Build hands-on skills in design and development of intelligent web / mobile / or general sofware applications using AI-assisted tools while launching your career developing software and solving computer-related issues for businesses, governments, or institutions.
What you will learn
-What is a Computing System
-How to use it to solve problems using intelligent Software Systems
-The theory and practice of proper code design and testing.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The CST diploma program can be completed in 5 terms of full-time study (average 17 credits per term), with an expected completion time of 2 years. There are 3 terms Fall, Winter, and Summer per year. The Summer term is a shorter term which means the month of August is a break month. The program must be completed within a maximum of 5 years. CST diploma accepts students for Winter and Fall terms.
- Foundation of software development is taught in first year: core courses in Computer Systems, Programming, and Software Analysis and Design
- In second year students take Project-oriented hands-on courses in which they work often in team on industry level projects.
- Final Term students work on a Capstone project to develop real-world application for real or simulated clients.
- Hands-on interactive courses being taught mostly in-person, and often in a team setting using the latest AI-aware mediums such as VS Code, MS CoPilot, and such.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum 'C' grade, or equivalent
- Foundation of Mathematics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Love coding and problem-solving
- Logical and critical thinker
- Able to work long hours on computers
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Research-oriented, curious to use new and intelligent tools in their search
- Client-oriented outlook and ability to work well with a wide variety of people
- Ability to give and receive feedback
- Enthusiastic, positive, optimistic attitude
- Pro-active self-starter
- Basic understanding of computers and comfortable using mobile devices
- Interested in technology, gadgets, and applications that run on them
Courses *
This program must be completed within 5 years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
In the First Year students complete the foundational/core courses. In the second year students take advanced software development, web, mobile, and Windows PC specialized courses. In the last term, students focus on developing an industry-scale Portfolio/Capstone project as a team.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Foundation Courses) | ||
| CSTP 1101 | Communication and Workplace Behaviour | 3 |
| CSTP 1104 | Computer Systems Administration | 5 |
| CSTP 1105 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| CSTP 1106 | Website Development | 3 |
| CSTP 1108 | Applied Mathematics | 2 |
| CSTP 1201 | Database Management Systems | 4 |
| CSTP 1202 | Introduction to Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| CSTP 1205 | Programming in C++ | 4 |
| CSTP 1206 | Introduction to Internet Programming & Web Applications | 3 |
| CSTP 1204 | Software Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CSTP 1302 | Windows Programming | 4 |
| CSTP 1303 | Introduction to Client-Server Computing | 3 |
| CSTP 1304 | User Interface Design | 2 |
| CSTP 1305 | Algorithms Analysis and Data Structures | 3 |
| Year 2 | ||
| CSTP 2104 | Windows Interactive Application Programming | 3 |
| CSTP 2110 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 3 |
| CSTP 2106 | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CSTP 2107 | Advanced Internet Programming & Web Applications | 4 |
| CSTP 2108 | Mathematics for Programmers | 2 |
| CSTP 2204 | IT Development Project | 5 |
| CSTP 2205 | Android Mobile Application Programming | 3 |
| CSTP 2208 | Career Path Search | 1 |
| CSTP 2300 | Emerging AI Technologies | 3 |
| CSTP 2305 | iOS Mobile Application Programming | 3 |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
This program has additional equipment or technical requirements
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 12278 | |
| Student union | 320 | |
| College initiative | 216 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 246 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 550 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 1017 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Entrance award
September intake of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.