Program description

Computer Programming is a two-year diploma program designed for students who wish to learn the latest skills needed by business application developers in industry, but want to graduate sooner than allowed by the three-year Computer Programmer/Analyst program. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills using the latest versions of Microsoft, Java and open-source software to develop business and web applications. Object-oriented analysis, design, agile methodologies and programming techniques are mastered and applied throughout the program.

Students learn through a combination of theory and practice, applying their knowledge to hands-on assignments and challenging projects. Complementary courses in areas such as mathematics, accounting and communications support the core IT courses. All of these skills are then applied to a capstone group project in the last year in which students build a major business application, providing them with experience of the complete application development cycle.

Program outcomes

Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.

Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.

Implement and maintain secure computing environments.

Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.

Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.

Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.

Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.

Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.

Support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.

Contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance and testing of software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.

Apply one or more programming paradigms such as, object-oriented, structured or functional programming, and design principles, as well as documented requirements, to the software development process.

Model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.

Contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards

Admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)

Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent.

Grade 12 Mathematics, C or U, or equivalent.

Minimum grade required for:

MCT4C 60%

MAP4C 60%

MHF4U, MCV4U 50%

MDM4U 50%

MATH1375 60%

Admission procedures

An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.

Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.

A sound mathematical background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

Careers

Students graduate with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design computer applications for business. Entry-level positions for graduates of this program include computer programmer, web application developer, software tester and quality control professional.

On average, 80% of graduates from 2020 to 2025 found employment within six months of graduation.