Computer Systems Technology
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
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Install and configure computer hardware and software
- Develop software applications for PC, mobile and embedded devices
- Create computer software using multiple programming languages
- Develop intelligent web and mobile applications
- Integrate cloud-based services and solutions in software apps
- Apply version control and project management skills in software development
- Collaborate and communicate effectively in team-based development environment
- Evaluate and implement new technologies in software development
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program is 2 years of full-time study. A term break is typically scheduled between year 1 and year 2. The maximum time to complete the program is 5 years.
The main mode of delivery for the CST program is face-to-face in a lab setting. Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work, and online sessions.
Students have access to state-of-the-art modern computer labs with software and tools such as Visual Studio, Azure Microsoft suite of applications and Operating Systems, web and mobile app development tools, and private department servers.
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
- Extended periods (4+ hours) of computer work requiring sustained visual attention to screens. Tasks require frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
- Students are expected to have access to a modern laptop capable of running Microsoft Windows with full privileges. Required hardware consists of at least a quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage, in order to do their assignments or connect to the lab computers remotely.
- Audio/video hardware including webcam/speakers/microphone for participating in classes that have an online delivery mode.
Courses *
This program must be completed within 5 years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for the following courses:
- CSTP 1101 Communication and Workplace Behaviour
- CSTP 1106 Website Development
- CSTP 1120 Introduction to Computer Systems
- CSTP 1130 Python Programming
- CSTP 1150 Applied Mathematics for Programmers
Students may complete up to 50% of the total credits of the program through PLAR and transfer credit. Please see individual course outlines for PLAR details. Tuition and fees apply to PLAR.
Methods for assessing prior learning may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations.
If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.
International Students should contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
This full-time program can be completed over four (4) terms by successfully completing the following: 15 credits (term 1), 15 credits (term 2), 14 credits (term 3), 16 credits (term 4).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Foundation Courses) | ||
| CSTP 1101 | Communication and Workplace Behaviour | 3 |
| CSTP 1106 | Website Development | 3 |
| CSTP 1120 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| CSTP 1130 | Python Programming | 3 |
| CSTP 1150 | Applied Mathematics for Programmers | 3 |
| CSTP 1202 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| CSTP 1204 | Software Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CSTP 1206 | Internet Programming and Web Applications | 3 |
| CSTP 1210 | Database Systems | 3 |
| CSTP 1230 | C++ Programming | 3 |
| Year 2 | ||
| CSTP 2104 | Windows Interactive Application Programming | 3 |
| CSTP 2120 | Client-Server Computing | 3 |
| CSTP 2130 | AI Technologies | 3 |
| CSTP 2140 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 3 |
| CSTP 2150 | UI/UX Development | 2 |
| CSTP 2210 | Cloud Computing | 3 |
| CSTP 2220 | Computer Security | 3 |
| CSTP 2230 | Advanced Web Application Development | 3 |
| CSTP 2240 | Capstone Software Development Project | 4 |
| CSTP 2250 | Android Mobile Application Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
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.
Fees and other costs *
This program has additional equipment or technical requirements
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 12775 | |
| Student union | 354 | |
| College initiative | 225 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 256 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 1080 | |
| 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 non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
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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Save up to $4,000 on tuition and fees on select programs.
Entrance award
September intake of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.