Learn workplace-ready programming languages and practical applications to use wherever your career takes you.

The two-year Computer Programming Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in software development. The program also specializes in program development strategies (using object-oriented modelling), database design and database administration.

Use leading industry software products such as Oracle and CASE tools and learn about programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, COBOL, SQL and PHP. Through the study of object-oriented analysis and design, operating systems and coding in integrated environments, you also learn how to debug, test, and maintain codes.

In your final semester, you participate in a software development project working with external clients to gain real-world experience in the programming field.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates may work in a variety of different fields, as almost all sectors of industry require programming and database skills. Fields may include:

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

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.
• Enjoy working independently and with others as a member of a team
• Are organized in their work and pay attention to detail.

Careers

Graduates may find a variety of employment opportunities as applications programmers and systems analysts who can work independently and as part of a team to analyze, design, code, debug, test, implement and maintain application systems. Training in web programming, business programming, database design and database administration may also present job opportunities in those areas. Employment may be found in organizations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with 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 working on projects within a computing environment.
8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 0336X03FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A 0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION:

All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Program curriculum is reviewed annually to reflect evolving industry standards in the information technology field.

Several courses assist in the preparation for industry standard Java and Oracle certification examinations (CST7355, CST7276, CST7377, CST7284 and CST7288).