Learn to build computer applications — and build a great career.

Computers drive the 21st-century economy, so a Computer Systems Technician-Software Engineering diploma is exceptionally marketable – especially if you earn it at Sheridan. Graduates of our Computer Systems Technician program possess practical, workplace-ready software engineering skills that translate directly to the workplace.

As a program accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), we concentrate on four core areas of software engineering:

  • Programming and software development in Java, and C
  • Web technologies and Web application development
  • Database management and administration
  • Network administration and security
  • Business system development

You'll also study computer hardware (including architecture and applied operating systems design), business practice, management and analysis, as well as a three-course math concentration that provides a deeper understanding of software engineering principles.

Computer Systems Technician-Software Engineering students graduate with a superior education in software engineering, a competitive edge in the job market, and a set of skills you can adapt for the careers of the future.

Advanced Learning Opportunities

The Computer Systems Technician program uses Sheridan's mobile computing system, which means you'll work in a networked environment that resembles the workplace. All lecture notes and other class materials are available online anytime, anywhere.

After earning a computer systems technician diploma from Sheridan, many students continue their education. Opportunities for advanced study include:
 

  • Advanced diploma: Students can complete a third year in the Computer Systems Technology program to earn an advanced diploma in software development and network engineering.

  • Bachelor's degree at Sheridan: After getting your computer systems diploma, you can apply to Sheridan's Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (BAISc) (Information Systems Security) Program after completing a bridging program. See the bridging page for details: degree baisc

  • Transfer to University: Graduates of this program who meet the articulation requirements can gain expedited entry into a computer science program at Brock University, McMaster University, and Algoma University.

Computer Systems Technician-Software Engineering Program courses are held at both the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario and Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and diagnostic tools.
  • support the implementation and administration of computer systems.
  • support the implementation and administration of networking solutions.
  • install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade components of computer systems.
  • install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade components of networks.
    use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.
  • follow, monitor, and document data storage procedures designed to ensure the integrity of information.
  • apply knowledge of security issues to the implementation of information technology solutions.
  • provide efficient and effective technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing practices and reduces the risk of the issue recurring.
  • conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.
  • contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.

CODE TITLE CREDITS
 
TERM 1
INFO 16029 Problem Solving/Programming Logic 3
MATH 26507 Discrete Math 3
PROG 10082 Object Oriented Programming 1 – Java 6
SYST 16529 Introduction to Business Software Systems 3
SYST 10049 Web Development 1 3
SCIE 16048 Technology: Apocalypse or Eden? 3
 
Total: 21
 
TERM 2
MATH 24376 Applied Calculus 3
SYST 13416 Linux/Unix Operating Systems 3
SYST 10199 Web Development 2 3
TELE 13167 Data Communications – Local Area Networks 3
PROG 24178 Object Oriented Programming 2 – Java 6
ELECTIVE Cross College General Education 3
 
Total: 21
 
TERM 3
SYST 28515 Systems Analysis and Design 3
TELE 33324 Data Network Design and Configuration – Routers and Switches 3
DBAS 27198 Database Design and Implementation 4
SYST 26671 Computer Architecture 3
PROG 28263 Internet Site Development – Java 6
ELECTIVE Cross College General Education 3
 
Total: 22
 
TERM 4
DBAS 32100 RDMS Application Development 3
PROG 20799 Data Structures and Algorithm Dev – C 6
INFO 20172 IT Project Management using PMP 3
MATH 32668 Statistics - Computer Science 3
INFO 24178 Computer and Network Security 3
SYST 20261 Applied Operating Systems Design 3
SYST 35288 Mobile Web-based Application Development 3
 
Total: 24
 The Computer Systems Technician program is accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS).

 Recent graduates have found employment in positions such as:

  • Software application developer
  • System administrator (Linux/Unix/Windows)
  • Web designer
  • Web application developer
  • Database application developer/administrator
  • Network administrator
  • Systems programming
  • Technical support technologist
  • Software support technologist
  • System security specialist
  • PC/LAN user support and technical analyst

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY


Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

plus

  • Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (MCT4C) or Grade 11 Functions (MCF3M) or Grade 11 Functions and Relations (MCR3U) or any Grade 12 (U) Mathematics

or

Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements will be invited to complete preadmission tests in mathematics and English. Applicants asked to take the test are considered for admission to Term 1 contingent on receiving a minimum grade of 60% in both the preadmission mathematics/English tests.

Applicants who are lacking the mathematics admission requirements for this program may be able to be admitted into this program with additional courses completed in their first year at Sheridan. There may be additional cost involved depending on the program.
 

Applicant Selection


Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses), and/or results of pre-admission testing.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs. 

 


 


Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Science and Technology
Program Code:
PCSSN
Duration:
2 Year Regular (PCSSN)
Designation:
Ontario College Diploma
Campus:
Davis Campus
Trafalgar Road Campus
Start:
September, Trafalgar Road Campus
September, January,  Davis Campus