Graduate Certificate in Computer Applications Development (Optional Co-op) & Computer Application Security (Optional Co-op) (Bundle Program)

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

Customers today want all information to be accessible on a website and they want that information fast. This four-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to provide hands-on, comprehensive training for those who desire to work in the field of web-centric business application development. The primary focus of the program is on user-centered design supported by extensive back-end programming and front-end use of graphic design, multimedia, video, animation, and e-commerce applications to facilitate a fully functional website. Students will apply human interface guidelines, standard-based structures, and design and development principles to create accessible, usable, and captivating web experiences geared to today’s marketplace.

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.

Profound changes to the world of computer applications have created the need for a new kind of software development professional. As a result of explosive growth in the use of mobile devices, a growing appetite for consumer applications across all demographics, and emerging digital technologies, there is a need for entrepreneurial savvy within Canadian companies to effectively compete globally. This demands computer professionals with skills in graphic design, content creation, User Experience (UX), software development, marketing, and business models in order to design and market new and competitive software applications. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms.

Co-op information

• Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment. Visit Co-operative education for more information.
• 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. Not every student who meets academic eligibility requirements will be admitted to the co-op stream.
• To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 80% weighted average in Year 1 with a maximum one dropped or failed course during the first year.
• International students studying outside of Canada - ‘out of country’ - cannot apply to the co-op stream of their program. Students must be in Canada to apply to the co-op stream of their program. Students are currently experiencing longer than usual wait times for work permits. Work permit applications need to be completed more than 6 months in advance of a work term. International students studying in Canada will require work permits to utilize the co-op job board for job search and to accept employment. Please be advised that there will be no co-op program service fee refunds after the program withdrawal for refund date. Students that have not received their work permit and choose to remain in co-op after the program withdrawal for refund date do so at their own risk and will not be refunded. If you are concerned about receiving your work permit in time to achieve co-op employment, please discuss your situation with your co-op advisor as early as possible.

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.

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.

Big Data Solution Architecture (Optional Co-op)
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.

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. 

Information technology workers need a broad range of practical skills to enhance concepts and principles that are often the focus of post-secondary study. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program concentrates on hands-on application of network and systems administration practices and techniques commonly employed in modern IT enterprise infrastructure management.
Students will gain valuable skills and knowledge in the deployment and configuration of network operating systems (desktop and server), infrastructure services and network technologies. Students will also acquire foundational knowledge to work towards challenging professional certification exams from various organizations. Graduates of this program will have the skills required to move into IT administration positions or transition into more advanced graduate studies in areas such as security, networking and operations.

Learn how to manage and interpret data into meaningful, actionable reporting. Reporting Systems Development requires both breadth of technology awareness, as well as organizational and operational skills. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program delivers hands-on experiential practices and techniques commonly employed in the dynamic field of data management. Become qualified for the following career opportunities: Data Systems Manager, IT Manager, Senior Data Officer, Reporting Team Lead, and many more. You will gain valuable skills and knowledge in systems (desktop and server), databases, reporting solutions, visualization, cloud technologies, and web analytics while acquiring foundational knowledge in data ethics, formal report requirements, and IT 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.

This unique program provides in-depth theory and hands-on training for the brick and stone masonry trade. Located at the Waterloo campus, Conestoga's Masonry Centre provides the ideal setting to work with brick, stone, and a variety of other masonry materials. You will be given many opportunities to design and construct masonry walls and features in a safe and efficient manner; and will also learn to safely and properly operate hand and power tools, as well as equipment used by masons on a construction site. Additionally, you will also gain valuable knowledge about vital aspects of the brick and stone trade in Canada, including heritage masonry and refractory masonry, as well as commercial and residential applications. A graduate of this program may be exempt from the Level 1 in-school apprenticeship training should they choose to pursue a Brick and Stone apprenticeship.