Today`s global business environment requires students that have developed the ability to become technology professionals capable of creating and implementing information and communications technology solutions to achieve competitive advantages, productivity gains, and innovation.

This four-year degree program prepares students for a career in business software systems development and technology management by providing skills and competencies in two closely related disciplines, technology and business. Our program curriculum provides the necessary key knowledge in software development and business technology management required by business and offers students the opportunity to use, develop, and research emerging business technologies such as mobile and wearable computing, artificial intelligence and agent technologies. Graduates of the Computer Programming Ontario College Diploma or Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science Ontario College Advanced Diploma receive credit for 16 courses, entering the program in Level 05, and reducing the time to completion to 2 years.

Students gain practical experience in technology project management, systems analysis and design, software development and implementation, data analysis, database technologies, operating systems, web applications and information security. When combined with knowledge of business principles, economics, accounting, internal audit and human resource management, students develop a unique skill set critical for strategic information and communications technology development environments.

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

Graduates have a unique blend of applied knowledge and skills in core competencies in software development and business, including the project management book of knowledge (PMBOK) and the business analysis book of knowledge (BABOK). Students gain significant hands-on experience through online, in-class, simulation-based learning experiences and experiential learning activities such as co-op work terms and interdisciplinary final year team-based projects. The combination of knowledge, skills and experience allows students to integrate quickly into the complex global technology and business workforce in entry level information communications technology positions.

The Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) (Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• Possess strong analytical, logical, critical-thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Succeed working independently and collaboratively in problem-solving teams.
• Are interested in working in diverse situations spanning business, and technology.
• Enjoy working with computers, mobile devices and up-to-date technology.
• Appreciate working in a creative environment, and challenging their beliefs through exposure to a diversity of opinions.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in municipal, provincial and federal government as well as within the private sector as business systems solution providers. Opportunities include employment as business systems analysts, systems designers, database analysts, database developers, business IT project managers, software developers, programmers and internal IT audit.

With the BTM alignment, graduates become cross-discipline savvy, able to bridge technology and business, being able to seek employment in entry-level business positions.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
2. Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
3. Develop and improve business systems by applying accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices.
4. Manage data using appropriate methodologies and standards to improve business processes and decision-making.
5. Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems software engineering projects.
6. Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
7. Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems software engineering.
8. Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
9. Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business processes.
10. Apply business technology management skills to innovate in business systems development targeting new and existing local and global markets.
11. Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards.
12. Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in business systems development.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
14. Leverage artificial intelligence and agent technologies to support short and long term business decisions.

Application Information

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (BUSINESS SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT) (HONOURS) (CO-OP)
Pathway for Computer Programming and Computer Engineering Technology - Computing Science
Program Code 6520A03FWO

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

Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, to offer this applied degree for a seven year term starting July 2, 2019. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

CO-OP INFORMATION:
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.

Completion of the total number of co-op work terms listed under the courses section on the program page are mandatory for graduation. Co-op students must make every effort to remain on schedule and participate in co-op work terms as planned. Students who fail to complete co-op work terms as scheduled may be required to take an unscheduled break in their studies, resulting in a delay in graduation in order to complete their co-op at a later date. Taking an unscheduled break in studies can impact an international student’s immigration status, including, in most cases, the ability to work. International students are advised to consult with the International Education Centre to understand the potential implications of unscheduled breaks at www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts/scheduled-unscheduled-breaks/.

TRANSFER CREDIT RECOGNITION:
Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from Canadian institutions empowered to award degrees and from other degree granting institutions recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To receive a course credit, a minimum grade of C (65%) is required. Official transcripts and course descriptions/outlines must be presented with the application for credit recognition. Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from countries other than Canada or from postsecondary institutions not recognized by the MCU must have their degrees evaluated by a recognized Canadian public or private institution that specializes in the evaluation of international degree programs.

ADVANCED STANDING:
Graduates of related Ontario College Diploma or Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs may be eligible for advanced standing into the degree program. Please visit the degree program listing or speak to the Program Coordinator for more information and to confirm eligibility.

DEGREE ELECTIVE INFORMATION:
Students may choose from a variety of breadth courses. Courses from a range of disciplines are offered within the humanities, social sciences, sciences, global cultures and mathematics. Elective offerings vary from semester to semester.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION:
International students are assessed individually. All candidates must have OSSD equivalencies and/or postsecondary equivalencies assessed by an appropriate body. Inquiries regarding eligibility of this nature should be directed specifically to Algonquin`s International Students` Office.