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Ministry-approved title: Programmer – Information System (core)
Software development is a rapidly growing field with strong career opportunities. The Computer Programming diploma program prepares students to become skilled developers by combining technical knowledge with the problem-solving and collaboration skills valued in today’s tech industry.
Students build a solid foundation in programming while learning to design, develop, and troubleshoot applications using key languages and tools. Through hands-on, team-based projects, students simulate real industry environments and gain experience working with iterative development approaches.
The program also supports the development of career-ready skills by strengthening communication abilities, building professional profiles, and providing opportunities to confidently present technical work. By graduation, students are prepared to apply their skills and stand out in the job market.
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NOTE: Students enrolling in the computer programming program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.
Organizations across every industry rely on computer professionals to support information processing, software development, and digital innovation. The Computer Programming diploma program provides a strong foundation in the technical and professional skills required in today’s IT field through a balance of theory, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.
Throughout the program, students work on practical, project-based assignments that simulate real workplace environments, applying programming concepts to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot software solutions. This experience strengthens both technical ability and collaboration skills while helping students build the confidence to present and demonstrate their work in professional settings. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can combine technical knowledge with effective communication, teamwork, and practical implementation skills.
Areas of study include:
Graduates develop proficiency in programming languages alongside an understanding of how technology integrates with business operations and organizational goals. This combination of technical expertise and business awareness helps prepare graduates for entry-level IT careers or continued study through graduate certificates and advanced diploma pathways.
Students in this program have access to Durham College’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio (MRC Studio) and Hub for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence for Business Solutions (AI Hub), where hands-on learning, emerging technologies, and applied research support the development of innovative digital solutions.
Note: To ensure that you make an informed decision about your IT career path, a common first semester is offered for the Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech University, Computer Programming, Computer Programming and Analysis programs. This approach allows you to explore the systems/programming and networking/hardware applications of the IT sector.
First-year students enrolled in the Computer Programming program will receive 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 seven Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are:
Membership benefits:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who 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.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
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:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
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.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Computer Programming courses incorporate experiential learning in the form of project-based, and problem-based learning, which puts students in simulated scenarios meant to prepare them to adapt to the expectations of working in industry quickly.
Students can transfer to the Computer Programming and Analysis, advanced diploma program at any time. The Computer Programming and Analysis program provides an opportunity to complete a four-week field placement at the end of the third year or a co-op placement at the end of second year for students beginning studies in the fall or winter semesters.
Successful completion of the CPPG program also qualifies you for entry into IT-related graduate certificate programs to develop a specialization. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/pathways to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Visit pathways to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
Students enrolling in the computer programming program are required to purchase their own laptop.
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