Journalism (Fast-Track)6412

"Centennial was a great place for me to connect with people in the industry. My teachers at Centennial helped me get my first internship at CTV and also to land an internship in Washington, DC. They were always supportive of my enthusiasm which is all you can really ask for in a program,"

- Kris Reyes, Graduate and News Anchor, Global Morning Show
About Centennial
Established as Toronto's first public college in 1966, Centennial College offers programs in business, communications, community and health studies, science and engineering technology, general arts, hospitality and transportation.
Program Image
Program code: 6412
School: School of Communication, Media and Design
Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Program Type: Fast-track program
Program Length: 2 years/ 4 semesters
Start Date: Fall
Location: The Centre for Creative Communications
Tel: 416-289-5000, ext. 8824

Centennial’s unique Fast-Track Journalism program is an accelerated course designed for university and college graduates who enter in the 3rd semester of the 3 year Journalism program. It will take you from the classroom to the newsroom, with an exciting field placement. From covering breaking news to exploring human interest stories, in this program you’ll report events, interview the newsmakers and examine the issues of our times. A career in journalism is exciting, fast-paced and focused on interesting people, places and stories.

In this program you will:

  • Learn to write and tell stories in an energetic, dynamic and hands-on environment, led by a faculty of seasoned professionals and educators
  • Develop a portfolio of published stories and photos as you apply your skills in a real newsroom, producing an online publication, and an award-winning community newspaper, and radio-television news.
  • Develop new multiplatform and online skills for the evolving world of news reporting

Click here to read the program facts page.

Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio
Students in this program will develop a portfolio documenting their engagement with the College's signature global citizenship and equity competencies.  For more information on Global Citizenship and Equity, the GC&E Portfolio and the supports available to you, please visit http://www.centennialcollege.ca/citizenshipandequity.

Semester 3 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
JO-206 Journalism Design The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-211 News Reporting The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-218 Imaging: Journalism The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-222 Introduction to Online News The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-223 Journalism Law & Ethics The Centre for Creative Communications
 


Semester 4 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
JO-203 Magazine/Freelance Journalism The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-205 Advanced Interviewing Techniques The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-210 News Laboratory 1 The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-217 Radio News The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-220 Multiplatform Journalism The Centre for Creative Communications
 


Semester 5 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
JO-313 Beat Reporting The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-316 New Laboratory 2 The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-317 Television News The Centre for Creative Communications
JO-318 Journalism Career Management The Centre for Creative Communications
 


Semester 6 Courses
Course Code Course Title Campus
JO-350 Field Placement The Centre for Creative Communications
 
Field Placement Requirements
Students work closely with a placement coordinator to obtain their own field placement.

Career Outlook

Companies that have hired program graduates include:
  • CTV News
  • Canoe.ca
  • 680 News
  • Toronto Star
  • TSN
Program Highlights
  • Gain hands-on experience with The East Toronto Observer, an award-winning community newspaper, and The Toronto Observer, online edition
  • One-on-one interaction occurs between faculty and students in an ultra modern professional newsroom 
  • Gain access to extensive publishing, broadcast and interactive facilities at The Centre for Creative Communications campus
  • One semester is spent on work experience, with faculty support and guidance
Educational Partners

Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study.
Our partner is: Athabasca University, Professional Arts degree (Communication Studies)
Eligibility
College diploma or university degree in any discipline.
We will  consider applicants with partial post-secondary education (minimum two years) and relevant work experience.

Additional Requirements

Complete either of the following options:

1.  Submit a portfolio of Journalism related work along with a resume and references
  • You should include 6 to 10 samples - you may include clippings, printouts or airchecks of published or broadcast work (from an established — non-hobbyist — newspaper, news website or radio/TV outlet… including university news media)
2.  Attend a program admission session where you will:
  • Complete a two-part writing test
  • Submit a portfolio of writing samples;  6-8 pieces, academic essay extracts or creative writing
  • Submit an up-to-date resumé 

 

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    Apply Online

    If you have a university degree, college diploma, or a combination of partial post-secondary education and significant work experience, you can apply for this program.

    Apply to this program online at ontariocolleges.caThe program code is 6412, the College code is CENT, and the campus code is C.  You can also pick up an application form at any Ontario College campus Enrolment Services or Registrar’s office. Applications must be accompanied with the $95 non-refundable application fee (payable by credit card, certified cheque or money order). Direct payment or online banking is available.

    Application guidelines: 

    • All applications must be submitted directly to ontariocolleges.ca.
    • Applications will be equally considered if received on or before February 1st. Any application after the date will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    • For January admissions, offers of admission will be issued beginning in June.
    • For May admissions, offers of admission will be issued beginning in January.
    • Centennial College accepts applications for admission up to the 5th day of class for a semester as long as there are seats available in the program for the semester.
    • Ontariocolleges.ca will be accepting applications for all semesters of the next academic year in late October to early November of the previous year.

    Note: If you are a student applying through the "Second Career Strategy" with only one program, please apply through the Employment Training Centre for Second Career. Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training.

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    Receipt of Application Acknowledgement

    When your application is processed by Ontariocolleges.ca, Centennial will mail you an acknowledgement letter, program information and an invitation to book and attend a Program Admission Session on campus.

    Complete details on how to book your session will be provided in the letter.

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    Program Admission Session

    Before receiving an offer to this program, there are additional admission requirements that you will need to complete at a Program Admission Session. You should attend your Program Admission Session as early as possible in the application process. 

    During this two to three-hour session, you’ll meet with a Journalism faculty member and find out more about the program.  You will also be asked to:

  • Complete a questionnaire.  (Please bring a pen.)
  • Complete a writing exercise.
  • Complete a short test. 
  • Provide an up to date resume.
  • Submit a portfolio of work.
  • Offers to the program will be based on the results of these exercises.

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    Decision Letter

    Within about two weeks of attending your Program Admission Session, you’ll receive a decision letter from the college. When you are offered a seat in the program, you will be able to confirm your offer on your OntarioColleges.ca account.

    Prior to your start date, you’ll receive further correspondence including a fees statement.

    Please respond to your offer by the date requested to ensure your successful placement in the program.

    Career Outlook
    Companies that have hired program graduates include:
    • Canadian Living Online
    • Toronto Sun
    • Global TV 
    • National Post
    more...