DC engineering grads can leverage their learning with new Queen’s University Diploma-to-Degree Pathway Posted on October 8, 2024 at 3:20 pm. Durham College’s (DC) engineering technology graduates can get a head start on their degree thanks to a new pathway agreement with Queen’s University. Students who graduate from DC with one of our advanced diplomas in Engineering Technology can now transfer into an upper year of the civil, mining, mechanical, or chemical degree programs offered by Smith Engineering at Queen’s. “We are thrilled about the strong partnership between DC and Queen’s University. This is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience,” said Kara Woods, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. “By integrating practical learning from DC with the rigorous academic framework at Queen’s, we are empowering students to transition smoothly from diploma to degree.” One such student is Mitch Connelly, a 2021 graduate of DC’s Civil Engineering Technology program who is part of the pathway’s inaugural cohort that began their studies in September. After years of working in the engineering field, he decided to return to school to upgrade his skills, and his timing was perfect. “It’s a lot cheaper than doing a full undergraduate degree straight from high school, and college is also more practical. I think employers recognize that,” he said of the pathway. “It’s better to go this route. You get a better education and more connections.” Mitch’s post-DC success and his pursuit of a degree at Queen’s serve as an example to today’s students, according to Civil Engineering Technology program coordinator Myla Minelli. “Mitch exemplifies the dedication, hard work, and determination that we strive to instill in all our students,” she said. More DC students are set to take advantage of the new pathway, with seven beginning the required online preparatory courses this fall before attending a full semester of foundational classes next summer. They will then enter their respective programs at Queen’s in September of 2025. The Smith Engineering Bridge pathway is funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT). “We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them”: How Durham College develops new programs to meet industry need Posted on August 26, 2024 at 12:42 pm. DC launches four new programs in fall 2024 This September, Durham College (DC) will welcome the first intakes of students in four new programs, designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market with the skills and industry-specific knowledge they need to succeed. The Law Clerk diploma, Professional Selling and Business Development graduate certificate , Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate, and the Public Relations graduate certificate programs are DC’s newest offerings – contributing to the college’s impressive repertoire of more than 145 programs, all developed to meet employer and industry needs. “There is a heightened demand for professionals in these fields and we are proud to develop programming with a forward-focused perspective that prepares students to be career-ready in these industries,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students at DC. “We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them by following a rigorous program development process that includes labour market analysis and consultation with industry professionals and leaders.” DC’s new Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate program is addressing the growing demand in the health sciences, particularly in emerging fields like genomics and proteomics. These fields, which have evolved from advancements in gene sequencing, enable scientists to use big data to identify and analyze diseases and disorders, leading to the development of targeted drug therapies and precision medicine. “Research indicates a significant need for experts in clinical bioinformatics who can effectively utilize genomic and proteomic data to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes,” said Choi. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in clinical data analysis, clinical research, or genetic counseling within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. “We also know that there are increasing employability rates in the public relations sector and legal fields, and in the sales industry the acceleration of digital trends has elevated the need for sales professionals to adopt new strategies to drive business success,” Choi added. As industries rapidly evolve and employer needs continue to shift, DC remains committed to a proactive approach to program development. The college is preparing students who will fill labour shortage gaps and support growth across sectors, enabling graduates to take on rewarding careers in new and evolving fields. Discover more than 145 in-demand programs by visiting DC online today.
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