Open doors to new career opportunities with a diploma-to-degree pathway

For students looking to earn both a college diploma and a bachelor’s degree, Durham College (DC) offers a number of pathways that can make it possible to earn two credentials in as little as four years.

These degree-completion pathways allow eligible diploma graduates to draw on the knowledge and experience they have already gained, while completing a degree in less time. Along the way, students can earn a second credential, develop specialized knowledge, save money, and expand their career options.

Graduates of an Ontario college Social Service Worker program can take their education further by pursuing the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree at DC. The two-year pathway builds on their Social Service Worker diploma, preparing graduates to take on broader roles supporting people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Career opportunities span community-based services, crisis support, housing, addictions, youth services and mental health promotion, allowing graduates to work directly with individuals and communities or support programs designed to improve their well-being.

Students with a background in human resources can take a similar step forward through the Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources Management transfer pathway. Designed for graduates of a two-year Human Resources – Business diploma, the pathway provides transfer credit for 16 courses, allowing eligible students to begin in Semester 3 and complete the degree in three semesters plus a 14-week, 420-hour field placement. With the added business and strategic perspective of a degree, graduates can move into roles that influence how organizations attract, develop and retain their people, including roles in human resources, recruitment, employee relations, talent acquisition and people analytics.

Graduates of an Ontario college advanced diploma in Architectural Technology or Civil Engineering Technology can receive credit for the first four semesters of the Honours Bachelor of Construction Management and enter at Semester 5. For graduates who want to move from a technical role into the business and leadership side of construction, the degree provides a pathway toward managing people, budgets, schedules and projects. Career opportunities can include project management, construction management, estimating, contract administration, scheduling and site supervision, with graduates positioned to play a larger role in bringing complex projects from planning to completion.

While each pathway is different, they all recognize the value of the education students have already completed. A diploma can serve as a foundation for further study, helping students build on their existing skills and move toward new career possibilities without starting over.

If you’re considering what comes next after a college diploma, explore your degree pathway options at DC and speak with one of our faculty members at DC’s Fall Open House on November 7.