As President Kennedy shared in December, 2026 offers us a chance to work together and think boldly as we identify opportunities for growth and seize opportunities to enhance our enrolments.
Today we will announce new trailblazing programs in our School of Technology that respond directly to emerging industry needs and government priorities, while providing opportunities to grow enrolments.
As part of the College’s regular academic review and curriculum renewal process, we are transitioning our existing Photonics programs into new two-and-three-year Defence Systems Engineering Technician/Technology programs for Fall 2026.
The new programs build directly on the strong foundation of the current Photonics programs and address evolving industry needs and emerging technologies while answering the federal government’s call for modern equipment and a stronger domestic defence industry. Students in the program will receive hands-on learning in mechatronic and photonic (optic/laser) systems for the development of real-world aerial, terrestrial and marine drones.
The new programs directly address Canada’s most recent federal budget which has accelerated defence spending to strengthen domestic defence capacities. At the local level, autonomous systems play an increasingly vital role in public safety, supporting search and rescue efforts, natural disaster response, forest fire surveillance, environmental protection and more.
These responsive new programs add to four other previously-announced programs that NC will launch in 2026, including new, one-year Graduate Certificate programs in Cybersecurity, Addictions and Mental Health, and Early Childhood Education – Resource Consulting, as well as a one-year certificate program Professional Butchery Techniques. We also welcome the return of the one-year graduate certificate Event Management program which was paused during the pandemic but which has had a long track-record of excellence and impact in the community.
Thank you to the teams who worked at warp speed, in close collaboration with industry partners, to accelerate development of these programs for a September launch.
Stay tuned for the official announcement which will mark the start of recruitment efforts for the inaugural intake in Fall 2026.
Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie
Vice-President, Academic
