About the Program
This two-year diploma program prepares you with the skills and knowledge to begin your career as a programmer. As a leader in developing relevant programs, we have the largest offering of computer studies programs in the province. Through a variety of practical and theoretical courses, you will gain skills in mobile development, web development and distributed programming techniques and database administration. You will also learn about security and a variety of operating systems including Windows, UNIX, Linux and IBM Business Computing. Graduates of this program will enter their industry with programming and communications skills suitable for employment.
Part-time option is available >
Seneca has connections with top tier open-source companies such as Mozilla, creators of the Firefox web browser, and Red Hat, maker of the most successful commercial Linux operating system. In a variety of courses, you will have the opportunity to work with top tier developers on such projects.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 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.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Computer programming
- Operating systems
- Database and web technology
- Data communication
- Security
- Advanced programming languages
- System methodologies
- Internet client and server-side development
- Database system design and maintenance
- Solve problems associated with software installation
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Software developer
- Information systems specialist
- Personal Computer specialist
- International Business Machines programmer
- UNIX/Linux programmer
- Computer application programmer
- Interactive developer
- Junior software engineer
- Program analyst
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, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with 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 working on projects within a computing environment.
- adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
- support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
- contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance and testing of software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
- apply one or more programming paradigms such as object-oriented, structured or functional programming, and design principles, as well as documented requirements, to the software development process.
- model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.
- contribute to the integration of 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.