This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares students for an information technology (IT) career in the private or public sectors. Students 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.

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

In their final year, students work in teams on sponsored real-world projects to develop a comprehensive application as part of the software engineering portion of the program. In Level 04, students select two courses from an approved list in areas which include graphics/multimedia, database programming, networking (with an option of Cisco certification), and web programming.

Approximately two-thirds of the curriculum 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 have access to modern computing facilities including both Windows and Linux-based workstations. A large internal network provides access to the Internet and offers an extensive variety of software, some of which is available at minimal cost to students through the department-sponsored Microsoft Developer's Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA).

Students who maintain a college-prescribed academic standing and who possess the appropriate level of business communications skills can take part in a cooperative placement at the end of Level 03. Students can participate in three 15-week paid work terms.

There are two program start dates each year at the beginning of the Fall and the Winter Terms. Program progression varies depending on the term in which students begin the program.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• 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.