Diploma in Theatre Arts

at MacEwan University Canada

The two-year Fine Art diploma program prepares students for degree completion (Bachelor of Fine Art or Bachelor of Arts) and for starting a professional art practice. Students study historical and contemporary art in studio and art history courses, along with English, FFAC options and university electives. Students work in studios in Allard Hall on MacEwan University’s downtown campus, walking distance to campus facilities and services, as well as to museums and galleries in Edmonton’s downtown arts district.

The Fine Art program exposes students to the diversity of contemporary art practice, and emphasizes the development of creative, research and professional skills. In the first year, students learn elements and principles used in visual composition, art themes and media, creative research and histories of art and visual culture. In the second year, they develop a personal direction as they study and explore contemporary art theories and practice, professional practice, and pursue idea and process within studio course objectives. Digital technologies along with traditional approaches are incorporated throughout the curricula in coursework in drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, performance art, digital art, video and emerging forms. Studio assignments are designed to foster creative problem-solving skills, fluency with creative language and a strong work ethic. Through critiques, lectures and seminars, and visiting artist lectures, students learn to discuss their own art as it relates to contemporary art and its influences and contexts.

Consistent with the philosophy of Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan, MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program holds the values of respect, compassion, leadership, scholarship and accountability. The BScN program is designed to prepare graduates who are committed to excellence in professional practice and who contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and society. Throughout the program students acquire knowledge, skills and attributes to ready themselves for safe, compassionate, evidence-informed, competent and ethical nursing practice.

MacEwan University’s BScN program is a rigorous, four-year program designed to introduce, expand and sequentially integrate knowledge, concepts and theories. Our approach to learning promotes the retention and application of in-depth knowledge and diverse skills. The program is delivered through contextual and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory and practice settings. Theoretical knowledge is attained from the disciplines of nursing, arts, sciences and humanities. Knowledge and competencies for nursing research, education and leadership roles are encompassed within the program. BScN graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX – RN.

Police professionals are quick thinkers, effective decision makers and can keep a level head in stressful situations. The police studies program teaches you to use these strengths to serve your community.

In this two-year diploma program, you learn about current theories of criminology, investigative techniques, law, psychology, evidence collection and forensics. You gain the knowledge, practical skills and field experience you need to prepare for a career in policing.    

The Bachelor of Music focuses on the study of jazz and contemporary popular music, responds to the current demands of the industry and combines a high degree of professionalism along with the academic rigour required for further education at the graduate level. The opportunity to study with internationally renowned professionals while following a challenging academic curriculum will give you the skills, insights, competency and credentials to pursue a career as a performer, creator and leader in the evolving music industry.

All Bachelor of Music students share a common curriculum in the first year that focuses on individual study (voice, piano, guitar, bass, drums, winds, brass or violin), performance ensemble, theory (jazz and traditional), aural skills, and musicology. After successful completion of the first year, students pursue a major route (specialized program of study).

The Recording and Production major is unique in Canada because of its focus on jazz and contemporary popular music and its commitment to the tonmeister approach that holds musicianship and musical art central to the development of high-level music recording engineers and producers. Students in the Recording major take courses in recording studio and production techniques, acoustics and psychoacoustics, technical ear training, live sound reinforcement, digital/analog signal flow, applications in music technology, and mastering, and acquire professional-level skills in AVID Pro Tools and other essential industry-standard software. The program of study also includes core Bachelor of Music courses in performance, theory, aural skills, cultural studies of music, and the business of music.

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).

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.

MacEwan University’s innovative and dynamic two-year 60-credit diploma in Arts and Cultural Management will prepare you for a career in arts management. Whether you are a practicing artist looking for the skill set to manage your own career or someone who loves supporting the creation and development of arts and culture in your community, this diploma will prepare you to take on administrative and management roles in the creative and cultural sectors. Building on the success of almost 40 years of arts management training at MacEwan University, you will leave the program with the skills you need to begin an exciting career in arts and cultural management.

Through the program, you develop close ties to the arts and cultural community, and emerge from your studies ready to assist organizations in the areas of fund/resource and audience development, publicity and media relations, human resource management, special event planning, project management, and much more.

After completing the academic portion of the program, you will practice what you have learned in an exciting two-month field placement with an organization of your choice. This practical experience comprises six credits in the credential and is a key factor for your successful transition into paid employment in the sector.

A variety of international educational opportunities are available to students throughout their course of study, including cultural study tours and international exchange opportunities.

If you have other post-secondary education and want to start working sooner, you may choose to exit the program with a certificate after one year of study.

Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration (BAHSA) is a distance-delivered program designed for individuals working in the health or human service field who hold, or strive to hold, supervisory or management positions. Distance study makes the program accessible to students regardless of geographic location and provides the flexibility to balance studies with professional and family responsibilities. Students access their course material and readings online and become part of a virtual community of learners. Faculty guide student learning through online class discussions and activities.

The curriculum includes theory in administration, with an emphasis on leadership, supervision and management. Studies include human, financial and physical resource management, managing change, communication, community-based practice, research practices and trend and issue analysis. Assignments are practical in nature and generally involve the application of theory to the student’s workplace. Building on a previous diploma or degree, the program consists of ten 3-credit theory courses and two 15-credit directed field studies. Students may complete the directed field studies in their current workplace or in an appropriate agency. Study may be full or part-time. Students have six years to complete the program; however, it may be completed in as little as three years.

In the increasingly complex field of emergency telecommunications, there is a need for personnel who have the ability to assess situations quickly and respond in an appropriate manner. Emergency communicators are the critical link between the public and those who provide police, fire and emergency medical assistance. As the field evolves, the need for highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals is critical. The field demands professionals who are able to multi-task, use high-tech equipment, think critically and quickly in a stressful setting, and respond to the challenges of the field.

The Emergency Communications and Response program develops the broad knowledge and skills required of call evaluators or dispatchers and the unique knowledge and skills in police, fire and emergency medical environments. The program is a full-time, eight-month certificate. Full-time program entry occurs each fall. The full-time program may be offered as a combination of day and evening courses. The students participate in a short field placement with a communication centre in the final month of the program.

Get ready for a dynamic career in theatre production. Our stages are waiting for you.

The theatre production major prepares you to work in live and recorded entertainment sectors as a technician, artisan, craftsperson and manager. Through hands-on work experience, you produce the entire MacEwan University theatre season. Trained in the fundamental areas of theatre production, you learn to apply those skills as a member of a variety of creative teams: stage and production management, costuming, scenic painting, scenic construction, lighting, video, properties and audio.

What to expect
From your first term until the final year of your degree, you are a member of a variety of creative teams: stage and production management, costume, scenic painting, scenic construction, lighting, video, properties and audio. The theory you learn in class is immediately put into practice through hands-on activities.

In the first two years, you complete required foundational courses. In the third and fourth years, you have the opportunity to focus on a specific area of theatre production and to enhance your learning with courses from other disciplines.