Student Success & The Northern Experience
Our two-year Computer Programming diploma, offered in partnership with Algonquin College, prepares you for a solid career developing websites, apps, and in improving the technology that we use in our everyday lives.
Through our practical curriculum you’ll master skills for Linux server administration, database management systems like Oracle and SQL, as well as data analytics and network programming.
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Course Information
2024-2025 Academic Year
Semester 1
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This course provides an introduction to programming using Java. The course will focus on core programming concepts that are universal to all modern programming languages. Students will learn to write programs using proper algorithm design, logic, data types, variables, control structures and functions (methods). The goal of the course is to provide a solid foundation of core programming skills that will allow students to further their learning in a variety of development environments.
70 Hours
This course will present the essential skills for designing and working with Relational Databases. Students will become familiar with the functions of a Database Management System (DBMS) and its components in comparison with legacy systems and alternative information storage mechanisms. Students will use Structured Query Language (SQL) to create progressively complex queries on existing databases, including multi-table joins. Students will study and apply the principles of normalization and referential integrity in designing and implementing multi-table relational databases. Students will design and create databases that are maintainable, secure, and adaptable to change in business requirements.
70 Hours
This course covers the fundamentals of computer hardware, software and advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and finally troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, chapters on networks and communication skills are included. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA’s A+ certification.
Prerequisite: None
56 Hours
This course covers basic algebra properties, graphing the straight line, basic geometry and trigonometry, and solving a system of equations graphically and algebraically. It also covers vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws.
56 Hours
Semester 2
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This course provides a hands-on introduction to front-end and back-end web application development via standards-compliant HTML5 and CSS3, JavaScript and PHP. Students will design and implement a series of projects that reflect the current trends in web applications. Students will learn and apply the principles and techniques for responsive design, enhanced user interaction using JavaScript, and enabling database-driven content using PHP.
56 Hours
This course covers intermediate level programming concepts using the Java programming language. Using a project-based approach, students will learn and apply Object Oriented Design (OOD) and Programming (OOP) principles including inheritance, encapsulation, abstraction and polymorphism in solving computer programming problems. Students explore the basics of data structures and algorithms, and basic Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming using the JavaFX framework.
70 Hours
Students acquire practical experience using market-leading object-relational database management systems like Oracle and MySQL. Students obtain hands-on experience with advanced engineering modeling tools along with SQL, SQL scripts and programming with Oracle’s PL/SQL blocks. Database concepts covered include advanced SQL, case structures, rollup and cube operations, metadata manipulation, data storage and retrieval, security and transaction control and data warehousing. Open source database software is also explored.
56 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
Demand for Linux technical expertise is growing rapidly in IT departments. Linux is being adopted by many companies for numerous services once provided by other varieties of UNIX and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The course will introduce students to the most common methods, hardware and software used to achieve a useful and secure Linux computer system. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA’s Linux+ certification and the LPIC-1 certification through the study of the configurations used in the set up of Fedora Linux operating system installations.
56 Hours
Semester 3
Guided by industry standard software engineering methodologies, students gain hands-on experience with case studies used to develop systems from inception through elaboration, construction and transition phases. Object-oriented design, modeling tools and techniques are used to produce system specifications. Project management principles are also used within team developed projects. Software methodologies discussed include the systems development life cycle (SDLC), agile approach, rational unified process (RUP)and rapid application development (RAD).
56 Hours
Software programming in today’s environment requires detailed knowledge of the underlying network topology, its implementation and programming support functions. Gaining an appreciation and perspective of this technology is imperative to developing good network programming applications. Students explore topics including the basic structure, design and layered communications models, with an emphasis on data communications, TCP/IP protocol suite, socket programming and multi-threading concepts. Labs include practical exercises in basic networking and using socket programming, along with multi-threading, in an environment rich with common networking tools for diagnosing and troubleshooting typical network programming problems.
70 Hours
Students explore graphical user interface programming in a mobile Android environment. Students learn how to program applications using the latest Android development tools. Topics include application architecture, interface design, network communication, and database integration.
56 Hours
Implement the best practices of object oriented program development with software design patterns. Apply UML program specifications in the Java programming language. Use embedded SQL through JDBC for developing and using data access objects. Course topics include refactoring, domain modelling, JDBC and multithreaded servlet programming. Students develop proficiency in creating, testing, debugging, deploying and documenting programs and servlets through practical application.
70 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Semester 4
Following the agile software engineering methodology, teams work with clients to analyze business needs, determine computer system requirements, model system designs, build prototypes, test code and deliver final products. Project management techniques are used to monitor progress and organize tasks. Outside of in-class requirements, teams must participate in interviews, technical reviews, presentations and the preparation of technical reports. The culmination of the course is a final presentation and technical review, followed by the delivery of the finished product.
28 Hours
Teams and individuals explore advanced database topics: database administration (using Oracle), data governance, globalization, security and advances in database technology. Topic coverage includes business intelligence, data warehouses, data visualization, big data, NoSQL and graph databases. Database administration tasks requiring knowledge of database architecture are examined: relational vs. non-relational models, security, performance, database distribution, database sharing, backup and recovery.
70 Hours
With a focus on the IT Enterprise, students are introduced to the application enterprise environment using and extending the technologies learned in previous courses. Topics studied may include the Java enterprise environment (JEE), the Microsoft .NET environment, Enterprise Android programming, cloud computing, security and the corporate database repository.
70 Hours
Learning a new programming language or framework on your own is a challenge faced by programmers on the job as part of their career. Students explore this process of self-study by applying project planning, applied research, testing, and implementation of basic and advanced concepts appropriate to the language or framework under study. Students develop major milestones and deliverables culminating in a project and reflective summary submission.
56 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Career Ready Graduates
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List
CIP Code: 11.0201
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- 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.
- Support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
- Contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance and testing of software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specification and existing technologies/frameworks.
- 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.
- Model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.
- Contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work in a variety of different fields, as almost all sectors of industry require computer programmers. You may be employed as a(n):
- Software programmer
- Web programmer
- Business programmer
- Application programmer
Graduates may also find opportunities in database design and database administration.
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
- Grade 12 Math (C, U) (MCT4C preferred; MAP4C is accepted with a minimum GPA of 60%)
Or equivalent
Or mature student status
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $2,720.56
International: $15,257.86
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus (2024-25) | Domestic | International |
| Timmins (PC) | $945.50 | $1,558.00 |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.