Computer Software and Database Development

A person sits looking at a large computer screen. In the forefront, reams of code, plots, and graphics are superimposed.

Tech savvy creative thinkers are in demand. You'll gain the specialized skills needed to create and maintain standalone and enterprise-level computer software applications and databases, both on premises and on cloud servers.

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Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Duration

Two years

Start Date(s)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

International Students

Note: This is a non-funded program and is therefore not OSAP eligible.

Find your career

Computer software and database professionals with specialized skills to develop and implement solutions for the configuration and integration of applications are in high demand and find careers in a range of sectors.

Careers may include the following:

Software developer
Mobile application developer
Software tester
Database developer
Computer programmer
Front-end and/or back-end web developer
Software designer
Technical analyst
Data analyst
System analyst

Database developers and administrators are employed across several industries, but close to a quarter work in professional, scientific and technical services, particularly for companies providing computer systems design and related services. Other key employers include various levels of government and financial institutions.

Employment in this occupation has experienced significant growth over the last decade. The development of innovative technologies to store, organize and analyze data in secure databases has contributed to this increase. Some of the province’s technology companies continue to expand and deliver new software and database solutions to the marketplace.

As a graduate of Loyalist’s full-time Computer Software and Database Development post-graduate program, you will become fluent in contemporary software development languages and methodologies while building deep content knowledge and database expertise.

How you'll learn

Prepare for a career in computer technology and database development in various industries:

Learn to validate testing to troubleshoot problems associated with software development.
Develop, document, deploy and maintain a secure program code based on specifications.
Apply networking concepts in the development of program code to meet client requirements.
Gather, document, and analyze software design requirements to architect solutions that meet stakeholder needs.
Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to maintain effective working relationships.
Contribute to the successful completion of a project by applying project management principles.
Apply appropriate strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance and conform to workplace expectations.
Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements in the development and management of computing systems and solutions.
A co-op work term or experiential learning opportunity of an academic program of study provides students with relevant and applied industry experience.

Co-op work terms are valuable work-integrated learning experiences that allow students to demonstrate their skills in real-world environments with industry support. The market for co-op employment is competitive, and students are expected to participate actively in their job searches. Students, with support, will be expected to identify and secure a co-op work term experience. Co-op work terms are subject to student eligibility, availability, and program review. If unable to secure or participate in a co-op work term, students will complete an alternative experiential learning opportunity.

Courses

COMM1076 Business Communications in Canada

This course prepares students to use appropriate business communication techniques such as report writing, presentation skills, and how to build client relationships within a Canadian business environment.

CSDD1002 Networking and Data Communications

Students will learn about the fundamentals of networking including its multiple layers, from the application layer to the physical layer, as well as concepts around wireless and mobile networks, and network security.

CSDD1000 Software Development

Students will learn how to design, code and document software while applying the fundamentals of object-oriented programming such as polymorphism, data abstraction and inheritance.

CSDD1001 Systems Analysis and Design

This course will provide students the opportunity to apply formalizing requirements, proposing development strategies and designing solutions to support the development of information technology systems, with a focus on the Canadian market.

CSDD1003 Web Development Using PHP

Students will learn how to use PHP programming language and MySQL database to develop rapid web application software.

CSDD1006 Business Database Systems

Students will learn how to effectively use specific database development software as part of a development environment. This course will include the application of advanced SQL concepts, and form and report building.

WKPL1040 Co-op & Career Search Prep 1

This course will prepare students to attain a co-op that will bridge their transition from post-secondary education into Canadian industry experience. Effective cover letters and resumés, positive use of social media such as LinkedIn and polishing interview skills for Canadian markets will be the focus.

CSDD1007 Front-End Web Development

Students will advance their front-end web development knowledge by creating client-side web applications using JavaScript and jQuery technologies.

CSDD1005 IT Project Management

In this course, students will learn and apply the fundamentals of information technology project management in alignment with the Project Management Body of Knowledge within a Canadian context.

CSDD1004 Java Development

Students will develop object-oriented software with comprehensive GUI features and interactions with databases by applying best practices using the Java programming language. Prerequisite: CSDD 1000

CSDD1008 Software and Quality Testing

This course will teach students how to ensure software is built in a quality manner, in alignment with stakeholder needs. It will also provide a foundation to strategize a test plan, documentation and communication mechanisms to ensure quality software and database deliverables.

WKPL2083 Co-op & Career Search Prep 2

CSDD2001 Computer Security&Secure Web

Students will learn about threats, vulnerabilities and risks associated with software and database technology in an Introduction to Computer Security. Students will improve security developing secure software in alignment to the OWASP Top 10 as well as test the security of software through application penetration testing.

CSDD2002 Emerging Dev. Technologies

Students will apply modern web development technology to full-stack development projects, and learn how to apply emerging trends in topics such as artificial intelligence.

CSDD2003 Enterprise Java Development

Students will develop enterprise web applications on the Java Enterprise platform using technology such as Servlets, Java Server Pages (JSPs), and Java Database Connectivity APIs. A foundation for understanding the differences between the business, presentation and data tiers in the context of software development will also be provided.

CSDD2000 Full-Stack Web Development

Students will broaden their development skills by integrating the usage of client-side JavaScript with server-side scripting using ASP.NET to build advanced web applications. Prerequisite: CSDD 1007

WKPL2058 CSDD Co-op

Students will apply their skills in software and database development in a Canadian working environment. Prerequisite: COMM 1076, CSDD 1000, CSDD 1001, CSDD 1002, CSDD 1003, CSDD 1004, CSDD 1005, CSDD 1006, CSDD 1007, CSDD 1008, CSDD 2000, CSDD 2001, CSDD 2002, CSDD 2003, CSDD 2004, WKPL 1040, WKPL 2083

*Courses subject to change.

A person sits at a desk working on a keyboard with a large screen on the desk and two open laptops in front of it. The screens show computer code and plots. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

A diploma or degree in Information Technology from a recognized college or university or equivalent.

All teaching within Loyalist is conducted in English. In order to be successful in a program, skills such as communication, listening comprehension, and reading and writing must be at a level sufficient to meet the demands of post-secondary studies. All applicants to Loyalist whose first language is not English, or whose previous education was in another language, will be expected to provide an English proficiency assessment for admissions approval. Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

How to apply

International students may now apply to this program by contacting internationaladmissions@loyalistcollege.com.

If you are a Canadian resident and are interested in applying to this program, please contact admissions@loyalistcollege.com.

Costs

Note: This is a non-funded program and is therefore not OSAP eligible.

Approximate costs per year (2024 – 25)

The following fees do not include living costs, textbooks or additional program-specific expenses/supplies.

International Tuition: $15,000
Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
Total: $17,026

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Co-op work term fee

The fees listed above do not include the co-op work term fee ($900). Students are expected to participate actively in securing a co-op work term. If ineligible or unable to secure a co-op work term, students are required to complete an alternative experiential learning opportunity in their final semester and will be assessed a different fee ($2,800). These fees are not added to fourth semester tuition fees; rather, they replace regular semester tuition fees.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

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Industry certifications

Programming

Students could challenge CIPS IT certifications.

Databases

Students will have the option to challenge Microsoft certifications in SQL.

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