Software Development Degree

Program Description

The Software Development degree educates you as a software developer, but it also trains you to be a well-rounded professional with both the technical and non-technical skills critical to success in the business environment.

The curriculum includes an extensive exploration of software languages, operating systems, internet applications, multimedia interfaces, information security, databases and system analysis, and design principles. You also learn communication skills and sharpen your business acumen to help you succeed in today’s complex workplaces.

The Bachelor of Technology (Software Development) degree is an eight-semester program. Choose from September or January start dates and study at Seneca’s state-of-theart facilities located on the York University campus. It’s fully accessible by transit.

Small class sizes, hands-on labs, electronic classrooms, and an expert faculty provide an enhanced learning environment. You’ll be supported by excellent student services including library resources, counsellors, peer tutors and student co-ordinators.

Furthermore, you’ll gain valuable work experience through one or more paid co-operative work terms. With over 3,500 employers in the Seneca database, you’ll get real-world job opportunities that complement your academic studies.

Seneca’s School of Computer Studies is a recognized leader in developing and delivering relevant programs. In fact, we have the largest offering of computer studies programs in the province and they are among the very best.

In a recent study more than 90% of Seneca’s Computer Studies students told us they were very satisfied with this program’s ability to deliver relevant career skills and abilities.

Seneca College has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities continue to offer this degree for a five-year term starting October 15, 2008. Seneca will ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
  • Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics: any (U) level Mathematics*
• Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent.

* It is recommended that the other (U) or (M) credits include one course in Business and one course in Computer Studies.

Applicant Selection:

• In addition to grades in the required subjects, applicants may be required to attend an orientation and complete given assignments and/or tests.

Required for Success in the Program:

• An industry-standard home PC (two years old or newer) is essential and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is recommended.

In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

With a degree in software development, your career opportunities could be as diverse as they are exciting and rewarding. You’ll gain skills that will be valuable across industries, market sectors and around the world. Pursue dynamic careers in health care, business and financial services, computer game development, simulation and modeling, and Internet applications among others. As a trained software developer, you’ll have the skills to move into and among sectors. As an analyst, you could lead software teams and effectively communicate and manage projects in both face-to-face and remote environments.

"The IT skills gap is a world-wide phenomenon. Right here in Canada, the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs."

Information Technology Institute of Canada

The Bachelor of Technology (Software Development) degree program prepares graduates for careers such as business systems analysts, business technology designers, client/server application developers, database application specialists, Internet designers and developers, information security analysts, project managers, software engineers, and system software programmers.

Graduates of the program may apply for designation as an I.S.P. professional, an internationally recognized certification.

Scholarship

Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merit and financial needs.

Co-operative Education

Students in their final two years of the BSD program enrol in two courses specific to professional practices. They also benefit from at least one paid co-op work term, an experience highly valued by both students and employers. Our industry partners are committed to providing meaningful work assignments.

Students in the co-op option take CPP600 (Co-op Professional Practice) in the semester preceding their first co-op work term, and CPP700 (Co-op Integration and Career Planning) in the semester following their first co-op work term. Co-op information sessions are held at the Seneca@York campus throughout the year.

Areas of Study

As a student in the Bachelor of Software Development program, you’ll learn conceptual theories and apply them against practical goals. Particular areas of study include:

• programming algorithms and software languages;
• operating system architectures;
• internet design and deployment;
• networking and information security;
• database design and development;
• system methodologies and project management;
• techniques for effective communication and teamwork;
• business principles and management practices;
• research and problem solving methods.

Extra Benefits

• Paid co-op opportunities with key players in the IT industry.
• Practical experience with leading edge industry technology in state-of-the-art computer labs.
• Innovative learning modes - interactive lectures, collaborative teamwork, panel discussions, e-learning, research projects, and more.
• Opportunities to pursue graduate studies.
• Portable skills for global careers.

Required for Success In the Program

An industry-standard home PC (two years old or newer) is essential and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is recommended.

Accreditations

The BSD curriculum has been accredited by CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society), Canada's association for IT professionals. See cips.ca for more information about CIPS.

Open Source and Seneca

Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology (CDOT) has unparalleled connections with top tier open source projects such as Mozilla, creators of the Firefox web browser, and Red Hat, makers of the most successful commercial Linux operating system. In subjects such as DPS 909, DPS 911 and DPS 914, students have the opportunity to work with world class developers on such projects.

Curriculum

Professional Options

In your final two years, you’ll specialize in your areas of interest by selecting five professional option subjects. These subject designations are updated each semester to reflect the computer industry’s changing needs.

Note: the same range of options may not be offered every semester.

Note: Professional options are offered on a rotating basis, and may change to keep up with evolving technologies. For an updated list, visit http://cs.senecac.on.ca.

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