Software Engineering Technician
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code3408
- Credential TypeOntario College Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Information Technology
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- Delivery ModeHybrid
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailicet@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology Requirements
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising
Centennial College’s Software Engineering Technician program provides a strong two-year foundation in modern, AI-supported software development, where developers use intelligent tools and automated workflows to build applications more efficiently than ever before.
You’ll learn the essential tasks, tools and practices required in software teams that increasingly rely on AI copilots, automated testing systems and intelligent development environments. This program mirrors the first two years of the Technology diploma while focusing on practical, job-ready competencies.
You will learn to:
- Write and refine code in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C# and Java using AI-assisted tools
- Develop user interfaces using React and .NET
- Work with SQL Server, Oracle and MongoDB in modern data environments
- Apply object-oriented programming, interface design, software testing and version control using GitHub
- Perform software testing and quality assurance, including unit testing, automated tests and AI-assisted debugging
- Apply project management fundamentals, including agile teamwork, task planning and collaborative delivery with modern tools
- Use AI tools for productivity and automated documentation to enhance development speed and code quality
- Implement basic cloud-native concepts and introductory DevOps workflows
- Explore entry-level concepts in AI, machine learning and intelligent components
- Understand task decomposition and the fundamentals of human–AI collaboration
A capstone project in your final semester lets you apply your skills to build a complete application using industry best practices and AI-powered workflows.
What You’ll Be Ready to Do
Graduates will be able to:
- Contribute to software teams that use AI-augmented workflows
- Build front-end, back-end and database components
- Implement user-centred features and data-driven functionality
- Work effectively in agile environments using modern tools and AI assistants
- Progress into the Software Engineering Technology program for advanced study
This program gives students a strong entry point into AI-supported software engineering, offering the practical foundation needed for today’s intelligent development environments.
Please note: Qualified college or university graduates with a background in software may gain direct admission into Semester 3 of this two-year program and receive their Software Engineering Technician diploma in two semesters (fast-track program #3428). This program may also available in a fully online version (program #3468) and in a fully online fast-track version (program #3478).
Program Overview
Centennial College’s Software Engineering Technician program provides a strong two-year foundation in modern, AI-supported software development, where developers use intelligent tools and automated workflows to build applications more efficiently than ever before.
You’ll learn the essential tasks, tools and practices required in software teams that increasingly rely on AI copilots, automated testing systems and intelligent development environments. This program mirrors the first two years of the Technology diploma while focusing on practical, job-ready competencies.
You will learn to:
- Write and refine code in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C# and Java using AI-assisted tools
- Develop user interfaces using React and .NET
- Work with SQL Server, Oracle and MongoDB in modern data environments
- Apply object-oriented programming, interface design, software testing and version control using GitHub
- Perform software testing and quality assurance, including unit testing, automated tests and AI-assisted debugging
- Apply project management fundamentals, including agile teamwork, task planning and collaborative delivery with modern tools
- Use AI tools for productivity and automated documentation to enhance development speed and code quality
- Implement basic cloud-native concepts and introductory DevOps workflows
- Explore entry-level concepts in AI, machine learning and intelligent components
- Understand task decomposition and the fundamentals of human–AI collaboration
A capstone project in your final semester lets you apply your skills to build a complete application using industry best practices and AI-powered workflows.
What You’ll Be Ready to Do
Graduates will be able to:
- Contribute to software teams that use AI-augmented workflows
- Build front-end, back-end and database components
- Implement user-centred features and data-driven functionality
- Work effectively in agile environments using modern tools and AI assistants
- Progress into the Software Engineering Technology program for advanced study
This program gives students a strong entry point into AI-supported software engineering, offering the practical foundation needed for today’s intelligent development environments.
Please note: Qualified college or university graduates with a background in software may gain direct admission into Semester 3 of this two-year program and receive their Software Engineering Technician diploma in two semesters (fast-track program #3428). This program may also available in a fully online version (program #3468) and in a fully online fast-track version (program #3478).
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
American Express, Bell Canada, IBM Canada, Manulife, Scotiabank, Toronto Stock Exchange, CIBC, RBC, Research In Motion (RIM), Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), various levels of government
Program Highlights
- Software Engineering Technician courses are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards.
- Knowledgeable and approachable School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science faculty members have diverse business experience and academic credentials.
- Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized learning and one-on-one time with instructors.
- The diploma you earn is recognized in Canada and abroad, reflecting high standards of learning.
- The program is offered in a continuous delivery pattern, which allows students to complete the program in just 16 months! Students beginning the program in a Fall term, graduate in the following year, Fall term. Students beginning the program in a Winter term, graduate in the following year, Winter term.
- Graduates from the program may apply for certified membership to either the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) or their provincial engineering technology association.
Career Outlook
- Computer programmer
- Software developer
- Systems analyst
- Software tester
- Business analyst
- Web applications developer
- Database administrator
- Applications or software support
Education Pathways
Graduates of the Software Engineering Technician diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
| Region | Institution |
|---|---|
| Toronto GTA | Centennial College Software Engineering Technology advanced diploma (advanced standing) |
| Seneca Polytechnic | |
| York University | |
| Ontario | Algoma University |
| Lakehead University | |
| Laurentian University | |
| Ontario Tech University | |
| Ottawa, University of | |
| Queen's University | |
| Windsor, University of | |
| Canada | University of New Brunswick |
For more detailed pathways information, explore Centennial’s partner pathway options. Use the Education Pathways Checklist (pdf) as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Recognitions
OACETT
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes this TAC nationally-accredited program as meeting the academic standard for certification in the Certified Technician (C.Tech.) category as well as the OACETT language benchmark requirement.
Accreditation
CIPS
This program has met the national educational standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession, as such, has received national program accreditation by Canada's Association of Information (IT) Technology Professionals (CIPS).
TAC
This program has met the national educational standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession, as such, has received national program accreditation by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).
Please note: The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body — not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.
Areas of Employment
- Banks
- Government
- Public institutions
- Software companies
- Small and medium businesses
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
Additional Requirements
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission
- English language proficiency
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,490.68 | $4,211.68 |
| International | $18,254.00 | $1,988.63 | $20,242.63 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
Students in this program must have consistent access to a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements below.
Students with Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when selecting a device for your program. To access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Service (CALCS) by calling 437-568-4799 or emailing calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Students in this program will need consistent access to the following:
Laptop:
- Requirements:
- 13-inch screen, full HD resolution
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- Intel Core i7 (6th generation or later) or equivalent; x64-based processor
- USB and HDMI ports
- Windows 11 (or a recent MacBook running a current version of macOS, provided it supports all required course software)
- audio/microphone combo
- webcam
- Recommended:
- built-in ethernet port
- battery life of three (3) hours or more
- 15-inch touchscreen
Please note: Chromebooks are not acceptable alternatives. Some courses may also require additional devices such as an external hard drive.
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, cable or DSL) with a minimum download speed of 50 Mbps is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0
Students are encouraged to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that provides access to the digital tools needed to complete college courses from home or any other location, at any time. Any student can use ClassAPPs 2.0 with any modern HTML5-enabled web browser, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Simply log in using the same ID and password used for College PCs to access cloud-based software and other learning resources.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify, and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting, and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
- Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
- Support the analysis and definition of the specifications of a software system based on requirements engineering processes and techniques.
- Contribute to the design, development, integration, documentation, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software systems based on software engineering methodologies, modern programming paradigms, and frameworks.
- Apply software engineering design techniques, data structures, algorithms, and patterns to the implementation of a software system.
- Design, model, implement, and maintain a database for a software system.
- Contribute to the development, maintenance, and deployment of software systems to resolve basic networking issues.
- Contribute to building automated software solutions by supporting the analysis, evaluation, and integration of intelligent systems into applications.
- Use appropriate testing, verification, and evaluation procedures to assess software quality and improve software performance.
- Create innovative concepts that contribute to the development of new software products and/or the enhancement of existing ones.
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