FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Prospective Students

How do I register?

Most prospective students would go to OntarioColleges.ca to apply. Search for the program code (T860 or T861 for Networking, B948 for Web).Note that the official name for a program does not always match the name used at the college. In late August or the first week of September you may be able to apply directly at St. Clair if there are still spots open. Don't count on it, though, Networking has been full the past two years and Web is expected to fill.

If you are sponsored by Second Careers they will take care of your registration. There is no need to apply at online.

I can't find "Web Communications Development" at OntarioColleges.ca. What gives?

At OntarioColleges.ca the program is called "Internet Applications and Web Development". The easiest way to find it is to search for the program code B948.

The college applied for, and was approved to use the name "Web Communications Development" for the program. That describes the program quite well. Most college programs fall under Ministry standards and this program was designed to exceed the requirements of "Internet Applications and Web Development". Later, the ministry decided that all programs under a given standard should use the same official name as the standard to reduce confusion. Colleges can use an alternate name to promote the program. While well meaning, different colleges provide different programs that meet the same standard. Do not assume that programs with the same name from different colleges are the same. Fundamentally they will offer the same core material but my vary greatly in the additional material delivered.

Should I sign up for the two year or the three year networking program?

You don't need to make that decision right now. The two year networking program (T860) is the same as the first two years of the three year networking program (T861). Apply for one and you can change programs later. Sometime before the end of your second year we will need to know if you plan to graduate or if you are comming back for the third year.

Oh, and there is no need to apply for both T860 and T861. The entrance requirements are the same and the maximum number of students is the total of the two. So, pick one and apply, you can always change your mind later.

Is the web program a two year or three year program?

It is an Ontario Advanced College Diploma, which is normally delivered in six semesters over three years. By doing an extra semester during the spring we deliver three semesters per year instead of two so you are finished in two years. There is an optional co-op term which could extend the time to three years, but then you will finish with some valuable work experience, too!

Why should I come to St. Clair College?

As well as the opportunity to earn a Diploma, St. Clair offers hands-on experience, Co-op work option, and state-of-the-art labs. You can learn practical skills quickly by practicing what you learn. St. Clair also has an active Student Repersentative Council (SRC), a Student Athletic Association (SAA), a great residence, and a NEW Fitness Centre being built.

Whats the difference in a Diploma and a Degree?

Colleges grant diplomas and universities grant degrees (although there are a few applied degree programs at colleges). A college diploma offers more hands-on learning vs. theory. A college diploma is geared towards teaching practical, hands-on skills to help grads find jobs quickly. Many college grads continue working on their degree later in life or immediately after college.

What technologies are taught in the Web program?

Adobe products (Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and more), HTML, CSS, PHP/MySQL, ASP.NET, Project Managment, Linux & Windows Administration, Search Engine Optimization, basic Photography, and more.

Do I need a computer for the Networking or Web Program?

No. There are computers in the classroom and labs where computers are available. Some of these contain software for courses. A laptop or home computer would be a great benifit, though, since it would allow you more access to complete homework and use Internet resourses at the college such are Blackboard (online access to course information) and email.

What software is used in the Web Program?

Although you are not required to buy any software for the program there is software that you may want to have in order to complete homework assignments on your own computer. Here is a list of software used in the Web Program. This list may change before you get to a course that used the listed product.

Most of the software is free (freeware or open source) or can be provided to students at no charge under agreements with the vendors. Others are available at discounted prices to our students.

  • Adobe Creative Suite CS4 (we are working on better student pricing for this product). For all products the best choice is CS4 Master Colection, but for a lot less money CS4 Web Premium (lacking AV software) will do. Within Adobe CS4 we will be using:
    • Photoshop (WEB190/290)
    • Dreamweaver (WEB380)
    • Flash (WEB495/595)
    • Illustrator(WEB490)
    • Soundbooth/Premiere(WEB691)
  • A text editor such as Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Notepad++ (free) is a good alternative on Windows. (WEB110/210)
  • Several Web Browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari
  • Alice (free, MIT153)
  • PHP/MySQL (free, WEB351/451/551)
  • Microsoft Visual Studio for ASP.NET using C# (provided by college, WEB352/452/552)
  • VMware Workstation (provided for Windows/Linux, educational price on VMware Fusion for Mac, MIT455/456)
  • Operating systems such as MS Windows Server 2008 (provided by college) and Linux (free)(MIT455/456)
  • Any office suite such as MS Office 2007, Open Office, Apple iWork '09 for Mac

What courses are interchangeable between Networking and Web?

There are some courses that are interchangeable between Networking and Web programs. Contact the coordinator of the program you are interested in to find out which ones will count.