Computer Science, Programming and Software Engineering Degrees

In Canada today, computer programmers are in high demand. This is due to an increase in the investment in this industrial sector. This trend will continue to grow in the upcoming years as Canada’s computer sector steadily grows.

Entrance Requirements

To be accepted to a computer science program, high school student must meet the following requirements.

• Must Finished High School or Gave Mature Student Status
• Must Finish Grade 12 English U or C level
• Grade 12 Mathematics U or C Level or Grade 11 Mathematics M or U level

Many schools in Canada also rank their computer programming applicants. Their ranking is based on the candidate’s previous academic achievements. It also includes the results of the pre-admission exams.   Some schools like Humber used Grade 11 marks to determine eligibility. This is done if the candidate took the required Grade 12 courses in their second semester.

Degree Programs

During training, students are taught the following.

•  Utilize documented solutions to fix software customization and installation problems
•  Document, test, deploy, maintain and develop secure software code based on specifications
•  Perform routine assessments on databases
•  Document and gather required data
•  Apply knowledge of different networking concepts to deploy, develop and maintain program code
•  Use relevant policies, standards and methodologies to create secure program code
•  Use project management principles to contribute in the successful completion of a project
•  Database administration
•  Database design and implementation
•  Creating program development strategies thru object oriented modelling
•  Network configurations and communications

Computer science programs in Canada also contain concentrations in the following subjects.

• Written and Oral Communications
• Mathematics

Students are also trained to work on the following products.

• Programming languages such as SQL, Javascript, PHP, C# and Java
• Oracle
• Computer-aided software engineering tools.

Many of these lessons are taken up either in a laboratory or classroom setting. The majority of them are taken in the first trimester. During training, students also have access to modern computer facilities. These facilities are equipped with Linux and Windows-based worked stations. These are connected to the Internet by an internal wireless network. This network will also have an extensive software repository.

In their final year, a student participates in a culminating real world group project. They also participate in individual projects. These individual projects focus on exploring emerging technologies. These culminating programs also teach students to be independent learners. This is done due to Information Technology’s constantly evolving nature. Some schools also give extra benefits to their top computer programming students.

Upon meeting these requirements, students can take part in a cooperative placement. Cooperative placement students work in two consecutive 15 week terms. These exposures also have salaries as well. This program also covers the following.

• Job search techniques
• Planning their career
• Writing effective resumes
• Raising one’s profile
• Workplace security
• Work report guidelines.

Accreditation

Computer programming schools must be accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (www.cips.ca)

Possible Career Specializations

Career paths can be varied for computer science grads.  Some sample careers may be:

Information Technology Manager

These computer programmers are responsible for maintaining and implementing an organization’s technology infrastructure. Businesses rely on these professionals to provide efficient communication and data management. They also monitor the organization’s operational requirements. At the same time, they search for technology solutions and research strategies. They also build efficient and cost effective systems to achieve these goals.

Software Architect

A software architect is a person with computer programming skills who dictates technical standards and makes high level design choices that include software platforms and coding standards. They also define, choose and create an application framework for customer software application. At the same time, they help in creating the component design and understand the dependencies and interactions among components. They also relay these concepts to developers.

Information Technology Consultant

An information technology consultant focuses on advising organizations on how best utilize information technology to achieve their business objectives. Additionally, they are involved in the management, estimation, deployment, implementation and administration of information technology systems on an organization’s behalf.

Database Administrator

A database administrator is the person in charge for the configuration, installation, administration, upgrade, maintenance and monitoring of databases in a business. They also have additional roles that include the design and development of system monitoring and database strategies. These professionals also improve database capacity and performance. They also plan for future expansion requirements. They may also coordinate, plan and implement security precautions to safeguard the database.

System Analyst

A system analyst researches problems, recommends software and plans software and systems on a functional level. They also coordinate development to meet industrial requirements. Systems analysts are also familiar with operating systems, programming languages and computer hardware platforms. They also often transform user requests into technical blueprints and serve as liaisons between information technology professionals and software vendors.