What is journalism at Centennial?
Both a three-year and a two-year Fast-track program are offered at Centennial. The Fast-track program is for students with university degrees or college diplomas. The emphasis is on print reporting, although online, imaging and design courses are part of the curriculum. The program is extremely hands on - you write real stories for real audiences, building a professional portfolio of published work. You go out on reporting assignments early and work on print and online newspapers for two semesters. What skills do I need?
You need to write well, and love language and storytelling. You must be curious and resourceful, adapt quickly to new situations and not be afraid to ask questions. Who takes the Fast Track Program?
Most students have university degrees or college diplomas, with backgrounds ranging from English to science. A few do not have post-secondary education, but may have a number of years in the job market. Others have a combination of university/college and work experience. (If you are coming directly from high school, you are not eligible for the Fast-track program; you should investigate the Three-year Journalism program.) What makes Centennial’s Journalism program different from the rest?
Two things: publications and placement. You get real, practical experience by researching and writing for The East Toronto Observer, a community biweekly newspaper. You also work on The Toronto Observer, an online journal covering everything from entertainment to politics to sports to opinion. You get valuable on-the-job experience in a 15-week, full-time field placement, which gives you a chance to show employers what you can do. Many students get full-time and contract positions as a result of their placement experiences. Where does the program take place?
At The Centre for Creative Communications in East York. The campus is a small, creative community of communications students and teachers. It is located at the corner of Carlaw and Mortimer Avenues, a 10-minute walk north of the Pape subway station. How big are the classes?
About 25 students start the Fast Track Journalism program each September. What courses will I take?
The emphasis is on reporting and writing, both for print and online. You'll also take classes in photography, page design, broadcast and copy editing. What is field placement?
It’s real-world experience via a 15-week full-time industry placement at a professional publication, communications agency or broadcast facility. You suggest where you want to go, and program faculty do their best to make it happen. While a few placements are paid, most are not. But the experience is invaluable. I’ve received a letter saying I must come in for an orientation session and some writing tests. What does this involve?
All Fast-track applicants must attend a program orientation and testing session. You’ll learn about the program, be interviewed by a faculty member and complete four timed writing assignments. The session takes two to three hours. I live a considerable distance from Toronto, and I'm unable to come in for an orientation/testing session. May I do the testing off-campus?
Although we urge applicants to come to the campus, view our facilities and meet our faculty, we can make arrangements for off-campus testing if circumstances warrant. Contact program co-ordinator Lindy Oughtred (loughtred@centennialcollege.ca) at 416-289-5000, ext. 8825. How soon after my orientation/testing session will I know whether I’ve been accepted?
You will receive a decision letter two to three weeks after your session. When can I start?
If you're accepted, you can start this fall. The program starts in September and runs through April in each of the three years. I have more questions. Whom do I contact?
Steve Cogan, Program Coordinator at scogan@centennialcollege.ca / 416.289.5000 ext. 8824. | 
