July 25, 2019 – Fleming College graduates from the Environmental Visual Communication (EVC) program now have the option of completing a master’s degree at Laurentian University. It is the first pathway of its kind in postsecondary education in the province.
The institutions have signed an agreement allowing eligible graduates of Fleming’s EVC program to continue their education in the Master’s of Science Communication (M.S.Com) program at Laurentian. Fleming graduates will receive 21 credits for their EVC certificate and will complete 12 additional credits at Laurentian University to receive their master’s, which can be completed in three academic terms. To be eligible, students must have completed an undergraduate degree in addition to the Fleming certificate.
“This unique pathway to a master’s degree is ground-breaking for Fleming College and we are very pleased to offer this to our qualified EVC graduates,” said Brett Goodwin, Principal of Fleming’s Frost Campus and Dean of the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. “This pathway is extremely attractive to students and will offer a seamless option from an Ontario Graduate Certificate into a master’s program. The environmental sector is experiencing strong growth and the EVC program provides students with a unique and highly marketable portfolio of communication skills that will only be enhanced through this pathway into a Master’s of Science Communication.”
“In many career tracks in Science Communication, a master’s degree is often a requirement to qualify for more senior positions, and the MSCom program is attracting students who already have their EVC credentials,” said Dr. Chantal Barriault, Director of Master of Science Communication program at Laurentian University. “Laurentian is very pleased about this pathway agreement with Fleming College as it will increase the pool of potential applicants.”
Fleming’s EVC program runs in a compressed, intensive format and students are on-campus at the Royal Ontario Museum during their first and second semester. The program is designed to fill a recognized need for individuals who are passionate about environmental issues and storytelling, and who want to effectively engage people to foster change.
Laurentian’s Master’s of Science Communication program is Canada’s first and only comprehensive Master’s program in Science Communication. The program is delivered in partnership with Science North, which provides students an experiential learning opportunities for research and application of science communication principles. Recently recognized by the Royal Canadian Institute for Science, the program delivers a multidisciplinary experience that covers the theory underlying good communication, as well as the practical challenges of effectively communicating science and the issues involving science in society.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.