Advanced Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science at Algonquin College

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) 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 06, students select an elective course from an approved list in areas which include graphics/multimedia, advanced database programming, android, business programming (Cobol), security and advanced 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. 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 Imagine program, other vendor agreements and from software supplied under the BYOD technology program.

This program offers an option for three cooperative education (Co-op) Work Term(s). Qualified students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, have the opportunity to apply for paid co-op employment to gain valuable work experience and contacts within industry. * See Additional Information for more details.

This program participates in Algonquin`s etext initiative. All required texts and digital resources are provided to students and can be accessed for life from up to four devices simultaneously.

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