Why Polytechnic?
A polytechnic education offers a distinct third option between university and college – one that combines the deep, theoretical learning with applied, hands-on experience. At Humber, we believe this unique combination gives our students the very best chance to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
The polytechnic model of education is well established and highly regarded across Canada and around the world. Along with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical experience, it incorporates the following elements:
- Industry partnerships – career-focused, community-responsive education and research that is relevant to the existing job market and developed in partnership with employers.
- Comprehensive range of credentials – programming across a wide range of credentials and fields of study, using a variety of delivery methods including day, evening and online classes. Credentials can include bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, graduate certificates, certificates and apprenticeships.
- Pathways – effective and efficient pathways between credentials to recognize previous learning and allow students to build on their prior education.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship – a unique blend of theoretical, applied and breadth learning, including relevant work experience and multiple opportunities for experiential learning and entrepreneurship.
- Applied research – opportunities for students to partner with faculty and industry to solve real-world problems through applied research.
![Apprentice and instructor looking at paper in factory](https://humbercollege.widen.net/content/34722b0a-102a-4c52-86da-7e3d3f0147f2/web/2022-04-29_Student-and-instructor_International_Employability_WIL.jpg?crop=yes&w=880&h=495&itok=xA6Kgld1)
Get Ready for Your Career
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work-integrated learning opportunities prepare you for your future career. You will apply what you’ve learned in class and in real-world environments through a wide range of academic, community and industry partnerships. These work-integrated learning opportunities may include field experiences, professional practicums and co-operative education.
Types of Work-Integrated Learning
![Two students and instructor wearing hard hats working on roof](https://humbercollege.widen.net/content/a8ed7cc7-a49d-4432-9bc8-635acacd5b07/web/2019-04-09_Student-working-on-roof_International_Career_Focused_Education.jpg?crop=yes&w=880&h=495&itok=jyMYfq0A)
Field Experience
A field experience offers students an opportunity to engage in intensive experiences related to their field of study or career goals to build their skills, knowledge and abilities. Field experiences may be paid or unpaid.
![Health student talking to child](https://humbercollege.widen.net/content/ea843f62-7dd8-4570-976d-51fd8b361d1a/web/2023-02-27_Health-student-with-child_International_Career_Focused_Education.jpg?crop=yes&w=880&h=495&itok=zwG-LsCF)
Professional Practicum
Programs requiring a professional practicum offer practice-based experience or work hours for a professional license or certification. Students work under the direct supervision of an experienced professional. Placements are unpaid.
![Student wearing safety glasses woodworking](https://humbercollege.widen.net/content/81a7271a-5fdb-4457-8e4e-6c20565b428f/web/2019-04-09_Student-woodworking_International_Career_Focused_Education.jpg?crop=yes&w=880&h=495&itok=amti_Vvc)
Co-operative Education
Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases.
![Student in recording room with saxophone](https://humbercollege.widen.net/content/388d6c88-0e79-424f-81de-ee5f79631752/web/2019-03-14_Student-in-recording-room-with-saxophone_International_Career_Focused_Education.jpg?crop=yes&w=880&h=495&itok=XH7ux3gS)
Optional Co-operative Education
Students in co-op programs gain experience through paid work terms in their field of study that become progressively more complex as their skill level increases. The co-op portion of this program is optional.