Computer Programming and Analysis - Advanced Diploma

The CPA program follows an experiential learning approach to education by offering courses that parallel the software development practices used in the modern workplace. Throughout the program CPA students apply concepts learned in the classroom to solve programming problems. They learn to work in project teams, in which they design, develop, and test larger-scale applications. After gaining programming and problem-solving skills, students experience real-world work environments by participating in our third-year work placement program.

The CPA program is a three-year program in which students learn a wide variety of skills, ranging from basic programming practices, problem-solving, software design, critical thinking and application development. Over the duration of the program, students will learn to write programs for desktop, web, mobile, and mainframe platforms. Students learn many programming languages, including C#, C++, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, and Java, and are taught the skills to learn other languages. We are one of a handful of colleges in North America offering mainframe courses in COBOL, CICS, JCL and TSO.

PLACEMENT

The CPA work placement is one of the main draws to our program. It has an excellent reputation in the community. Placement provides excellent experience on a resume as well as hands-on experience in the field. In third year, students spend 2 days per week on the job in an IT business environment. Placement agencies include: Ministry of Health, National Defense, Novari Health, Queen's University, Service Ontario and more. Many of these students are employed by their work placement during the summer months preceding third year, earning up to $22 per hour. In some cases, students have been offered employment at the end of their work placement.

Students attend a work placement fair in second year, where they meet employers and apply for placements. Ultimately, the student is responsible for securing their placement.