Today’s announcement by Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop to allow colleges to offer three-year degrees is welcome news at Georgian College. The provincial government’s plans to expand career-focused degree programs at Ontario public colleges will provide new opportunities, choice and more academic programming options for postsecondary students.
“I applaud today’s announcement, our government listened to the sector and understands this decision will be better for students, employers and our economic vitality,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO, Georgian College. “College three-year degrees will enhance graduates’ employment outcomes and earnings, as well as prepare a more diverse, robust and qualified labour force.”
Expanding the degree programs at colleges will fulfil the growing demand among employers for graduates with more highly specialized qualifications.
In anticipation of this announcement, Georgian has started to prepare new three-year degrees in hospitality and business. The development process includes working closely with industry to ensure a three-year degree credential is a good match for labour market needs. It also includes creating seamless pathways from existing diploma programs to degree programs. The new degrees could be available by 2024.
This new category of postsecondary credential will provide future students with more choice and flexibility in what and how they choose to study. New degree programs may be offered online only, as hybrid, or as GC Flex, where you attend class when and where it’s convenient for you, depending on the nature of the program.
“Three-year degrees allow us to build on the solid foundation we’ve established in our seven campus communities over more than five decades,” said West-Moynes. “By enhancing our career-focused programming, we can continue to meet the needs of our long-standing employer partners, as well as attract new employers wanting to hire our students and graduates.”