Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year

at Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus Canada

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 43 weeks, is the perfect choice for anyone interested in working as a professional in the adventure/ecotourism sector, guiding and educating clients through interpretation of natural environments. The Program has been created with our partner, Wilderness Tours, Canada`s largest outdoor adventure company.

As a student, you spend approximately 600 hours completing field study and practical skills training in outdoor settings/classrooms. Explore areas such as:

• River touring (kayak touring and gentle rafting)
• No-trace camping and wilderness travel skills
• Cross-country cycle touring
• Flatwater canoeing
• Astronomy
• Winter camping and travel skills
• Tracking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Wild edible and small plant identification
• Birding

Complete extended activity skills training sessions and take on several expeditions - the last being self-executed. The program`s curriculum also includes business courses in interpretive media, marketing and financial and small business management to enhance your career options and pathways.

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.

Obtain several industry-related certifications, such as:

• Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Wild Educator Facilitator
• Assistant Cycle Tour Guide
• Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor and Camping Program
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Paddle Canada Level I or II Sea Kayak Skills
• Heritage Interpreter Certification
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator

Upon graduation, you are ready for an exciting, in-demand career. Be prepared to work as:

• Nature and heritage interpreters
• Nature or ecotourism guides
• Program managers

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.

Develop valuable business skills, get the big picture and learn to think like a leader.

The two-year Business Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a well-rounded education in multiple areas of business - from finance, accounting and marketing to operations management and human resources.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you develop essential business skills, such as:

• Persuasive presentation and communication skills
• Standards of excellent customer service
• Advanced business computer applications
• Problem solving

Complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities, including participating in a mock trade show and completing a professional business plan.

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.

This flexible diploma gives you many options after graduation. Graduates may find work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including:

• Manufacturers
• Financial institutions and insurance
• Government offices
• Retailers
• Manufcaturers and non-profits
• Medical facilities

Graduates may be employed as:

• Entrepreneurs
• Marketing assistants
• Accounting support personnel
• Management trainees
• sales managers

You may also choose to specialize your education after graduating, taking advantage of several articulation agreements that allow you to progress to advanced diplomas and degrees.

Construct your future.

The one-year Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for a future in construction, whether you pursue apprenticeship training, employment as a framer or finisher or just want to tackle a few projects around the house.

You acquire a well-rounded education, combining traditional carpentry skills with newer technologies. Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke is a great place to learn, as you have access to high-quality tools in a state-of-the-art shop.

Gain knowledge and skills in:

• Hand and power tool usage
• Carpentry/framing techniques
• Blueprint reading
• Welding
• Hoisting and rigging
• Plumbing
• Applied construction geometry
• Mathematics
• The Ontario Building Code
• General and specific safety training

Throughout this physically demanding program, explore the latest green technology and energy-efficient construction techniques. Apply your construction skills to building projects that will help local communities.

There is an anticipated shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as a result of an aging workforce and local expansion. That means there are many opportunities for employment available to graduates. With this certificate, you may pursue a specialized education in construction, or seek exemption from the Basic Level of the General Carpenter Apprenticeship training.

Graduates may find work as a(n):

• Apprentice carpenter
• Construction framer
• Interior systems installer
• Exterior systems applicator
• Renovator
• Door and window installer
• Concrete form worker
• Deck and porch designer/builder
• Junior construction site supervisor
• Junior estimator

Computer Programmer offered at Algonquin College is a two-year program and prepares the students to work in the field of software development, database administration and design and program development strategies using object-oriented modeling). 

The curriculum includes courses like object-oriented analysis and design, database design, implementation, and administration, coding in integrated development environments, in applications programming, debugging, testing, and maintenance of code, programming languages, operating systems, mathematics, oral and written communications.

In the final year, students participate in a program-culminating real-world team project through the Algonquin College Applied Research and Innovation department and an individual project exploring programming languages.

The School of Advanced Technology offers the students with the latest and state of the art infrastructure and computing facilities like Linux-based workstations and Windows, linked in an internal wireless network with access to the Internet. The students work with leading industry software products, such as CASE tools, programming languages (Java, COBOL, SQL, PHP, JavaScript), Oracle and operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux and Android) in a networked environment. The course also offers the qualified students (minimum GPA of 2.7) an option of two paid co-operative work terms to gain valuable work experience and networks within the industry. 

Offering a broad range of business and social science courses, this one-year General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate program gives you the chance to begin your studies and build up your academic level of knowledge. Explore your skills and interests and discover what educational path is the best for you.

This program lets you develop and explore interpersonal and communication skills, as well as skills in critical thinking and research. These are essential universal skills for a world where change is rapid and adaptability is critical.

The program gives you the opportunity to discover new pathways for your future and find your potential. With the diversity of the courses, you explore many new ideas. The program presents the opportunity to learn in a post-secondary setting. This program shows future employers, colleges and universities that you can learn at the post-secondary level.

Develop valuable business skills, get the big picture and learn to think like a leader.

The two-year Business Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a well-rounded education in multiple areas of business - from finance, accounting and marketing to operations management and human resources.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you develop essential business skills, such as:

• Persuasive presentation and communication skills
• Standards of excellent customer service
• Advanced business computer applications
• Problem solving

Complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities, including participating in a mock trade show and completing a professional business plan.

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.

This flexible diploma gives you many options after graduation. Graduates may find work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including:

• Manufacturers
• Financial institutions and insurance
• Government offices
• Retailers
• Manufcaturers and non-profits
• Medical facilities

Graduates may be employed as:

• Entrepreneurs
• Marketing assistants
• Accounting support personnel
• Management trainees
• sales managers

You may also choose to specialize your education after graduating, taking advantage of several articulation agreements that allow you to progress to advanced diplomas and degrees.

The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.

Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure.

Gain theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection and measurement, instrumentation and techniques, waste management, contamination and decontamination procedures, and incident assessments. Your courses focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.

Learn from nuclear industry professionals who have years of experience. This program benefits from a partnership between Algonquin College and Bruce Power, Ontario`s largest private electricity generating company.

Benefit from the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in this program.

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.

Graduates may find employment in:

• Nuclear power plants
• Nuclear-based research and development facilities
• Decontamination/waste storage facilities
• Uranium mines/mills
• Radiation protection contract companies
• Isotope production/refinement facilities
• Hospitals that use radioisotopes
• Universities with radiological labs
• The oil and gas industry concerned with naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) management

Graduates may work in roles such as:

• Contamination monitor
• Radiation protection technician
• Radiation surveyor
• Health physics technician
• NORMs technician

The one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is an Ontario College Certificate program that prepares you for more advanced health science programs. You develop strong study skills and earn post-secondary credits that may transfer to other postsecondary programs.

As a student, you explore your interests in the health science field while meeting the eligibility requirements for a number of Algonquin College advanced diploma programs. These include:

• Biotechnology - Advanced
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Dental Hygiene
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Radiation Technology
• Respiratory Therapy

You may be also eligible to apply to various degree programs including:

• the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Health Sciences and the Bachelor of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa
• the Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen`s University

The curriculum provides you with the opportunity to learn more about potential careers in the health sciences as you improve your skills in communications, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

The intention of this program is to prepare you for further study in either advanced diploma or degree programs, rather than moving directly into the chosen industry. It is important to note that completing this program doesn`t guarantee entry into a health or science program.

The two-year Environmental Technician program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, offers theoretical and extensive practical education in all areas of environmental sciences.

You explore the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physical science and engineering as you learn to collect, measure and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. Gain field and laboratory experience in soil, water and air testing as you develop a basic knowledge of:

• Freshwater environment systems
• Soils and land forms
• The chemistry of pollutants
• Ecological processes

Use the appropriate tools and equipment needed in biology, hydrology, ecological field sampling and analytical chemistry.

This program includes applied research projects that allow you to apply skills and theory to real environmental issues, all while supporting important community initiatives, such as:

• Water quality monitoring and implementation of agricultural best management practices in the Muskrat Lake watershed
• Soil testing, weather/climate monitoring and pest/disease surveying for a local vineyard.

Benefit from the opportunity to gain more than 20 certifications in various preferred specialties including provincial certification in water and wastewater operation, electrofishing, and geospatial analysis.

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.