Frequently Asked Questions

How do I progress through the program if I start in the winter intake?

Students who start in January must complete four consecutive terms with no scheduled break. This means students starting in January will enter their second level of the program in the Spring term, continue into the third level in the Fall term and fourth level in the Winter term.

View our program progression chart

Is this a business or a creative program?
This program involves both business skills and creative problem-solving. You will have an opportunity to learn both the business side and the creative side of advertising and marketing communications management to ensure you have marketable skills.

What kind of assignments will I be doing?
Assignments vary based on the course. Some will be creative in nature, such as copywriting and layout or design. Others will be more strategic and include writing plans, media buys and creative briefs. In many instances, you are given “real-life” clients to work with.

How much of my mark is based on tests or assignments?
Depending on the class, you will be evaluated based on in-class exercises, take-home assignments, midterms and exams.

What kind of job will I get when I graduate?
When you successfully graduate, you will have had 96 weeks of intensive training in all aspects of advertising. You will have a diploma and a complete portfolio of work to show. Our graduates find jobs in advertising agencies, media creative departments, government, large companies with in-house advertising departments, or freelance. Depending on your strengths, you could work as a copywriter, art director, an account executive, a media sales representative, or any other type of marketing communication role.

How many hours will I spend working on course work?
Average contact hours with instructors are 19 hours per week. Students should be prepared to complete at least one course per semester in an online environment. Most of our students spend an additional 20 hours per week on course work. It is not uncommon to work on assignments in the evening and on weekends.

How many hours can I work?
Most students need to work to supplement their education. If you work more than 15 hours a week, you may find it difficult to keep up with the workload.

Will I need to purchase a computer?
This is a mobile learning program which engages students in a collaborative, e-learning environment which will help them become skilled, confident users of the kinds of technology they are expected to use in the workplace. As a student in this on-campus program, you will require a mobile computing device that meets the specifications outlined by your program.

What if I already have a university degree in an unrelated discipline?

Any candidate with a degree from an accredited university in any discipline is eligible to enter the second year (level 3) of the program. If you wish to apply to the higher level when you make your application at Ontario Colleges please ensure that you select Level 3. You will also need to make arrangements to have an official university transcript sent to the Registrar’s Office at Algonquin College. You can request this transcript from most Ontario Colleges and Universities be electronically sent to OCAS. However, if you completed your degree outside of Ontario, you would have to make a request via your University or College to have your transcript sent to OCAS via paper copy. This transcript should indicate that your degree has been conferred.

PLEASE NOTE: We only accept three block transfer students every year, so the earlier you apply through the Ontario College’s website, the better your chance of securing a spot in the program.