Ontario affirms high quality and value of four-year college degrees for future workforce

The Ontario government’s announcement today that colleges can expand the number of four-year degree programs reiterates the value and high academic quality of the 37 honours bachelor’s degrees offered by Sheridan. 

“Sheridan has been a leader in providing four-year bachelor’s degrees to students since our first four-year, Bachelors programs were offered in Animation, Illustration and Athletic Therapy in 2003,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor of Sheridan College. Our highly competitive degree programs give students the academic rigour and hands-on, real-world experience to be successful leaders in their chosen fields.” 

Sheridan welcomed the news that the province is raising the cap on degree programs that colleges can offer by five per cent to 20 per cent for Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITALs) like Sheridan and 10 per cent for all other colleges. These additional programs will address gaps in the province’s labour needs.

Sheridan’s four-year degrees all include a co-op term of either four or eight months and many include a culminating capstone project. 

In addition, Sheridan’s Board Undergraduate Certificate in Creativity and Creative Problem Solving provides an opportunity for every degree student to gain highly valued creative thinking and problem-solving skills that are recognized in a formal credential and endorsed by the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State. It furthers a commitment to an exceptional undergraduate educational experience and builds on Sheridan’s renowned expertise in creativity and innovation.

Sheridan graduates regularly go on to complete master’s degrees in programs such as cybersecurity, physiotherapy, animation and others. 

The announcement was made today by Ontario Colleges and Universities Minister, Jill Dunlop. “Expanding the degree programs at colleges ensures more students will have access to high-quality, career-focused programs,” Minister Dunlop said. “More students will acquire the expertise and credentials to succeed in today’s job market.”

While many programs offered at Ontario colleges are diploma programs, Sheridan has long offered a mix of micro-credentials, diplomas, degrees, and graduate certificates. In some cases, programs are designed so that a student can earn “stackable” credentials so a certificate can lead to a diploma and a diploma can lead to a degree. Personal Support Worker certificates, for example, are a step on a ladder toward a practical nursing diploma.  

The announcement today recognizes the success of the colleges’ degree programs and brings equity to Ontario’s postsecondary system. It ensures every student whose education fulfils Ontario’s high degree-level requirements can graduate with a degree. Expanding the degree programs at colleges will fulfil the growing demand among employers for graduates with more specialized qualifications. 

Sheridan currently offers 37 four-year, bachelor’s degree programs across a range of programs including: 

To apply for a Sheridan degree program, visit Ontariocolleges.ca.