Software Developer Certificate
Contact:
Allison MacNabb
Chairperson
Program Information
E-mail: inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Department Information:
For more information visit the Information Technology Programs Department, under Academic Departments.
Note: This program has been suspended for the 2012/2013 academic year.
One Year Certificate
People are enabled by computer technology - from cellular phones to MP3 players to gaming systems and business applications. Technology is embedded in all aspects of our daily lives. Software Developer graduates write software applications for many of today's technologies.
Related Careers
Career opportunities in the Information Technology (IT) field continue to grow and expand, both nationally and internationally. Software Developer Certificate graduates will be positioned to take advantage of this increased market demand for IT skills because they are prepared with the knowledge-base and skill-sets necessary to successfully engage in an exciting IT career in either business or industrial environments. A career in IT will appeal to applicants who are looking for exciting, challenging, and well-compensated futures.
Types of positions:
Entry-level programmer with skills in software applications including
- Web development
- Desktop (Windows) applications
- User interface design
- IT Service Desk - providing support for hardware and software
Most graduates will integrate into their IT profession as a software developer or help desk analyst. With experience and proven ability, students may advance into specialized areas of technology. Many courses in the Software Developer Program help to prepare students to write certification exams from the Microsoft Certified Software Developer credential and the CompTIA Network+ exam.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Software Developer Certificate will possess the following skills and knowledge:
- Given design specifications, develop algorithms
- Use online resources to identify solutions
- Participate in the implementation of projects
- Develop and deploy desktop and web-based applications
- Navigate development processes through the software lifecycle stages including testing
- Interact effectively with operating systems and services
- Write structured and object oriented programs that interact with databases
- Develop interactive Websites
- Consider the impact of Local Area Network technology on applications
- Provide common Help Desk support
- Practice industry standard codes of conduct
- Complete relevant documentation and activity reports
- Practice effective communication with co-workers including cultural sensitivity
- Engage in learning activities that are responsive to the workplace.
Transfer Features
Graduates of the Software Developer program can complete the Computer Information Systems (CIS) Diploma with one further year of full-time study. The CIS Diploma can also be completed on a part-time basis.
Graduates of the Software Developer program are also eligible for advanced standing in many courses from the Networking Certificate. The Networking Certificate can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Graduates of the Networking Certificate program can complete the Network Systems Technology (NST) Diploma with one further year of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
A) Academic Requirements
High School Diploma with no mark below 50% in:
a. ELA 30-1
b. Mathematics 30-1
OR
50% in ELA 30-1 & 65% in Mathematics 30-2 with either Physics 30 or Chemistry 30 or Science 30 with a minimum mark of 50%.
OR
Mature Student
You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum mark of 50% in Mathematics 30-1
OR
a minimum mark of 65% in Mathematics 30-2 and either Chemistry 30 or Physics 30 or Science 30 with a minimum mark of 50%.
AND
B) Other Requirements
All Software Developer Certificate students must have a laptop computer that is using Microsoft Windows as the operating system. Please contact department Chair for minimum specifications.
Recommendations
Applicants are also expected to have working skill sets in at least the following areas of workstation management and operations through course work and/or industry experience:
- Word processing
- E-mail communications
- Internet research and download
- File and print management
- Basic operating systems literacy
Applicants requesting further information, skill assessment, and/or learning support courses (CMPT 083, 086, 087, or 089) should contact an academic advisor and/or the Information Technology Department Chairperson for assistance.
Communications Course Placement Testing
Students will be required to take a College placement test before registering in a written communications course. (Students with 60% or greater in English 30 will be exempted from this test.) Students who do not achieve a satisfactory mark in this test will be required to complete COMM 150 before they can register in the required course, COMM 250. Students should take the placement test early in the event preparatory work (COMM 150) is required. Students needing to do COMM 150 will have the opportunity to complete all the Communications requirements within the two year time frame.
Program Content
Should a student possess any other course(s) and/or credentials not listed above for which they wish to have considered for advanced credit, please contact the Information Technology Department Chairperson.
Program Cost Estimates
Graduation Requirements
You must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.