(TIMMINS, ON: February 9, 2017): Northern College has joined forces with Algoma University and Durham College to build a new online Bachelor of Computer Science bridging program. Funding totalling $307,735 for this project has been provided by eCampusOntario.
This program development is the first of its kind in Ontario. The program will create an online bridging program for students to ladder from Computer Engineering Technician diploma programs at Ontario Colleges to a Bachelor of Computer Science degree program. There is currently no fully online mechanism for learners to move between the college and university system seamlessly in this sector.
The fully online delivery of the program will remove geographical barriers to degree completion for students across the province, and in particular, for students from rural and remote communities in Northern Ontario for whom access is a challenge.
“We are very excited about this collaboration that will ensure quality, accessible education, through an innovative new program,” said Dr. Audrey J. Penner, Vice President, Academic and Student Success at Northern College. “The collaboration will build on knowledge and expertise developed within each of our institutions with regards to supporting under-served student populations by extending this support into an online forum.”
The bridging program will consist of six three-credit courses intended to be completed in two academic terms. To develop the bridging program, Northern College and Algoma University will both provide subject matter expertise in computer programming and online learning. Durham College will provide expertise in online design techniques and interactive multimedia.
“Collaborative efforts such as the on-line bridging program being funded by eCampusOntario builds upon the successful partnership Algoma University has developed with Northern College,” notes Dr. Richard McCutcheon, Academic Dean at Algoma University. “The opportunity to involve Durham College further enhances the possibilities provided by this initiative.”
“Durham College is very excited about collaborating with Northern College and Algoma University to develop this new online pathway to support student mobility and provide a route to degree completion,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic, Durham College. “The eCampusOntario funding will further strengthen the post-secondary landscape in Ontario.”
All graduates of Computer Engineering Technician diploma programs across the Ontario system who meet the admission requirements will be eligible for admission to the new online Bachelor of Computer Science bridging program. The first intake of students is expected in the fall of 2018.
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