Continuing Education

Creative Writing at Guelph and the Creative Writing Certificate

Creative Writing at Guelph is a new program of writing courses in a variety of genres and, for dedicated learners, a focused program of study resulting in a certificate. These courses will offer practical guidance in how to generate ideas, take that spark of inspiration to the page, advance your writing skills, and explore your creativity while offering advice about publishing and bringing your work to the world. Join a vibrant community of writers and readers and make creative writing a part of your creative life.

Currently there are ten courses being offered. More courses will be added in the following year. Students register in courses individually and may complete the courses in any order. Not all courses are offered every semester

To be complete the Creative Writing Certificate students are required to complete six courses:

Required Courses:

Introduction to Creative Writing
Creative Writing through Reading

Students will choose four electives (two in your genre, one outside of your genre speciality)

Short Story
The Novel
Creative Nonfiction
The Art of the Play: creating characters, developing stories and writing dialogue
Poetry
Young Adult Writing
Writing Mystery
Talking the Talk: The art of writing dialogue

To complete the Creative Writing Certificate students must complete a final capstone writing project where students will complete a 75-page manuscript in prose or a 30-page manuscript in poetry.

Capstone Writing Project

Creative Writing at Guelph is being delivered in partnership with the Department of English and Theatre Studies and University of Guelph’s Creative Writing MFA program. Students and alumni of this prestigious and nationally regarded graduate program will be involved in course development and the teaching of these new creative writing courses.

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://courses.opened.uoguelph.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=583604 or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Certificate in Coaching for Leadership

Employee engagement and performance management are essential drivers in high performing organizations. The Coaching for Leadership program focuses on developing your leadership skills using the coach approach.

Courses will examine the necessary components of a coaching culture and assist in developing leadership skills in an online learning environment. Participants will learn about performance management and how to manage conflict to build high trust relationships. The program is focused on leadership development using coaching and communication to engage employees to achieve organizational excellence.

The program consists of four online courses. All courses in the program have been designed as independent courses and do not have to be completed in sequence. Each course is eight (8) weeks in duration resulting in approximately 30 contact hours. There are no formal admission requirements for the program however the course has been designed for senior leaders, managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, project managers and organizational consultants or anyone who is aspiring to be a leader. Participants can complete the certificate program within approximately one (1) year.

Required Courses

Creating a Foundation for Leadership Coaching
Performance Management Fundamentals
The Coach Approach
Harness Conflict and Build Trust

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.CoachingforLeadership.ca or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Certificate In Couple & Family Therapy Studies

(co-sponsored by the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) http://www.oamft.com/

The Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy Studies is designed to provide practising therapists with specialized training and updating in the needs, problems and changing patterns of couple and family relationships. Systems theory is the primary, although not the only, theoretical orientation within the program. Attention to issues of gender, race, class, ethnicity and culture underlies all aspects of the program. Program faculty are clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and AAMFT-approved supervisors.

Courses in this program are designed to meet the education requirements for Clinical Membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. All courses are delivered at a level of rigour equivalent to that of a Master's degree and require completion of a formal evaluation component, marked according to University of Guelph grading standards. Individuals successfully completing the required course of study will receive the Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy Studies from the University of Guelph and the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. While completion of all six courses in the certificate program is encouraged, students are welcome to take courses for general interest or specific upgrading, provided they have adequate background and/or preparation. It is strongly recommended that students pursue a concurrent program of clinical practice and supervision. Prerequisite: A Bachelor's degree.

Required Courses:

Theories & Methods of Family Therapy: Foundations of the Field
Theories & Methods: Post-Modern Models
Theories & Methods of Couple Therapy

Elective Courses (Choose 3):

Change Strategies in Therapy
Family Therapy and Mental Health
Research in Couple and Family Therapy
Systemic Approaches with the Addicted Client: Assessment and Intervention
Transition: The Human Life Cycle
Professional Issues in Couple and Family Therapy
Sexuality Across the Lifespan
Families in Transition: Divorce, Single Parenting and Re-Marriage
Violence in Families
Spirituality: A New Story in Couple and Family Therapy?
Advanced Therapy in Couple Relationships
Therapy Interventions for Trauma, Abuse and Violence

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.couplefamilytherapystudies.ca or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization

The Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization is designed to develop participants' knowledge, skills and values with respect to knowledge mobilization (KMb) and build capacity to select and apply KMb tools and techniques to move knowledge into action.

Addressing today's complex social, economic, health or environmental challenges calls for our increased capacity to collaborate in finding and implementing innovative solutions. While a vast amount of knowledge is created every day, only a fraction of it is effectively mobilized - shared, used, and applied to inform real-life situations. This lack of knowledge transfer or exchange is contributing to a gap between research, policy and practice, which hinders social innovation and slows down progress. The Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization can help close this gap by providing participants with the skills and tools to enable the efficient and appropriate dissemination, uptake and application of knowledge.

Required Courses:

Course 1 : Inform: Processes of knowledge translation and dissemination
Course 1 : Inform: Processes of knowledge translation and dissemination
Course 3 : Act: Transforming knowledge into action

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.knowledgemobilization.ca/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Diploma in Human Resources Management

Human resources management is critical to achieving organizational effectiveness in today's business environment. Participants will learn how to leverage and develop their skills to achieve creative and innovative organizational goals.

The Diploma in Human Resources Management program curriculum links theory with practice in order to develop HR core competencies and business acumen of a Certified Human Resource Professional. In order to receive your Diploma in Human Resources Management you must complete 10 courses within the program which include nine Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) approved courses and one online distance education elective. There are no formal admission requirements for individuals interested in registering for most of the courses. Courses are offered in the fall, winter and summer semesters.

Required Courses:

Human Resources Administration
Organization and Management
Finance and Accounting Concepts
Occupational Health and Safety
Compensation and Benefits
Training and Development
Labour-Management Relations
Human Resources Planning
Recruitment and Selection

One subject-appropriate Open Learning program elective course offered through distance education. For a list of subject-appropriate elective courses, please visit the website at: http://www.hrdiploma.com. Elective course must be pre-approved by the Manager, Program Development.

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.hrdiploma.com or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

English Language Certificate Program

The English Language Certificate Program is an intensive academic English program designed to prepare ESL students aged 18 and over for academic study at the undergraduate and graduate level. Classes in grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking help students achieve the advanced level English skill needed to be successful in academic studies. Students who successfully complete the Advanced level earn the University of Guelph Certificate of English Proficiency, which meets the English proficiency requirements for entry into undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph-Humber. Applicants are encouraged to have an intermediate English skill level, and an academic goal to study at a university.

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.eslguelph.ca or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Equine Studies Online Certificate Programs

Equine Science Certificate

The Equine Science Certificate is designed to help you improve the management and welfare of horses in your care. The courses are based on scientific research and are presented in a practical format, making it easy for you to directly apply what you have learned to the health and performance of your horse. This program is ideal for the horse owner. The Equine Science Certificate requires you to complete six courses successfully. All of the courses are completed online.

Required Courses:

Management of the Equine Environment
Health & Disease Prevention
Functional Anatomy
Equine Nutrition

Elective Courses (Select two):

Growth & Development
Exercise Physiology
Equine Behaviour
Equine Genetics

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.equinestudiesonline.ca/equine-science-certificate/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000. This program is provided in partnership with Equine Guelph, the Horse Owner’s Centre at the University of Guelph.

Certificate in Equine Business Management

The Certificate in Equine Business Management is for anyone interested in working in the business and management aspects of the equine industry. This certificate program will provide you with the business skills and tools you need to run a successful business including; writing a business plan, developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies including social media, establishing a financial management system and understanding financial reports. The Certificate in Equine Business Management requires you to complete six courses. A selection of courses is offered each semester.

Required Courses:

Equine Business Management
Management of the Equine Environment
The Equine Industry
Finance and Risk Management
Marketing and Communication in the Equine Industry

Elective Courses(Select one):

Equine Journalism
Equine Event Management
Stewardship of the Equine Environment

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.equinestudiesonline.ca/certificate-in-equine-business-management/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000. This program is provided in partnership with Equine Guelph, the Horse Owner’s Centre at the University of Guelph.

Equine Veterinary Technicians Certificate

The Equine Veterinary Technician Certificate is an equine-specific professional development program for veterinary technicians and animal health technologists. This program will provide you with the opportunity to explore research and evidence-based practice in equine health & management practices in three online courses, and assisting the veterinarian in the management, treatment and response to equine medical situations in three practicum courses. You may take the full certificate program or only the courses which interest you. The Equine Veterinary Technicians Certificate will provide equine-specific academic (research and evidence-based) and skill development (practicum’s) for Veterinary Technicians. This program is delivered in partnership with University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus and Equine Guelph.

Required Courses:

The first three courses are delivered in an online distance education format. The advanced online courses are available to all students who meet the pre-requisite requirements.

Advanced Equine Functional Anatomy

- Pre-requisite is Equine Functional Anatomy or equivalent
Advanced Equine Health through Nutrition

- Pre-requisite is Equine Nutrition or equivalent
Advanced Equine Behaviour

- Pre-requisite is Equine Behaviour or equivalent

The following courses are delivered in a face-to-face practicum. These courses are available to students who are registered in a Veterinary Technology program, have graduated from Veterinary Technology program or are currently a Registered Veterinary Technician or equivalent. International student designations will be considered.

Equine Dentistry
Equine Reproduction
Equine Critical Care

To be awarded the certificate students will have:

Completed all courses with a minimum grade of 60 percent
Graduated from a recognized Veterinary Technician program or
Qualified for the Registered Veterinary Technician designation or equivalent.

For more information contact Open Learning and Educational Support at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or 519-767-5000. Program information is available at http://www.equinestudiesonline.ca/equine-veterinary-technician-certificate/

Equine Welfare Certificate

Our equine welfare courses engage students who have a passion for making a better world for our equines. You will examine current research and practices in equine welfare discussing the biological and emotional factors that affect a horse’s quality of life. The study of equine welfare encompasses all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention, responsible care, humane handling, and where necessary, humane euthanasia. At the end of program you will have an understanding of equine welfare issues across all disciplines, the problems and the potential solutions.

This program is delivered in partnership with the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare and Equine Guelph.

Required Courses:

Equine Welfare
Global Perspectives in Equine Welfare
Advanced Equine Behaviour
Equine Nutrition OR Advanced Equine Health through Nutrition

Electives (select 2):

Health & Disease Prevention
Equine Industry
Equine Nutrition OR Advanced Equine Health through Nutrition
Advanced Equine Anatomy

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.EquineWelfareCertificate.ca or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Diploma in Equine Studies

The Diploma in Equine Studies provides a comprehensive course of study and is suitable for those interested in a career in the equine industry. It is comprised of ten online courses and is designed to provide advanced knowledge. A selection of courses is offered each semester. Students who have completed or are currently registered in the Equine Science Certificate program may opt to continue their studies in order to earn the Diploma, and students new to the Diploma in Equine Studies will be provided with a comprehensive starting point.

Required Courses:

Management of the Equine Environment
Health & Disease Prevention
Functional Anatomy
Equine Nutrition
Equine Behaviour
Stewardship in the Equine Environment

Elective Courses (Select Four):

Equine Growth & Development
Equine Exercise Physiology
Equine Genetics
The Equine Industry
Equine Business Management
Finance and Risk Management
Marketing and Communication in the Equine Industry
Equine Journalism
Equine Event Management

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.equinestudiesonline.ca/diploma-in-equine-studies./ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

This program is delivered in partnership with Equine Guelph, the Horse Owner’s Centre at the University of Guelph.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Public Health

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a number of technologies that allow us to map and analyze locational patterns of just about anything, as long as data that represent those phenomena exist (or can be generated from given data). The main purpose of this course is to teach the core concepts of these technologies and to provide participants with the skills to prepare informative maps using their own spatial data, as well as conduct preliminary spatial analyses on those data.

This new eight week online course is intended primarily for professional practitioners currently in the public health and/or epidemiology fields, or recent graduates who are interested in gaining employment in this field. The course is offered through an asynchronous online format, using industry standard software, ArcGIS Desktop and SaTScan. Topics include what a geographic information system actually is, how spatial data are stored on a computer, projections and coordinate systems, creating thematic maps, and analyzing spatial data for potential significant trends/patterns. Core GIS concepts are taught using applicable public health examples and cover varying scales (local, regional/continental, global).

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.gispublichealth.com/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Landscape/Horticulture Online Diploma Programs

The Landscape/Horticulture Diploma programs include two diploma options:

The Horticulturist Diploma

The Horticulturist Diploma is designed for landscape company staff, parks and recreation employees, institutional ground staff, naturalists, urban gardeners and environmental advocates. The Diploma will enhance student knowledge and skills relating to residential gardens, urban spaces and small public recreational areas. This new online program will offer a high standard of horticultural understanding and insight encouraging students to locate, analyze and put into practice sound horticultural knowledge.

Required Courses:

Cultural Practices for Plants
Introduction to Plant Identification
Designing the Landscape
Ornamental Plant Protection
Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth
Weed Management in Horticulture

Required Diploma Courses:

Theory and Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Horticulture
Advanced Plant Identification Techniques
Treating Pests and Disease in Horticulture with Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.guelphhort.com/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

The Creating Landscapes Diploma

The Creating Landscapes Diploma is a new online program for landscape professionals wishing to develop or improve design skills and for homeowners wanting a better understanding of the design and function of their landscape environment. This Diploma will provide students with knowledge and skills in the theories and principles guiding meaningful landscape design and in the techniques used to create landscape drawings. The depth and breadth of student knowledge and skills will be expanded through practice, in particular, a Capstone Landscape Design Project that amalgamates many important aspects of design practice.

Required Courses:

Landscape Design I
Landscape Design II
Introduction to Landscape Construction
Introduction to Plant Identification
Computer Assisted Design
Computer Assisted Design II
Business Management Principles
Presentation Styles- Extending Your Graphic Skills
Capstone Landscape Design Project

Required Diploma Courses:

Presentation Styles- Extending Your Graphics Skills
Designing For Sustainability
Computer Assisted Design II
Capstone Landscape Design Project

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.guelphhort.com/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Horticulturalist Certificate programs

Our certificates are designed for industry personnel as well as the home gardener.

Horticulturist Certificate

This certificate is designed especially for gardeners wishing to enhance their knowledge and skills relating to the residential garden environment. The impact of soil conditions are a critical aspect of this study program. Basic horticulture and botany are discussed as are principles of plant care to ensure optimum plant health. Learn about common plant pests, diseases and weeds, and effective management options. Begin to create beautiful and hardy landscapes through innovative residential garden design tactics and strategies.

Required Courses:

Cultural Practices for Plants
Introduction to Plant Identification
Designing the Landscape
Ornamental Plant Protection
Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth
Weed Management in Horticulture
Growing Plants

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.guelphhort.com/certificates/horticulturist/ or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Creating Landscapes Certificate

Landscape environments must provide both aesthetic satisfaction and functional value in residential and commercial settings. As landscape designers, contractors or gardening enthusiasts, you must make decisions that provide effective solutions in creating desirable outdoor living environments.

Learn about historical influences on modern landscape design, and the Design Process. Understand design elements and principles. Enhance your understanding of management principles for operating a successful landscape business. Explore the physical properties and uses of landscape construction material and discover how to incorporate computer technology in creating successful designs.

Required Courses:

Landscape Design I
Landscape Design II
Introduction to Landscape Construction
Computer Assisted Design
Business Management Principles
Introduction to Plant Identification

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.guelphhort.com/certificates/creating-landscapes or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Growing Plants for Profit Certificate

Key to running a profitable business in the garden and landscape industries, is knowing how to effectively grow healthy plants while at the same time implementing sound business practices. Plant propagation techniques are thoroughly discussed as are the specifics of both greenhouse and nursery production. Business skills are offered to guide students through the complexities of running a profitable business operation. Plant identification techniques ensure that learners have a good understanding of the most exciting product choices.

Required Courses:

Commercial Greenhouse Crop Production
Nursery Production
Plant Propagation
Greenhouse Management
Business Management Principles
Introduction to Plant Identification

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.guelphhort.com/certificates/growing-plants-for-profit or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Maintaining Golf Courses Certificate

Golf superintendents are under close scrutiny in today's urban and rural settings. Can turf managers maintain healthy playing conditions while respecting environmental needs such as wildlife health and water quality? Can players be offered the best in playing conditions without the use of herbicides and extensive fertilizer use? Turf identification and management skills are at the forefront of this program. Gain valuable insights into golf course design and construction techniques, tree care, and other best management practices related to the environmental care of golf courses.

Required Courses:

Turf Management
Irrigation
Golf Course Design and Construction
Weed Management in Turf
Arboriculture
Environmental Management of the Golf Course

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.guelphhort.com/certificates/maintaining-golf-courses or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Sustainable Landscape Certificate

Respect and care for the natural environment is at the forefront of this new certificate. Learn about innovative strategies which help to fortify the relationships between water and land, ensuring care of both environments. Discover design tactics to retain or enhance naturalized landscapes. Enhance your knowledge about tree health as it relates to both the individual plant and woodland communities.

Required Courses:

Alternative Land Use Practices for Sustainable Landscapes
The Naturalized Landscape
Introduction to Woodland Ecology
Arboriculture
Introduction to Plant Identification

To learn more, please visit the website at: https://www.guelphhort.com/certificates/sustainable-landscape or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Sustainable Urban Agriculture/Horticulture Online Certificate Programs

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture/Horticulture Online Certificate Programs include two certificates and nine online/web-based courses. Learners may enrol in one or more individual courses or choose a study path to obtain the certificates.

Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate is designed for urban dwellers, city planners and community gardeners interesting in growing food in a sustainable manner to support families, neighbourhoods and communities.

Core Courses:

Theory and Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Horticulture
Fundamentals of the Role of Plants in Urban Sustainability
Sustainable Urban Crop Production
Food Processing for Urban Gardeners

Elective Courses - choose one of the following:

Ecology of Gardens and Landscapes in an Urban Environment
Agricultural Plant Selection for Urban Gardeners
Business Management Principles

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://docs.open.uoguelph.ca/document.aspx?id=a2dc69d1-5ea0-4fce-92a0-b35dd3d4fede or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.

Sustainable Urban Horticulture Certificate

The Sustainable Urban Horticulture Certificate focuses on the environmental, social and economic implications of horticulture in our cities. The program is designed for landscape designers and builders, municipal planners and environmental advocates interested in micro-economic sustainability and maximizing aesthetic and property values through innovative garden design.

Core Courses:

Theory and Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Horticulture
Fundamentals of the Role of Plants in Urban Sustainability
Naturalizing and Restoring Urban Gardens
Business Management Principles

Elective Courses - choose one of the following:

Ecology of Gardens and Landscapes in an Urban Environment
Introduction to Plant Identification

To learn more, please visit the website at: http://www.urbanhort.ca or contact Open Learning and Educational Support by email at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.