Do you speak the language of programming? No, I'm not kidding. Computer programmers and analysts have a language of their own as they design, write, test, debug, troubleshoot and maintain the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in a programming language. The code may be a modification of an existing source or something new. Therefore, not only do computer programmers/ analysts speak the language, they also invent it. The purpose of programming is to create a program that exhibits a certain desired or customized behaviour. The process of writing the source code often requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms and formal logic. Computer Programmer Program prepares students for the competent careers.

If you want to speak the language of computer programmers, Centennial College offers a three-year Computer Analyst program that teaches you everything you need. It not only provides detailed information on current and emerging technology, systems methodologies and programming, but students also leave with a solid business foundation in areas such as database administration, business communications, mathematics of finance and project management. The curriculum includes an in-depth, object-oriented programming stream with a strong emphasis on systems analysis and design. Course titles include Microcomputer Concepts and Applications, System Analysis and Design, Advanced Database Concepts, Systems Integration and much more. The program also teaches a wide-range of technologies, including: C++, C#, JAVA, J2EE advanced XML and Web services, Access, Oracle, networking and UNIX/LINUX operating systems. Many of these technologies will be in the .NET development environment. Once students reach their final year, they may select an area of specialization from an offering of technical electives. They also participate in a final year programming project, which ensures they are ready for the real world.

There are, however, admissions requirements that applicants must meet before they enter the program. They must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also possess a compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program. For more information, check out Centennial College's Computer Program/Analyst admissions page.

Once the admission requirements are met and students successfully complete the program, they are ready to pursue a career as: Programmers, Software Developers, Database Administrators, Systems Analysts, and Web Applications Developers. Let's quickly take a look at the job descriptions for three of the popular choices. A software developer, for example, can be involved in aspects wider than designing and coding, including some aspects of software product management. This person may also contribute to the overview of the project on the application level rather than the individual programming tasks. Meanwhile, A database administrator is a person responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance and repair of an organization's database. The role includes the development and design of database strategies, monitoring and improving database performance and capacity, and planning for future expansion requirements. A final popular option is the Systems Analyst position. This person researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. Analysts are often familiar with a variety of programming languages, operating systems and computer hardware platforms. The tasks performed by the people in the various Computer Program/Analyst positions differ, of course. But the training provided at Centennial prepares you for all of them.