Journalism Programs Help to Master Vital Skills like Writing and Editing

Attending one of Canada’s journalism programs or journalism schools may be for you if you have a pas-sion of writing and editing, keep up to date on the latest local, national and world events; and believe it’s important to present the news from an unbiased view. Once you’ve determined that you’d like to attend one of Canada’s journalism programs or journalism schools, it is time to decide which one would suit you best. For example, if you are a mature learner, you may want to consider Centennial College’s Journalism (Fast-Track) option. This unique Journalism program is accelerated and designed for university and college graduates who are granted entry into its third semester.

Applicants must provide proof of completion of a post-secondary program that resulted in a college diploma or university degree, and submit a portfolio of journalism-related work along with a resume and references (this should include six to 10 samples). Alternatively, they may have to attend a program ad-mission session where they will: complete a two-part writing test; submit a portfolio of six to eight pieces that may include academic essay extracts or creative writing; and submit an up-to-date resume. Appli-cants to the Journalism program with partial post-secondary education (minimum two years) and relevant work experience will also be considered.

Once they are accepted, students attend Journalism program courses that are based at Centennial College’s the Centre for Creative Communications. This location allows stu-dents to interact with those in similar programs such as Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Sports Journalism and Communications and Media Foundations. As such, there is much opportunity to network. Additionally, the Centre for Creative Com-munications gives students access to on-site publishing, broadcast and interactive facili-ties, which give them a taste of what it will be like in the field.

The Journalism program teaches students first-hand how to report, interview and exam-ine issues of our times by using a wide range of contemporary media. As such, the cour-ses cover all the know-how that will allow students to work at magazines, newspapers, TV, radio and online. More specifically, within the journalism program, students: learn to write and tell stories in an energetic, dynamic and hands-on environment, led by a fac-ulty of seasoned professionals and educators; develop a portfolio of published stories and photos as they apply their skills in a real newsroom, writing for an online publication and a community newspaper; develop new multi-platform and online skills for the evolv-ing world of news reporting. Specific courses within this Journalism program include: In-troduction to Online News, News Reporting, Radio News, Advanced Interviewing Tech-niques, and more.

As a practical component of the Journalism program Canada, students participate in producing the East York Observer newspaper, the Scarborough Observer magazine, the Toronto Observer news website and online radio and television newscasts. They also head out on a 15-week Journalism program field place-ment in the final semester. To qualify for the Journalism program placement, a student must have passed every course required in previous semesters.