Diploma in Computer Programming

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

Computer Programming and Analysis is a three-year advanced diploma program in which students learn the latest skills needed by developers in industry. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills using the latest versions of Microsoft, Oracle, Java and open-source software to develop enterprise, internet and mobile applications. Object-oriented analysis, design, agile methodologies and programming techniques are mastered and applied throughout the program.Students learn through a combination of theory and practice, applying their knowledge to hands-on assignments and challenging projects. Complementary courses in areas such as mathematics, accounting and communications support the core IT courses. All of these skills are then applied to a capstone group project in the last term in which students can build a major business application for a local business, providing them with a realistic, practical experience. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms. 

In this one-year co-op program, students will gain the fundamental knowledge and techniques of quality food preparation, an understanding of the complexity of kitchen management and an appreciation of fine food. The co-op education work term in the final semester enables students to develop their skills and enhance the knowledge learned in the college setting.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, this two-year program in Baking and Pastry Arts Management focuses on advanced pastry and baking training, as well as the management skills required to work successfully in this fast-growing industry. This program is designed to help students start a career as a baker or pastry chef. It will include practical, theoretical and hands-on training in areas of baking, cake decorating, sanitation and safety, and pastry shop management, as well as advanced techniques practiced in this ever-evolving industry. Students will spend extensive time in the College's state-of-the art labs and teaching facilities developing and expanding on the core skills of the industry. These include: artisan breads and breakfast pastries; wedding cakes; chocolates and confections; plated desserts; classic and modern tarts, entremets and petits fours; laminated dough and viennoiseries; ice cream and sorbets; artisan sugar confections. In the classroom, students will acquire the technical knowledge of ingredient function, formula balance, and modern technology as it relates to this field. On the business side, students will learn the key skills that are necessary to run a successful operation including: cost control and forecasting; labour relations and leadership; sales and marketing and small business development. Students have the option of participating in an industry-based co-op, further refining their knowledge and skills with real-world experience which will provide a true advantage. Additionally, interested students may have the opportunity to travel to an international location in collaboration with college partners for what can be a life-changing experience. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages.
The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

Applying to the Co-op Stream

• All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Every student who meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co-op stream.
• To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum of 70% session weighted average, with no dropped or failed courses during the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op work term.
• Co-op is not an option for Level 3 transfers.

Computer Applications Development
This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program provides students with a broad business and technical background in computer applications, database applications, data communications, programming, data design and systems analysis and design. This program provides the student with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design Information Technology (IT) based solutions.In the Computer Applications Development program, students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Big Data Solution Architecture
Companies that embrace modern information technology must deal with very large amounts of data. This “Big Data” often shows patterns and trends on which to make good business decisions. To support Business Analysts, students in this program focus on the collection, processing and presentation of these large data sets. Developing skills in solution development, database design (both SQL and NoSQL), data processing, data warehousing and data visualization help build a solid foundation in this important support role. Through applied learning techniques such as problem-based learning, students will be able to apply their learning to real world problems. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Information technology and network infrastructure are targets for malicious activity on a regular basis. News reports about data breaches, security violations, privacy failures and other infrastructure failures highlight a growing threat to business and personal information. This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program is designed to address this growing threat to our network infrastructure. It will provide students with the security background in network technologies, computing hardware, operating and protocols, to harden and further secure such systems from attack. Students will learn to identify threats through audits and supporting technical methods, as well as evaluate and develop appropriate policies to support a strong organizational security posture. This program offers skills that allow graduates to evaluate risk and design infrastructure solutions that keep a business's code, data and network systems safe. Students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts and as a result, should expect to have classes scheduled up until 8:00 p.m.

This program is designed for graduates of technical degrees or diplomas to explore further studies across the realm of energy management. You will gain an understanding of various technologies and means of power generation through simulated software and theoretical studies. In this program, you will have the opportunity to explore how core technologies in gas and steam are combined with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Theoretical calculations in thermodynamic heating systems are compared with actual field measurements in heating systems to provide you with ample practice opportunities in applied utilities management strategies, where energy management and conservation strategies are assessed as part of utilities optimization. The program helps you develop leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex industrial processes and teams effectively to meet business goals. You will study quality assurance and process and project management with a focus on meeting challenges in an industrial environment from operational and strategic perspectives. During your final semester you will participate in a capstone course where you will work in teams to collaborate, plan and execute a full energy consumption analysis and develop a proposal for energy efficiency improvements for a company incorporating studies and methods you have learned over the prior three semesters.

The Health Care Administration and Service Management program will provide those with health-care credentials with leadership theories and practical applications specific to the health-care environment. The curriculum is geared toward providing a wide base of professional skills in a health-care context such as finance, communication, human resources, leadership, operations, and critical thinking.

Due to the increasing complexity of computer transactions and society's increasing dependence on eCommerce, as well as the proliferation of computing devices, the computer security field has become a high profile and rapidly growing, industry. Work in this field is constantly evolving and leads to a range of career options, from positions that require a high level of technological sophistication to higher-level management positions. This graduate certificate program will be attractive to graduates of software development programs, who will then learn the application security and networking skills needed to access entry level positions offered by a wide range of software development companies. Students will learn to secure software applications, including networked, web and mobile applications, against threats by malware and hackers. These skills will be augmented with management skills so that graduates will also be able to access careers as corporate security analysts and managers. Students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts and as a result, should expect to have classes scheduled up until 8:00 p.m. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Computer Applications Development (Optional Co-op)
This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program provides students with a broad business and technical background in computer applications, database applications, data communications, programming, data design and systems analysis and design. This program provides the student with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design Information Technology (IT) based solutions.In the Computer Applications Development program, students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineering (Optional Co-op)
This program will deepen students' understanding of the testing paradigms, methodologies and tools utilized throughout the software development process. Software quality assurance requires an awareness of what constitutes quality software from the point of view of an end user, a developer, and a business, and how to create a process that can lead to quality software. Software quality control requires an awareness of how to most effectively and efficiently test the results of a software development project. As a comprehensive program, this graduate certificate will cover a wide range of topics, but ready students for the in-demand field of software quality assurance and software quality control. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program provides students with a broad business and technical background in computer applications, database applications, data communications, programming, data design and systems analysis and design. This program provides the student with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design Information Technology (IT) based solutions.In the Computer Applications Development program, students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts. As a result, students should expect to have classes scheduled up until 8:00 p.m.The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.