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Ontario College Diploma

Computer Systems Technician – Software Engineering

Duration

This program is no longer offered, but you may be interested in our Computer Programming diploma program.

Learn to build computer applications — and build a great career.

Program Overview

The 4 cores of software engineering

In this program, you'll concentrate on four core areas of software engineering:

  • Programming and software development in Java, C and C#
  • Web technologies and web application development
  • Database management and administration
  • Network administration and security

Competitive edge

In this program, you'll gain practical software engineering skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market. You'll study computer hardware (including Computer Architecture and Linux/Unix Operating System) and business practice, management and analysis. There's also a concentration on math that will provide you with a deeper understanding of software engineering principles.

Advanced learning opportunities

After earning a Computer Systems Technician diploma from Sheridan, many students continue their education. You can complete a third year in the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program to earn an advanced diploma. You may also be eligible to apply your diploma credits towards one of our honours bachelors degrees in applied computing.

Mobile computing: anytime, anywhere

The Computer Systems Technician program uses Sheridan's mobile computing system, which means you'll work in a networked environment that resembles what you'll find in the workplace. All lecture notes and other class materials are available online anytime, anywhere.

Transfer to university

Graduates of this program who meet the articulation requirements can transfer into specific computer science programs at Brock University, McMaster University or Algoma University.

Campus locations

Computer Systems Technician – Software Engineering program courses are held at the Davis Campus in Brampton and the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville.

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Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    PROG10082 Object Oriented Programming 1 – Java 6
    SYST10049 Web Development 3
    TELE13167 Introduction to Data Communications and Networking 3
    COMM13729 The Art of Technical Communication 3
    MATH18584 Computer Math Fundamentals 4
      General Education Elective (Open) 3
    Total: 22
  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    PROG24178 Object Oriented Programming 2 – Java 6
    SYST10199 Web Programming 3
    TELE20483 Cloud Enabled Networks
    SYST15892 Interactive User Interface Design 3
    SYST17796 Fundamentals of Software Design 
    SYST13416 Linux/Unix Operating Systems 3
    Total: 21
  • CODETITLECREDITS
    PROG32758 Enterprise Java Development 6
    SYST28951Systems Development Methodologies3
    INFO24178Computer & Network Security3
    DBAS27198Database Design and Implementation4
    SYST26671Computer Architecture3
     General Education Course (Open)3
    Total:22
  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    PROG32356 .NET Technologies using C# 6
    SYST24444 Mobile Web-based Applications 3
    INFO20172 IT Project Management using PMP 3
    PROG20799 Data Structures and Algorithm Development – C 6
    DBAS32100 Database Management – Career Path, Advanced Diploma Path 3
    General Education Course (Open) 3
    Total: 24

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

plus

  • Any Grade 12 Math* (C or U) or Grade 11 Functions (MCF3M) or Grade 11 Functions and Relations (MCR3U) (*Applicants presenting with Math MAP4C require a minimum 70%)

or

Mature student status.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements will be invited to complete pre-admission tests in mathematics and/or English. Applicants asked to take the OCMA math test require a minimum 70% passing grade. See Mature student status for details.

Applicants lacking the Mathematics admission requirement for this program may wish to upgrade their Mathematics prior to application. For upgrading information, please contact us.

Applicants may also consider applying to our Technology Fundamentals program. Successful completion of this program will meet the Mathematics requirement and will provide a broader sense of the Science and Technology fields.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses), and/or results of pre-admission testing.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Career Opportunities

The Computer Systems Technician program is accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS). Careers can branch into several different areas.

Here are some sample job titles for this program:

  • Database Application Developer/Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Software Application Developer
  • System Administrator (Linux/Unix/Windows)
  • Systems Programming
  • Technical Support Technologist
  • Web Application Developer
  • Web Designer

Degree Completion

As a graduate of a Computer Systems Technician – Software Engineering diploma, you may be eligible to complete one of these Sheridan degrees through our "Degree Completion" program:

Get your degree in less time

Degree Completion allows you to apply your diploma credits toward a Sheridan degree. You’ll get significant credit for the courses you completed in your diploma, which means you can complete your degree and advance your career sooner.

How to apply

Sheridan students and recent graduates

Apply through myStudentCentre: If you've recently been enrolled in a Sheridan program (since Fall 2021), you can apply directly to Sheridan through our internal application process on myStudentCentre. (Under Academics, select "Apply to a new Program" to get started.) To apply as a Degree Completion student, submit an application using the appropriate program code (see charts below).

Graduates from other institutions

Apply through ontariocolleges.ca: If you're new to Sheridan, you'll need to apply through ontariocolleges.ca. To apply as a Degree Completion student, submit an application using the appropriate program code (see charts below).

Degree Completion: Honours Bachelor of Computer Science

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM START
ENTRY LEVEL
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM CODE
Successful completion of Sheridan's Computer Programming diploma with a minimum 3.0 program GPA
September Year 2 (after completing 2 reach-back courses)
  • PBCCP: Specialty in Cloud Computing
  • PBDAB: Specialty in Data Analytics
  • PBGEB: Specialty in Game Engineering

 

Degree Completion: Honours Bachelor of Computer Science (Mobile Computing)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PROGRAM START
ENTRY LEVEL
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM CODE
Successful completion of Sheridan's Computer Systems Technician – Software Engineering diploma with a minimum 3.0 program GPA
September Year 2  PBBSC

Degree Completion: Honours Bachelor of Information Sciences (Cyber Security)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM START
ENTRY LEVEL
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM CODE
Successful completion of a Computer Systems Technician – Software Engineering diploma with a minimum cumulative average of 65% in core courses May September entry into Year 2 (after completing a bridging semester from May–August)
 PBISB

Contact us

Have a question about our Degree Completion programs? Please get in touch – we're happy to help!

Learn from the comfort of home with our virtual option

Sheridan’s Social Service Worker – Gerontology program is the first in the province to offer our diploma program entirely online.

  • This virtual, synchronous program will allow you to access the program from wherever you live. *
  • Our synchronous delivery will allow us to offer the same hands-on, supportive environment that Sheridan is known for while addressing some of the barriers to accessing an in-person program.
  • If you live in Ontario, practicum opportunities will be developed local to you, even if you reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • Predictable schedules for synchronous learning will allow you to manage work and personal life while in school.

* Note: At this time, the virtual option is only open to domestic students.

Advanced Entry Challenge Exams

Get credit for what you know

Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

How do Challenge Exams work?

AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.

I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan.

What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

  • Programming – Introductory
  • Programming – .NET
  • Programming – Advanced Java
  • Networking
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Databases
  • Software Design
  • Mobile App Development – Android
  • Mobile App Development – iOS
  • Game Development – UNITY
  • Wireless

You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you.

How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

Step 1: Make sure you meet the program admission requirements

You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

Complete a free self-assessment test for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program.

To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees For Canadian Students
Fees for International Students

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

All new international students* beginning their full-time postsecondary studies (Year 1, Semester 1) in Spring 2024, Fall 2024 or Winter 2025 semesters will receive an entrance scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

*ESL and programs with tuition reduction are excluded

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with 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 working on projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
  • Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
  • Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
  • Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
  • Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  • Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

Financial Planning Certification

Professional Sales Certificate

Educational philosophy

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

Program goals

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

  • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
  • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
  • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
  • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

How to apply: Submit an application using the program code PBHSB.

Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

  • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
  • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
  • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

Course exceptions

After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program, with the following exceptions.

You will additionally take:

  • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
  • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
  • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

You will not need to take:*

  • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
  • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
  • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
  • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
  • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
  • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
  • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

*Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

  • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

Program Mission

Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

Program Vision

Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

Critical Performance Statement

Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

Writer-in-Residence program

Each year, Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program hosts a Writer-in-Residence. The 8-month residency is awarded to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name.

In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing.

How our Writer-in-Residence supports Sheridan students

Students in our CW&P program benefit from the work and mentorship of our Writer-in-Residence, who:

  • shares their expertise and experience as a creative professional and working writer;
  • performs public readings from their recently published work and/or current work-in-progress;
  • organizes public lectures and/or workshops; and
  • works with faculty to augment existing curriculum in the area of creative writing, publishing and/or creativity.

2024–25 Writer-in-Residence

Cassidy McFadzean
Photo credit: Tony Tulathimutte

Fiction writer, editor and poet Cassidy McFadzean is joining Sheridan as the 2024–25 CW&P Writer-in-Residence.

McFadzean was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned an MA from the University of Regina. She went on to earn an MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa, and an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College, where she was co-Editor-in-Chief and Fiction Editor of The Brooklyn Review.

McFadzean is the author of three books of poetry: Crying Dress (House of Anansi, 2024), Drolleries (McClelland & Stewart, 2019), and Hacker Packer (M&S, 2015). Her poetry has appeared in magazines across Canada and the U.S., has been anthologized in The Best Canadian Poetry, In Fine Form 2, and The New Wascana Anthology. Her fiction has appeared in Joyland, EVENT, Maisonneuve, and The Best Canadian Stories, and is forthcoming in Hazlitt, The Walrus, and Invisible Publishing's collaborative anthology Dead Writers.

In welcoming her to the post, CW&P's Associate Dean Morgan Dennis highlights McFadzean’s expertise in both poetry and fiction, as well as her editorial work at The Brooklyn Review: “McFadzean is such a well-rounded talent, which is exactly what our students are looking for. Plus, her experience in the literary journal market will be of great value to our in-house magazine—The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing."

Free professional development opportunities

Are you a business lead who's looking to level up your company's culture of creativity and entrepreneurship?

Sheridan offers FREE, one-hour PD sessions on topics such as:

  • Creative Strategies for an EDI-driven World
  • The Science of Creativity and Innovation
  • Intra- and Entrepreneurial Thinking, and
  • Creative Team Leadership

These workshops will catalyze your climate of innovation and give your team an exclusive look into Sheridan's one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation.*

Register your team for a FREE online one-hour masterclass!


*Advance further with our Applied Creativity and Innovation graduate certificate

Our new graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation is a great professional development (PD) opportunity for many company teams. The program teaches complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation and negotiation skills — competencies that make companies more resilient and adaptable as they face the unique challenges presented by the future of work.

Why this program is a great choice for PD:

  • Flexible hours — your employees can complete their graduate certificate online, at their own pace.
  • Relevant coursework – they can choose electives that are most applicable to their position at your company.
  • Award-winning faculty – they’ll learn from instructors who are on the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation research.
  • Practicum project – they’ll work alongside our team of experts to resolve an issue that your business is facing today — whether it’s how to leverage artificial intelligence technology, advance your sustainability efforts, update your marketing strategies, address supply chain inefficiencies or another challenge.

Apprenticeship Exemption Test

The Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET) provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams).

Apprenticeship Exemption Tests are administered at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, through Sheridan's Assessment Centre.

Learn more about the AET, including eligibility criteria, available tests and how to register.

Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

Contact Centre hours of operation:

Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Contact Sheridan

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