The three-year Computer Programming and Analysis Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for a career in software development and systems analysis. The program specializes in information systems design, development and deployment. You develop sound coding and software testing principles and practices leveraging proven methodologies and industry standards to develop robust system solutions meeting stakeholder's needs by bridging software development and the needs of the business world.

Use leading industry software and technology including object-oriented methodologies, database design, database administration, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, quality assurance and testing, development operations as well as business and information technology to design, develop and deploy information systems.

Graduates may work in a variety of different fields, as almost all sectors of industry require programmers.

Fields may include, but are not limited to:

• private and public sectors
• healthcare
• education
• commerce
• science
• finance
• production
• information services
• service industry
• human services

To qualify for this advanced diploma, you must complete the program in six years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy, and are adept at, strategizing solutions to problems.
• Are life-long learners ready to meet the challenges presented by rapidly changing technology.
• Possess the ability to see the big picture and to work in detail with individual parts.
• Enjoy working independently and with others as a member of a team.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as a mobile application developer, business program developer, full-stack software developer, programmer analyst, quality assurance analyst, database designer or as a database administrator.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
2. Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
3. Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
4. Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
7. Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
8. Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
9. Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
10. Gather, analyze and define software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
11. Design, develop, document, implement, maintain and test software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
12. Select and apply object-oriented and other design concepts and principles, as well as business requirements, to the software development process.
13. Gather requirements and model, design, implement, optimize, and maintain data storage solutions.
14. Integrate network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

Read this before applying:

Program Resources

This program is also offered full-time online and full-time on campus.

Please note: The co-op option is only available in the on-campus delivery of this program.

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international/ for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

PROGRAM PROGRESSON:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed). For more information please contact your Program Support Officer (https://www.algonquincollege.com/academic-success/ac-online/).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.