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Credential:

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

College Code:

CONS

School:

Media & Design

Program Code:

1227

Accelerated Delivery:

No

Campus:

DO

Academic Year:

2013 / 2014

About the Program

This two-semester program will prepare the graduates to be at the forefront of media convergence and be key players as newsrooms embrace multi-media presentation of news and information. Students in this program will prepare, edit and present stories in a variety of formats to meet the expectations of technically savvy consumers. Students will develop stories quickly and accurately for seamless presentation on the web, for text messaging, pod casting, radio, audio/video streaming and print/electronic documentation and publication.

Students will produce stories utilizing traditional and digital technologies, under the real-world pressure of constant deadlines. The production of multi-media presentations through faculty contact deliveries, self-directed and independent studies will be key components of this program.

Students will utilize advanced audio, video and digital image editing skills and graphic design techniques to enhance presentation of news in a variety of formats.

While on campus students will be required to provide stories, illustrations and updates via electronic modes designed to impart timely information to the Conestoga College community, as well as the global consumers of media.

Program Facts

Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2013 (Open) - Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 25
Tuition: Please refer to the previous academic year program fee chart for an approximation as fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time.
*Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa.
*Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.

Program Outcomes

• Cultivate advanced journalism skills in a variety of new media and traditional contexts.
• Develop the web sites of news organizations through the use of multi-media skills.
• Generate strong original stories using computer assisted reporting.
• Create content using multiple media sources and tools for presentation on the web and other emerging media.
• Develop and effectively implement the technical skills to produce and file stories using emerging technologies.
• Manage use of time in a technology-based environment of shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Lead newsroom personnel in the utilization of new media approaches to journalism.
• Work in compliance with relevant laws, journalistic standards and the appropriate practices and principles of the news media industry.
• Cultivate strategies for personal and professional development to manage job stress, enhance work performance and maximize professional opportunities, including self-employment.

Admission Requirements

• Diploma or degree from an accredited College or University in a related field.

OR

• Minimum 5 (five) years of professional experience in the field.

Note re: Admission Requirements

• Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL PBT 580 with a TWE of 4.5 or iBT 88; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; CAAT D at 65%; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
• We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the post-graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission Procedures

• Applicants not meeting the credential requirement must submit a resume outlining relevant experience. Please submit the resume directly to the Conestoga College Admissions office.
• Applicants not meeting credential requirements, and who are registered at university in year two of a program, may be considered for entry into the program.

For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

For more information on the PLAR process please contact 519-748-5220, ext 2260, e-mail dstoicoiu@conestogac.on.ca or visit the testing website.

Course Information

Course #	Courses
Level One
JRN8100	Media in Transition Description: This is an introductory course in media convergence. Students will learn the progression of media from multiple platforms to a convergence model where media compete on a single platform. Presentation and accuracy are important, but now speed of delivery is critical to develop and maintain audience share. An appreciation of emerging media and market opportunities will be a key component of this course. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8110	Storytelling for Multiple Platforms - I Description: Students will learn to write for a variety of media in succession under pressure of looming deadlines. Organization of researched and interview material, as well as a knowledge of what is new and important, will be the focus of this course as they prepare to apply acquired skills in a highly competitive environment. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8120	Law and Ethics for New Media Description: This Law and Ethics course will provide students with a working knowledge of the principles and practices of the Canadian legal system and the evolution of laws governing professional journalists working at a variety of media outlets, including wireless and web-based operations. Students will identify the important ethical component of journalism and the evolution of ethical issues arising from technological developments which affect mass media. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8130	The 24 Hour Newsroom I - Components/Sequencing Description: The 24 Hour Newsroom I will provide students with the skills needed to attract a larger, interactive audience to a news website with compelling up-to-the-minute news and information from a variety of media. By posting breaking news in real time in a continuous cycle, students will identify the risks and benefits of change and create a sense of urgency within a newsroom and its community. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8140	Wireless Technologies Description: Students will demonstrate the application of advanced wireless technologies as mobile journalists. They will gather and file stories, video, pictures and audio clips from the scene for presentation on the web, in print and on digital television and radio. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8160	Editing for the Web Description: Editing for the Web will provide students with the skill set necessary to perform with proficiency in a multi-media environment, handling and manipulating text, audio and video components seamlessly to produce clear, concise, accurate and comprehensive news elements which will draw an audience. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level Two
CDEV8050	Work Experience Description: Students will develop and apply convergence skills and gain valuable real-world experience working in a multi-media newsroom environment. For this mandatory component of the program, students will be required to complete a minimum of 80 hours work experience to be eligible for graduation. Hours: 80 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMP8130	Computer Assisted Reporting Description: Computer Assisted Reporting 1 is an introduction to the use of software and spreadsheets to acquire information normally unaccessed by the public. Students will learn specialized techniques to link to municipal, provincial and federal data through Canada’s Freedom of Information Act and provincial legislation. Students will utilize computer programs to efficiently access electronic databases and do quantitative analysis by using spreadsheets, database management and mapping software. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8150	The 24 Hour Newsroom II - Development/Packing Description: The 24 Hour Newsroom II will equip students to design a 24-hour news web site operation featuring a compelling mix of media components, including audio, video, graphics, slides, still pictures and text elements. Students will have hands-on experience working on a multi-media story package and updating components for a news web site in an efficient and effective manner. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8170	Remote Presentations Description: Utilizing wireless technology, students will research and produce materials with a combination of media presentation. Through the application of evolving technologies, students will cover live breaking news events and file print, audio and visual components from the scene to the newsroom internet web site for posting. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
JRN8180	Storytelling for Multiple Platforms II Description: This course builds on the multimedia writing skills that students acquire in Storytelling for Multiple Platforms I and shifts their focus from established storytelling forms to emerging and experimental forms. Students will refine their time management, organizational and writing abilities to harness new storytelling platforms and tools to report breaking stories under real time constraints. They will learn to tell compelling stories using elements of the social web and distribute them through both traditional and non-traditional means. Specific platforms and tools will be dynamic, year-to-year, as instructors incorporate newly emerging technologies and storytelling forms. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Electives: Program Option	Student must complete a minimum of 90 Hours
GRDN8000	Graphic Design for New Media Description: Students will use current technology to design web pages and present their work through digital and traditional media. Students will learn to apply web content creation tools to produce state-of-the-art presentations to enhance editorial and advertising content, and will produce a capstone portfolio as part of their evaluation. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
MKT8000	Marketing and Advertorial for New Media Description: Marketing and Advertorial for New Media will provide students with the ability to attract an increased audience share to a news web site and provide new revenue streams by writing enhanced material for advertisers to attract customers with quality informational material. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:

Graduate Opportunities

The two semester program will prepare the graduate for a career in new media. Students will take the skills acquired in other related programs and apply them with a focus on the requirements of online journalism. Students may find employment with both traditional and online media organizations, as well as locations wishing to migrate information to web based information delivery modes. A number of related industries are eager to employ graduates with strong writing and multimedia skills. Students may find work in such areas as public relations, entertainment and web site development, or seek employment through freelance or other entrepreneurial opportunities.

50% of 2010-2011 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.

Degree Completion Opportunities

Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.

Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

How to Apply

Students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3