1. Ontario Colleges:
Programs, Pathways, Possibilities
Peter Meehan, Chair,
School of Liberal Arts and Academic Partnerships
Seneca College

2. College Programs
Wide variety of programs, all tied to industry or
a particular sector:
 Applied Arts (animation, broadcasting, media
arts, photography, music)
 Business (accounting, marketing, financial
services, international business)
 Health, community and human services
(practical nursing, social service worker, early
childhood education, tourism)

3. College Programs
Wide variety of programs, all tied to industry or a
particular sector:
 Information Technology (computer programming
and analysis, software development, information
security, communications technology);
 Applied Science and Engineering Technology
(biotechnology, civil engineering technology,
aviation, environmental science);
 Coop /field placement/internship opportunities.

4. College Programs
Wide range of credentials
One year (two semesters) certificate;
Two year (four semesters) diploma;
Three year (six semesters) advanced diploma;
Four year (eight semesters) college degree;
One year (two or three semesters) Ontario Graduate
certificate;
 Coop Apprenticeship Diploma;
 Pre-apprenticeship;
 Industry/sector certifications (standalone or
embedded)
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5. Pathways to College
Admission Requirements:
 Ontario Secondary School Diploma;
 College preparation (“C”) courses for diplomas and
certificates;
 “U” courses, “M” (University/College) credits;
 Degree programs require six Grade 12 “U” level
credits with a minimum of 65%;
 English;
 Mathematics;
 Program specific requirements

6. Pathways to College
 Dual Credits/Specialist High Skills Major;
 Foundation programs – enhance skills, build
confidence and explore programs/careers.
 Importance of Learning Skills;
 Importance of deep understanding of
“foundational concepts and skills” for success
in a college program – the big “disconnect”.

7. Pathways to College
 Importance of selecting the “right” course to
provide the best preparation for a particular
program (College Mathematics Project report);
 Don’t underestimate the “fit” between the
learning environment and the learner;
 Graduate certificates- why university grads
flock to colleges;

8. Pathways from College – the
Possibilities
 Employment – program connection to industry results in
strong graduate employment rates;
 Industry Accreditation and Certification = industry
recognition;
 Coop, field placement and internships = employment
advantage;
 Articulation into degree programs – university and college
degrees (B.A. and B. Sc. - e.g. Liberal Arts program York, U
of T, Trent), Chemistry and Biotechnology (University of
Guelph), Engineering (Lakehead).