School's academic senate approves four new post-graduate courses

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Thanks to the recent approval of four new post-graduate certificates by the Algoma University Academic Senate, those looking to obtain a university credential in a computer science-related discipline will have a number of new options available to them starting in May 2019.

Algoma University continues to develop vibrant new programming to support the ever-changing needs of both learners and the labour market. Post-graduate certificates are an attractive option, enabling those with a prior post-secondary degree or college diploma to expand their knowledge in a new academic discipline or extend their knowledge in a particular area of study. Certificates can be completed in as little as one year, a feature that is attractive to both international and domestic students.

Those with a recognized computer science or information technology credential now have the option of complementing their prior studies with a post-graduate certificate in mobile software development or computer games technology. With content aligned with identified industry needs, the skillsets of certificate graduates will be a valuable resource to support current and future growth anticipated within the IT sector.

The mobile software development certificate enables learners to apply the foundational skills of computer science to the development of applications and systems that implement the use of mobile devices in modern computer systems. Students will study the range of applications of mobile devices and will learn to develop applications on a variety of mobile platforms. Graduates will be able to apply the use of mobile devices in business, industry, social media and gaming.

Students pursuing a computer games technology post-graduate certificate will apply their foundational programming knowledge to the design and development of video game software. The program focuses on a complete overview of game development, from the initial code to the finished product, with courses covering computer graphics, the games marketplace, game artificial intelligence, and gameplay design. Graduates of this certificate may use gaming project coursework to develop a sophisticated portfolio that they can use when seeking employment.

For those interested in obtaining foundational knowledge to complement a credential from an area of study outside of the field of computer science, Algoma University will now be offering post-graduate certificates in computing as well as information technology.

“The post-graduate certificates approved today provides another example of Algoma’s commitment to developing new and innovative programming to help ensure our graduates are ready to enter the workforce in areas of proven demand. The need for those with IT skills and related credentials continues to grow and Algoma University will continue to evolve program options to address identified workforce needs,” said university president and vice-chancellor Asima Vezina.

The fall term examination period is currently underway at the university prior to the holiday break. Winter term courses commence on Monday, Jan. 7.

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