Gain the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for a career in programming and software development.

The three-year Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you for an information technology (IT) career in the private or public sectors. You gain the knowledge and skills to use a broad range of IT-based analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in support of the day-to-day operation of an enterprise`s software systems or in the development of new systems.

Learn a variety of programming languages (Java, C#, C++, C, and others) and operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux, and QNX). In addition, you study the development tools and debugging techniques used to design, code and test integrated and/or embedded applications and software systems.

In your final year, you work in teams on sponsored real-world projects to develop a comprehensive application as part of the software engineering portion of the program. You also have the opportunity to select an elective course from an approved list, in areas that include game programming, business programming (Cobol), and business intelligence and data analytics.

The majority of the program consists of courses in systems programming, software development, testing and maintenance. The balance of the curriculum consists of courses in technical communications skills (both oral and written), mathematics and general education electives.

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 that admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates may find employment as systems, integration, and applications programmers and/or testers, and as customer service representatives providing training and product support to clients of high technology corporations.

Graduates may also pursue careers in such diverse areas as:

• game and multimedia development
• GUI (graphical user interface) development
• IT communications, IT security, real-time and database systems
• web-based applications
• technical roles in all levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal)

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Can work effectively in a teamwork environment.
• Can apply critical and analytical thinking and have good problem-solving skills.
• Are imaginative, attentive to detail and enjoy challenging their minds.
• Are interested in computers and various software applications.
• Have a strong commitment and dedication to their studies.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as systems, integration, and applications programmers and/or testers, and as customer service representatives providing training and product support to clients of high technology corporations. Graduates may also pursue careers in such diverse areas as game and multimedia development; GUI (graphical user interface) development; IT communications, IT security, real-time and database systems; web-based applications; and technical roles in all levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal).

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 relationship.
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. Integrate multiple software and hardware components using appropriate systems, methodologies, and connection protocols.
11. Analyze, plan, design, develop, test, and implement computing devices and networked systems (software or hardware) in accordance with appropriate functional requirements and standards.
12. Apply principles of digital and analog circuits to design, implement, and troubleshoot computing devices, including embedded components and systems.
13. Design, build, test, implement, and maintain embedded (including IoT) devices and applications.
14. Develop, test and maintain software applications for systems integration.
15. Apply general software principles of data structures, design patterns and structured data parsing in accordance with industry standards.
16. 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 ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY - COMPUTING SCIENCE (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 0006X03FWO

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
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

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. Students may elect to participate in the co-op version, two terms prior to the first co-op work term, subject to availability and academic eligibility.

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.

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