A unique bachelor program experience in software systems design

A Unique Bachelor Program Experience in Software Systems Design Attending a bachelor program at college is an extremely unique experience — and not just because four-year programs are more commonly offered at universities. While the training students receive in these undertakings holds up in the workforce, it is executed very differently than the training students gain at a university. This is mainly due to a balance between theory and practical application.

One of the Bachelor programs at Centennial College is the software systems development program undertaking — officially known as Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences - Software Systems Design. It is the only offering of its kind in the province after the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities chose Centennial College to help meet the critical need in North America for highly specialized software designers. Here is how Centennial College does that.

Admission Requirements: Requirements vary depending on students’ previous education. For example, students who are applying directly after completing high school must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent as well as at least six Grade 12U, Grade 12M, or OAC credits with an overall average of 65 per cent or higher. Those who are mature applicants, meanwhile, are required to be 21 years of age or older by December 31 of the program year and provide proof of: English Grade 12U, OAC, or equivalent and Mathematics Grade 12U, 12M or equivalent; a complete academic history (transcripts or international evaluation) and a resume detailing work experience. It worth noting that those who already have a Computer Programmer/Analyst diploma from an Ontario community college or similar program from another college or university may be eligible to obtain this bachelor of applied sciences degree in two years.

Program Structure: Facilitated from program campus, the Centennial College’s software systems design is focused heavily on offering students the opportunities to apply what they learn in theoretical lectures. As such, much of the learning occurs in labs that have been designed to meet the needs of the curriculum, which covers topics such as website design and development, object oriented programming, systems analysis and design, database design and modeling, database communications and networks, internet programming, architecting database solutions, emerging technologies and more. Students also apply their knowledge to a work term during summer between second and third year, which not only enhances their learning but also their resumes.

Possible Learning Outcomes: Because students can specialize in mobile application development or service-oriented architecture and cloud computing, they have various career options upon graduation. Students are fully ready to apply for positions as: software developers, software engineers, systems analysts, business analysts, web application developers, IT project managers, and computer programmers/analysts. Additionally, the program has forged relationships with post-secondary institutions that allow students to continue their studies while using their credits towards their education and shortening study time.