Computer Programming

Description

This program provides a comprehensive journey into the world of software development, starting with the core building blocks of computer programming. You gain mastery over the entire lifecycle of a modern software application, learning to design intuitive user interfaces while simultaneously building the powerful server-side systems and databases that run behind the scenes. Beyond just writing code, you explore how to deploy software via cloud architecture and ensure devices communicate effectively through secure networking. Throughout the process, you transition from a student to a professional by applying your skills to real-world challenges and examining the ethical responsibilities that come with being a technology leader. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program are well suited to fulfill a wide-range of entry-level roles related to software development. Graduates could find themselves working independently or as a member of a team to analyze, design, enhance, and maintain software applications, on a variety of platforms including desktop, web, and mainframe systems. Graduates may also pursue opportunities in related areas including web development, database design and management, and computer operations.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment;
2. contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools;
3. implement and maintain secure computing environments;
4. implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices;
5. communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships;
6. select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance;
7. apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment;
8. adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems;
9. support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements;
10. 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;
11. 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;
12. model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions;
13. contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards;
14. describe technologies and techniques that can be used to reduce the impact of information technology on the environment.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes.  Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities Research Excellence and Security.

Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. Students are required to complete a Co-op and Career Preparation course scheduled prior to their first co-op work term. Students engage in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions on the internal job posting site and external job posting sites, accessing their personal network, researching companies of interest, preparing targeted and customized resumes and cover letters, participating in interviews, and using professional communication strategies with employers.

Programs may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, strong communication skills, industry specific certifications, and ability to travel. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to complete the program progression as shown below. Please refer to Georgian College Academic Regulations for details.   

International co-op work terms are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements.

Further information on co-op services can be found at www.GeorgianCollege.ca/co-op

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake 

• Sem 1: Fall 2027
• Sem 2: Winter 2028
• Work Term 1: Summer 2028
• Sem 3: Fall 2028
• Sem 4: Winter 2029

Winter Intake 

• Sem 1: Winter 2028
• Sem 2: Summer 2028
• Work Term 1: Fall 2028
• Sem 3: Winter 2029
• Sem 4: Summer 2029

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Any Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Additional Information

To be successful in this program, students are required to have a personal notebook computer (either PC or Mac architecture) prior to the start of the program that meets or exceeds the following specifications:

• OS: Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Equivalent, 13th Gen or newer
• RAM: 16GB or higher
• Storage: 250GB or higher
• Graphics: Intel HD integrated graphics or equivalent
• Connectivity: Wireless 802.11ax Network Adapter  

Note: Machines that run Windows on an ARM or SnapDragon processors are not supported. Many development programs are not complied to work with that operating system/chipset combination. 

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements

All Georgian College students are required to bring their own device (BYOD) that meets the technology requirements for their program. Having access to a personal laptop that meets your program’s technical requirements will ensure you’re prepared for in-class, online and hybrid learning activities. Students are responsible for the cost, software installation, maintenance and repair of their device.  

Graduation Requirements

19 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
1 Program Option Course
3 General Education Courses
1 Co-op Work Term

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
COMP 1002	Web Development Fundamentals	42
COMP 1030	Programming Fundamentals	42
COMP 1035	Networking Essentials	42
MATH 1003	Math for the Computer Industry	42
Communications Course
COMM 1016	Communication Essentials	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 2
Program Courses
COMP 1008	Object Oriented Programming 1	42
COMP 1054	User Interface Design	42
COMP 1073	Client-Side Web Programming	42
COMP 1112	Applied Problem Solving in Computing 1	42
COMP 1137	Ethics and Professional Issues in Computing	42
COMP 2003	Relational Database 1	42
	Hours	252
Semester 3
Program Courses
COMP 1011	Object Oriented Programming 2	42
COMP 2084	Server-Side Web Programming	42
COMP 2158	Applied Problem Solving in Computing 2	42
COMP 3002	Relational Databases 2	42
COMP 3037	Introduction to Artificial Intelligence	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
Semester 4
Program Courses
COMP 2021	Data Structures and Algorithms	42
COMP 2068	Full-Stack Web Development	42
COMP 2139	Cloud Computing Services	42
COMP 2159	AI Assisted Programming	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
Program Option Course
Select 1 course from the program options list during registration.		42
	Hours	252
	Total Hours	1008

Plan of Study Grid

Co-op Work Terms		Hours
COOP 1071	Computer Programming Work Term 1	455
	Hours	455
	Total Hours	455

Course List

Code	Title
Program options may include:
COMP 1009	The Mainframe Environment
COMP 1045	Internet of Things
COMP 1046	Windows System Administration
COMP 1070	Computer Virtualization
COMP 2006	Introduction to C++
COMP 2018	Linux System Administration
COMP 2070	Programming for the Mainframe

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of two years (as stated above) may take a maximum of four years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.