Learning the language of computers will ensure that the graduate’s career in the new media has a secure foundation. The Computer Programmer diploma program is designed to give students the necessary skills to work comfortably with computers no matter what career they choose.

Proficient programmers need a solid understanding of computer hardware to back up their programming skills. This program will help students develop those skills. They will learn to develop program code in a variety of computer languages currently used in industry, such as Visual Basic, C++ and Macro Assembler to support the activities of their organization. To meet the ever-increasing demand for Internet programmers, the curriculum also includes courses on Web Design, Java and Perl. And to make students a marketable commodity, courses in database design, SQL and Oracle are included. Graduates of this program can be expected to function individually or as a member of a team to develop software solutions in the dynamic field of software development.

Computer programmers are in great demand locally, provincially and nationally. Small and large businesses, as well as industry use computer systems in their daily activities. All of them need some degree of computer support for both hardware and software installation, development and maintenance. Computer programmers' functions could include conducting needs assessments, training others, analyzing and defining system specifications, modifying, debugging and testing program code as part of a larger software application, designing and implementing databases and integrating applications with computer systems. All computer skills are portable and there is great potential for career advancement.

Employment Opportunities

The choice of employment opportunities in this field is vast. Graduates may work as programmers, analysts, customer service representatives, technical support personnel, network analysts, product consultants, database designers, network technicians, web designers, computer software consultants, etc. The combination of computer technology with video and communications technology is also making this expanding field a very exciting one.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Program of Studies

Semester I
CM1903-A Communications I
GN1903 College Success
IN1014 Computer Fundamentals
IN1035 Networks I
IN1124 Introduction to Programming I
IN1174 Operating Systems I

Semester II
CM2903-A Communications II
IN2005 Hardware Fundamentals
IN2035 Networks II
IN2124 Introduction to Programming II
IN2184 Operating Systems II

Semester III
CM3073 Technical Writing
IN2254 Logic and Coding
IN3074 C++ Programming
IN3173 Web Design I
IN3183 SQL I (Oracle)
IN3304 Systems Analysis

Semester IV
IN4034 Assembler Programming
IN4044 Web Design II
IN4073 Java Programming
IN4153 Algorithms
IN4173 SQL II (Oracle)
IN4194 Systems Design

For program information:
Dan Nadeau
Program Coordinator
705-567-9291 ext. 702
nadeaud@northern.on.ca