Accelerated Second Degree Program in Computer Science
Now available in Toronto

Algoma University College (Algoma U) recently announced the delivery of its Accelerated Second Degree Program in Computer Science to students in the Toronto Area (GTA).

This program offered in the Sault St. Marie campus since 1999, gives students, who already have a degree in another field, with the opportunity to complete a second undergraduate degree in Information Technology or Computer Science in an intensive 12-month session. This program is the first of its kind and is slated to begin in September of 2006.

Offering it in Toronto should be a perfect fit for those who have a foreign degree and are looking to pick up Canadian credentials, said Harpal Dhaliwal, head of the Toronto organization (EICC) with which Algoma U has partnered to offer the program in Brampton. "The programs are available (in Toronto), but it takes at least three or four years," said Dhaliwal, president of Education Invention Centre of Canada.

Many immigrants simply can't afford to put off work for years to go back to school while supporting themselves and possibly their families, Dhaliwal said. "It's more costly, and some of them have already spent so many years in education in their own country. They come here and it is difficult for them to spend another three or four years." , says Dhaliwal.

Anyone with a degree - other than a degree in computer science or information technology - from an accredited university anywhere in the world will be eligible to take the second degree.

According to Job Futures Canada, employment prospects in the field of computer science for 2007 are rated as “good”. This is the highest classification in their hierarchy of prospective opportunities. After an average of 2 years of working, computer science graduates can expect to earn 21% more than all other graduates at the university level and are among some of the highest paid of all physical science graduates at this level.

With the world currently in the “information” age, the high tech field is definitely growing and the backbone of it is the study of computer science. Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems: their theory, design, development, and application. Principal areas within computer science include artificial intelligence, computer systems, database systems, human factors, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, and theory of computing. Another new buzz word is ICT which stands for Information and Communication Technology.

The Greater Toronto Area is the technological heart of Canada. The city's vital Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cluster has been contributing more than $20 billion annually to the economy. Globally focused manufacturers and developers create software, hardware, new media and communications solutions that permeate and act as catalysts in all areas of the economy. With its world-leading R&D, expert talent pool, renowned post-secondary education, supportive government initiatives and high-performance infrastructure, Toronto and its surrounding suburbs are a natural hub where information-oriented companies can invest and excel. As of 2003 there are more than 148,000 employees employed in the ICT sector in the GTA.

The importance of a good basic education and, increasingly, post-secondary education and training cannot be emphasized enough. There has been a dramatic increase in both the education level and the skills required for all occupations. Having one degree may not be enough to get you the job that you want.

In the IT world, techies need to be able to work in a more collaborative environment and be strong in communication, organization and “soft” skills. Say goodbye to the silos of yesteryear -- techies over here, marketers over there, sales reps somewhere else, and on and on. In organizations today, where teams often include everyone from product managers to information architects, technology professionals must often prove themselves not just with their technical prowess, but also with their ability to work with colleagues whose expertise varies markedly from their own. Cross functionality is eminent since everything is much more intertwined than it used to be.

With its huge immigrant population, the GTA has an untapped resource of skilled workers. In the 2001 Canadian Census, 641 280 people in Ontario identified themselves as being a visible minority with South Asian heritage while 469 105 of immigrants identified themselves as being born in South Asia. With statistics like these it is easy to see that immigrants are going to impact the workforce in this region. Consider also that the IT field is one that South Asians have an aptitude for and interested parties usually already have some IT experience. If they don’t have IT experience, a large number of immigrants do have postsecondary eduacation with many of them holding undergraduate degrees.

The problem lies in the fact that many immigrants received their education, work experience and skills from outside of Canada. They have trouble finding suitable employment since employers want Canadian education or its equivalent, Canadian work experience and certain skill sets. These requirements end up as a frustrating loop that educated immigrants get caught in. Being able to obtain postgraduate education or a second degree in Canada greatly enhances a new immigrant’s employment prospects.

Algoma’s innovative progam for an Accelerated Second Degree Program in Computer Science allows undergraduate degree holders to earn another degree in just 12 months. This program is in collaboration with EICC. The format and the structure of the course offers students with an intensive study program to ensure return to work as soon as possible. Graduates are able to use the newly acquired Computer Science skills along with previous degree studies to compete in the competitive job marketplace.

"There are a large number of immigrants from all over the world settled in Toronto area. Most of them already have their undergraduate degree in various fields from their native country. This program is particularly attractive to new Canadians with international credentials seeking a Canadian university degree and updated skill-sets. These extra skills and Canadian credentials will greatly assist them to integrate into Canadian work force," stated Mr. Harpal Dhaliwal President of the Education Invention Centre of Canada. "We are very excited to partner with Algoma U to provide access to this innovative program directly in the GTA."

Algoma U is an accredited university offering over 30 degree programs and a student body of 1300 students. Algoma U is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada and the host of the first MSc degree in Computer Games Technology.

For further information about the program, please visit www.eicccanada.com

For program description please click here.

EICC is an educational innovation and invention centre supplying university bound students worldwide affordable relevant western education geared to the new needs of globalization. For further information about the Education Invention Centre of Canada, please visit Education Invention Centre of Canada

For further information please contact:

Mr. Harpal Dhaliwal
President
Education Invention Centre of Canada
(905) 874-4100
dhaliwal@eicccanada.com