Overview
The Software Systems Developer program features an accelerated, project-based learning environment to prepare you for a career in full-stack web development.
This 31-week program will provide you with a strong foundation in multiple emerging web,mobile application and software development tools and technologies. Students will acquire hands-on experience through lecture and lab exercises combined with applied knowledge through internal and industry projects.
Industry-recognized technologies
Our curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the following technologies to equip you for a job as a software developer:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Angular, React, Vue
- SQL and NoSQL
- NodeJS
- .NET
- Amazon Web Services and Azure
- iOS with Swift
- Android
- React-Native
- Integration with third-party hosting, security, API, and tooling providers
*subject to change without notice, based on the needs of the program and industry demand
What our grads can do
As a Software Systems Developer graduate, you’ll be able to:
- Design, build, and manage relationally sound databases.
- Use dynamic programming languages such as JavaScript and JavaScript frameworks for efficient manipulation of HTML, CSS, and data.
- Develop well-structured object-oriented programs with C#
- Develop data-driven applications with C# and ASP.NET.
- Develop websites that manage user profiles, data, and resources in a secure manner for site users and owners.
- Develop mobile applications with cross-platform compatible frameworks.
Learn more about program goals and how this program prepares you for a career in software development on the Program Details page.
*Graduates of this certificate program may apply for acceptance into the BCIT Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (additional prerequisites are required). Laddering into the Computer Systems Technology Diploma program is not an option.
While applicants are not required to have formal computer programming experience, they need to have a solid understanding of object-oriented programming. Applicants with insufficient knowledge in object-oriented programming are advised to take a programming language course, such as introduction to object-oriented programming with any server-side language.
BCIT Credential: | Certificate |
Program Location: | Downtown Vancouver |
Program Length: | 31 weeks, full-time |
Program Start / End: | September 11, 2023 – May 9, 2024 |
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Applicants are required to complete the Pre-entry Assessment form [PDF] to review their prior experience and how they meet the entrance requirements.
Please email your completed assessment form to TPP@bcit.ca.
An approved pre-entry assessment form must be uploaded to complete your application.
Step 2: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - Programming: one of the following (or equivalent):
- COMP 1516 - Programming Fundamentals with Python (70%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary object-oriented programming from a recognized institution (70%) or
- Significant Code Project or other experience
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
If eligible, female students can apply for the $1000 Debbe Gervin Memorial Entrance Award.
Refund policy
- If notice is submitted in writing and received by the SSD Program Office AT LEAST twelve (12) working days prior to the first day of classes, all tuition fees paid (less the $2,000.00 deposit) will be refunded.
- If notice is submitted in writing and received by the SSD Program Office by 4:00 p.m. on the second day of class, all fees paid less $3,000.00 ($2,000.00 deposit and $1,000.00 penalty fee) will be refunded.
- There will be no refund of fees issued after the second day of class.
- Withdrawal for medical reasons, possible partial refund with doctor's medical note.
Cancellation Policy
This program is subject to limited and minimum enrolment. Lack of sufficient enrolment will result in BCIT cancelling specific intakes of the program and will entitle accepted students of that intake to a full refund of all fees paid.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Class hours
9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday (excluding statutory holidays)
Program matrix
Required Courses: | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
SSDP 0055 | Team Professionalism Workshops | ||
SSDP 0056 | Career Professionalism Workshops | ||
SSDP 1100 | Front-End Web Development Essentials | 3.0 | |
SSDP 1505 | Software Systems Relational Database Development | 3.0 | |
SSDP 2000 | JavaScript Fundamentals | 3.0 | |
SSDP 2505 | Object-Oriented Development: with .NET | 4.0 | |
SSDP 2600 | Software Systems Analysis and Design | 3.0 | |
SSDP 2800 | React Essentials | 1.5 | |
SSDP 2850 | Web Development Tools and Techniques | 4.0 | |
SSDP 2900 | Angular and Vue.js | 3.0 | |
SSDP 3100 | Node.js Web Development | 3.0 | |
SSDP 3200 | MVC and API Frameworks | 4.0 | |
SSDP 3300 | Software Systems Projects | 4.0 | |
SSDP 3700 | Advanced Back-End Web Development | 3.0 | |
SSDP 3800 | Mobile Software Development | 4.0 | |
SSDP 3900 | DevOps and Containerization | 1.5 | |
SSDP 4300 | Cloud Application Development | 5.0 | |
SSDP 4400 | Industry Project | 5.0 | |
Total Credits: | 54.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program goals
Upon successful completion of SSD, students will be able to:
- Apply basic agile management methods in systems analysis, design, and management.
- Work effectively in teams with project stakeholders for requirements gathering.
- Effectively troubleshoot and project manage the software development cycle.
- Communicate and present information effectively in a variety of industry settings.
- Develop suitable design models using entity relationship diagrams, UML diagrams, wireframes and prototyping.
- Create efficient mobile responsive layouts using HTML, CSS, and SASS.
- Create pleasing, easy-to-use, cross-browser compatible, and device-responsive interfaces for web applications.
- Use with proficiency a database programming language such as SQL for database creation, management, and manipulation.
- Combine server and client-side scripting techniques effectively.
- Write code using MVC and component-based development patterns.
- Conduct basic “unit” and “end to end software” testing methods.
- Integrate NoSQL databases in applications.
- Develop standard mobile applications for iOS and Android with the foundation needed to also research and develop advanced features.
- Select and use code frameworks for productivity, safety, and reliability.
- Manage code in teams using source sharing software.
Program length
31 weeks, full-time
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates will find careers in a variety of industries including business, finance, government, health, information technology, telecommunications and service.
Depending on previous academic and work experience, career paths for graduates may include but are not limited to: web application developer, database developer, programmer/analyst, systems analyst, and careers in quality assurance.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Craig Watson, SSD Program Head
Josh Solomon, SSD Faculty
Staff
Bal Lidhar, Program Coordinator
Advisory committee
BCIT is well-respected by employers for its ties to industry. In Computing, this connection is formalized through a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) comprised of experts in a range of roles from a cross-section of companies. The department consults regularly to ensure program currency and relevance.
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Contact Us
If you have any questions about this program, please send us an email.
You can also use the form below to make contact with our department, or other applicable departments at BCIT.
Campus info, map, and directions
Questions or comments?
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.