Advanced Diploma in Journalism in Mass Media/Journalism

at Durham College - Oshawa Campus Canada

An education in journalism provides excellent training in critical thinking, writing and presenting ideas while preparing students for one of the most interesting careers imaginable. Armed with very transferable knowledge, skills and experience, journalism graduates go on to write and deliver stories on all written and broadcast platforms. Students also develop an array of social media skills and undergo experiential learning through the program’s ‘working newsroom’, before moving on to a seven-week field placement, applying their skills in a professional environment. Students taking the Journalism advanced diploma program will have an additional four-week field placement at the end of the sixth semester.

This program embraces the broad changes occurring in the media landscape and offers a progressive curriculum that will allow you to focus on development of journalism, social media skills and content creation on all platforms – online, print and broadcast. Students in the Journalism – Mass Media program will develop the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to work in this progressive, critical profession. In their first year, students are introduced to the core journalism skills and learn how society functions both locally and globally. In their second year, students focus on creating content for all media platforms and undergoing experiential learning through our ‘working newsroom’'.

Due to the constant evolution of technology and the increasing development of new platforms of communication, traditional media professions such as journalism are facing new opportunities, as well as new challenges. Changes in the delivery methods of traditional news have forced journalists and others within the journalism industry to change how they do their jobs. For instance, journalists can now collect information with their phones and deliver stories directly to multiple platforms.

Graduates will have developed skills in: broadcasting, reporting, interviewing, editing, writing, content creation and media production, teamwork and critical thinking. You will have knowledge of applicable legislation, standards and professional ethics, and recognize the importance of continuous learning. More specifically, you will gain a clear understanding of the impact of digital technology on journalism and will be able to respond and adapt effectively and efficiently to technological changes.

Upon successful completion of this program you will have opportunities at an entry-level in a wide variety of news organizations and as content creators for a variety of private companies and public organizations, such as school boards, hospitals and governments. Graduates will have the skills to perform a range of tasks, including:
Writing local, national and international news through interviews and research

• Writing news stories for publication and/or broadcast
• Editing, analyzing and verifying information for accuracy
• Researching and conducting interviews for broadcast, online and print
• Applying production skills and using equipment to create content for a range of platforms
• Using social media platforms to engage audiences
• Planning and designing editorial content to meet a mass communications strategy for a client

Durham’s Journalism – Mass Media program has successfully covered the campus and community since 1974. It has an ongoing history of excellence, winning Ontario Community Newspaper Association honours on a regular basis. Our graduates have a track record of producing quality work across Canada – for news organizations such as CBC, CTV and TSN and in communities from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Grads have also earned careers as content creators and social media coordinators for companies, agencies and institutions.

This program will help you to develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively address two of Canada’s leading health care issues – mental health and addictive behaviours. You will gain both a theoretical understanding and the clinical skills required to help your clients successfully navigate their challenges with mental health and/or addictive behaviours as they begin their journey to wellness.

Designed for students with previous, relevant education, this highly specialized program was developed in consultation with recognized experts in the fields of addiction and mental health including Lakeridge Health Corporation.

Program highlights include the opportunity to:

• Expand the skills required to practice in addiction and mental health settings
• Gain experience with a broad spectrum of clinical settings where addiction/mental health related issues arise
• Develop an understanding of the particular needs of diverse populations
• Receive training in evidence-based approaches to counselling.

Please note: Some courses may be delivered in online or blended formats using the college's learning management system.C

Are you a pro at managing money with an added interest in stocks, bonds, investing and financial planning? Have you considered getting paid to help others manage their financial portfolios? The two-year Finance – Business program provides a concrete foundation in business as well as training in various areas of financial planning, investments, and life and health insurance. During the program you’ll have the opportunity to write the Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC)® exam to be eligible for mutual fund licensing, as well as the Canadian Securities Course (CSC)® exams to be eligible for a securities license. The requirements for each designation/certification listed are set by the granting body, not Durham College. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, students need to follow and meet the required processes.

The Finance – Business program will provide students with the skills and training required to work in a variety of areas within financial services including, firms dealing with pension plans, scholarships, educational savings plans, and investments funds. In addition to a foundation in business, learning will be focused on a range of areas including, personal financial management, tax and retirement planning, investments and estate planning, with an emphasis on training in financial services. Graduates of this program will have skills such as financial analysis, planning and control.

You will learn how to:

• Keep a simple set of books for small businesses using accounting concepts and practices
• Understand the needs of clients in order to create relevant financial goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-sensitive
• Examine other countries, businesses and individuals to observe how they tackle the problem of scarce resources in order to satisfy needs and wants
• Efficiently use industry-standard money management software to perform transactions, keep track of sales and expenses and create financial reports.
• Efficiently use retirement planning software to forecast retirement scenarios for different situations or clients.
• Students may also be prepared to seek related licenses in finance.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Process and maintain financial records in compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
• Prepare and present financial information in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
• Generate financial reports for individuals and/or organizations by applying financial mathematics and statistics.
• Contribute to the development and the implementation of a financial plan to meet individuals’ and/or organizations’ needs and objectives.
• Contribute to the development and the implementation of marketing strategies to promote financial products and services and to enhance customer service.
• Develop and implement strategies to establish and maintain professional networking and business relationships in the finance sector.
• Analyse, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technology and the environment on individuals’ and/or organizations’ operations.
• Develop and implement ongoing strategies for personal and professional development, highlighting ethics, values and standards in the finance sector.

From smartwatches and doorbell cameras, to household appliances and vehicles – the world is connected now more than ever, and these objects, or “things”, are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies that exchange data over the internet. Smart cities, home automation and wearable tech are part of this innovative and quickly-advancing industry that requires skilled programmers, developers and technicians.

The Internet of Things (IoT) program will prepare students to participate in the IoT, Industrial IoT (IIoT) and IoT Vision fields. They will explore security and surveillance cameras attached to IoT devices, their technologies, architectures, resources, data management, strategies, and security and privacy issues. They will also gain the knowledge and skills needed to address backend, frontend and embedded software design and implementation.

For students who want the best of both worlds, this joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) diploma-to-degree program will enable you to earn your diploma and degree in only four years. Regardless of industry, supply chain and operations management is at the heart of every business, which is why the skills developed in this program are in such high demand. Faced with an increasingly global business world, employers are actively seeking our graduates for their job-ready skills in complex problem solving, analytics, decision-making and communications. Students with an interest in business who enjoy making things better and are drawn to the idea of no two work days ever being the same will thrive in this field. Graduates enter the workforce ready to take the diverse, exciting, and rewarding career opportunities that are currently outpacing the professionals available to fill them.

In this program, you will develop knowledge of business processes and management tools to develop demand forecasts; evaluate suppliers’ capabilities to ethically source purchased goods and services; use technology, including SAP® and Microsoft Excel; and develop supply chain plans and schedules to efficiently produce goods or services that meet quality expectations and the needs of the global markets. You will also learn industry-standard practices including Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Just-in-Time, and Lean Principles. Led by knowledgeable faculty with strong ties to industry, this program also provides many opportunities for real-world learning experiences through the design of the curriculum.  You will have the opportunity to earn additional credentials in your program to help you stand out to employers in a competitive market. You can earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams as part of your computer courses:

• Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate (COMP1209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint Associate (COMP1209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (COMP2209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (COMP 2206)

Modern policing requires officers to possess highly developed social and communication skills, practical law enforcement knowledge, technical skills, and the ability to connect with the communities they serve and protect. In this program you will build these skill sets while gaining vital community outreach experience through a unique program that sees students work with youth from at-risk schools. Training also focuses on mental health strategies in policing related to community members and officers; students will earn their Mental Health First Aid certificate in their course of study.

This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue an entry-level policing position including a broad education in human relation skills and the interpretation of social interaction including the study of:

• Community policing
• Communication
• Investigation processes
• Police powers and procedures
• Professional ethics
• Race relations

You will be subject to all requirements of the Ontario constable selection process and local police requirements when applying for a position as a constable in Ontario. Please be aware that specific, minimum criteria such as vision and hearing standards will apply as will a clear Criminal Background Check (CBC).

Whether it’s a small business or a large publicly traded corporation, accounting professionals are needed in all areas of the economy, in both the public and private sectors. Our program is taught by industry-connected professors who will give you the skills and knowledge to excel in the field. You will learn how to apply the latest tools and technologies – making you instantly valuable to an employer.

You will have the opportunity to hone your skills and gain valuable work experience through a co-operative education (co-op) option or field placement. This program gives you a powerful combination of knowledge, skills and real-life work experience. 

This joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University diploma-to-degree program will enable you to earn two credentials in only four years. Experience the best of both learning environments while on the journey to a rewarding career in marketing.

With the help of research data and a solid understanding of consumer behaviour, marketers get involved at the design stage to ensure products being developed are geared to the intended target market(s). This includes monitoring and incorporating the latest trends in their promotional planning, such as digital media, to reach consumers in the most effective way.

Helping people of all ages to engage in recreation and leisure programs and events is at the heart of a career in recreation and leisure. This program provides you with the skills and experience to start your career in government, non-profit and commercial recreation organizations. You will learn how to use industry-standard records management software. With an interesting blend of management training, program and event planning, implementation, and evaluation, and customer service, recreation and leisure professionals provide healthy, well-rounded lifestyle opportunities for community members to connect, play, and grow.

This popular program provides students with the leadership skills and training required to strategically plan, implement, evaluate and manage programs for community members of all ages and abilities, prepare budgets, raise funds, manage staff, and market activities with teams of volunteers and other recreation and leisure service providers.
As a graduate, you can pursue an exciting and rewarding career offering recreation programs to community members of all ages and abilities. As such, you will study:

• Community development
• Facility management
• Fundraising for sport
• Outdoor recreation
• Program and event management
• Recreation for diverse populations

You will have the opportunity to obtain HIGH FIVE certifications in Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD) and Quality Experience Scanning Tool 2 (QUEST 2) from Parks and Recreation Ontario, as well as other workshops and certifications embedded within the program. In addition, you will learn about Active Network and Intelligenz recreation management software, which is used extensively in the Canadian recreation industry.

With many millions or more lines of code in the world today, and many more yet to be written, this field is growing constantly. If using your critical thinking ability to solve problems puts a smile on your face then this field could be for you. As a tech-savvy graduate you’ll be trained in how to apply your hands on experience in our program, combining analytical and programming skills, to produce lasting and high quality software solutions that keep the world running smoothly.