Computer Programming (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)

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

  • Students will learn back-end coding for applications, web, and development.
  • 75% of the curriculum consists of courses in applications programming, 25% communications courses
  • Students aren't expected to have previous computer programming knowledge prior to entering, which makes it more accessible to enter.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

Competitive?

Winter 2025

No

Schedule

Winter 2025
Level 01
Spring 2025
Level 02
Fall 2025
Level 03
Winter 2026
Level 04

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Diploma (2 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Advanced Technology

School

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley

Campus

Pembroke

Other Campuses

Work Integrated Learning

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. Learn about programming languages such as Java, COBOL, SQL and PHP. Study object-oriented analysis and design, operating systems and coding in integrated environments, and learn how to debug, test, and maintain codes....(read more)

Overview

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. Learn about programming languages such as Java, COBOL, SQL and PHP. Study object-oriented analysis and design, operating systems and coding in integrated environments, and learn how to debug, test, and maintain codes.

In your final semester, 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.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

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.

Learning Outcomes

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.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

Supplies can be purchased from the campus store. For more information
visit algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, (Grade 12 MCT4C) or (Grade 11 MCR3U) or equivalent; or (Grade 12 MAP4C with a grade of 80% or higher) or (Grade 11 MCF3M with a grade of 70% or higher).
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.

Refresher/upgrading courses are available through our Academic Upgrading department, AC Online, and through local school boards.

Note: Applicants should have basic computer skills such as keyboard proficiency, Internet browsing and searching, and proficiency with an office software suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) prior to the start of the program. Training in these skills is available to students via the Student Learning Centre Coaching Lab in C260.

While programming experience is not a requirement to enter the program, aptitude for programming is necessary and would include strong language, problem solving and logic skills. This is often demonstrated by skill and enjoyment in solving word problems in math.

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

Additional Information

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.

Contact

Matthew Neadow

Program Coordinator

neadowm@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2715

Room 323

View Bio

Matthew Neadow

Program Coordinator

neadowm@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2715

Matthew has 17 years of both public and private sector experience in network administration, application development, disaster recovery, security and strategic planning.

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