Early market intelligence together with a capacity to respond carefully and quickly has enabled Charles Sturt University to enhance educational opportunities for not just Australia’s inland communities but for those in Canada.

 

The University has just gained ministerial consent to offer three new degrees in Ontario from later this year, consolidating Charles Sturt University’s position as a significant provider of higher education in that Province.

 

The Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in Ontario, the Hon. John Milloy, this month gave consent for the University to offer a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, Master of Business Administration and Master of International Education (School Leadership).  (See fact sheet attached). Charles Sturt University in Ontario offers a Bachelor of Primary Education Studies degree graduating 200 students annually.  All four programs will operate from Burlington, Ontario.

 

The Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University, Professor Ian Goulter, said by offering four degrees in Ontario, Charles Sturt University is extending its commitment to the provision of quality higher education in Canada.

 

 “The Ministerial Consent for a further three programs affirms the quality of the University’s work in Ontario and gives further certainty for our presence in Canada.

 

 “We have built an impressive reputation in the Province proving that we meet Canadian standards while producing highly employable graduates and enriching our own curriculum.

 

“We’re demonstrating the international calibre and reputation of our programs around the world. This means that students who graduate from Charles Sturt University know their testamur meets the high standards expected anywhere in the world.”

 

The latest news will create other spin off benefits for Australia and Canada, he said. These include paving the way for meaningful international partnerships in research and learning as well as exposure to best practices in both countries.

 

The new programs aim to replicate the success of the current Bachelor of Primary Education Studies – a program which has gained strong endorsement from the Ontario teaching profession and employers. 

 

The program has been described as an “instrument of change” in primary education by the Director of Education of the Halton District School Board, Wayne Joudrie.

 “Charles Sturt University delivers very practical training so that graduates are well prepared to lead instruction immediately,” Mr Joudrie said. “I see CSU as an instrument of change. Thanks to its approach, other pre-service programs have had to become more competitive and responsive to school board needs.”

 

According to the Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, Kyle Benham, the Charles Sturt University degrees create more than new educational opportunities for Ontario residents.

 

“Increasing public and private sector investments in education will also generate economic benefits. The Master of International Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and Master of Business Administration will be an excellent fit with the needs of the residential and business communities.

 

“Talent is the primary factor influencing a company’s decision to stay in or locate to a municipality. A community’s ability to access the right talent at the right time will give it the competitive advantage it needs to support the growth of the existing economic base and attract new investment, firms and jobs,” Mr Benham said.

 

 Professor Goulter added: “Should the University succeed in further expanding its program offerings, by 2013, Charles Sturt University in Ontario will enrol more than 1500 students resulting in substantial benefits for Charles Sturt University.”

 

 

Ø  First intake August/September 2009

Ø  25 students full time plus 25 students part time

Ø  Then building to 50-80 full-time students over the next few years

Ø  Two years full-time or four years part-time

Ø  Face-to-face delivery with four subjects by distance or through McMaster University

Ø  The degree allows those with Community College diplomas to upgrade their qualifications and increase their career pathways, including access to school teaching degrees

Ø  Fee $1,600 (CAD) per subject (or course in Canadian parlance)

 

Ø  First intake July 2009

Ø  50 students for the first intake

Ø  Then building to 100 students over the next few years

Ø  Two years part-time

Ø  Flexible delivery by distance education with workshops

Ø  Developed in collaboration with the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC)

Ø  OPC delivers most of the Principal’s Qualifications Programs in the Province.

Ø  Offered to aspiring and current school principals

Ø  Pre-requisites – undergraduate degree and teaching qualification (normally BEd) with five years of teaching experience

Ø  Fee $1,500 (CAD) per subject (or course in Canadian parlance)

 

Ø  First intake August/September 2009

Ø  25 students enrolled in first intake then up to 70 by the fourth intake

Ø  Two to four years part time

Ø  Flexible delivery by distance education with face to face workshops

Ø  Pre-requisites – four-year undergraduate degree, three years work experience and a GMAT score of at least 550

Ø  Fee $1,800 (CAD) per subject (or course in Canadian parlance)

Ø  Fifth intake in August/September 2009

Ø  200 students

Ø  Studied over one full-time year

Ø  Face-to-face delivery

Ø  Attracts more than 500 applicants each year

Ø  Accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers

Ø  $1,650 (CAD) per subject (or course in Canadian parlance)