Tech savvy creative thinkers are in demand. When you gain the specialized skills needed to create and maintain standalone and enterprise-level computer software applications and databases, both on premise and on cloud servers, the career possibilities are limitless. As a graduate of Loyalist’s full-time Computer Software & Database Development post-graduate program, you will become fluent in contemporary software development languages and methodologies while building deep content knowledge and database expertise.
Computer software and database professionals with the 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.
Experiential learning, including a semester-long co-op work term
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 in semester four provides an opportunity to gain first-hand workplace experience.
Co-ops in work terms are valuable work-integrated learning experiences in which students demonstrate outcomes from previous semesters in Canadian industry settings. In addition to building skills and identifying career contacts, co-ops in work terms add industry-relevant experience to students’ résumés. The co-op job market is competitive, and students will be expected to participate actively in their job searches. Students will be supported with information and skills to attain co-ops.
- First Year - Semester One
- COMM1076 Business Communications in Canada
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Students will learn how to use PHP programming language and MySQL database to develop rapid web application software.
- First Year - Semester Two
- CSDD1006 Business Database Systems
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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.
- CSDD1007 Front-End Web Development
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Students will advance their front-end web development knowledge by creating client-side web applications using JavaScript and jQuery technologies.
- CSDD1005 IT Project Management
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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
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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
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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.
- Second Year - Semester Three
- COOP2001 Co-op Placement Preparation
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This course will prepare students to attain a co-op that will bridge their transition from postsecondary 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.
- CSDD2001 Computer Security&Secure Web
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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.
- CSDD2004 Data Warehouse Development
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This course will provide students with background on the importance of data warehousing and business intelligence technologies, and provide hands-on coursework to design and build robust data warehouse systems using Oracle technology.
- CSDD2002 Emerging Dev. Technologies
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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
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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
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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
- Second Year - Semester Four
- WKPL2058 CSDD Co-op
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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, COOP 2001
- Second Year - Semester Four (Elective Group 1 )
- CSDD3000 Applied Industry Project: CSDD
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This applied capstone project will enable students to work on Canadian industry-relevant challenges to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and problem-solving abilities in computer software and database development.
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, COOP 2001
- Notes
- Select courses from above
*Courses subject to change.
Following the successful completion of this Graduate Certificate, graduates may receive credit for their work if they choose to further their studies in a degree program in Information Technology or Computer Science.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs per year (2022 – 23)
The following fees do not include living costs, textbooks or additional program-specific expenses/supplies.
- International Tuition: $15,000
- Ancillary Fees: $902.38*
- Health Insurance (mandatory): $600
- Total: $16,502.38 CAD
*Combined Ancillary and Tuition HST Fee
Fees subject to change. The above tuition and fees are based on two semesters of study in year one.
Co-op Work Term and Applied Project Fees
The fees listed above do not include the Co-op Work Term fee ($900) or the Applied Project fee ($2,800). These fees are not added to fourth semester tuition fees, rather, they replace regular semester tuition fees. Students are encouraged to participate actively in securing a Co-op Work Term and will be provided skill-building supports and access to employment opportunities from Loyalist College in Toronto. However, students are required to complete an Applied Project in their final semester if a Co-op Work Term is not confirmed or they are not eligible for a Co-op Work Term.
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. Details about language and general admission requirements are available here.
How to Apply
International students may now apply to Loyalist College in Toronto by contacting recruitment@edusolutions.ca.
Programming
Databases
- Students will have the option to challenge Microsoft certifications in SQL.
