This document discusses Ontario college programs and pathways. It outlines that colleges offer a wide variety of two-year diploma programs across many sectors, from applied arts and business to health and technology. Programs are tied to industries and offer credentials from certificates to degrees. Admission typically requires an Ontario secondary school diploma along with prerequisite courses in English, math, and the program area. The document emphasizes that college prepares students for employment through industry-connected learning and credentials, and that college diplomas can also articulate into degree programs at universities.

1. Ontario Colleges:
Programs, Pathways, Possibilities
Peter Meehan, Chair,
School of Liberal Arts and Academic Partnerships
Seneca College

2. College Programs
Wide variety of programs, all tied to industry or
a particular sector:
 Applied Arts (animation, broadcasting, media
arts, photography, music)
 Business (accounting, marketing, financial
services, international business)
 Health, community and human services
(practical nursing, social service worker, early
childhood education, tourism)

3. College Programs
Wide variety of programs, all tied to industry or a
particular sector:
 Information Technology (computer programming
and analysis, software development, information
security, communications technology);
 Applied Science and Engineering Technology
(biotechnology, civil engineering technology,
aviation, environmental science);
 Coop /field placement/internship opportunities.

4. College Programs
Wide range of credentials
One year (two semesters) certificate;
Two year (four semesters) diploma;
Three year (six semesters) advanced diploma;
Four year (eight semesters) college degree;
One year (two or three semesters) Ontario Graduate
certificate;
 Coop Apprenticeship Diploma;
 Pre-apprenticeship;
 Industry/sector certifications (standalone or
embedded)
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5. Pathways to College
Admission Requirements:
 Ontario Secondary School Diploma;
 College preparation (“C”) courses for diplomas and
certificates;
 “U” courses, “M” (University/College) credits;
 Degree programs require six Grade 12 “U” level
credits with a minimum of 65%;
 English;
 Mathematics;
 Program specific requirements

6. Pathways to College
 Dual Credits/Specialist High Skills Major;
 Foundation programs – enhance skills, build
confidence and explore programs/careers.
 Importance of Learning Skills;
 Importance of deep understanding of
“foundational concepts and skills” for success
in a college program – the big “disconnect”.

7. Pathways to College
 Importance of selecting the “right” course to
provide the best preparation for a particular
program (College Mathematics Project report);
 Don’t underestimate the “fit” between the
learning environment and the learner;
 Graduate certificates- why university grads
flock to colleges;

8. Pathways from College – the
Possibilities
 Employment – program connection to industry results in
strong graduate employment rates;
 Industry Accreditation and Certification = industry
recognition;
 Coop, field placement and internships = employment
advantage;
 Articulation into degree programs – university and college
degrees (B.A. and B. Sc. - e.g. Liberal Arts program York, U
of T, Trent), Chemistry and Biotechnology (University of
Guelph), Engineering (Lakehead).