Program Overview

Computer Programming and Analysis Program

The Computer Programming and Analysis (CPA) program at St. Lawrence College is a three-year program that follows an experiential learning approach to education. The program offers courses that parallel the software development practices used in the modern workplace, allowing students to apply concepts learned in the classroom to solve programming problems.

Overview

The CPA program is designed to provide students with a wide variety of skills, ranging from basic programming practices, problem-solving, software design, critical thinking, and application development. Over the duration of the program, students will learn to write programs for desktop, web, mobile, and mainframe platforms. Students will also learn many programming languages, including C#, C++, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, and Java, and will be taught the skills to learn other languages.

Program Details

• Code: 1107
• Start Date: January 2026, January 2027, September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 3 Years
• Delivery: Full-Time
• Open for international students
• Special May Intake: International Students Only

Program Highlights

The program provides students with skills in:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Software/application development
• Operating systems
• Writing computer programs
• Intranet/internet applications
• GUI applications
• Web development
• Object-oriented programming
• 2D game development
• Mobile application development
• Systems design and analysis
• Database design and management
• Mainframe application programming

Program Outline

The program is divided into six semesters, with a range of courses that cover various aspects of computer programming and analysis. Some of the courses include:

Semester 1

• Technical Communications
• Technical Mathematics
• Introduction to C++ Programming
• Networking 1
• Databases 1
• General Education Course

Semester 2

• GUI Application Development with C#
• Intermediate C++ Programming
• Web Programming 1
• Program Design
• Web Development
• General Education Course

Semester 3

• Career Strategies for Computing Professionals
• PHP Programming
• Object Oriented Programming using C++
• Web Programming 2
• Introduction to Game Programming
• Intermediate Databases

Semester 4

• Database Administration and Design
• COBOL Programming
• Java Application Development
• Quality Assurance
• Special Topics in Computer Programming
• JCL and Utilities

Semester 5

• Java Web Frameworks
• Advanced COBOL Programming
• Systems Analysis & Design
• CICS Command Level Programming
• Web Services
• Mobile Application Development

Semester 6

• Work Placement 1
• Work Placement 2
• General Education Course

Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level
• Grade 12 English at the C or U level
• Grade 11 Math at the C or U level

Other Requirements

• Technical Requirements: Students require their own Windows laptop computer with specified minimum requirements
• International students require a co-op work permit

Placement

The CPA work placement is one of the main draws to the program, providing students with excellent experience on a resume as well as hands-on experience in the field. In the third year, students spend two days per week on the job in an IT business environment.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $2,721.36 CAD
• Program Fees: $60.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,617.67 CAD
• Total: $4,399.03 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $16,920.00 CAD
• Program Fees: $60.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,385.78 CAD
• Total: $19,365.78 CAD

Career Opportunities

The demand for CPA graduates is high in the Kingston area as well as in Canada and abroad. Most CPA graduates enter the workforce immediately after graduation, with typical starting salaries of $50,000. Graduates can pursue careers in computer programming, web development, systems development, data modeling, quality assurance, mobile computing, web services, and database administration.

Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from graduates, who praise the program's emphasis on practical skills and the excellent reputation of the work placement component.

Other Information

• Programs at St. Lawrence College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes, including classroom, lab, online, and hybrid modes.
• Advanced standing is available for applicants with post-secondary credits.
• Credit transfer opportunities are available with partner institutions, including Bishop's University, McMaster University, and Munster Technological University.
• Related programs include Computer Systems Technician, Computer Programming, and Game Programming.