin College`s world-class culinary labs. Topics include nutrition and food theory, food cost control, menu planning and sanitation and safety procedures.

The hands-on experience and knowledge you gain opens many doors for you and helps to shape your career as a professional cook.

Some classes are held in the evening and on the weekend in Restaurant International, Algonquin College`s on-campus fine-dining restaurant, to give you a taste of your career before graduation.

Expand your real-world experience and make industry connections with an 80-hour field placement. With opportunities to participate in community events, culinary competitions and activities, you have many opportunities to refine your skills and gain further experience. You also have the exciting opportunity to experience food and culture abroad in Italy, if you choose to participate in the annual culinary trip.

The skills you gain may open doors to your culinary career as cooks or assistant cooks in:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Resorts
• Clubs
• Cruise ships
• Catering companies