A new “2+2” diploma-degree pathway agreement between Conestoga College and Wilfrid Laurier University will provide Conestoga Journalism students with a unique opportunity to earn a diploma and a degree in just four years.
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn additional credentials. Through the agreement, students graduating from Conestoga’s two-year Journalism diploma program with a minimum overall average of 75 per cent may pursue the new pathway and complete Laurier’s Honours Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media & Journalism degree in two years.
“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with Laurier and offer students this exciting opportunity,” said Michelle Gnutzman, chair of Conestoga’s School of Media + Design. “The 2+2 pathway provides an innovative learning experience that will deliver both an applied and theoretical education, and the opportunity to earn two credentials in less time.”
The 2+2 pathway to Laurier is only offered to Conestoga Journalism students and will be available starting September 2019. It has been made possible due to curriculum updates to both programs to ensure that theory and skills-based requirements will be met through the new transfer agreement.
Students in Conestoga’s Journalism program develop multimedia skills that are used in digital news reporting and storytelling across all media platforms. The first year emphasizes the fundamentals of news writing, research, interviewing, legal and ethical standards, digital news design and the journalistic use of social media. In second year, the program transitions from theory and practice assignments to real-time news coverage and digital storytelling.
Students selected for the new pathway will be granted 10 transfer credits towards Laurier’s Honours Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media & Journalism degree, delivered at the Brantford campus, and must successfully complete 10 credits at Laurier.
Conestoga works in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University to deliver innovative programs that provide students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Visit Conestoga’s website for other Conestoga-Laurier pathway opportunities.
For more information about the Journalism diploma program and the new 2+2 pathway, contact program coordinator Larry Cornies.