On April 11, the Ontario government announced that colleges can develop new three-year degree programs—a historic breakthrough that ensures more students will acquire the professional expertise to succeed in their careers.

“This is great news for students, employers, and the community that recognizes the important role that colleges play in providing high-quality academic programs that respond to labour-market needs in key sectors of our economy,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.

The announcement was made on April 11 by Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop at an event in Kitchener.

The minister announced colleges can begin developing new three-year degree programs alongside their diploma programs and can expand their range of career-focused four-year degree programs. Niagara College currently offers four-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs in Hospitality, Human Resources, and International Commerce and Global Development.

“Expanding the degree programs at colleges ensures more students will have access to high-quality, career-focused programs,” Minister Dunlop said. “More students will acquire the expertise and credentials to succeed in today’s job market.”

Currently, most of the programs offered at colleges are diploma programs. Prior to yesterday’s announcement, colleges were only authorized to award degrees to graduates of their career-focused four-year programs.

The announcement yesterday recognizes the success of the colleges’ degree programs and brings true equity to Ontario’s post-secondary system. It ensures every student whose education fulfils Ontario’s degree-level requirements is awarded a degree upon graduation.

Expanding the degree programs at colleges will fulfil the growing demand among employers for graduates with more highly specialized qualifications.

This expansion of the colleges’ degree programs also opens the door to more career options for graduates, especially graduates who are looking to advance into management positions.

As well, this benefits companies that promote themselves and their workforce internationally, as most jurisdictions outside Ontario are not familiar with the diploma credential.

“We are always working closely with industry to identify and create new programs that meet the current and future needs of employers,” said Niagara College’s Vice President, Academic Fiona Allan. “This announcement adds another important option for us to consider as we look to expand our offering of high-quality, responsive academic programs.”

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.