Red Deer College is attracting more students, while continuing to roll out new programs.
Enrolment increased by about two per cent, and there are now 7,500 full- and part-time students in more than 100 programs, said academic vice-president Paulette Hanna on Wednesday.
Among those programs is a newcomer. A bachelor of applied arts in film, theatre and live entertainment has been added and has spaces for 55 students.
“We’re really looking forward to it. It has three streams: film, film production, acting and live entertainment,” said Hanna. “It’s a very popular degree.”
It marks the second year that the college has offered applied degree programs in its school of creative arts.
Last year, the first 25 students were accepted into the bachelor of applied arts in animation and visual effects and a waiting list has already formed.
Hanna said several of the other programs launched last year have proven to be highly sought after.
A two-year justice studies diploma has been so popular, a second section was added this year to meet demand and whittle down the waiting list.
“We were approached by different areas of the justice system saying there is no program like that that allows people to take it here and work here.”
The college is finding the program is popular with those considering careers in every area of the justice field, she said.
Other offerings expected to be well received include a human resources management certificate, an eLearning instructor post-diploma certificate and the adult and higher education instructor post-diploma certificate.
The college is also working on two of its own degrees, a bachelor of education and bachelor of science and biological sciences.
The programs must be approved by Campus Alberta’s quality council and the education ministry.
“But if all goes well and we have approval, we will launch both those degrees in September 2021,” said Hanna.
“They will be our degrees and we will be able to keep our students here for the full four years and they will be able to walk across the stage with their Red Deer University parchment.”
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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