TIMMINS, ON: Northern College and Algoma University announced a new and innovative dual credential program in computer science this summer, and today, both institutions are pleased to have had the opportunity to deepen this partnership at the Smash Fight computer gaming tournament. This event was organized to provide students, and the community, with a fun and educational experience supporting the growing technical needs of the region.

“The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and we here at Northern celebrate our partnerships with other post-secondary institutions like Algoma University. It is important to continue to be creative in developing programming that meets the needs of students, communities and industry,” stated Eric Lapajne, Professor of Computer Engineering at Northern. “This long-standing partnership has offered students a number of ways to further their education and in addition to a diploma also obtain a bachelor’s degree; this is another opportunity to do so without leaving Northeastern Ontario.”

Starting January 2022, a new dual credential option will be offered which provides secondary school graduates and other eligible students with an opportunity to complete both a Computer Engineering Technician Diploma and a Bachelor of Computer Science degree in just three years (seven terms) of full-time study.

“This new offering provides students with an opportunity to develop a range of in-demand skill sets that relate to the Information Technology industry, including Cisco (CCNA), CCNA Security, Networks +, A+ Certification, Server+,  Linux + Certification, Java and C++ programming, database, internet tools, operating systems, computer organization, and algorithms ” shared Simon Xu, Director of the School of Computer Science and Technology at Algoma University. “Today was a fantastic opportunity to interact with future students and share information about our programs. The computer science field is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying career paths in the world. We need to cultivate enough graduates to have the necessary skills to design, develop, maintain and apply the software and hardware we all use!”

In addition to the new dual credential program, all recent Northern College Computer Engineering Technician graduates with a GPA of 3.00 or greater will receive up to 45 transfer credits into the three-year or four-year Bachelor of Computer Science degree programs at Algoma.

Both institutions believe in the importance of offering a range of learning opportunities for rich and deep educational post-secondary experiences. Innovative academic programming such as the dual credential in Computer Science is another option for students seeking to complete their higher education in the region.

Further information on the dual credential program is available on the Algoma University website. Prospective domestic and international students interested in the dual credential program in Computer Science should visit the Ontario College Application Services website.

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About Northern College
Northern College is Ontario’s Post Secondary leader in student and employer satisfaction. Rooted in the Boreal forests of Ontario’s Northeast, Northern College is proud to offer the best skills-based, career-focused training to those with a mind for adventure and a drive for career results. For over 50 years Northern College has delivered the latest in-demand college courses to students across all four of its campuses, helping to shape the health and future of Ontario’s northeast.

About Algoma University
Algoma University, established in Sault Ste. Marie in 1965, offers a wide range of degrees and certificates spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. The University also offers programming in Timmins and Brampton. Algoma University has a Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous populations and other communities. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.

Media Contacts:

Northern College
Kyle Gennings
Communications & Government Relations Officer
705.235.3211 x2276
705.288.1101
genningsk@northern.on.ca

Algoma University
Megan Parlowe
Communications Officer
705.971.2227
megan.parlowe@algomau.ca