Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies

at MacEwan University Canada

MacEwan University’s Psychiatric Nursing diploma prepares graduates for a professional career as a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN). This 28-month program is designed for full-time studies and comprises 89 credits of coursework distributed over 2.5 academic years. The program has intakes at two sites: City Centre Campus in Edmonton and the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka.

The curriculum helps students develop the professional competencies they need to care for people experiencing mental and physical health problems. Graduates are ready to promote optimal wellness for patients/clients and provide holistic, client-centred nursing care across the lifespan. The program of study incorporates extensive theory, laboratory and clinical practice. It builds on knowledge from nursing and psychiatric nursing, as well as the biological, health and social sciences. Concentrated blocks of nursing practice experiences, scheduled in a variety of settings, are strategically positioned within each academic year.

Graduates of this program receive a diploma in Psychiatric Nursing and are eligible to write the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE), which is required for registration as an RPN. Program graduates who wish to further their studies in their chosen field may apply for admission to MacEwan University’s 45-credit Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing degree.

The Bachelor of Social Work program provides 3rd and 4th year undergraduate degree studies and will be of interest to Alberta Social Work diploma graduates and other students who have completed 60 university level Arts and Science credits. The School of Social Work offers transformative, collaborative and supportive education to prepare students for leadership roles in meeting the social justice mandate of the profession of social work. As professionals in a country that upholds respect for diversity, and in keeping with democratic rights and freedoms, social workers respect the distinct systems of beliefs and lifestyles of individuals, families, groups, communities and nations without prejudice (United Nations Centre for Human Rights, 1992). Specifically, social workers do not tolerate discrimination based on age, abilities, ethnic background, gender, language, marital status, national ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status (CASW Code of Ethics, 2005).

Unique to this degree is the focus on sustainability — how social, environmental and economic issues interrelate, and how we fit into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to focus their studies around a number of themes, including working with children and families, working with Indigenous people, health and mental health, and community social work practice. Students learn from faculty who are engaged in research, blended learning and all areas of social work practice.

The Massage Therapy program offers a unique blend of scientific theory and clinical practice. It offers a comprehensive clinical education that develops well-rounded massage therapists able to practice in a wide range of medical and therapeutic environments. The program teaches soft tissue manipulation techniques for the assessment and treatment of stress, pain and a variety of physical conditions. With challenging courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and communication, students gain a foundation of knowledge that carries them through dynamic field placement experiences and professional practice at MacEwan University’s public massage clinic.

The program prepares students to become a registered massage therapist (RMT) with a provincial association. With MacEwan University’s reputation as a leader in massage education, graduates may be eligible for registration across Canada and internationally.

Criminals are getting more sophisticated, the world is changing rapidly and technology is constantly evolving. All of this creates a strong demand for educated professionals in investigations and public/private security.

This two-year diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to investigate, analyze and act using a combination of intuition, expertise and communication skills. Field placements provide insight into professional security and investigative environments, and a crime lab allows you to practice the investigative techniques as you learn them.

To respond to society’s increasing concern for security, the demand for educated personnel in both the public and private sectors of protective services continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. To meet the emerging challenges and responsibilities of this growing profession, the two-year diploma emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct investigations and develop and implement comprehensive security programs.

Evidence of the growth in this profession is often visible. However, there also exists a less visible side of private investigations and security that includes a diverse group of specialists who engage in investigative work for banks, retail outlets, corporations and government. As the roles continue to expand and become increasingly complex, individuals must be well-grounded in the law and investigative techniques and develop a broad understanding of the field.

The diploma consists of 61 credits and can be completed through full-time day or part-time evening studies. The full-time day program is completed over a two-year period, with one intake in the Fall term. Part-time evening studies can be completed over a three-year period or longer, with one intake in the Fall term.

Admission to the program is competitive and is subject to a quota. The competitive admission average may be considerably higher than the posted minimum.

Project-based course work, creative research, visiting artists, off-campus activities and arts and culture venues—as a Studio Arts major at MacEwan University, you receive a truly hands-on education. Let your artistic expression soar, while learning to manage the many paths your career will take you.

Our dedicated faculty maintain a range of professional art and research practices, sharing their skills in performance and sound art, painting, drawing, video, sculpture, fibres and more. In this interdisciplinary environment, you are challenged to think critically and creatively about contemporary art.

What to expect
After building a rigorous and comprehensive foundation in the first two years of the program, you can choose from three pathways in the Studio Arts major:

• Two-dimensional art
• Three-dimensional art
• Intermedia/extended media art

The technical and theoretical foundations supporting each pathway prepare you for both traditional and emerging media and concepts.

Starting in the fourth term, you choose to focus in one area or to combine paths for greater breadth. As you progress academically and develop the flexibility and fluidity prevalent in contemporary art practice, you also take courses from the other arts and communications disciplines.

In your final term, you undertake a project that prepares you for a contemporary, multi-dimensional career or for future studies at the graduate level.

Human resource (HR) management professionals add value to their organizations by creating solutions to complex issues, such as succession planning, staffing strategies and adjusting to workplace change.

Designed by leading practitioners in the field, this program gives students both the skills and strategic insights necessary for successful human resources management practice. Students learn about general management theories, organizational behaviour, labour and employee relations, employee training and development, compensation, staffing, workplace health and safety, employment law and change management. The program combines case study analysis with exposure to actual human resources projects and challenges.

MacEwan University has made another move to prepare their Human Resources Management graduates for success in their careers. MacEwan University’s Human Resources Management program is now accredited with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR). Visit the CPHR Alberta Designation page (https://www.cphrab.ca/become-a-CPHR) which outlines the process required to achieve the designation, and includes information on how to apply to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).

Success in today’s business world depends on sound decisions based on timely, accurate and well-directed financial information. Successful accounting students have good analytical skills, are able to work in a team environment and are self-motivated. In addition, they need effective oral and written communication skills for success.

The Accounting and Strategic Measurement diploma provides a comprehensive overview of accounting procedures and principles. Students in the program learn about management, cost and financial accounting, finance, taxation, computer applications and management skills, providing them with intermediate level accounting knowledge.

Many children, youth and their families experience trauma, often through abuse, neglect, or a significant loss. They may also have stressors such as mental health, education, poverty, communication or family conflict. Child and youth care practitioners work relationally with individuals and families to help them gain new insights, supports and strategies to navigate the complexities of their lives and an ever-changing world.

The child and youth care program provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to work effectively with children, youth and families in a wide range of practice settings. Specialized child and youth care courses and courses in disciplines such as the humanities and social sciences prepare students to become well-rounded child and youth care professionals.

In years one and two, foundational courses with a personal-growth focus prepare students to form helping relationships with youth and families through effective communication and an understanding of adolescent and lifespan development, family dynamics and activity programming. Child and youth care methods, communication and counselling, and family support and intervention courses prepare students for entry-level positions in the field. Field placements provide the opportunity to apply coursework to practice settings. Students may choose the diploma exit option at the end of year two.

Years three and four prepare students for advanced practice in intensive programs with children, youth and families with multiple, complex challenges through courses on abuse and neglect, substance abuse, law and social services, and advanced methodology in individual, group and family practice. Research, statistics, advanced field placement and arts and science courses complete degree level education and prepare students for more complex positions and graduate programs in child and youth care.

The Public Relations diploma offers a unique opportunity for people with previous post-secondary education to ready themselves for an exciting new career in communications in less than a year.

Public relations is a vibrant, dynamic field in the business environment, simply because organizations are being challenged by their publics – clients, shareholders, communities, employees – to do a better job of communicating.

This program has an excellent, nationwide reputation in the business community. It focuses on training students to be functional, entry-level practitioners the minute they leave the program. While theory receives the necessary attention to develop the students’ understanding of the “big picture” and the potential for growth, the primary goal of the program is to give students the practical tools and skills to make an immediate, positive contribution.

Critical-thinking skills, problem-solving ability, creativity and the ability to rise to a challenge are all valuable assets in this fast-paced program. Group work is extensive and students must work effectively in a team setting. Students should have excellent language skills and be prepared to excel in writing.