Pathways are your different education options. They enable students to start studying in one program and transfer into a different program, college, or even university in order to access their career of choice. Preparation (e.g., Pre-Business, Pre-Trades) and general (e.g., General Arts & Science) programs provide great introductions to higher education if you plan on transferring into a competitive or specialized program at a later date.
Preparation programs can help you access competitive programs that may have high admission criteria. For example, if a college’s dental hygiene program has demanding acceptance criteria – meaning applicants should have a high-grade average to be considered – a pre-health preparation program can provide a way for applicants with lower high school grades to transfer into dental hygiene after completing the pre-health program.
If you’re unsure of what you want to study, general programs let you learn about multiple subjects through various courses. If a specific subject captures your interest, you can look into the various options to transfer into a specialized program. For example, in a general arts and science program you will take courses in psychology, sociology, business, and science, among others. If you find you have a particular interest in psychology, you can use the ONTransfer.ca tool to find psychology programs you can transfer your credits towards.
Certificate Programs - Certificate programs require the completion of two semesters (or one year) of study. These are a great way to gain an introduction to a topic or make your resume stand out.
Diploma Programs - Regular diploma programs require the completion of at least four semesters (or two years) of study. An advanced diploma is granted after six semesters (or three years) of study.
Degree Programs - College degree programs offer the best of both worlds: a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to apply this knowledge in the real world.
Collaborative Degree Programs - Collaborative programs are four-year programs where students spend the first two years at college and the following two years at a partnering university. Completing these programs often earns students two credentials – one from the college and one from the university.
Graduate Certificate Programs - Graduate certificates require a university degree or a college certificate or diploma for admission, building on knowledge and experience gained through previous post-secondary study.
Co-op programs - Co-op programs involve students working for an employer in their field of study. These placements are typically paid positions and may be a requirement for graduation.
Apprenticeship Programs - An apprenticeship enables you to learn a skilled trade on the job, under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson. The pre-apprenticeship and classroom components of apprenticeship training can be taken through an Ontario college apprenticeship program.