Community College Has Something for Everyone

The benefits of attending a Community College rather than a university institution have been widely documented and include smaller sized classes, lower tuition and a practical approach. All of these benefits can be found at Toronto college, Centennial College. But what really sets this school apart from other community colleges in the Greater Toronto Area?

Firstly, obtaining a Toronto education at Centennial College doesn't just limit students to attending full-time courses, on-campus, five times a week. The institution is all about offering options to its 16,000 full-time students and 22,000 part-time learners. For example, the School of Continuing Education has college courses that can be completed by attending on-campus classes on a part-time basis, through a virtual classroom or print-based correspondence. These options ensure that students with other responsibilities are able to factor in their education when it is convenient for them. Additionally, Centennial is continually adapting its program offerings to meet the needs of today's increasingly diverse group of learners. Many of these learners seek shorter, relevant programs that complement their education and experiences. These options, known as Fast Track programs, allow learners to: receive an accelerated diploma in their chosen field of study; obtain job experience with a program field placement; and become job ready in a short period of time.

Students who attend College Courses at this institution will graduate with one of six credentials: Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Graduate Certificate, Ontario College Certificate or Degree. These credentials are awarded in the community college's 100 full-time programs and 140 part-time programs, in categories such as: Business, Community and Health Studies, Technology and Applied Science, Hospitality Tourism and Culture as well as Communications, Media and Design.

Aside from common community college elements to each program such as a balance of theory and practical application, students are also aided in their education by four different Centennial College campuses, each focusing on a specific school or schools of study. For example, Morningside Campus is the most technologically advanced location and housed in its classrooms are programs from the School of Community and Health Studies and School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science students. Meanwhile, Progress Campus is home to the School of Hospitality and Tourism as well as the School of Business. It boasts facilities that include a restaurant, kitchens, on-campus conference centre and state-of-the-art computer labs. Another one of this community college's campuses is Ashtonbee, which serves as one of the largest transportation training centre in the province and houses the School of Transportation. Lastly, the Centre for Creative Communications is designed for School of Communications, Media and Design students who enjoy the use of high-tech computer labs, a television studio and art studios.