Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Solutions

at Humber College North Campus Canada

Humber’s Information Technology graduate certificate program is designed to support students without an information technology (IT) background. Our program’s first semester includes an introduction to software development, database concepts and web development. In subsequent semesters, students engage in advanced study of a variety of information technology topics in areas including database development, database administration, enterprise software development (.NET/Java), web development, and mobile application development (Android and/or iOS).

You will learn how to effectively control, maintain and develop information technology systems. Working in teams and individually, you will create commercial applications that apply acquired theories to the creation, administration and development of databases as well as database-driven mobile, web and desktop applications. Project management skills will prepare you to work effectively in large IT departments and tackle large projects efficiently. In addition to building your collaborative and teamwork skills, this program will teach you how to best market yourself to prospective employers in today's competitive job market.

The Usability Lab is a new facility for students in the School of Media Studies & Information Technology at Humber College. This “Live Lab” is a full-fledged usability lab where content creators can capture & assess the interaction between user and design. This Usability Lab is specialized, in that it was purposefully built for usability studies to ensure that the environment does not interfere with the testing. Designed with flexibility at its core, it has been equipped with a broad variety of technology, supporting usability testing at many different levels of sophistication. What makes this lab unique is the fact that it is mobile. This one-of-a-kind usability lab can be delivered to those who wish to use and evaluate our designs, as well as their own. For our students, they can participate in, and lead experiments that will truly test the designs they have developed, to make sure they work in the manner they have been designed to work.

Graduates may qualify for full-time and freelance employment as enterprise software developers; junior and intermediate software developers; enterprise programmers for e-commerce; web programmers; intranet, extranet and database developers; or database administrators in corporate, small- and medium-sized businesses, government, entertainment, education, healthcare and the not-for-profit sector.

Humber’s Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management graduate certificate program is designed to build on the knowledge you have acquired in your undergraduate degree by providing in-depth, hands-on instruction in the areas of fitness assessment, health and lifestyle counselling, exercise prescription and delivery, health promotion, group exercise leadership, health and fitness management, marketing and entrepreneurship, ergonomic assessment, and functional abilities assessment. Students learn in small groups instructed by expert faculty currently employed in the fitness and health industry.
Our advisory committee provides regular review and input into our curriculum, ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.
Please note that certain courses in the Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management program require students to participate in fitness classes that will involve physical activity, which may at times be vigorous. Questions about fitness classes and accomodations may be directed to the program co-ordinator at [email protected] or at 416.675.6622 ext. 5188.

Work Placement
Experiential learning is an integral part of this program. The program features three unpaid internship courses, two of which take place on campus and the third of which takes place off campus. During the on-campus courses, students provide fitness assessments and testing, physical activity counselling and prescription services to Humber and partner employees as part of the Humber Centre for Healthy Living (Humber CHL). Students have the opportunity to run workshops for the Humber CHL and its partners, as well as providing healthy tips and videos for the Humber CHL website. Throughout the on-campus internship courses, students participate in seminars with their professors and classmates to critically analyze their experiences and develop the skills required for professional work.
The final work placement is a four-week block placement off campus with one of Humber’s industry partners.

Computer Systems Technician - Information Technology Infrastructure and Services diploma program prepares you for careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). You will build a foundation in electrical and logic circuits, and programming. You will also learn about the main hardware and software components of your computer and different features to improve performance of computer systems. Curriculum in the program prepares you for the role of system administrator whose responsibilities include installation, configuration and managing various operating systems including Microsoft servers, different distributions of Linux supported by virtualization tools and network infrastructure, supporting data and network security. You will also learn about data centre technologies that support small- and medium-sized businesses. You will gain knowledge in supporting public, private, and hybrid cloud environments, and integrating cloud technologies and services. 

The program will give you hands-on experience with various hardware platforms, protocols and services with a strong emphasis on network and data systems security. You will have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to deploy and support Linux and Microsoft operating systems, and administer web servers and applications using different scripting environments.

Our faculty collaborates very closely with industry partners to keep the program and curriculum current and relevant, so that you have the knowledge and skills to work in a cutting-edge high tech sector. You will learn from professors who are experienced industry professionals who have strong connections to companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Your group projects help you build essential customer service skills, and develop your interpersonal communications and teamwork skills. This, alongside your new comprehensive technical credentials, will give you a multi-dimensional background that employers want.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and diagnostic tools.
• Support the implementation and administration of computer systems.
• Support the implementation and administration of networking solutions.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade components of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain and upgrade components of networks.
• Use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.
• Follow, monitor, and document data storage procedures designed to ensure the integrity of information.
• Apply knowledge of security issues to implementation of information technology solutions.
• Provide efficient and effective technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing practices and reduces the risk of issue recurring.
• Conform to workplace expectations found in Information Technology (IT) environments.

Optional Co-op

• This program offers a co-op option. Co-op work terms enable you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession.
• For students who are accepted into the program, one co-op work terms will take place between Semesters 3 and 4.  There are limited spaces in the co-op option. Therefore, you will apply for the co-op option during Semester 1 and be informed of the process by which to apply.  While co-op work opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.
• Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Humber’s Visual and Digital Arts diploma program offers you the opportunity to develop a well-rounded skillset applicable to a broad range of visual arts disciplines. At the Art Commons, Humber’s dedicated art facility, you will learn to effectively plan and produce visual material, and facilitate modes of interactive expression and communication.

Using state-of-the-art software and tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, you will develop skills in painting, drawing, illustration, digital art, photography and installation art. While developing your artistic abilities, you will gain knowledge about anatomy, colour, composition, figurative expressions and art history. You will apply your abilities and learn to create traditional and experimental fine art projects. Throughout the program, you will participate in collaborative projects with your peers, gain the opportunity to exhibit your work in campus galleries, take part in installations and join in critiques. With its focus on experiential learning and critical thinking, this program is an excellent launching point for more advanced creative pursuits.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Produce creative life and representational drawings and paintings, illustrating volume, proportion, perspective, mass and texture with descriptive lighting.
• Create representational digital drawing, paintings and illustrations, using application software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter.
• Assess the artistic merit of artwork using an analysis of the creative application of established principles of design and composition.
• Construct pictorial compositions using visual perspective to achieve accurate proportional relationships.
• Light compositions to reveal three-dimensional form.
• Create figurative pictorial compositions, using principles of human and comparative anatomy.
• Critique technical principles of composition in representational drawing, painting and illustration, through analysis of rendering.
• Prepare and present a traditional and creative art portfolio containing both original work and computer generated reproductions.
• Research and create reference materials to support successful completion of a work of art.
• Reproduce, with fidelity, colour as encountered in nature, mixing traditional and digital media.
• Develop a career plan and self-promotion skills suitable to the digital media industry, using materials such as a résumé, cover letter, contact list, e-portfolio.
• Develop and present a digital art project proposal and manage the project, using effective oral and written communications skills.

Society faces significant population growth challenges while we seek to decarbonize, adapt to climate change and manage resources in a more sustainable manner. Meeting these challenges means buildings, energy systems and infrastructure must evolve – yesterday’s solutions are being replaced by new approaches. Our Sustainability Energy and Building Technology advanced diploma program positions graduates with a portfolio of skills that are in high demand.

Our unique program prepares graduates to examine, model and improve the energy and environmental performance of existing buildings; to support the design, construction and operation of new, sustainable buildings being built to increasingly stringent performance standards; to implement renewable energy technologies; and to support new approaches to understanding and managing energy use and building resilience into campuses, neighbourhoods or whole cities. At one time we paid little attention to the cost, availability or environmental impact of energy use – today, these are issues of growing importance to individuals, business and government.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform a land site assessment to determine potential for renewable energy harvesting, optimum placement of wind, solar and earth energy technologies and building orientation for passive solar gain and protection from the elements.
• Perform an energy needs analysis for residential or small-scale commercial or industrial structures, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, and identify building system components that save energy.
• Perform an energy audit on residential, small-scale commercial and industrial buildings, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, to determine energy efficiency, problem areas and energy loss and advise on corrective actions.
• Design and propose a grid-tied or off-grid renewable energy system for a residential or small-scale commercial or industrial structure, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, based on an energy needs analysis.
• Adhere to legal, regulatory and health and safety codes and guidelines in sustainable energy and building technology practice.
• Estimate the costs and time schedule of implementing a renewable energy/energy efficiency system, including annual running costs and return on investment.
• Assist in land development, regulatory and stakeholder processes regarding the placement of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the planning/approval phase.
• Assist in the selection of heating, cooling, hot water and electrical systems and equipment during the building specification phase in a new structure or retrofit to ensure high energy efficiency.
• Assist in the delivery, handling, installation and testing of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the construction phase
• Prepare a viable business plan for a new energy business venture.
• Assist in the development of sales and marketing strategies for energy products and services.
• Promote an integrated or whole building approach with clients, industry professionals and associations.

Work Placement

• Our program features an optional work placement of 400 hours (minimum). This offers practical experience in the energy efficiency, green building or sustainable energy industry sectors following Semester 4. We work with business, industry and government to identify work placement opportunities.

Humber’s Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management graduate certificate program is your fast-track entry into one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Gain the skills needed for success in an exciting career in tourism and hospitality management both in Canada and internationally.

The program covers key areas of the tourism industry from human resources to strategic business planning. The curriculum brings the industry into the classroom and connects the student with the industry through guest speakers, field trips and industry engagement.

Enjoy small class sizes, taught by faculty with extensive industry experience and strong tourism and hospitality connections.

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Apply financial management principles including cost accounting, management accounting, and audit practices and procedures.
• Apply management theory and operating practices including the fundamental principles underlying management planning, organizing, directing and controlling in a service-driven industry.
• Use financial operating and statistical reports to assist in intermediate and long-term decision making.
• Assess the adequacy of strategic and operational decisions through the application and analysis of appropriate financial indicators.
• Apply strategic marketing principles and techniques in the development of a sound organizational marketing plan.
• Develop effective customer relations, mange guest problems with empathy and sensitivity.
• Apply the concepts of organizational behaviour with consideration of their impact on hospitality and tourism operations.
• Use relevant and current information systems including the use and application of industry-specific and generic software packages relating to operational planning and management.
• Contribute effectively to the development and implementation of management procedures in the supervision of employees, identify and use appropriate motivational and team-building techniques to achieve desired results.
• Apply government legislation and regulations bearing on the hospitality and tourism industry including occupational health and safety legislation, employment standards and labour relations, and contract law.
• Define ethics, integrity and social responsibility, and assess their importance to hospitality administration.
• Conceptualize and develop a new venture small business plan including the role of the entrepreneur or small business owner/operator in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
• Use effective interpersonal skills in the workplace.
• Use effective oral and written communication skills.
• Conduct meetings and make formal presentations through the use of effective public speaking skills and techniques.

Humber’s Cloud Computing Ontario Graduate Certificate provides you with the knowledge, skills and practices to become integral parts of cloud development and delivery in a variety of industrial settings. Utilizing a case methodology approach, students are exposed to everyday business challenges in order to develop experience in areas such as containerization, virtualization, data storage and security, and automation. 

Six courses in the first semester are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in cloud computing to students who may have a wide range of backgrounds. In the second semester, the courses offer more advanced topics such as cloud solution architecture, cloud security, automation, big data and DevOps in cloud computing. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to apply cloud computing principles, methodology, and techniques to design and implement enterprise level applications hosted in virtual platforms in effective, secure and resilient infrastructure.

Humber’s Business Administration – Accounting advanced diploma program covers a number of areas including accounting theory, procedures and best practices. Detailed instruction is provided in bookkeeping, auditing, taxation, business law, information systems, finance and management. You’ll gain hands-on experience in industry-standard software such as Profile (personal and corporate tax), Access, Excel, SAGE 50 Accounting (formerly known as Simply Accounting) and Accpac Plus in our Accounting Centre. Learn the inner workings of the accounting field from expert faculty who will teach you key concepts in accounting and taxation related to buying, selling, financing and investing transactions.

Humber’s Mechanical Engineering Technology advanced diploma program prepares you for a career in the design and manufacturing of mechanical components and applications. The curriculum covers the theory and the skills required to:

• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software – Mastercam
• Apply design principles and practices
• Design and manufacture process problems
• Learn 2D computer-aided design (CAD) software - AutoCAD, 3D CAD software – SolidWorks
• Design and manufacture mechanical parts and assemblies
• Apply design principles and practices to a variety of engineering problems and environments

Our program builds upon the solid technical foundation of the Mechanical Engineering Technician program. The skills first learned in the technician program are enhanced through project-based learning and increased hands-on practice in the labs.

This program offers a co-op option. Co-op work terms enable you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession. For students who are accepted into the program, three co-op work terms will take place. The first four-month work term is between Semesters 2 and 3, and then two consecutive four-month work terms between Semesters 4 and 5.  There are limited spaces in the co-op option. Therefore, you will apply for the co-op option during Semester 1 and be informed of the process by which to apply.  While co-op work opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.

Begin a career designing and manufacturing with a Mechanical Engineering Technology advanced diploma. Our graduates are able to perform engineering design and equipment/technology selection for major components in the design of mechanical systems; liaise with fabrication and engineering staff, as well as with vendors, for technical information and specifications; prepare preliminary and final cost estimates; and prepare and evaluate production processes, costing, tool design and inspection requirements. Graduates work in two main areas:

• Drafting and design, equipment testing, mechanical equipment installation and consulting engineering offices
• The metal cutting industries, programming, cost estimating, quality control and inspection, and in machinery sales

The Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning Ontario Graduate Certificate was developed to fill the need for a growing and in-demand skillset. Designed for students with experience in computer programming, software development or computer science, students learn the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to apply AI models and ML algorithms to a broad range of practical applications including natural language processing, image processing, computer vision and for business decision making. Students will also gain experience in applying AI tools in data analytics and data mining. Technical skills will be complemented by knowledge in regulations, policy and ethics in applying AI technology, as well as project management, communication and teamwork skills.

In the final semester, learners complete an industry-supervised capstone project to solve real-world problems and to showcase skills and knowledge that they have learned in the program. Their projects are showcased at an exhibition event to industry partners, community leaders, faculties and peer students. The program also provides opportunities to engage with a broad community and industry network through guest speakers, network events and applied research in collaboration with industry partners.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

1. Design and implement secure artificial intelligence and machine learning software systems and applications using data science, mathematics, data mining principles, algorithms and tools to meet client needs.
2. Defend the algorithms and models used to solve problems in artificial intelligence and machine learning projects through clear and accurate written and verbal presentations to stakeholders.
3. Comply with corporate policies, ethical standards, and industry and government regulations, in implementing artificial intelligence solutions.
4. Evaluate industry trends and emerging technologies in artificial intelligence and machine learning to inform personal and business practices and maintain currency and relevancy in the field.
5. Design and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and models to solve problems and meet the specified needs of a client or stakeholder.
6. Apply project management principles and methodologies to manage the timelines, cost, scope and other resources of artificial intelligence projects.
7. Recommend the system infrastructure, including the necessary architecture and storage technology, that meets the needs of an Artificial Intelligence application.