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Community Colleges and Technical Institutions
are popular education choices in Canada; they offer professional
programs of 1 to 3 years (often including a work term) that are
highly applicable in the job market. Some community colleges offer
university transfer programs that allow students to take courses
that are parallel to those offered for the first two years of a
four year university program. Students must still apply to the university
to gain admission to complete the last two years of the four year
program.
The 175 post-secondary institutions which are members of the Association
of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) are officially known by a
range of titles, including Community College, Technical Institute,
University College, and Cégep. All of these institutions
have the primary function of responding to the training needs of
business, industry and the public service sectors. They also meet
the educational needs of vocationally-oriented secondary school
graduates, employment-seeking university graduates, as well as the
lifelong learning requirements of the adult population. Historically,
these institutions offered diplomas as community needs change and
evolve and at least 18 are now granting degrees and applied degrees.
The two- to three-year (or shorter) college programs typically
offer specific, vocationally-oriented curricula, as well as general
academic concentrations. In fact, a significant number of university
graduates attend college upon completion of their degrees to acquire
vocational skills for employment. Colleges typically have more vocationally-related
curricula than universities, with smaller classes, off-campus course
offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to classroom space,
an interactive teaching style and inclusive entry criteria. Employment-related
programs, including apprenticeship and continuing education courses,
often maintain varying entry levels and range from the technologies
to the creative arts. Colleges maintain renowned Centres of Excellence
in many fields such as information technology, mining, the environment,
and hospitality and tourism. They design curriculum and hands-on
training for future participants in a skilled and specialized Canadian
work force. Other full and part-time programs include health, business,
academic upgrading, applied arts, social services, adult literacy,
and university preparation.
The uniqueness of Canadian colleges lies in the combination of
employer-centred curricula within comprehensive learning institutions
which respond to national economic policy. Colleges are dynamic
institutions, constantly changing to meet the economic and social
needs of the communities in which they work. As such, several colleges
have achieved ISO certification and all strive for quality and excellence
in meeting the changing learning needs of society.
University Transfer Programs in Canada
Students intending to acquire a degree at a university can complete
their first two years of study at a community college or university
college and earn credits. Most of the credits earned in this type
of program may be transferred to universities as the first and second
years of a degree program. Community colleges and university colleges
that offer transfer programs usually have an established relationship
with nearby universities however, it is important to check with
the college to determine which universities will accept the transfer
credits. You must ensure that the courses you take are appropriate
to the degree you plan to enter in university.
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