Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technology – Information Systems Engineering (Co-op)

at Sheridan College - Trafalgar Road Campus, Oakville Canada

Can corporate communications be considered an art form? That's how Sheridan approaches the subject. It's a unique approach among business communications programs, and it produces student work that stands out. The courses in this program feature hands-on, project-based assignments. You'll be working for real-world clients, not just doing classroom exercises.

Hands-on, project-based assignments

• Write persuasive and informative copy for internal and external publications, news releases, conference presentations, speeches and public service announcements.
• Express yourself in a variety of public forums such as media interviews and news conferences.
• Create websites, blogs, podcasts, video content, email blasts and other online communications.

Fast-track to employment
It takes less than a year to earn a Public Relations – Corporate Communications graduate certificate from Sheridan. You'll build a portfolio, get real-world experience and master both practical and theoretical aspects of business communications. You'll spend the last five weeks of the program in an onsite job placement, working with professionals.

Additional information
Sheridan not only emphasizes the critical, analytical and strategic skills prized by employers in corporate communications and public relations, it weaves social media and diversity communications into all aspects of tactical delivery. You'll do more than write catchy prose; you'll learn how to generate buzz, influence attitudes and motivate behaviour.

Sheridan students have taken top honours in the Canadian Public Relations Society's (Hamilton Chapter) Pinnacle Awards for excellence in Public Relations.

Additional skills provided by the program

• Producing internal corporate communications plans and activities — the fastest-growing segment of the industry.
• Preparing strategic plans, crisis responses, media campaigns, fundraising initiatives and other planning documents.
• Developing strategic communication campaigns that integrate all of the above elements.

Sheridan's Computer Programming diploma program offers highly marketable skills in the field of information technology.

The most up-to-date curriculum

• Sheridan's dedicated professors are constantly working to keep the program current within a rapidly changing industry. A practical applied approach is taken with an emphasis on individual programming skills including the mobile environment, communication skills, problem solving and teamwork.

Mobile computing

• The applied approach is facilitated by an interactive classroom experience each student has their own personal laptop and the most current versions of industry standard computer programming software available through Sheridan. We offer a well-respected computer programming college credential that will give you many workplace options and pathways to further study.

Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use documented solutions to troubleshoot problems associated with software installation and customization.
  • Develop, test, document, deploy, and maintain secure program code based on specifications.
  • Perform routine maintenance on a database.
  • Apply knowledge of networking concepts to develop, deploy, and maintain program code.
  • Gather and document required information and assist in an analysis of a business.
  • Use relevant methodologies, policies, and standards to develop secure program code.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with clients.
  • Conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.
  • Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Long recognized for excellence in animation, digital media and technology, Sheridan now brings an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to the study of video game development. Our graduate certificate in Game Development – Advanced Programming presents a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity.

An integrated approach
Offered alongside the Game Level Design program at Sheridan's renowned Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design, our game development courses simulate a realistic work environment that integrates game programming, tool development, digital art, storytelling and project management. This unique integrated approach prepares students for success in a collaborative, highly creative work environment.

Gain industry-specific skills
Developed in response to industry need, Sheridan Game Development courses encompass both 2D and 3D game development. You'll learn advanced game programming techniques, utilize industry-standard technologies, and apply your programming skills to animation, artificial intelligence and multiplayer systems.

Additional information
Game programmers play a vital role in the industry, and are commonly involved in a project from initial conception through to production. Combined with your degree or diploma in computer science or computer programming, the Sheridan Game Development – Advanced Programming certificate will prepare you to step directly into an exciting game development career.

The benefits of our program include:

• Outstanding job prospects in a growing industry.
• Hands-on curriculum emphasizing job-specific skills.
• Collaboration with Sheridan renowned Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design.

The program’s integrated multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on applied problem-solving are unique in the field, offering the preparation employers are looking for, and advanced programming skills that stand out on a résumé.

In our program, you'll gain important industry-specific skills such as:

• Gameplay programming
• Graphics programming
• Mobile game development
• Project management
• Game documentation
• Playtesting
• Tool development

In your final semester, you'll collaborate with students from the Game Level Design program to develop and produce an original video game capstone project.

Computer systems engineers are always in demand with the increasing role of technology in business.

Learn the latest computing technologies

• In this program, you’ll build your skills and knowledge in multiple computing platforms and environments. You’ll learn to apply the latest technologies to solve real-world problems with:
  • iOS and Android application development
  • Java, and Java Frameworks, C#, .NET and .net server development
  • Web technologies and web application development
  • Oracle and SQL server
  • Version control

Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  • Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  • Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
  • Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
  • Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
  • Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
  • Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
  • Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  • Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that align with industry best practices.
  • Construct an end-to-end information system consistent with client requirements and industry best practice.

Get hands-on experience

• The third year of our systems engineering program features Capstone-Based Learning (CBL), a uniquely Sheridan approach to curriculum delivery. In the Capstone course, you

Turn your diploma into a degree

• After earning your Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma, you can apply to bridge into Year 3 of one of these Sheridan degree programs: Honours Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (Mobile Computing), or Honours Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (Information Systems Security). 

Co-op Option

• Students in this program may apply to the co-op program during their second academic semester. Enrolment in the Co-op program is limited through an additional co-op application process that takes place at the end of the first year. Students in the co-op program are eligible to complete three co-op work terms prior to graduation. The program-specific academic standard required for participation in co-op can be found here: Academic Standards for Co-op and Internship.
• Co-operative Education is a form of work-integrated learning that links classroom learning with paid or unpaid work experience within a professional environment. Co-op work terms are related specifically to the academic studies of each student. The work terms provide an opportunity to learn by doing. You’ll apply theory to practice, develop a meaningful view of the working world, and cultivate an awareness of yourself as a professional.
• Students receive in-class and 1-on-1 career education support to help prepare for the work term. The co-op component is delivered by Sheridan’s Co-operative Education Office, which facilitates over 1,800 Co-op/Internship work terms per year Sheridan-wide. Learn more about Co-operative Education and Internships at Sheridan.

Sheridan’s Child and Youth Care program prepares you to work with young people who are experiencing significant life challenges:-

Exceptional educators, innovative learning
All of our professors have been active in the field within the past five years. Their curriculum is cutting edge and provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for your future career. You'll learn to develop and implement a range of prevention, intervention and treatment strategies based on a foundational understanding of human development, family systems and cultural diversity.

Things you'll learn to do

• Develop and implement prevention, intervention and treatment strategies based on an understanding of human development, family systems and cultural diversity.
• Guide at-risk youth through their daily challenges.
• Teach social and life skills and support efforts to manage behaviour.
• Facilitate personal growth and positive change in young people.

Learn social service work focused on a growing population:-

Social service workers who focus on gerontology are sought out by many organizations because of the growing senior population in Canada. This in-depth diploma answers society’s needs by teaching the foundations of social service work, while training you to specialize in work with the elderly.

Work with our faculty of community service professionals:-

Our faculty come from a wide range of community service roles, and includes social workers, community developers and gerontology specialists. Each professor brings their unique and valuable experience to every course, providing you with one-of-a-kind knowledge that only years in the field provides.

Get hands-on social service work experience in field placements:-

In Terms 2, 3 and 4 you’ll work with seniors in a field placement two days a week. This means valuable on-the-job experience and the chance to practically apply your class lessons. You’ll support older adults in different settings, and also establish valuable career connections in the community.

Build on your existing skills and talents by learning the technical and creative process of 3D animation! Our instructors will guide you through an intense curriculum, teaching you all of the stages required to create compelling moving images. Enjoy creative and technical flexibility in your final projects, allowing you to explore and specialize.

Learn from 3D animation experts
Sheridan was the first animation school to teach computer animation, and we're still industry leaders today. Our instructors have worked on hundreds of television and film projects for major international studios. They're also mentors who are committed to supporting your success. You'll learn proven real-world solutions to production challenges while staying current with emerging tools and techniques.

A collaborative studio environment
At Sheridan, we believe a culture of sharing ideas and solutions is key to student success. In addition to your individual assignments, you'll also have opportunities to collaborate with professors and peers in our immersive and supportive studio environment. Using state-of-the-art facilities to create animated projects and a signature demo reel is great preparation for your first day on the job.

You'll earn your graduate certificate through classes that involve:

• Researching styles, trends and new developments within the industry.
• Developing two-dimensional special effects concepts and work-ups of what they might look like complete.
• Using specialized products and equipment to animate, sculpt, create, cast and mold your creations.

Professors who know the business
Because classes are small, you'll receive lots of personal support from your professors who are themselves highly experienced in the field. Most are still active in special effects makeup. Through your study you'll also be introduced to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union representing the profession.

Practical, hands-on experience
During the summer following the first two semesters, you'll participate in a field placement where you can use your newly acquired special effects makeup skills in a professional setting. This invaluable work experience and exposure to professionals in the field can be a springboard for employment.

Be part of a creative production team, staging shows attended by the paying public at Theatre Sheridan and Theatre Erindale. Develop the creativity, technical mastery and work ethic you need to work in technical production at the highest levels — as well as the experience and confidence to step directly into the work force.

Experienced faculty and great facilities
Led by practicing industry professionals, this apprenticeship-style program features the best facilities of any theatre school in Canada. You'll work in professional-calibre studios and use industry-standard equipment:

• Mainstage and studio theatres
• State-of-the-art sound labs
• Industry-style lighting and audio equipment
• Fully-equipped wardrobe, prop, and scene shops with CNC machine and 3D printers

Commitment and creativity
You'll begin working on shows immediately, gaining experience in these technical production disciplines:

• Carpentry
• Lighting and Sound
• Stage management
• Wardrobe
• Props
• Paint

Create characters and creatures audiences will remember
Working in the Sheridan Centre for Animation and Emerging Technologies (SCAET), you'll advance in your ability to create memorable characters/creatures, from script to storyboard to modelling and advanced rigging, all the way through to post-production.

Develop career-ready skills

• Study advanced computer animation techniques
• Study and apply physically accurate and technical animation
• Study advanced rigging and modelling
• Expand your portfolio
• Showcase your technical skills and creativity