Executive Summary
The primary purpose of this project was to develop a program that blends the 12 online courses of Confederation College’s 1-year post graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health into the curriculum of the undergraduate Honour’s Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology at Lakehead University. The creation of a blended program incorporates the practical components offered in the College into theoretical concepts presented in the University degree offerings. The two institutions agreed to explore the potential for partnering in order to offer students an enhanced education to prepare them for careers in the growing and demanding field of addictions and mental health.
Results from this project included:
- A major modification to the undergraduate psychology curriculum
- The creation of a Blended Program:
- Curriculum redundancies were identified so that students entering into the program are partially, or completely, exempted from several college courses. Students are also exempted from 1.5 FCEs in the University program for completing the College Certificate. Through these exemptions and simultaneously completing the Certificate while in the HBA degree program allows students to efficiently, and quickly complete both of these complimentary programs.
- An agreement (in principle) between Confederation College and Lakehead University, that once both programs have completed their curriculum modifications, to launch the Blended Program: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health
- These modifications will be completed by September of 2020 when the Blended Program is expected to launch.
Lessons Learned
- For logistical, administrative and financial concerns this blended program would not be as feasible if it were not for the online-modules offered by the College. This online component greatly simplifies the logistical issues, is favored by students and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling.
The outcomes for this project would not have been possible without the expertise and inputs from the College and University faculty, directors and administration.