College Programs: A Select Guide
This guide represents a small selection of some of Canada's most renowned college programs. It is not intended to be comprehensive, but an indicator of some of the advanced skills to be found on polytechnic and college campuses. For full program lists, consult college websites.
The guide has been compiled from information supplied by the polytechnics and colleges. We have created broad categories to help you navigate the selected programs:
- ARTS / MEDIA / DESIGN
- BUSINESS / MANAGEMENT
- HEALTH CARE / HEALTH SCIENCES
- ENGINEERING / TECHNOLOGY
- ENVIRONMENT / NATURAL RESOURCES / ENERGY
- PROFESSIONS / SERVICE INDUSTRIES
ARTS/MEDIA/DESIGN
PERFORMING ARTS / FILM / MUSIC
Fanshawe College
Music industry arts program focusing on the music business and recording technology, curriculum includes contracts, song and composition analysis as well as production techniques.
Selkirk College
Music & Technology - Contemporary
Two-year diploma with majors in Composition, Engineering or Performance.
Niagara College
Acting for film and television.
Two-year program training actors for big-and-small screen work.
Grant MacEwan College
Music
Two-year diploma providing academic and performance training in rock, pop and jazz.
Theatre arts
Two-year diploma training students in acting, singing and dance.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Bachelor's in applied music
Four-year degree combining training in performance and composition with electives such as recording and production.
Comedy writing and performance
Unique two-year diploma in the art of comedy.
Sheridan Institute of Technology
Music theatre.
Advanced diploma course.
George Brown College
Theatre arts
Three-year diploma training students for work as actors in theatre, TV and film.
Cambrian College
Music - performance
The only college program (two years) in Ontario to focus on classical music.
Mount Royal College
Music performance
Two-year diploma in jazz or classical.
Langara College
Theatre arts
Renowned program, known as Studio 58, that trains actors, stage managers, technicians and designers.
Film arts
Eight-month program for those with experience or education. Three streams: acting, writing or directing.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Film and video production
Two-year program that draws students from around the world.
Grande Prairie Regional College
Interactive digital design (music)
Two-year program trains students for the music industry with courses including digital music production, arranging, electronic notation, and performance.
Northwest Community College
First Nations fine arts
Unique two-year program in aboriginal art, training students in technique, art history and the legacy of Haida artist Freda Diesing.
Fleming College
Museum management and curatorship
Unique post-graduate, three-semester program includes training at the local Peterborough Museum and Archives.
Collections conservation and management
Post-graduate certificate four-semester program trains students in the conservation of museum artifacts such as ceramics, glass, stone, metals, textiles, works of art and books.
St. Clair College
Entertainment technology
A new three-year program trains students in lighting, staging, sound, audio visual and scene construction allowing them to work in theatres, theme parks, audio visual companies, etc...
Red Deer College
Motion picture arts
Bachelor's degree program trains students for work in the film and TV industry, with two streams - acting and production.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Music Arts
Two-year program preparing students to be freelance musicans or music business entrepreneurs, with training in performance, technology, business management and applied computer applications.
Heritage Carpentry
Two-year program giving specialized training in the craftsmanship required for the renovation and the preservation of historic buildings.
FASHION
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Fashion management
A new four-year bachelor of applied business program to prepare graduates for the fashion industry; training in business management, wholesale and retail operations and import/export management.
Seneca College
Fashion Arts
Three-year program trains students to enter the business in design, production management, quality control, product development and pattern making.
Fashion Business
Two-year program sends graduates into the fashion retail industry.
Olds College
Fashion apparel technology
Two-year program offers tailoring and custom design training.
George Brown College
Fashion Management
Two-year program on the business of fashion, from manufacturing to marketing and retail. A one-year diploma on the international fashion business is available.
Vancouver Community College
Fashion arts
One and two-year diploma programs in design.
Fanshawe College
Fashion design
Three-year co-op program trains students in all areas of garment design.
DESIGN / COMPUTER ANIMATION
Sheridan Institute of Technology
Applied arts (animation)
Arguably Canada's most renowned bachelor's program for training animators.
Design
Renowned four-year joint degree program with York University.
Loyalist College
Animation
Three-year advanced diploma program includes internships and entrepreneurial training for graduates wanting to set up own shop.
Seneca College
3D animation
Eight-month graduate certificate training in 3D computer-based modelling and animation.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Multimedia design
Two-year program that focuses on interactive media design and development.
Mohawk College
Comic design and scripting
Unique, one-year program trains students to be artists in the comic-book industry and related publishing fields
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Graphic communications technology
Diploma program prepares students for the print and publishing industry in such areas as pre-press, press, bindery, finishing, management, sales, marketing, and customer service.
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)
Animation and Graphics
Assorted programs.
Langara College
Display and design
Two-year program encompassing 3-D design for retail, exhibit and special events, interior design theory and graphic presentation, plus advertising, marketing, and small business management.
Winnipeg Technical College
Production art
The well-regarded program combines graphic design and printing and is one of only a few to train students in flexographic printing.
Dawson College
3-D animation and computer generated imagery
A new three-year program trains students as graphic artists for the animation industry and related fields.
Medicine Hat College
Visual communications
Four-year degree program with a stated aim of blurring the boundaries separating the fine arts from design and industry.
John Abbott College
Publication design and hypermedia technology
Three-year program trains students in website creation, publication design and graphic design.
MEDIA / JOURNALISM
Niagara College
Broadcasting, radio, television and film
Three-year program leading to careers on-air as reporters/ announcers or off-air as technicians/ producers/ directors.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Journalism - print and broadcasting
Two-year graduate program in either specialization in state-of-the-art newsroom and studios.
Mount Royal College
Broadcasting
Two-year program trains graduates for radio, television, production facility, or web-based environments.
Fanshawe College
Radio broadcasting
Graduates of the two-year program become announcers, producers, writers, programmers, sales and marketing and promotional professionals.
Loyalist College
Photojournalism
Billed as Canada's only dedicated two-year program. Graduates find work as photojournalists, reporter/ photographers, picture editors, photo technicians or digital publishing specialists.
Algonquin College
Documentary production
A two-semester program in the business of independent documentary production and the Canadian policy landscape of documentary funding, marketing and distribution. Prepares for careers as researchers, scriptwriters, camera operators, sound recordists, video editors, field producers, directors, and production managers. Plus programs in print and broadcast journalism.
Centennial College
Books and magazine publishing
Graduate certificate program.
Langara College
Journalism
Two-year diploma or one-year certificate (for university graduates) programs oriented toward print journalism with some exposure to Internet and broadcasting skills.
Camosun College
Applied Communication
Two-year media-generalist program includes theory and production skills for television, radio, electronic and print publication, photography and graphics and public relations.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Broadcast systems technology
Two-year program supplies graduates to the TV, radio, post-production, equipment manufacturing and other audio-visual industries.
BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT
Fanshawe College
Business administration - marketing
Three-year program includes marketing research study, communications plans, customer relationship management, and a course on optimal use of the Google/Yahoo search engine.
Camosun College
Indigenous business leadership
A new two-year business diploma program for aboriginal students combines business training and teaching, leading to careers in management consulting or business ownership.
Business administration
Four-year bachelor's degree with three majors: accounting, human resource management and marketing communications.
Georgian College
Automotive management
Four-year applied-business bachelor's degree program, leading to careers in leadership in the automotive industry.
Langara College
Bachelor of business administration
A four-year baccalaureate degree in business with four concentrations: accounting, business management, and marketing management.
Algonquin
Sport business management
The one-year graduate certificate program covers marketing, sponsorship, economics, finance, event planning, customer service, legal issues, governance and project management. Includes work placements throughout the program.
Holland College
Golf club management
Two-year program trains students in every aspect of operations in the golf industry.
Sheridan Institute of Technology
International business
One-year graduate certificate focuses on doing business in world markets and offers a co-op option.
Lakeland College
Applied business - emergency services
Bachelor degree program leading to careers in emergency services management.
Collège Boréal
Funeral service education
The only French-language program of its kind in Ontario. Students are trained in human biology, physiopathology, embalming, psychology of mourning, and legal and ethical issues.
HEALTH CARE/HEALTH SCIENCE
Douglas College
Sports science
Renowned two-year diploma program trains in sports administration, physical development, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport history and sport psychology. Also available: bachelor of physical education and coaching.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Prosthetics and orthotics
Two-year diploma program trains graduates to recognize patient problems, assess needs, design and construct appliances, select appropriate materials and deal with emotional difficulties.
Fanshawe College
Medical radiation technology
Three-year program leading to careers in public and private and health care or industry.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Health informatics
Four-year bachelor's degree program in the growing field of managing health-care data and knowledge using information technology.
Fleming College
Biotechnology technologist - forensics
Two-year program in a cutting-edge field that leads to careers including health care, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental monitoring or law enforcement.
Sheridan College
Athletic therapy
Bachelor's program specializing in treating professional athletes.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Nuclear medicine technology
Nationally recognized diploma program training students in the use of radioactive tracers to image disease processes within the body.
Bow Valley College
Nutrition management
Three-year certificate can be taken entirely online.
Grand Prairie Regional College
Fitness leadership, older adult fitness and wellness
Unique two-year program for personal trainers who want to work with older adults.
Centennial College
Paramedic
Two-year program includes training in emergency, medical, trauma psychological situations in a state-of-the-art centre.
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
Advanced care paramedic
Respected two-year program.
NURSING
Mohawk College
Collaborative Nursing
Degree Program in partnership with Conestoga Institute of Technology and McMaster University.
Mount Royal College
Bachelor's program in Nursing.
Grant MacEwan College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a new health-care facility.
Durham College
Critical Care Nursing E-Learning
Graduate Certificate Innovative nursing program allowing students to take most classes at home using e-learning courses and simulations. Students carry a PDA with critical-care software resources.
George Brown College
Its School of Nursing is one of Canada's largest and best-known.
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
Psychiatric Nursing
A new two-year program that includes simulation lab work and training in clinical settings.
Fanshawe College
Nursing
Four-year collaborative degree program with the University of Western Ontario.
Lambton College
Nursing
A four-year bachelor's degree program offered in collaboration with the University of Windsor.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Nursing
To help fill acute demand for nursing professionals, BCIT has accelerated the bachelor's degree program from four to three years and plans a 50 per cent increase in intake.
Douglas College
Psychiatric Nursing
Renowned three-year diploma that can be advanced into a degree.
Langara College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Program equips students with the broad base of knowledge and skills necessary to provide professional nursing care.
Cambrian College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Four-year joint program with Laurentian University
Bow Valley College
Practical Nursing
Diploma program can be completed in 17 months
ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY
AVIATION
Seneca College
Applied technology (flight program)
Bachelor's degree; trains commercial pilots.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Airport operations
Diploma program trains airport management professionals.
Centennial College
Aviation technician
Well-regarded two-year program is accredited by Transport Canada. Graduates also receive an 18-month experience credit toward a Canadian aircraft maintenance engineer licence.
College of the North Atlantic
Aircraft maintenance engineering technician
Two-year diploma program.
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)
Aircraft maintenance engineer
Two-year program for careers in commercial aviation.
Northern Lights College
Aircraft maintenance engineering
Renowned 15-month program; specialization in specific helicopter types also offered.
Georgian College
Aviation management
Respected three-year diploma program trains students for careers in the aviation industry.
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)
Aviation technology
Twenty-month pilot training program.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Two-year program training students in maintenance of airframes, engines and associated systems for airplanes and helicopters.
ENGINEERING / TECHNICAL
Winnipeg Technical College
Motosport technician
This recently introduced program, one of only a few in North America, trains students to service leisure vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Loyalist College
Biotechnology technician/technologist
Trains students for careers as technicians, lab technologists and research assistants to work in agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals, sanitation and health research.
Food safety
This three-year advanced diploma program was designed in response to employers' identified needs for expertise in science, food safety and environmental management.
Manufacturing engineering technician
Two-year diploma program prepares students for careers as maintenance planners, performance lab co-ordinators, design-verification technicians, and computer numerical control programmers.
Seneca College
Informatics and security
Bachelor of applied technology degree program prepares students for careers in IT networks and security-related issues.
Algonquin College
Masonry - heritage and traditional
A unique 45-week diploma program provides training in the masonry industry, from new residential and commercial construction to heritage restoration and conservation. Includes courses in Canadian architectural history.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Electrical and computer engineering technology
Two-year diploma program trains students in control strategies, measurement techniques, and electronic and computer systems used in the automatic control of commercial and industrial operations.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Construction-process piping and design
A unique program that draws students from across Canada for training in drafting pipes for the energy industry.
Cambrian College
Powerline technician
The only college program of its kind in Ontario, the four-semester program trains sought-after graduates for work in all facets of the industry.
Mining engineering technology
Three-year program trains graduates for leading roles in all aspects of the mining industry.
Lambton College
Chemical production and power engineering technology
Three-year program trains graduates in technologies used in industries such as oil and chemical processing, power production, steel production, food processing, pulp and paper.
Instrumentation and control engineering technology
Three-year program trains students for careers in control and measurement processes in industry and manufacturing.
Okanagan College
Geographical information systems
Specialized program provides training in ArcInfo, a leading GIS software, for fields including agriculture and fisheries, forestry and urban planning.
Selkirk College
Geographic information systems
One-year advanced diploma, for those with experience or education, in becoming a geospatial expert with expertise in GIS, remote sensing, 3D visualization and internet mapping technologies.
St.Clair College
Power engineering technology - fast track
A three-year program fast-tracked to 21 months to meet sector demand, training students as specialized technologists for the power generation industry or in large settings such as hospitals.
Mechanical engineering technology - mechatronics
Three-year advanced diploma program combining mechanical and electronics engineering technology. Mechatronics specialists design, fabricate, assemble, install and troubleshoot automated systems and equipment.
ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES/ENERGY
ENERGY INDUSTRY
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Petroleum engineering
Flagship degree program at the MacPhail School of Energy, which specializes in energy-sector training, including programs in environmental technology and accounting for the oil and gas industry.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Rig technician apprenticeship
Program trains oil and gas drilling workers.
Olds College
Land agent diploma
The program trains land-rights negotiators, many of whom work in Alberta's oil sands.
Assiniboine College
Sustainable energy technician (wind turbine)
One-year certificate to train students to work in the burgeoning wind energy industry.
The program builds on Fleming College's partnership in the Peterborough DNA Cluster, a strategic alliance between local private and public-sector partners to advance local research of DNA and forensic science.
Durham College
Renewable energy technician
A new, two-year diploma program trains students in the installation, repair and maintenance of renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power and ground source heat pumps.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Sustainable energy and building technology
A new three-year program trains students in both technical and marketing skills for careers in the sustainable energy industry.
Cambrian College
Energy systems technology
Three-year program trains graduates to work in careers in green building, energy efficiency and resource conservation.
Lambton College
Alternative energy engineering technology
A three-year co-op program training students in current and emerging energy technologies.
Northern Lights College
Land and resource management
One and two-year programs in land administration, being a land agent and land reclamation, training students for work in the oil and gas industry.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Marine Geomatics
One-year advanced diploma program in the field of geomatics in ocean environments, leading to careers in offshore construction and oil-and-gas exploration companies, government organizations and research agencies.
ENVIRONMENT / RESOURCES
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
Water resources engineering technology
Program trains students for careers in water quality management. Sharing a common first year with civil and environmental programs.
Natural resources technologies
Offered in Northern Saskatchewan, these programs share a common first year leading to specializations such as environmental protection, silviculture and resource management.
Durham College
Water quality technician
Two-year program trains students in waste water treatment systems, water use industries and environmental monitoring.
Collège Boréal
Natural resources technologist
Specializations in this program include forestry, fish and wildlife technician, forestry technologist, and fish and wildlife management.
Fleming College
Ecological Restoration
Joint four-year BSc/diploma program with Trent University in the recovery of damaged or destroyed ecosystems.
Algonquin College
Green business management
A new one-year program aimed at entrepreneurs or business managers who are looking at green strategies for market advantage, government workers who are interested in "greening" their agency/workplace and environmentalists looking for work in the growing area of environmental business.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Renewable resources: fish, wildlife and recreation
Two-year diploma of technology program entails all aspects of fisheries and wildlife management while covering B.C.'s park systems and the outdoor recreation sector.
Lethbridge College
Conservation enforcement
Unique bachelor's degree program problem trains students in wildlife management, investigations, park operations and resource law enforcement.
Assiniboine College
Land and water management
Two-year program teaches environmental monitoring and management in an agricultural context, with emphasis on climate change issues.
Northwest Community College
Applied coastal ecology
One or two-year program training students in oceanography, wildlife and fish management and ecology for careers in preserving coastal ecosystems.
Okanagan College
Water quality environmental engineering technology
Two-year diploma program, only one of its kind in B.C., providing training in the design and maintenance of water and waste systems.
Lakeland College
Environmental protection technology
Two-year diploma program.
Seneca College
Environmental site remediation
A four-year bachelor's degree program training students in science, law, engineering and computer applications involved in environmental site remediation and land redevelopment.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Environmental Engineering Technology - Water Resources
Two-year program providing training in engineering technology in the management, protection, development and use of water resources.
FARMING / ANIMALS
Olds College
Agriculture management
New two-year program prepares students for a career managing agricultural production, service and value-adding enterprises, with skills training in managing animals, plants, business and technology.
Animal health technology
Two-year program in which students receive training in medical procedures such as anesthesia, surgical assistance, lab testing, radiography, dentistry, animal nursing, emergency care and veterinary office procedures. The theory components can be taken online.
Equine science
Two-year program trains students for work in the equine industry and offers four majors: business and event management, production and breeding management, horsemanship and equestrian coaching.
Horticulture
Two-year program in plant, soil and environmental sciences as well as communications, management and business practices.
Lakeland College
Crop technology
Two-year program includes managing Canada's only student-managed farm and leads to careers in farming management.
Fanshawe College
Horticulture
Two-year co-op program emphasizes kills such as landscape field construction, plant production, arboriculture and garden and landscape maintenance.
PROFESSIONS/SERVICE INDUSTRIES
CULINARY / WINE
Niagara College
Winery and viticulture technician and wine business management Leading-edge programs in Ontario wine country.
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Variety of programs in culinary arts and hospitality industry management.
Holland College
Culinary arts
Two-year program in one of Canada's most prestigious culinary schools. Also offers a degree program in culinary operations.
George Brown College
Culinary management
Two-year chef-training diploma one of the renowned programs at the high-profile chef school.
Vancouver Community College
Culinary arts
Range of programs, including a specialization in Asian cuisine.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Culinary arts
Well-regarded two-year program in a state-of-the-art new facility.
Assinibione College
Culinary arts
Two-year diploma involves broadcast theatre, where media production students produce segments for TV and Internet with student chefs.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Bakery and pastry arts
Only college in Canada to offer this diploma over two years instead of one. Specialty courses include sugar work artistry, chocolate arts and wedding cake design.
Okanagan College
Oenology and viticulture
Two-year winemaking program in B.C. wine country, after which students can transfer to bachelor's program at Brock University.
TOURISM / HOSPITALITY
Fanshawe College
Concierge services
Unique post-grad program trains hospitality program graduates in global issues and cultural literacy.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Hospitality and tourism management
Newly revamped program features classroom innovations including training delivered via WebCT in a blended learning environment.
Bow Valley College
Events management
One or two-year program training in organization of special events and conferences.
Lakeland College
Adventure tourism and outdoor recreation
Trains students in interpretation, guiding and outdoor living skills and business, leadership and service expertise.
Red Deer College
Hospitality and tourism management
Two-year diploma program prepares students for careers in the industry.
Algonquin College
Outdoor adventure naturalist
Two-year diploma co-op program compressed into three terms training students as nature interpreters, adventure and ecotourism leaders.
College of the Rockies
Mountain adventure skills training
Intensive nine-month program offers intensive training in outdoor adventure activities as well as the business and risk management aspects of the adventure tourism industry.
Adventure tourism business operations
Diploma program trains students in business, communication, operations management, technical field skills and leadership skills.
Holland College
Commercial diving
Nine-month program trains in skills for commercial diving, burning/welding, maintenance and inspection.
Selkirk College
Two-year diploma combines industry specific and business management courses for the snow sports industry.
LEGAL / LAW ENFORCEMENT
Loyalist College
Customs border services
Two-year program prepares graduates for entry-level positions with customs brokerages, private business, and freight forwarders and for positions as officers with Canada Border Services. Includes courses on the justice system, human behaviour, law, and import/export practices.
Centennial College
Community and justice services
Two-year program prepares students for a career in the criminal justice system and community services. It covers criminology, offender profiles, gangs, youth culture and the law and clients with mental health disorders.
Sheridan College
Investigation - public and private
Two-year program trains students in forensic investigative techniques for use in law enforcement and business fields such as insurance.
Mount Royal College
Criminal Justice
Four-year BA program combines theory and workplace learning in training for law enforcement, community outreach and victim services.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Forensic science technology
Program for health-care and law-enforcement workers.
Okanagan College
Criminal and social justice
Two-year program leads to careers in government, policing, criminal investigation, and private and public investigation.
Lethbridge College
Correctional studies
Four-year bachelor's degree program teaches skills in community justice, ethics, behavioural management, victimology, management and leadership.
EDUCATION / SOCIAL WORK
Fanshawe College
Autism and behavioural science
Training for careers as autism specialists in agencies and school boards, or as private providers of behavioural therapy.
Lambton College
Autism and behavioural sciences
One-year graduate program for students who have a diploma or degree in a related area and wish to acquire a specialization in treatment of autism.
Grande Prairie Regional College
Teacher education north
Joint bachelor program with the University of Alberta and Grande Prairie Regional College, to train teachers to work in schools in remote northern communities.
St. Clair College
Early childhood education
A five-year program in conjunction with the University of Windsor, allowing students to work concurrently on their ECE diploma, a bachelor of social sciences and bachelor of education.
Centennial College
Child and youth worker
Three-year program of training as a mental health professional to provide treatment and counselling to disturbed and at-risk children and adolescents. Graduates gain two years of university credit towards a BA in child and youth work through agreements with Ryerson University and the University of Western Sydney.
Medicine Hat College
Addictions counselling
Unique four-year baccalaureate program trains students for careers in public and private agencies, education and law enforcement.
Douglas College
Youth justice
Unique in B.C., the two-year program trains specialists to work with troubled teens and support their rehabilitation.
Dawson College
Community recreation leadership
Three-year program that trains students to work in leisure and recreation. It focuses on teamwork, outdoor and environmental education, communication techniques, promotion and fundraising.
Langara College
Library and information technology
Two-year program prepares students for careers in all types of libraries and information centres, including public, academic, school and specialized areas such as medical, legal, corporate or government.
Lakeland College
Sign language interpretation
An 18-month program with University of Alberta to train students in sign language for careers in business, education, religious settings, courtrooms, conferences and performing arts.
John Abbott College
Information and library technologies
Three-year programs leading to careers in corporate, government, database, website organizations, libraries and archives.
