Durham College Announces Fundamentals Certificate Programs at Oshawa and Whitby Campuses

Durham College announced on June 30, 2025, that it will offer several fundamentals certificate programs at its Oshawa and Whitby campuses. According to the college, these programs target new students who are considering post-secondary education or are not yet certain about which field to pursue.

The college states these programs are designed to introduce students to college-level expectations and a wide range of academic areas. Courses are offered in business, technology, emergency services, media, art and design, general studies, health sciences, and trades.

Details of the certificate programs, as described by Durham College, are as follows:

• Business Fundamentals: This program covers introductory business knowledge and skills across several business disciplines.
• Computer Foundations: The eight-month certificate includes courses on programming languages, systems development, and operating systems.
• Emergency Services Fundamentals: This program introduces foundational skills relevant to careers such as paramedic, police foundations, and practical nursing.
• Film and Motion Design – Media Fundamentals: Covered areas include animation, filmmaking, video production, motion graphics, and video game production.
• Foundations in Art and Design: This program introduces art and design skills and covers a range of media, tools, and techniques.
• General Arts and Science – General Certificate: This offering is aimed at developing academic skills to support students as they transition to post-secondary studies.
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas: The two-semester program includes communication, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and critical thinking.
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees: This program covers academic skills required for further post-secondary health sciences study and provides information about potential careers.
• Trades Fundamentals: Students receive an overview of different trades through classroom instruction and hands-on shop experience.

Durham College states these programs are structured to introduce students to a variety of academic fields and campus routines.