FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the program teach?
We prepare students for a career in print journalism, which includes newspapers, magazines and new media.
Who would hire me after graduation?
Community newspapers are the single largest employer of our graduates. However, graduates have also found work with daily newspapers, government agencies and as freelance writers contributing to magazines and other publications. Some edit and manage web site and e-publication content.
What would I experience?
Students in the program learn through working on the program’s publications which include the bi-monthly award-winning Algonquin Times college community newspaper and Glue Magazine, a publication aimed at Ottawa students. They research, write, take photographs, design and paginate the publications. Supplementing this experiential learning are lectures, labs, workshops, guest speakers and field trips delivering a diversity of information and skills necessary for the journalist of the 21st century.
Do I need a computer?
Effective Fall 2007, each student entering the program will be required to acquire a PC-compatible laptop computer for use in the program. Hardware and software specifications for the laptop will be announced shortly.
I’m interested in the new diploma/degree agreement you have with the University of Ottawa. How does it work?
The program consists of two years of full time study in Algonquin College’s Journalism-Print program and two years of study at the University of Ottawa’s program to earn a total of 90 credits. The University of Ottawa will recognize the Algonquin diploma as the equivalent of 30 credits. The remaining 60 credits are obtained by the student entering and successfully completing years 2 and 3 of the University of Ottawa program. At the end, the graduate has both a diploma in Journalism-Print from Algonquin and a Degree in Journalism from the University of Ottawa.
Do you recommend it?
It’s another option for you. Many hundreds of graduates of Algonquin’s Journalism-Print program enjoy successful careers in media after having completed the standard two-year program, which started in 1967. This articulation agreement provides you with an option that students did not have in the past – to complement a journalism diploma with a journalism degree from a highly respected university. Both options are effective, but depending on personal circumstances such as your personal financial situation, work force requirements or personal needs, you may decide, one or the other best suits your needs for now and for the future.
How do I get in?
Two routes to diploma/degree completion are possible.
| Option (1) |
A student is first admitted into Algonquin’s program. After the successful completion of the college program, the student can apply to the University of Ottawa, which will accept without condition graduates of the diploma program who have a final grade point average of B- or higher (70 per cent or 3.0). This agreement will cover graduates of the program from the class of 1998 onwards. |
| Option (2) |
The student requests admission in the Baccalaureate of Journalism program at the U of O without holding a diploma in journalism from Algonquin. After receiving 60 credits from the University, the student will request admission to Algonquin College. Algonquin will accept without condition the students who have received the precise credits outlined above up to a yearly intake maximum of 25 students, to be decided on a first-come basis. |
Do I have to make up my mind to take the University of Ottawa option when I register at Algonquin?
No. It is not necessary upon registration in either years 1 or 2 to declare whether you wish to pursue the University of Ottawa option. If you decide to enter the University of Ottawa program first, check with the university to determine its admissions requirements.
If I have already graduated from the Algonquin journalism program, does my diploma still count as 30 credits toward the University of Ottawa program?
Yes, provided you have graduated from the Algonquin program from 1998 onward.
What if I already have a university degree in an unrelated discipline?
Any candidate with a degree from an accredited university and who passes the Algonquin Journalism-Print admissions test, is eligible to enter the second year of the Journalism-Print program. This is dependent upon the applicant passing the admissions test.
What does the admissions test consist of?
An English language diagnostic test (30%), a current events test (30%) and an essay (40%).
How do I register for the joint diploma/degree program?
Apply through the Ontario College Application Service at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
The college website at www.algonquincollege.com is an excellent source of registration information. If you are entering the University of Ottawa program first, contact Admissions at 562-5315 or admission@uottawa.ca
The U of O application website can be found at http://compass.ouac.on.ca
What if I need more information about the program?
Please check the college web site at:
www.algonquincollege.com and click on full time programs to find admission information, fees and course outlines.
If you still have more questions, contact the program coordinator by e-mail at banksj@algonquincollege.com
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