Durham College launches program to meet professional development needs of non-commissioned military personnel

May 1, 2007

Online courses will deliver leadership, communication and other critical skills

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College announced today that it has launched an online program that will deliver valuable leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills to non-commissioned members (NCM) of the Canadian Forces and other individuals interested in military affairs.

The Military Arts and Science program is being offered online and on a part-time basis through Durham College’s partnership with OntarioLearn, a consortium of 22 Ontario colleges working together to develop and deliver online courses. The first 16 students are beginning studies this month. 

The program provides the comprehensive knowledge of leadership, critical thinking, security studies, resource management and communication skills required for modern military organizations and large corporations to function and for the career advancement of students. It is also a recognized component of NCM training that is transferable into the civilian workforce once NCM retire from military service. There are currently 57,000 NCM across Canada.

“We are very pleased to offer the Military Arts and Science program to help non-commissioned members of the Canadian Forces gain critical skills and experience that will not only advance their military standing and aspirations, but leave them in good stead upon their retirement from the Forces,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “By offering this program online, we are offering flexibility and increased opportunities for members to access valuable training and education at intervals that work within their schedules.”

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to analyze the characteristics and essential elements of leadership needed by military personnel to perform duties as members of the Canadian Forces; possess the superior communication skills needed by individuals working in large, complex organizations; have a clear understanding of modern management principles used by military organizations and national and international industries; comprehend the significance of national and international security issues facing governments and the role of modern militaries in addressing these considerations; and much more.

Students can also pursue a degree with the Royal Military College (RMC) upon graduation. Through an articulation agreement, graduates of the Military Arts and Science program will earn six credits toward RMC’s Bachelor of Military Arts and Science degree program.

“The Military Arts and Science program is introducing new avenues for non-commissioned members of the Forces to pursue valuable professional development opportunities,” said Jeanette Barrett, who will oversee the program through her role as the dean of the Durham College schools of Continuing Education and Career Development. “Students gain the valuable leadership skills needed to meet the demands and needs of Canada’s evolving Forces, business and industry. They can also take advantage of the bridging program with the RMC to pursue a degree in less than the traditional amount of time, enabling them to choose their desired educational path.”

The Military Arts and Science program grew out of a need identified by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) to meet the professional development requirements of its NCM. CDA oversees professional development and lifelong learning opportunities for the Canadian Forces. 

The program is also designed to meet the needs of individuals with an interest in military affairs and operations, including emergency services personnel such as police officers and firefighters.

About Durham College

Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 different full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of continuing education and part-time programs, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for close to 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has close to 6,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and over 1,575 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

 

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