Overview
Are you looking to upskill quickly for a career switch, re-enter the workforce, or work in full-stack web development? The BCIT Software Systems Developer certificate program offers job-ready skills in just eight months.
The Software Systems Developer (SSD) program provides a solid foundation of software skills needed for a career in full-stack development, preparing you to join the workforce immediately.
In addition to core technical training in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular, React, Vue, SQL, NoSQL, NodeJS, .NET, and many more, you will also:
- Participate in mock interviews
- Gain skills in writing a competitive resume
- Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your new IT skills
- Enhance competencies such as communication and teamwork
- Be introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and achieve AI literacy
About the Program
- Work through this intensive, hands-on 31-week full-time program with your cohort, sharing your experience and expertise, and building a professional network that will last long after you graduate
- Full-time (Monday to Friday, 9:00 until 4:00 pm) certificate program
- Offered in-person at the Downtown campus
- 1 intake: September
- 4 weeks full-time industry project with a real client
- Excellent job placement rate upon graduation
See the Program Details to learn more about what to expect from SSD, and how to prepare for a career in software development.
Who should complete the SSD Certificate?
This program might be for you if you:
- Already have a credential, but are ready to start a new career in software development
- Already have a solid understanding of object-oriented programming
- Are looking to quickly earn the skills to begin working in a software development position
- Enjoy working with technology
- Enjoy working with people in an office or remotely
- Are seeking a supportive, hands-on educational experience studying in Canada
If any of these sound like you, please check the Entrance Requirements to ensure you can apply and start your new career path!
What Software Systems Developer grads can do
By earning your SSD Certificate, you’ll be honing your software skills and gaining knowledge of various industry-recognized technologies, preparing you for positions in multiple industries and locations.
You’ll also be able to draw on your experience working for an actual client during your job search.
You also have the option to continue your education with BCIT’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems. Please note that additional prerequisites are required.
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
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 online Pre-Entry Assessment Form to review their prior experience and how they meet the entrance requirements.
If you have any questions about filling out the form, please contact TPP@bcit.ca.
The SSD Program Head will contact the applicant to conduct a follow-up pre-assessment meeting to assess their suitability based on their knowledge of object-oriented programming.
A completed meeting with the Program Head and an approved Pre-Entry Assessment Form, sent to you by email, must be uploaded to complete your online application.
Step 2: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
- 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.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: While this program meets the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) to apply for a PGWP, this program is not eligible for a PGWP due to other criteria not being met.
(CIPC: 11.0201)
Costs & Supplies
Learn about BCIT entrance awards, including support for Indigenous students entering computing programs.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Students in the SSD program must have their own laptop for use during the program. The program primarily uses Windows as the teaching environment, and Windows 10 Pro or newer is required. While Mac and Linux laptops can be used for many courses, some classes specifically require a Windows configuration.
For Mac users: With minimal additional cost, you can set up a Windows environment on your macOS device using tools like Parallels Desktop.
Laptop costs vary depending on the chosen configuration but typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. Please refer to the Laptop Specifications [PDF] for requirements.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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.
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 Android and other platforms, 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.
Graduating & Jobs
Sector 2024 snapshot
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 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 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.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Craig Watson, SSD Program Head
Josh Solomon, SSD Faculty
Staff
Ron Terencio, 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.
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
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