About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
  • Code: 1819 P1819
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
  • Online Program Delivery (What's this?)
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Overview

Do you enjoy helping people and have an interest in a community service career, but haven’t decided on a specialty?

As a Pre-Community Services graduate, you have determined your career goal and are well-prepared for academic success in postsecondary community service programs at Niagara College.

This program is also offered at the Welland campus.

Highlights
  • Flexible asynchronous (accessible any time) course delivery allows students to balance work with family obligations which allows them to complete school work at a time that is convenient for them.
  • Program is designed to meet individual needs and facilitate the transition to postsecondary education.

  • Benefit from individual educational support and planning with assistance from an academic student advisor.

  • Graduates may be eligible to receive limited transfer credits based on their chosen postsecondary program.

  • Graduates have increased preparedness for community services programs at Niagara College.

NC Preferred Admission

For detailed information, requirements and eligibility visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.

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Courses

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1020 College Communications - Unraveled 3
STDV1180 Academic and Career Preparation 3
CAPL1199 Computer Applications 3
SOCL1100 Introduction to Sociology I 3
PSYC1101 Psychology 3
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
MATH1040 Foundational Math Skills for College 3
COMM1140 Essential Communication Skills for Community Services 3
PSYC1323 Developmental Psychology 3
PSYC1310 Abnormal Psychology 3
SOCL1430 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada 3
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. Discuss the roles, responsibilities, career opportunities, academic and personal requirements for success in the Community Services and Child Studies field.

  2. Apply culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills to support team functioning in academic and professional settings with the ability to engage in self-reflection.

  3. Explain major theoretical models of behaviour associated with the study of psychology.

  4. Apply the appropriate Client service strategies according to client behaviour/preference.

  5. Select the Community Services and Child Studies field best suited to personal and career interest.

  6. Explain how academic strengths, needs and personal health factors affect success and wellness in a college environment.

  7. Utilize written and verbal communication skills specific to the Community Services and Child Studies field.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Note: Applicants lacking the English requirement are encouraged to apply for the program and will be considered for admission on an individual basis.

Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

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Availability

Note: Online Program Delivery

The delivery of this program is online only for all intakes.

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Pre-Community Services (Online) program below.

Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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My experience in the Pre-Community Services program gave me the skills that I needed to move into the Child and Youth Worker program, as well as transferable credits. The program has been very beneficial, and I am happy that I chose to go in this direction. I now have the foundation that I need to reach my ultimate goal.

Amanda Swartz, program graduate

Niagara College opened doors in my life. This program was a springboard for me. I began taking courses in Pre-Community Services, which gave me a ‘taste’ of many career options in the helping field. As a mature student, I wanted to be sure that my investment of time was worthwhile. I found that this program allowed me many benefits, including using credits earned to transfer into a more specific helping program. When anyone tells me that they are considering going to school but not sure what to do, I encourage them to speak to guidance, and that General Arts and Science is the right place to start their college education.

Nancy Taylor, program graduate

As a mature student the Pre-Community Services Program helped me to reassimilate to an educational environment, as well as earn a lot of credits I needed for my next program. I am currently in the Social Service Worker program. The staff are very patient and dedicated to helping students to discover, enjoy, and succeed in their College paths. I was extremely satisfied with my experience and happily recommend this program to anyone!

Mirian A. MacLaren, program graduate
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