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Students
Tuition Fee
CAD 15,309
Per semester
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Computer Programming | Information Technology | Software Development
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
CAD 15,309
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
2026-01-01-
2026-05-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Computer Programming Program Overview

The field of software development is growing rapidly and provides opportunities for high-paying jobs in an industry that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the modern world. As a tech-savvy graduate, you’ll be trained to combine your collaborative, analytical, and software programming skills, making you an in-demand hire to support and develop software systems.


In this program, students will:


  • Gain a solid foundation in the field of software development and learn how to become computer programmers by studying key programming languages, enabling them to design, develop, and troubleshoot software applications.
  • Receive membership to all seven of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade which provides access to valuable networking events and business resources, connecting students with local tech companies and potential employers.
  • Further enhance their credentials by pursuing specialized graduate certificates in specialized areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data analytics upon completion of the program.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2025 Open Open
January 2026 Open Open
May 2026 Open

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.


DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:


  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • Computer Systems - Hardware (COMP 1116)
  • Introduction to Programming (COSC 1100)
  • Data Communications and Networking 1 (INFT 1104)
  • Introduction to Databases (INFT 1105)
  • Mathematics for IT (MATH 1114)

Career Options

  • Computer programmer
  • Web developer
  • User support technician
  • Software quality assurance tester
  • Information systems analyst and consultant

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Students can transfer to the Computer Programming and Analysis, advanced diploma program at any time. The Computer Programming and Analysis program provides an opportunity to complete a four-week field placement at the end of the third year or a co-op placement at the end of second year for students beginning studies in the fall or winter semesters.


Successful completion of the CPPG program also qualifies you for entry into IT-related graduate certificate programs to develop a specialization. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.


Tech Requirements

Students enrolling in the computer programming program are required to purchase their own laptop.


MINIMUM REQUIRED HARDWARE


  • Intel I7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor or better with chipset that must support virtualization
  • 16 GB of RAM
  • 1 TB SSD (solid-state drive)
  • Ethernet Network Card or USB to Ethernet adapter
  • Wireless Network Card
  • One USB 3.0 port (two preferred)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone (headset preferred)

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS


  • Windows 10 Professional Edition or Windows 11 Professional Edition

Computer Programming Program Details

Organizations in all fields depend on computer specialists to assist them with their information processing needs. The Computer Programming program will give you a solid foundation in the competitive job skills required for today’s information technology (IT) field. By focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of software programming, students will gain the problem-solving skills necessary to address real-world challenges.


Areas of study include:


  • Business computing concepts
  • Web, mobile and database development
  • Computer hardware
  • Application programming
  • Data communications
  • Network management
  • Systems analysis and design

Graduates will have proficiency in programming languages and an introductory understanding of how technology integrates into business operations. The combination of technical expertise and business acumen will give you an edge as you enter the IT workforce or pursue further specialization through graduate certificates or advanced diplomas.


Computer Programming Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  7. Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
  8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
  9. Support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
  10. Contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance and testing of software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
  11. Apply one or more programming paradigms such as, object-oriented, structured or functional programming, and design principles, as well as documented requirements, to the software development process.
  12. Model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.
  13. Contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.

ACCREDITATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

First-year students enrolled in the Computer Programming program will receive membership to all seven of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. DC is proud to be one of the only colleges in Ontario offering students this unique connection to business leaders.


The seven Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are:


  • Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
  • Brock Board of Trade
  • Clarington Board of Trade
  • Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
  • Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Scugog Chamber of Commerce
  • Whitby Chamber of Commerce

Membership benefits:


  • Opportunities to connect with over 2,500 local businesses and jumpstart your career by networking with potential future employers;
  • Access to professional development events across Durham Region to gain unique business insights and learn from industry leaders; and
  • Learning opportunities to develop the in-demand skills required to launch a successful career.

Computer Programming Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.


Semester 1

  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • Computer Systems - Hardware (COMP 1116)
  • Introduction to Programming (COSC 1100)
  • Data Communications and Networking 1 (INFT 1104)
  • Introduction to Databases (INFT 1105)
  • Mathematics for IT (MATH 1114)

Semester 2

  • Object-Oriented Programming 1 (COSC 1200)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Web Development - Fundamentals (INFT 1206)
  • Software Testing and Automation (INFT 1207)
  • Systems Development 1 (MGMT 1223)
  • Business for IT Professionals (MGMT 1224)

Semester 3

  • IT Career Essentials (COMM 2109)
  • Object-Oriented Programming 2 (COSC 2100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Web Development Intermediate (INFT 2100)
  • Database Development 1 (INFT 2101)
  • Systems Development 2 (MGMT 2107)

Semester 4

  • Object-Oriented Programming 3 (COSC 2200)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Mainframe Development 1 (INFT 2200)
  • Web Development - Enterprise (INFT 2201)
  • Web Development - Client Side Script (INFT 2202)
  • Cloud Technology Fundamentals (INFT 2203)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.


Course Delivery

In person


Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration.


Costs for the Computer Programming Program

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.


Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals. DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.


Computer Programming Year 1 Costs

Semester 1 Tuition: $1,361.02
Program Fee: $402
Ancillary Fee: $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
Total: $2,686.79
Semester 2 Tuition: $1,361.02
Program Fee: $0
Ancillary Fee: $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
Total: $1,974.79

Computer Programming Year 2 Costs

Semester 3 Tuition: $1,361.02
Program Fee: $17
Ancillary Fee: $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
Total: $2,282.21
Semester 4 Tuition: $1,361.02
Program Fee: $0
Ancillary Fee: $474.19
DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
Total: $1,955.21

Program Outline

Careers:


WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Computer programmer
  • Web developer
  • User support technician
  • Software quality assurance tester
  • Information systems analyst and consultant

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

  • Computer and network infrastructure firms
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Digital business solutions firms
  • Government
  • Newspapers/media corporations
  • Research companies
  • School boards
  • Small and medium-size organizations
  • Software development firms
SHOW MORE
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U) Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U) Language Proficiency Requirements:

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