This three-semester intensive, full time, Co-op graduate certificate program provides students with a broad business and technical background in computer applications, database applications, data communications, programming, data design and systems analysis and design. This program provides the student with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design Information Technology (IT) based solutions
Length: Three-Semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program Location: Doon (Kitchener) Start: September Tuition: Please refer to Fees Chart for more detail *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
Co-op Information
To ensure successful completion of the program, it may be necessary to relocate or commute during co-op work terms
To be eligible to participate in any co-op work term, students must maintain the required academic standards for their program (see Co-op program page on college website for details)
The college cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Co-op Office
Co-op & Career Services maintains comprehensive Co-op Policies & Procedures to which all co-op students must adhere (see Co-op program page on college website for details)
Admission Requirements
Three-year post secondary college or university diploma/degree or equivalent experience in a business setting. Applicants with post-secondary education in a field related to information technology will be considered on a case by case basis.
Note:
Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL 580 or 237 computer-based or 92 internet-based with TWE 4.5, IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0, CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60, CAAT D at 65%; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. You will be eligible for admission to the post-graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
Submit a completed Ontario College Application Form.
Attach proof of the admission requirements.
Applicants not meeting the admission requirements must submit a resume outlining work, experience and career goals.
Final acceptance is based on a review of post-secondary background and relevant documentation.
Note:
Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English language.
This program is designed for the mature learner. Students will be required to carry out independent research and learning throughout the program
Students are expected to have a working knowledge of personal computers including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and the internet. Students will be required to perform computer work for course work and projects outside of class. Keyboarding skills are required.
Semesters one and two are each 15 weeks in length.
The third semester is a mandatory co-op work term.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through a prior learning assessment process (PLAR). Prior learning must be measurable at the college level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses . PLAR process is not used for admission process. Obtaining credits for courses linked to a specific program does not guarantee entrance into the program. To require guidance on the PLAR process contact the PLAR office at 519-748-5220, ext 2260 or visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/plar.jsp
Description: This mandatory course prepares students for job searching for their co-op work terms and for post-graduate careers. Students will learn to critically evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate and interpret available opportunities in the workplace. Self-marketing techniques using resumes, cover letters, cold-calls, and interviewing will be learned and students will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace with regards to social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues. Hours: 16 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will provide the student with the knowledge to conduct meaningful dialogue with the network specialists who design, install and maintain the network within their organization. The student will be introduced to broad, vendor-independent networking concepts. Students will cover a wide range of material including: networking concepts, protocols, topologies, transmission media and security, by examining real-world examples of networking issues. This course maps to Network+ certification objectives by CompTIA. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will introduce the student to the architecture of the computer hardware and operating systems software typically used in a business environment. Specific topics will include: directory structures, drive mappings, internet searching, email concepts and basic HTML, CSS, XHTML and JavaScript programming. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the Systems Development Life Cycle and the Object-Oriented Analysis methodology using the Unified Modeling Language. An object-oriented approach will be applied to a business system case study utilizing a Computer Assisted Systems Engineering tool to analyze the systems requirements. Emphasis will be placed on typical industry practices, documentation and presentation skills in a team environment. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course teaches the knowledge and skills needed to use relational databases to persist application data. Students will learn how to design relational databases, create them using Microsoft SQL Server, and manipulate them using Structured Query Language (SQL). Business Intelligence Services, reporting and database administration will be introduced. The knowledge and skills learned in this course can be adapted to other database products and SQL dialects. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student will use an object-oriented language to teach programming concepts and to develop programs to solve business problems. Assignments in programming will be given to explain the concepts of variables, decisions, scope, functions, repetition, and arrays. Particular attention will be paid to problem solving techniques using logical solutions with either pseudo code and/or flowcharting to design the logic of the program. The student will also be required to test, and debug, their projects and alternative solutions. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the Systems Development Life Cycle and the Object-Oriented Design methodology using the Unified Modeling Language. An object-oriented approach will be applied to a business system case study utilizing a Computer Assisted Systems Engineering tool to design a proposed solution from the requirements prepared in the Systems Development: Analysis course. Emphasis will be placed on typical industry practices, documentation and presentation skills in a team environment. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: INFO2070 or INFO8000 CoRequisites:
Description: Students perform case studies in which they analyze real life examples of deliverables from all phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The studies will draw on such areas as analytical models, human factors, security, software testing and entrepreneurship. Concurrent with the case studies, small groups of students work as a project team to plan, design, code, document and install a custom computer application as assigned by the instructor. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Recommended: PROG1080 Programming Fundamentals or equivalent knowledge. This course introduces the student to web-based applications development using browser based development tools. The students will program both client and server-side scripting inside of HTML forms. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: PROG1780 or PROG8005 or PROG8090 CoRequisites:
Description: This course teaches students how to develop Web Applications using ASP.NET. Students learn how to dynamically create web pages using data from a relational database and how to update data on a relational database with information provided by the user through a web form. The students will use application-wide variables, code and style sheets, object-oriented constructs, classes, and sessional variables. Hours: 75 Credits: 5 Pre-Requisites: INFO1570, PROG1780 or PROG8005 or PROG8090 CoRequisites:
Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience in an information technology environment. This course will increase the student's understanding of employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills. These skill areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as laid out in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Student development will be evaluated during and at the conclusion of the work experience. Hours: 420 Credits: 14 Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
Students graduate with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design computer applications for business. Entry level positions for graduates of this program include computer programmer, web application developer, software tester and quality control professional. In addition to these, career path opportunities would include systems analyst, business analyst, project manager and IT manager.
86% of 2009-2010 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation. Their average starting salary was $47,297.
Degree Completion Opportunities
Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.
Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.