If you're eager to start your post-secondary journey but unsure which program is best for you, we’ve got you covered! At Durham College (DC), we pride ourselves on offering fundamental programs that serve as the cornerstone for future success. Whether you're interested in business, technology, healthcare, or the arts, our wide range of foundational courses provide the perfect starting point and introduction before further enhancing your education. Check out the following six Certificate programs that can help you transition to post-secondary life while helping you determine your career path.
BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
If you’re interested in entering the business world, this program will help you develop a solid foundation in business knowledge, skills and competencies while also identifying which area of business suits your talents and interests for your future career.
In today’s digital world, computer skills are essential. Whether you're analyzing data, creating designs, or writing content, understanding technology gives you a competitive edge in nearly every industry. This certificate program is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in launching a career in computer technologies. In just eight months, you'll gain a solid foundation in core areas such as programming languages, systems development, and operating systems.
The world of emergency services holds many career paths, and it may be difficult to know where to start. This program, which is unique to DC, will provide you with the fundamental and essential skills required in many emergency service or health science careers, such as Paramedic, Police Foundations, or Practical Nursing, just to name a few!
This program introduces you to animation, filmmaking, video production, motion graphics and video game production. You will learn many of the creative and technical skills required to produce animated content for a wide range of industry applications as well as develop a portfolio of work to further your education in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design.
This program equips you with essential art and design skills, introducing you to a broad range of media, tools, and techniques. You'll develop a well-rounded portfolio that showcases both your creative vision and technical ability—an asset for advancing into competitive programs in fine arts, graphic design, animation, and game development.
Still deciding what you want to do? Earn a certificate as unique as you are, while developing the critical thinking and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s world. This program prepares you to continue your studies in college or university by helping you strengthen essential academic skills and habits while you become familiar with post-secondary life, expectations, and opportunities.
PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES PATHWAY TO CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS
Are you interested in pursuing a career in health sciences? This two-semester program is the perfect entry point and provides you with the foundation necessary for success in a college health sciences program. Strengthen your communication, mathematics, biology, chemistry and critical thinking skills as well as familiarize yourself with college life and a college workload.
PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES PATHWAY TO ADVANCED DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES
Build the academic skillset required for further education at the advanced diploma and degree level with this foundational program. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences industry and identify other programs that will enable you to achieve your future career goals.
Get a taste of the trades and see what suits you best in this foundational program that provides an opportunity to experience different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge through theory and shop work in order to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.
We know choosing a post-secondary program can feel overwhelming, so if you have any questions or if you’re not sure what your next step should be, contact the Start at DC Team today to book a one-on-one appointment!
When Carter Graham began his studies in the General Arts and Science program at Durham College (DC) last fall, he was carrying on a family tradition.
Both his parents are alumni of the program. His father Andrew graduated in 2006 while his mother Michelle followed in 2008. So, when Carter was considering his own post-secondary options, the path was clear.
“We both had success with that program, and he was a little unsure of what he wanted to do,” explained Michelle. “It’s a good starting point.”
Students in General Arts and Science have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects while earning credits that are transferable towards future post-secondary programs. At the same time, they strengthen the essential academic skills that they’ll need to succeed.
For Carter, the program has come as advertised. He’s immersed himself in the college experience while learning about a variety of topics, from the history of the universe to the history of video games.
“It’s been great,” said Carter. “I’ve met a bunch of people in my program that I’ve become friends with. All the teachers are really good, and everyone is very welcoming. I’ve taken some fun classes. It’s widened my knowledge on certain things.”
It has also helped him narrow his focus as he considers his future prospects. Having always had a passion for astronomy, for instance, he took a course on it to see if it merited further study.
His father had a similar experience in the program.
“It gave me a good overview of different things that I never got to study in high school,” said Andrew. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so it was a great way to get my foot in the door in college, try a bunch of things and see what interested me.”
For him, the journey took him to DC’s Advertising program, while Michelle enrolled in Child and Youth Care. Carter will also be extending his time at DC after graduation, having been accepted into the Trade Fundamentals program for this fall.
For each member of the Graham family, the General Arts and Science program proved to be an important steppingstone on their academic and professional journeys.
“It has great value,” said Michelle. “It helped direct me when I was unsure of what I wanted to do.”
It’s now done the same for her son.
“It’s definitely given me an insight on what interests I could study in the future,” he said.
Vikki Pike has made a habit of overcoming the odds.
The first-year Durham College (DC) student has experienced learning difficulties from a young age. At 16, she was functionally illiterate and was told by her teachers that she would never graduate from high school.
Fast forward six years and she’s not only a high school graduate; she’s a college student.
The remarkable turnaround was fuelled by her unshakeable belief in herself, a tireless work ethic and the support of her family.
“Over the years, I’ve been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability and communication comprehension disability. But those labels don’t define me. They’re just stepping stones on my journey,” said the 22-year-old.
Due to her learning difficulties as a young student, Vikki had often been denied the opportunity to do the same work as her classmates. Her teachers explained they didn’t want to set her up for failure, but that reasoning didn’t satisfy Vikki.
“To me, not trying was the biggest failure of all,” she said. “I was ready to embrace the challenge.”
Working closely with her aunt Joy Prophet, she embarked on a life-changing learning journey. Studying every day and late into the night, she developed essential skills like counting, reading and writing.
She attended the Trillium Demonstration School in Milton and excelled in the Empower Reading Program. Not content to help only herself, she began to advocate for other kids with learning difficulties. She spoke to Ontario’s former Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, successfully lobbying for a second year of access to the Demonstration School program for her fellow students. She also volunteered with the Ontario Human Rights Commission on its Right to Read inquiry report and was influential in getting the English curriculum in Ontario schools updated with science-based teaching and proper testing for all students with learning differences.
Her accomplishments also include being nominated as an International Dyslexia Association Student of the Year.
Once she decided that college was the place for her, she pursued that goal with her trademark tenacity. She started her journey by achieving excellent grades in DC’s Academic Upgrading program. Then, she enrolled in the General Arts and Science program. The demands of a college program have been challenging, but with the help of her professors and DC’s Access and Support Centre, she’s making it work. She even has plans to extend her studies in the future with the Accounting – Business Administration program.
“My professors at DC are understanding and recognize my potential, and they’re providing the support I need to thrive,” she said. “The Access and Support Centre has been instrumental in my success. They offer resources that have made a significant difference.”
Since taking charge of her educational journey, she hasn’t looked back. She continues to challenge herself each day, both in and out of the classroom.
“Learning is a gift I cherish. I approach every class with eagerness to absorb as much knowledge as possible,” she said. “College is demanding, but I appreciate every learning opportunity and I am loving it.”
She also plans to continue advocating for her fellow ‘Slippsters’ – those who have slipped through the cracks of the education system.
“I want to ensure that no one else has to endure what I did,” she said.
“To other students with learning difficulties: You can achieve your dreams with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. Use the support around you, ask questions, and don’t rush the learning process. Remember, it’s not how quickly you learn, but how much you learn that truly matters.”
When Peyton DeGuilio applied to Durham College’s (DC) General Arts & Science – General Certificate(GASC) program, it wasn’t part of a pre-determined plan. In fact, it was a last-minute decision prompted by a friend’s recommendation. With no clear career direction and a history of academic struggles, Peyton took a leap of faith. Little did she know that this spontaneous choice would lead her to a whole new world of possibilities.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, so the GASC program was perfect for me,” says Peyton. “I was nervous going into the program as it was my first time attending college, not to mention I never even finished high school. Thankfully though, it was even better than I expected!”
The GASC program became a turning point for Peyton, offering her the chance to explore different subjects while also gaining essential academic skills. Surrounded by a supportive community, she began to thrive. “I met some amazing professors and faculty who helped me every step of the way and I made lifelong friends.” She also credits her success to many of DC’s resources and on-campus supports, like the Student Academic Learning Services and the Access and Support Centre, which helped her stay on track.
What Peyton didn’t anticipate was how much her program would help uncover her interests as it began to pave the way for her future. “The GASC program showed me potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed, which allowed me to make the jump towards another program,” she says.
For Peyton, it wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was about realizing that she had what it took to succeed in an academic environment. “I was able to prove to myself and everyone who doubted me that not only was I able to participate in school, but thrive in it,” she said. This newfound confidence led her to pursue the next step in her journey: enrolling in DC’s Child & Youth Care (CYC) Advanced Diploma program. “I didn’t even know the CYC programeven existed before I got to DC, so by going through the GASC program I was exposed to a future career that was basically made for me.”
Looking back, Peyton is grateful for her decision to apply. “I spent so long being too scared to make the wrong decision that it prevented me from making any decision at all. I was nervous about going back to school, but the faculty at DC genuinely changed my entire perspective on education.”
As she works toward completing the CYC program, Peyton is passionate about her future goals. “I want to help children in the school system, especially those who struggle like I did. I’d love to be part of rethinking the way we support students and to create positive change for those who need it most, just like how the faculty at DC helped me.”
Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories and how DC has helped them thrive.
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