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Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development

Available: Fall, Winter

Program Description

The Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development educates you as a software developer, but it also trains you to be a well-rounded professional with both the technical and non-technical skills critical to success in the business environment.

The curriculum includes an extensive exploration of software languages, operating systems, web applications, multimedia interfaces, information security, databases, system analysis and design principles. You also learn communication skills and sharpen your business acumen to help you succeed in today's complex workplaces.

BSD is an eight-semester program. Choose from September or January start dates and study at Seneca's state-of-the-art facilities located on the York University campus.

Small class sizes, hands-on labs, electronic classrooms and an expert faculty provide an enhanced learning environment. You'll be supported by excellent student services including library resources, counsellors, peer tutors and student co-ordinators.

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Furthermore, you'll gain valuable work experience through one or more paid co-operative work terms. With over 3,500 employers in the Seneca database, you'll get real-world job opportunities that complement your academic studies.

Seneca's School of Information and Communications Technology is a recognized leader in developing and delivering relevant programs. In fact, we have the largest offering of computer studies programs in the province, and they are among the very best.

In a recent study, more than 90% of Seneca’s Information and Communications Technology students told us they were very satisfied with this program's ability to deliver relevant career skills and abilities.

Areas of Study

As a student in the BSD program, you'll learn conceptual theories and apply them against practical goals. Particular areas of study include:

  • programming algorithms and software languages
  • operating system architectures
  • web application design and deployment
  • networking and information security
  • database design and development
  • system methodologies and project management
  • techniques for effective communication and teamwork
  • business principles and management practices
  • research and problem-solving methods

Extra Benefits

  • Paid co-op opportunities with key players in the IT industry.
  • Practical experience with leading edge industry technology in state-of-the-art computer labs.
  • Innovative learning modes: interactive lectures, collaborative teamwork, panel discussions, e-learning, research projects and more.
  • Opportunities to pursue graduate studies.
  • Portable skills for global careers.

Open Source and Seneca

Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology (CDOT) has unparalleled connections with top tier open source projects such as Mozilla, creators of the Firefox web browser, and Red Hat, makers of the most successful commercial Linux operating system. In professional option subjects, students have the opportunity to work with world class developers.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merit and financial needs.

Apply Online

Canadian Students
International Students

Starting in September 2019, this program will be located at Newnham Campus.

Campus

Duration

8 Semesters (4 Years)

Credential Awarded

Honours Bachelor Degree

Your Career

With an Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development, your career opportunities could be as diverse as they are exciting and rewarding. You'll gain skills that will be valuable across industries, market sectors and around the world. Pursue dynamic careers in health care, business and financial services, computer game development, simulation and modeling, and Internet applications, among others. As a trained software developer, you’ll have the skills to move into and among sectors. As an analyst, you could lead software teams and effectively communicate and manage projects in both face–to–face and remote environments.

“The IT skills gap is a world–wide phenomenon. Right here in Canada, the shortfall has been estimated at no fewer than 20,000 unfilled jobs.”

Information Technology Institute of Canada

The Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development (BSD) program prepares graduates for careers such as business systems analysts, business technology designers, client/server application developers, database application specialists, web developers, information security analysts, project managers, software engineers and system software programmers.

Graduates of the program may apply for designation as an Information Systems Professional (I.S.P.), an internationally recognized certification.

Work-Integrated Learning

Mandatory Degree Co-op

A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment.  In most cases the work term(s) is a paid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the co-op work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the mandatory co-op stream regardless of success in securing a work position.

Professional Accreditation

The Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development curriculum has been accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), Canada’s association for IT professionals. See cips.ca for more information about CIPS

Accreditations

The BSD curriculum has been accredited by CIPS (Canadian Information Processing Society), Canada's association for IT professionals. See cips.ca for more information about CIPS.

Open Source and Seneca

Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology (CDOT) has unparalleled connections with top tier open source projects such as Mozilla, creators of the Firefox web browser, and Red Hat, makers of the most successful commercial Linux operating system. In courses such as DPS909, DPS911 and DPS914, students have the opportunity to work with world class developers on such projects.

Related Careers

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Program Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum overall average of 65%, or a mature applicant (21 years or older and has been out of high school for a minimum of two years). Mature applicants should disclose all previous postsecondary transcripts which may be used for admission decisions.

Required courses - minimum final grade of 65% in each:

  • English: Grade 12 ENG 4 (U)
  • Mathematics: any Grade 12 (U)

Applicants must meet Seneca English Proficiency requirements for degree programs.

Although not required for admission, a senior level credit in Business and Computer Studies is recommended for success in the program.

Program Costs

Choose academic year:

Tuition – Domestic

$8,042

Tuition – International

$18,824

Book & Supply Costs

$1,450

Please note: All costs are approximate, may vary by campus and are subject to change at any time without notice. Parking, locker and some mandatory incidental fees are among the charges not included in the figures above.

Fee Details

Program Details

The Degree and Credit Transfer Office provides a number of services for students continuing their education at Seneca, and for graduating students considering degree transfer options.

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at various post-secondary institutions. Please refer to the Degree Transfer Guide for more information.

Transfer Credit may be granted for courses deemed equivalent to courses at Seneca that have been completed at recognized postsecondary institutions. Additional information is available online.

Please take a few moments to view Important Academic Dates for your relevant term.

Please select the curriculum from the Academic Year in which you started (or will be starting) your studies. An Academic Year begins in September and ends in August of the following year.

Also see: English and Liberal Studies requirements.

Seneca has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 7-year term starting June 11, 2014. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Admissions

Need to know more about your application and/or the application process? Reach out to our admissions advisors for assistance.

Domestic
416.491.5050 ext. 22840 Admissions@senecacollege.ca
International
416.491.5050 ext. 22364 InternationalAdmissions@senecacollege.ca

Student Recruitment

Have questions about Seneca’s campuses, financial aid, student supports and more? Connect with one of our student recruiters for more information or to book a campus tour.

Domestic
416.491.4660
student.recruitment@senecacollege.ca
International
416.491.5050 ext. 22608
Seneca.International@senecacollege.ca
Additional Contacts
Financial Aid & Awards

Program Coordinator

Peter McIntyre 416.491.5050 ext. 33251 Peter.McIntyre@senecacollege.ca

Program Interim Chair

Suzanne Abraham 416.491.5050 ext. 33265 Suzanne.Abraham@senecacollege.ca

Testimonials

“The BSD program is very hands-on and provides a lot of practical experience, both in-class and through the co-op semester. It is an advantage that you don't get with many university degree programs. At the same time, it covers many important theoretical topics that are taught at universities, providing a very well-rounded education in software development. The practical experience alone puts graduates in a strong position to obtain a good job in the software development industry, or in my case, served as an invaluable distinguishing factor when applying for postgraduate studies in a related field.”

Stanley Tsang
2013 BSD Graduate and Msc. student in High Performance Computing, University of Edinburgh

Why Choose Seneca?

Passionate, expert faculty from a range of professions

Real-world learning experiences through paid and non-paid work opportunities

Curriculums developed in collaboration with industry advisory committees

A variety of credentials offered from certificates, diplomas, degrees, and graduate certificates

Opportunities to pathway to higher level credentials at Seneca and other universities in our transfer partnership network