About Journalism in Algonquin College

Have superior writing skills plus a keen curiosity about news: consider a career in journalism.

The two-year Journalism Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to report on all news delivery platforms, and helps you develop the online skills that have become vital in the industry.

Acquire leading-edge, relevant knowledge and skills in multi-platform and traditional journalism. Gain hands-on experience and expand your portfolio almost immediately upon starting the program, working for the award-winning Algonquin Times - named Canada`s top campus newspaper in 2015, 2017 and 2018 - as well as contributing to local music, sports and news titles.

Learn the core journalism skills to succeed in the industry. Study how to write factually, conduct interviews and filter information. Examine aspects of photo journalism, video production, audio storytelling, page layout, social media and reporting/editing.

Your learning is expanded with workshops, guest speakers and field trips, offering exposure to a diversity of information and skills necessary for the modern journalist.

To ensure you are comfortable with all journalistic platforms, you create photo and video journalism and produce newscasts for CKDJ 107.9 FM, Algonquin College`s radio station.

Expand your real-world experience with a six-week internship at a media outlet and learn to operate as a freelance journalist. You have the choice to work at a local company or agency, or complete the placement out of the region or country.

After graduation, if you wish to further your education, you can apply to the University of Ottawa`s Honours Bachelor Degree in Digital Journalism program.

There are many job opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment with:

• community and daily newspaper organizations
• radio stations
• online-based news agencies
• government brands, private sector and not-for-profit- communication departments
• magazines
• public relations departments

Opportunities may also exist for graduates wishing to freelance. Positions in social media management, web design, photography, and video production may also be career options.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have superior writing skills.
• Possess a keen curiosity about news happening locally, nationally and globally.
• Are willing to interact with people.
• Enjoy reading and studying news.
• Engage in social and multimedia.
• Are keen to serve the community through fair and accurate storytelling.

Careers

Graduates may find employment with news organizations, such as community and daily newspapers, radio stations and online-based news agencies. Employers with government, private sector and not-for-profit communications departments, magazine brands and public relations departments may also hire graduates. Opportunities may also exist for graduates wishing to freelance. Positions in desktop publishing, web design, photography and video production may also be career options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Report on stories in an accurate, detailed, balanced, professional and timely manner.
2. Apply computer and technical skills to designated production and research functions in journalism.
3. Function both independently and as a member of editorial and/or production teams.
4. Analyze knowledge from communities, current events and public affairs, and history to interpret and express the context for designated journalism publications and/or productions.
5. Develop strategies for personal and professional development.
6. Comply with relevant Canadian legislation, standards and the principles and practices of journalism.
7. Write and edit content for the designated media platforms.
8. Publish and/or broadcast content for the designated media platforms.
9. Apply production skills and use production equipment in the preparation and distribution of content for the designated media platforms.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 70% or higher.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.
• Entry to Second Year:
  Applicants with a university degree may be admitted directly into second year. For more information go to: www.algonquincollege.com/journalism/direct-entryadvanced-standing/.

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