Objectives
This three-year advanced diploma program is designed to prepare students for an Information Technology (IT) career in either the private or public sector that requires employees 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. To meet this broad range of duties and responsibilities, students learn to use a variety of programming languages (Java, C#, C++, C, and others); programming tools (including OpenGL and DirectX); operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux, QNX); plus a variety of development tools and debugging techniques to design, code, and test integrated and/or embedded applications and software systems. In their final year, all students will 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 will select two courses as part of their final year from an approved list in areas which could include Graphics/Multi-media, Database programming, networking (with Cisco certification possibility), or web programming. Critical analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are heavily used throughout the program. In preparation for careers in high technology, applicants should be aware that success in this program requires strong commitment and dedication. Candidates most likely to succeed are imaginative, attentive to detail, and enjoy analyzing and solving problems. 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. The cooperative education option of this diploma program is available for full-time students who attain a minimum academic standing by the third level in the Fall of each year. From this point, successful coop applicants will have a mix of three academic terms and three fifteen-week paid work terms while maintaining their academic standing. Preceding each work term, students register for this option and are given assistance in finding a placement. There are two program start dates each year at the beginning of the Fall and the Winter semesters. Program progression varies depending on the semester in which students begin the program.
