About the Program
Launch your software development career with this comprehensive three-year advanced diploma program. Develop deep expertise in programming languages, program design and system analysis while gaining cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence integration — which is critical in today's tech landscape.
You'll dive deep into both the practical applications and theoretical foundations of software development through specialized coursework and flexible professional options tailored to your career goals. In your final year, you’ll put your learning into practice and demonstrate your readiness to employers by working on a capstone project with a real-world industry partner.
Built on open-source development principles, this program equips you with the highly employable skills that today's software development teams demand.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Starts
January, May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program, you will develop the ability to:
- Develop software and applications for multiple operating systems using object-oriented and procedural code
- Apply AI theory and techniques to solve real-world software development challenges
- Design and build full-stack web applications and databases using modern frameworks and tools
- Design, analyze and test software systems using industry-standard methodologies
- Lead projects using industry-standard IT project management methodologies and tools
- Implement efficient data structures, algorithms and quality assurance processes
- Communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively in digital workplaces
This program offers the option to complete a co-op work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the co-op stream will have the opportunity to participate in a co-op term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non co-op stream at any time. The co-op term(s) is typically a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. The co-op search is student-driven and participation in the co-op stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the co-op term.
Students interested in completing a co-op work term should apply to the Computer Programming & Analysis (Co-op) (CPAC) program.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- AI-integrated software developer
- cloud application developer
- database developer
- DevOps specialist
- full-stack web developer
- mobile application developer (iOS/Android)
- quality assurance specialist
- software team lead
- systems analyst
- technical support specialist
International Partnership
Seneca Polytechnic’s partnership with Continental Institute for International Studies (CIIS) offers an exciting pathway to students in India. Students can start their studies in India at CIIS and then transfer to study in Canada at Seneca to complete their Advanced Diploma.
Learn more about the partnership
Seneca Polytechnic is proud to partner with Microsoft to bring cutting-edge AI platforms, innovation and industry-aligned curriculum into the classroom. With early access to the latest Microsoft AI technologies, students gain valuable hands-on experience to help set them up for success in emerging job markets. Learn more about our Microsoft partnership.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
- communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
- select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
- adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
- investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
- gather, analyze and define software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
- design, develop, document, implement, maintain and test software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
- select and apply object-oriented and other design concepts and principles, as well as business requirements, to the software development process.
- gather requirements and model, design, implement, optimize, and maintain data storage solutions.
- integrate network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Mathematics: Grade 12 C or U, or Grade 11 U or M, or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
