We get it! Going straight to university or college can be intimidating! The transition from familiar corridors and classmates to a bustling campus can be tough — and you may not even be certain whether college or university is the right choice for you.
To help students wondering what they should study in college or university, and students who aren't sure about post-secondary in the first place, Sheridan offers "foundation" and "general arts and science" programs that only take a year — and can be used towards future studies.
Let's take a look at what's available to students, whether you're fresh out of high school, or you're looking to return to post-secondary after some time away, and how these short programs can help you build your future.
General Arts and Science is a university-track program that comes in two flavours:
Both approaches cover the same core, transferrable skills, with the goal of preparing you for university studies. You'll cover topics like academic and critical thinking and communication skills — tools you'll need to thrive in university!
Class sizes are small, with a max of 40 students, and you'll cover six fields of study in a year. You'll have an academic adviser at your side to help when things get tough, and of course, you'll earn transfer credits for further studies. The two-year diploma program can even be taken online!
Explore the general arts and science programs at Sheridan if you're considering university studies but aren't sure exactly what you want to pursue.
Foundation programs - one-year certificates
Sheridan also offers foundation / fundamentals programs, intended for students who already have a sense of their interests, and help you drill down on specific areas to sharpen your skills and build your experience.
Let's take a look at the one-year certificates Sheridan offers through the "stepping-stone" fundamental programs:
Love creating art? Thinking about a career in animation, illustration, or design? Develop your visual art skills in foundational areas like:
- Life drawing
- Painting
- Technical drawing
If you're an artist at heart, get yourself into the studio and get to work! By the end of your certificate, you'll have a working portfolio, and a stronger sense of your own identity as an artist.
On completion of the program, you'll be considered for Sheridan's Visual and Creative Arts diploma program, too.
Explore Art Fundamentals at Sheridan.
Media is everywhere! If you've got an interest in digital media, like social, or more trad media, like film, TV, and journalism, the Media Fundamentals program is for you. You'll tackle topics like:
- Audio and video recording
- TV and film production
- Communications theory
If you want to be a social media star, or you'd rather work behind the scenes, this one-year certificate can prepare you for a job in media.
Completing the program ensures you're ready for further studies at Sheridan, in programs like advertising and marketing communications, interaction design, and more.
Explore Media Fundamentals at Sheridan.
Canada's in need of skilled healthcare workers at pretty much every level. If you've got a passion for helping others, consider health sciences. Cover areas like:
- Athletic therapy and kinesiology
- Practical nursing
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary and animal care
Want a dynamic, in-demand career focused on helping others? This one-year certificate can prepare you for more demanding studies in whatever area of healthcare interests you most.
Completing this program lets you apply for a transfer to Queen's University or York University, thanks to an articulation agreement, if you meet the criteria.
Or you can apply for further studies at Sheridan, in programs like:
Taking a general arts and science program, or a fundamentals program, isn't the only way to be successful in post-secondary studies!
For students who aren't 100% sure of their path, though, these short-term programs can be a great way to explore interests and aptitudes, and help you plan for the next step in your education and career.
Sheridan is here to help, offering career advising services for future students. Sit down with an expert, narrow down your options, and figure out whether Sheridan is right for you.
Best of luck on your post-secondary journey, wherever it takes you!
Explore foundation and general programs at Sheridan