Algoma U, Northern College announce new Computer Science joint program

During a virtual press conference held this morning, longstanding educational partners Northern College and Algoma University announced a new program that will begin this coming September.

"A new dual credential option will be offered which provides secondary school graduates and other eligible students with an opportunity to complete both a Computer Engineering Technician Diploma and a Bachelor of Computer Science degree in just three years (seven terms) of full-time study," stated a news release issued by Algoma University.

"This new offering provides students with an opportunity to develop a range of in-demand skill sets that relate to the Information Technology industry, including Cisco (CCNA), CCNA Security, Networks +, A+ Certification, Server+ and Linux + Certification."

Full text of the news release follows:

TIMMINS - Northern College and Algoma University are pleased to announce a new and innovative academic program that builds on the longstanding partnership between the two northern Ontario-based institutions as they work collaboratively to expand post-secondary access in the region. Details were announced earlier this morning during a virtual event following the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding to guide the continued development of the partnership.

“The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and we here at Northern celebrate our partnerships with other post-secondary institutions like Algoma University. It is important to continue to be creative in developing programming that meets the needs of students, communities and industry,” stated Dr. Audrey Penner, president and CEO of Northern College. “This long-standing partnership has offered students a number of ways to further their education and in addition to a diploma also obtain a bachelor’s degree; this is another opportunity to do so without leaving Northeastern Ontario.”

Starting in September 2021, a new dual credential option will be offered which provides secondary school graduates and other eligible students with an opportunity to complete both a Computer Engineering Technician Diploma and a Bachelor of Computer Science degree in just three years (seven terms) of full-time study.

“This long-standing partnership is critical to the growth of post-secondary education in Northern Ontario while addressing regional labour market needs,” shared Asima Vezina, president and vice-chancellor of Algoma University. “The dual credential is an example of how our collaboration with Northern College continues to evolve, and I look forward to continuing to expand the options we can provide for our students and the communities in which they live and work.”

The program announced today is an excellent opportunity for both institutions to expand their existing partnership, providing participating students two different credentials for a three-year educational investment, completing their diploma and degree seamlessly in both on-site and online learning. This new offering provides students with an opportunity to develop a range of in-demand skill sets that relate to the Information Technology industry, including Cisco (CCNA), CCNA Security, Networks +, A+ Certification, Server+ and Linux + Certification.

“Programs like the Computer Science joint program offered by Algoma University and Northern College, offer more postsecondary options for students in the North,” noted Ross Romano, minister of Colleges and Universities in a written statement. “Making it easier for institutions to offer high-demand programs in innovative ways will help students get good jobs and address the labour market demands of local communities – a win-win for everyone.”

Both institutions believe in the importance of offering a range of learning opportunities for rich and deep educational post-secondary experiences. Innovative academic programming such as the dual credential in Computer Science is another option for students seeking to complete their higher education in the region.

Further information on the dual credential program is available on the Algoma University website.