General Certificate in General Arts and Science

at Durham College - Oshawa Campus Canada

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.

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.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. 

Chemical Engineering Technology is at the core of our ever-evolving world - innovative products, processes and materials are a constant in our time. To support these changes, this program puts a focus on material science, nuclear physics and instrumentation. Renewable fuels, process simulation and analysis and development of chemical products all have one thing in common - the chemical engineering technologist.

Chemical engineering technology is about creating value through chemical conversions, all the way from lab-scale processes to optimizing full plant operations, and this program provides training to enable graduates to do this. Applications include manufacturing of high-tech polymers, water treatment operations, catalytic conversions, nuclear power and sustainable fuel sources. . Chemical engineering technologists play a role in each of these areas.

This program will provide you with hands-on experience and a solid background in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, nuclear physics and instrumental analysis including chromatography and spectroscopy, as well as process control and sustainability. Working alone and in teams, first-hand experience is emphasized through our fully equipped Analytical Instrumentation laboratory. The core of the program will give you training and experience in the handling, analyzing, monitoring, processing and properties of a wide variety of chemicals.

Safety and environmental compliance are both emphasized in the program as chemical engineering technologists take processes from “cradle to cradle”. The field placement component of the program provides valuable contacts and experience.

Do you want a career in law enforcement but are not sure whether that means being a Canada Border Services officer, special constable, correctional officer, by-law officer or police officer? Join our program to learn about each of these career paths through a diverse curriculum taught by industry professionals and discover which career best suits your interests.
This program will introduce you to a diverse range of career options in law enforcement, offering a blend of academic and practical experience. A general level of fitness is required to successfully complete all of the program requirements. As a graduate, you are eligible to achieve your security guard license number.
Along with a breadth of courses, our program has embedded into the curriculum course content based on the ministry-mandated requirements for eligibility to write the provincial licensing examination for security guards in the province of Ontario as per the training standards prescribed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act.

Why our students succeed:

• Variety of courses allows for discovery and confirmation on career choice.
• Students will engage in an Experiential Learning opportunity.
• Courses include industry guest speakers who provide insight and tips for job applications.
• Annual career fair provides opportunity to meet future employers.

In this program, students differentiate themselves by taking their marketing skills to the next level.  They are immersed in digital technologies (such as artificial intelligence for marketing automation), data analytics, international marketing, and gain a deep understanding of the psychology of consumer behaviour and experience design. By applying this learning, students contribute to real business strategies.

Prepare to enter an exciting career where you can help develop business strategy and design customer experiences. You will have the opportunity to participate in marketing simulations, events and inter-collegiate competitions (local, provincial, and national). You will also have the opportunity to grow your professional network and gain valuable industry experience in preparation for launching an exciting marketing career.

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP)
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning. 

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 Supply Chain and Operations Management 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 a globally recognized credential – Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel Certification to help you stand out to employers in a competitive market.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.

Supply chain and operations management is the core functional area of any business. Supply chain and operations managers obtain, develop and manage the resources required to deliver goods and services to clients. This includes contributing to key decisions involving:

• Purchasing/Procurement
• Operations planning and scheduling
• Supply chain management
• Quality assurance
• Facilities management
• Inventory management
• Transportation, distribution and logistics

The Esthetician – Spa Management program uses a holistic approach to teach students the skills required to build a career in the growing spa industry. If you love working with people and have a desire to help individuals boost their self-esteem, this program will provide you the skills, confidence and experience to hit the ground running. By focusing on techniques in the areas of manicure and pedicure technologies, waxing, facials, body treatments, as well as makeup corrective techniques, you will benefit from a hands-on learning approach, and have the opportunity to hone your skills in the fully operational DC Spa. Open to the public, the DC Spa features state-of-the-art learning facilities and equipment to provide you with real-life work experience.

Our Esthetician - Spa Management program provides vocational hands-on skills plus business management training so you can be job-ready upon graduation. Hands-on courses focus on manicure and pedicure technologies, waxing, body treatments and facial techniques, which include medical esthetic technologies.  Business training includes: retail operations and spa management, communications, spa marketing and client-care protocols.  You will gain real-world experience during your onsite Durham College Spa work placement, where you will deliver spa services to the public while planning, organizing, controlling and leading day-to-day retail operations, spa marketing strategies and managerial duties.

In order to participate in the lab component of the program uniforms must be worn at all times.  Students must meet the pre-lab requirements in order to receive their uniform.

This joint Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) diploma-to-degree program will enable you to earn your college diploma and university degree in only four years. Experience the best of both learning environments while on the journey to a rewarding career in business. Build a solid foundation in business theory as well as experience hands-on learning in various areas of entrepreneurship such as business plan writing, digital marketing, mentorship, and starting a new business venture on campus at DC.

Please note that while the Entrepreneurship major has been suspended at Ontario Tech University, students in this university transfer program are able to complete a Bachelor of Commerce and choose from other major options.

This program is approved by the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and students in the program receive a 16-month student membership with ADRIO. This program is also approved by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM) and Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO).

If you are a university or college graduate or a professional wishing to gain additional conflict resolution skills, as well as an Ontario college graduate certificate, this program will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and practice to effectively negotiate, analyze and resolve conflict in various settings such as:

• Workplace
• Family
• Community
• Education
• Health care
• Human resources
• Justice
• Advocacy

This program also offers an experiential learning component that enables you to participate in the operation of Campus Conflict Resolution Services.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Complete all work in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, mediation process and skills, a respect for self, others, and relevant law and legislation.
• Adhere to legal and professional ethics in the practice of delivering services to de-escalate, prevent, and resolve conflict.
• Recognize and analyze conflict situations.
• Determine the nature and degree of conflict within informal and formal settings by assessing client relationships and interactions.
• Select and apply appropriate conflict resolution and negotiation skills and techniques to enable parties to prevent and/or resolve conflicts.
• Resolve differences within workplaces, communities, and families by utilizing interest-based conflict resolution skills and techniques.
• Engage in reflective practice to build skill and professional competency.
• Create and implement personal and professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in the practice of mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution professional practice.
• Analyze and produce documents required in the practice of mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution.
• Produce documents required in the practice of conflict resolution and mediation according to industry standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders to enhance professional working relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues, clients, and community to enhance professional working relationships.
• Apply knowledge of specialized substantive and procedural laws as they relate to mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution.
• Work within the legal parameters and the scope of practice for conflict resolution practitioners by following relevant substantive and procedural laws.
• Utilize time management, project management, and administration skills to meet client needs.
• Utilize management and administration skills in a mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution practice.
• Conduct intake meetings to gather, screen, and disseminate information required to identify issues, uncover interests, and determine the appropriate approach for resolving differences.
• Conduct interviews to gather, screen, and disseminate information required in mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution situations.
• Facilitate discussion with clients to explore the options and associated processes for resolving family disputes.
• Explain the process, principles, techniques and significance of mediation and/or alternative dispute resolution and how they apply to family disputes.
• Contribute to collaborative discussion about the application of restorative justice principles as viable alternatives for repairing harm and restoring relationships.

The two-semester General Certificate pathway provides students with a high degree of choice and flexibility. This program is designed for students who are looking to determine their long-term academic or career goals as well as students who have specific academic/career pathways beyond the other General Arts and Science pathways. Students can earn credit towards other Durham College programs. The General Certificate provides opportunities to refine essential academic skills and develop the foundational knowledge needed to help ensure success in subsequent post-secondary studies. This program also allows students to familiarize themselves with post-secondary life, expectations, surroundings, and opportunities.