Three pathways not to confuse
In a joint program, partner institutions organize a pathway that connects their teaching. The University of Toronto Scarborough calendar describes a collaboration with Centennial College that brings together the strengths of the university and the college.
A transfer follows a different logic: someone begins a program and then seeks to continue at another institution. They must check the admission requirements and credit recognition policies of the receiving institution. A transfer considered later is not necessarily a structured joint program from the outset.
Finally, a program combining two disciplines or two degrees at the same university is not necessarily a partnership with a college. The English word “joint” is not enough: look for the names of the participating institutions and their roles in the program.
What are the benefits and trade-offs?
One possible benefit of a joint program is that it connects different approaches in an organized pathway. Depending on the program, you can deepen your knowledge in a field at university and develop technical skills in a college setting. The UTSC–Centennial partnership also shows that a college credential can complement a university degree, subject to certain conditions.
This structure will not necessarily suit everyone. A set sequence, selection partway through the program or an additional term can weigh into your decision. To compare two options, ask yourself: do the learning and additional credentials justify the associated steps and expenses for me?
Do not assume that the pathway will be less expensive, shorter or guarantee a job. Compare programs based on what they actually offer, rather than on the word “joint” alone.
Universities and programs: two Ontario examples
The University of Toronto Scarborough, or UTSC, and Centennial College collaborate in journalism and new media, among other areas. These two examples involve the same partnership: they illustrate different structures, without representing all Canadian joint programs.
| Point to compare | Journalism | New media |
|---|---|---|
| University program type | Joint Specialist | Joint Major |
| Credentials | Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and Ontario Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Journalism from Centennial, when requirements are met | University degree; a certificate in New Media Design from Centennial may be added if the additional requirements are met |
| Progression | First 2 years at UTSC, then 3 consecutive sessions at Centennial starting in the fall of the third year, followed by a final university session | The college certificate requires an additional summer session that includes an internship and a professional practice course |
| Access | Limited-enrolment Specialist | Competitive access after initial studies, with an additional application |
In journalism, the official listing SPECIALIST (JOINT) PROGRAM IN JOURNALISM (ARTS) - SCSPEJOU indicates a duration of 4 to 5 years. The Centennial component is full-time and includes a practical internship. Confirm the sequence that applies to your cohort rather than assuming the duration will be the same for everyone.
In new media, the calendar classifies the program as a Joint Major, not a Specialist. The college certificate is not automatic: you need to plan for the additional session and meet the corresponding requirements. Also ask the institutions when the other courses in the college component will be offered for your intended intake.
The StudyCanada profile for the University of Toronto is a starting point for learning about the institution. For your decision, then rely on the calendar and the requirements specific to the program and intake.
Before applying: distinguish admission from selection
Being admitted to the university and obtaining a place in a joint Specialist are two separate questions to consider. In new media, for example, the calendar provides for an application after initial studies, prerequisite courses and an additional application. Selection is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.
For each pathway you are considering, ask:
- Which institution receives the initial application, and for which intake?
- Do you have to apply to enter the joint program later? Which courses, grades and documents are required?
- What can you do with the courses already completed if you are not selected?
- Who confirms eligibility for each credential, and when?
An answer about general admission does not replace confirmation about the Specialist. Planning another option does not mean giving up on your preferred program: it helps you understand what you could do next if you do not get a place.
Calculate your budget and organize your day-to-day life
Compare the pathway through to the last credential you are seeking, not just the initial tuition fees. The UTSC calendar mentions material fees during sessions that include courses at Centennial; the new media page also notes additional fees and computer equipment.
Ask for a budget based on your student status and intake, distinguishing university fees, college fees and any additional session. Add your own estimates for housing, meals, transportation and materials. If you are considering the new media certificate, include the summer session in your schedule and budget.
Also consider the locations and schedules of activities. For journalism, the full-time requirement at Centennial deserves particular attention if you have family responsibilities or other commitments. Ask how internships are arranged and what travel they might involve.
International students: check internship requirements separately
If you are coming from abroad, keep three matters separate: admission to the program, the documents you need to study and the conditions that apply to a potential internship. The fact that an internship is part of a pathway does not, on its own, resolve questions related to your situation.
Ask the institution for a written description of the planned internship, including whether it is mandatory and where it fits in the program. Then check the current instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for your situation. This step is separate from your academic and financial comparison.
A worksheet to help you decide
For each option, note the two institutions, the university credential, any college credential and the requirements for each. Then add the selection steps, session sequence, full budget and a backup option.
If you are deciding between the two Ontario examples, the question is not only “journalism or new media?” Also ask yourself whether you prefer a journalism pathway whose college sequence is specified in the calendar, or a new media Major where obtaining the college certificate requires an additional summer session.
The best comparison is one that connects the program content to your goals while making the requirements to meet and the questions the institutions need to answer clear.