Computer Foundations

Program Overview

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Program Overview

In today’s workplace, computer skills are an absolute necessity. Whether you’re working with numbers, designs or words, your knowledge of how to successfully navigate electronic technology can help you get your foot in the door when applying for that perfect job. This certificate provides students interested in a career in computers with an opportunity to gain the fundamental skills in computer technologies including programming languages, systems development and operating systems in just eight months, while also offering those with previous credentials the chance to enhance their employment prospects. Sample a variety of computer-related courses and discover your area of expertise to either boost your resume or decide to pursue a deeper career in IT!

Intakes and Availability

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

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

• Call centre support clerks
• Help desk technicians
• Customer service representative
• Technical support clerk

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

All courses in the first semester of the Computer Foundations program are the same as those in the Computer Programming, Computer Programming and Analysis, Computer Systems Technician, and Computer Systems Technology programs. Foundations graduates may choose to return and complete any of these programs and receive completed courses as equivalent academic credits. In addition, students receiving a minimum GPA of 3.5 in first-semester courses will be eligible to apply to the Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech Bachelor of Information Technology program. Students pursuing this transfer option will be able to earn a diploma and degree in only four years.

Tech Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED HARDWARE

• Intel I7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor or better with chipset that must support virtualization
• 16 GB of RAM
• 1 TB hard 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

Program Details

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.

In today’s workplace, computer skills are an absolute necessity. Whether you’re working with numbers, designs or words, your ability to successfully navigate digital technology can help you get your foot in the door when applying for that perfect job. This program develops fundamental skills in computer technologies including programming, web development, networking, hardware and operating systems that will open the door to pursuing additional certifications and/or diplomas.

The technical skills gained will benefit graduates both personally and professionally whether they choose to use the program as a starting point to a more advanced IT diploma or as a solid foundation in digital technology.

Students who enter the program with a previous educational credential can supplement their learning by adding a technical skillset providing them with a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.

ACCREDITATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

First-year students enrolled in this program will receive a 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 eight 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 to launch a successful career.

Certifications

Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which could require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:

• CompTIA - A+
• CompTIA - Network+

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches.
2. Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain computer systems and networks to meet user requirements.
3. Design, model and implement a simple database.
4. Design and develop simple software applications to address user needs.
5. Complete all work in compliance with relevant policies, practices, processes and procedures.
6. Participate as an effective member of a team.
7. Interpret, produce, and present work related documents and information effectively and accurately.

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

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Computer Systems Stream:

• Computer Systems - Software (COMP 1218)
• Enterprise Client Support (COMP 1219)
• Data Communications and Networking 2 (INFT 1205)
• Software Testing and Automation (INFT 1207)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Web Development - Fundamentals (INFT 1206)

Computer Programming Stream:

• Object-Oriented Programming 1 (COSC 1200)
• IT Service Management (MGMT 1222)
• Systems Development 1 (MGMT 1223)
• Business for IT Professionals (MGMT 1224)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Web Development - Fundamentals (INFT 1206)

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

In person:

• Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio. Hybrid:
• Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio. Online:
• Fully remote course delivery.

Costs

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.

Residency

Canadian Citizen or Permanent ResidentInternational

Started Academic Year In

FallWinterSpring

Computer Foundations 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

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

• Call centre support clerks
• Help desk technicians
• Customer service representative
• Technical support clerk

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

• Banks
• Computer and network support companies
• Government
• Retail corporations
• Software companies
• Publishing companies
• Telecommunications companies

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.