Diploma in Computer Systems Technician - Information Technology Infrastructure and Services (Co-op Optional)

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (BCS) degree is a four year program, including three paid co-op work terms, which will prepare graduates for a number of progressive job opportunities as high quality software developers. Building upon the recognized foundations of computer science, students will obtain applied and integrated knowledge and skills in software quality, reliability and security, emphasizing: testing methodologies, software project management techniques and a strong awareness of security/privacy issues. Readiness for practice will be developed in a multidisciplinary curriculum focused around experiential learning activities that will encompass knowledge of computer science theory and its application. The program will be innovative in its use of technology to investigate issues, organize and manage inquiry, aid collaboration, and communicate information. Students will be challenged to examine multiple techniques in software design, development and testing; mastering professional practices that positively impact the quality of the software under development. Featuring a multidisciplinary curriculum founded on computer science theory and its application, this degree offers experiential learning activities designed to produce career-ready graduates. With an eye to the future, the degree will introduce students to the latest emerging fields: Big Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things.

Computer Programmer is a two-year diploma program designed for students who wish to learn the latest skills needed by business application developers in industry, but want to graduate sooner than allowed by the three-year Computer Programmer/Analyst program. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills using the latest versions of Microsoft, Java and open-source software to develop business and web 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 year in which students build a major business application, providing them with experience of the complete application development cycle.

Software Engineering Technician is a two-year program that teaches the skills required to write computer software while developing problem-solving skills using a variety of computer languages in a technical programming environment. Software Engineering Technician Program Highlights:· Broad base of languages and technologies, including web development, databases, and cyber security· Focused, hands-on approach· One of the strongest programs of its type in Ontario The Software Engineering Technician program at Conestoga is most suitable for students who have significant exposure to the software industry but do not have the relevant academic credentials. This program is also suitable for students who are time limited to two-year diplomas. All other students interested in careers in software should instead consider the three-year Software Engineering Technology program.

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.

Computer Application Security
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.

The Early Childhood Education Resource Consulting certificate program provides early childhood educators with the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities to work as resource consultants with children with special needs and their families. Through interactive classroom learning and integrative field placement experiences, students will develop skills that will enable them to work in collaboration with families, colleagues, and communities to support inclusive early learning environments. This program is enhanced with specific language courses that focus on professional and practice skills for the Canadian workplace. Domestic students (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees or convention refugees) wishing to pursue a full-time Early Childhood Education Resource Consulting certificate program should enroll in the Early Childhood Education Resource Consulting program or if wishing to study on a part-time basis through Continuing Education.

Information Technology Network Security

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.

Computer Applications Development (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. 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.

This two-year diploma offers a unique opportunity for students to apply skills learned in labs and classes on a paid four-month co-op term. Through demonstrations, lectures and hands-on practice, students are provided knowledge and techniques of quality food preparation and presentation. They gain an understanding of the complexity of kitchen management and experience real-life production. Co-op education work terms in the program enable the student to develop the skills and enhance his/her knowledge learned in the college setting.This program offers co-op work-term opportunities at the Institut Paul Bocuse, the leading global educator of excellence for culinary arts and the hospitality trade (additional cost applies).In addition, courses such as communication, computer skills, marketing, small-business management and nutrition ensure graduates are well rounded to meet the demands of industry.

The Global Hospitality Management graduate certificate program is open to international students with a background in hospitality. This program will complement a diploma or degree, and enable applicants to gain a work visa in Canada to work in management jobs in the hospitality industry. Graduates of the Global Hospitality Management program will have significantly more management and finance ability specific to the hospitality industry than graduates from a diploma program in a similar field, and will be able to progress into a management position in a hospitality organization very quickly upon completion of the program.
This one-year graduate certificate program is structured to meet the growing needs of the hospitality and tourism industry. The program focuses on essential operational and management areas building on prior knowledge in finance, human resources, and sustainable hospitality operations, while introducing a strong understanding of customer service, event management and the global hospitality industry.

The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term instead of the Guided Career Management course.

This program provides students with an overview of the hospitality and tourism industry along with entry-level management skills for this very diverse and integrated industry. Students will receive a broad base of business and entrepreneur skills ensuring a strong understanding of financial, customer service, marketing, and the human resources aspects of the industry. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Program Outcomes

• Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs, and contributing as a team member.
• Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
• Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell tourism products, services and customer experiences.
• Apply business principles as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering tourism products and services.
• Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy tourism operations.
• Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences, to measure the effectiveness of tourism operations and to participate in tourism development.
• Keep current with tourism trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry* sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
• Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability
• Organize new tourism products for clients based on an analysis of local and international destinations to establish connections with industry leaders.
• Examine economic, political, social, global and intercultural factors that influence the management of travel services, marketing strategies, customer retention and sales programs.

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 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 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.

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.