Co-op program details

Computer%20Programming%20and%20Analysis%20(Optional%20Co-op)

Program details

Credential: 3-Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma

This three-year program prepares students to function effectively as computer programmer/analysts in a business-oriented, information-processing environment, including financial services, manufacturing and public sector organizations. Major emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills using a variety of computer languages. Programming courses prepare students to develop business applications and interactive websites that utilize and update databases. An object-oriented approach to systems development is emphasized. Advanced topics cover eCommerce application development, distributed applications using industrial strength relational databases, project management, and network topology.

Throughout the program, effective communications, the use of current technology, and attention to standards and documentation are emphasized. The student's general business knowledge is supported by courses in mathematics, accounting, and organizational behavior.

Student availability & wage data

Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.

Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.

Work/Study Sequence

Year Fall (Sept - Dec) Winter (Jan - Apr) Spring (May - Aug)
Year 1 Classes Classes
Year 2 Classes Classes Work Term 1: $16.55-29
Year 3 Work Term 2: $16.55-29 Work Term 3: $17-30 Work Term 4: $17–32
Year 4 Classes Classes

Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.

Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.

Work term capabilities

Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.

Work terms 1 - 4

  • Develop, debug and modify program code to meet design specifications
  • Analyze user's needs and design computer systems using CASE tools
  • Apply object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques to business systems development
  • Prepare interactive webpages for use in a business environment
  • Install and test application software
  • Provide support and training for existing and new systems
  • Provide technical writing for user and system documentation
  • Execute common commands within the popular operating systems of Windows and Linux
  • Develop computer solutions in a variety of computer languages and database management systems, including: ASP.NET, C#.NET, Java, JavaScript, PHP, XML, Access, SQL Server and Windows applications development systems
  • Develop security requirements for an application, a web site or an organization
  • Develop Oracle-based applications
  • Develop applications that communicate across platforms using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)
  • Design mobile applications using graphic design tools or mobile device emulators
  • Develop computer applications involving advanced programming techniques such as Microsoft enterprise applications, Java enterprise applications and mobile applications

Sample job titles


Work term 1:
  • Client Services Support
  • Database Developer
  • Programmer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Tester
  • Technical Writer
  • UX/Ui Designer
  • Web Designer / Developer
Work terms 2-4:
  • API Developer
  • Application Support Specialist
  • Cloud Computing
  • Information Systems Technologist
  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Network Technician
  • Programmer/Analyst
  • Systems Analyst

Post a co-op job now

Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.

Contact information

Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:

Darren Pearson
Employer Relations Consultant
Dpearson@conestogac.on.ca