Software Engineering Technology (Online)

How To Apply

Software continues to drive global innovation and Centennial College’s Software Engineering Technology (Online) program positions you at the forefront of the next computing revolution: AI-oriented software engineering. As the industry shifts from manual coding to intelligent, AI-assisted development, this program prepares you to collaborate with advanced AI agents, automate complex workflows, and design systems where human engineers direct and validate the work of intelligent tools.

Over three years, you’ll gain in-depth, hands-on experience with modern software tasks, analyzing problems, developing scalable systems, integrating AI-driven components, and orchestrating automated workflows across the development lifecycle. You’ll work with AI-enhanced programming tools, intelligent code assistants, and agentic development frameworks such as LangGraph, LangChain, and other emerging orchestration tools used in next-generation engineering.

Courses are built around the technologies shaping today’s intelligent software ecosystem, including:

AI-assisted programming using modern code-generation tools, AI APIs, and software agents
Agentic and task-oriented development workflows using modern orchestration tools
Agile and DevOps practices, including CI/CD automation and AI-assisted testing pipelines
Software testing and quality assurance, including automated test generation, AI-enhanced QA workflows, and intelligent debugging
Project management and collaborative teamwork, including task planning, sprint coordination, and AI-supported project delivery
Programming with Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Java, and Kotlin
Full-stack development using React, Next.js, Node.js, .NET, Java frameworks, Android, and emerging web technologies
Enterprise data systems including Oracle, MongoDB, SQL Server, and Linux environments
Cloud-native engineering with AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, serverless, microservices, and observability
AI and machine learning integration, agentic RAG pipelines, intelligent components, and autonomous features
Software security, ethical AI, mobile-first design, and human-centered interface practices
Predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making

To prepare you for real-world success, the program includes two major capstone projects, where you design intelligent, robust software systems using the same AI-augmented workflows now used across modern tech teams.

What You’ll Be Ready to Do

Graduates are uniquely prepared for the new era of software work.

You will be able to:

Build AI-enabled full-stack applications with conversational and adaptive features
Design and deploy secure, scalable cloud-native architectures using automation
Collaborate seamlessly in AI-assisted development teams where humans lead and AI accelerates execution
Evaluate and refine AI-generated outputs with professional judgment
Analyze business challenges and develop resilient, data-driven solutions
Contribute to innovations across fintech, health tech, government, enterprise systems, and emerging intelligent industries

This program positions graduates at the forefront of AI-oriented software engineering, preparing them to build intelligent, secure, and scalable systems that support the future of the digital economy.

Please note: For the co-op option, qualified students transfer to the co-op version (program #3449) in Semester 3. A fully online fast-track version of this program may be available to qualified college or university graduates with a background in software. Fast track applicants gain direct admission into Semester 3 of this three-year program and receive their advanced diploma in four semesters (program #3479), or, for co-op fast-track students, in four semesters plus two work terms (program #3459). This program is offered in an on campus version (program #3409) with co-op (program #3419), and, the fast-track programs are also available in an on campus version (program #3429), and with co-op (Program #3439).

Program Overview

Courses are built around the technologies shaping today’s intelligent software ecosystem, including:

AI-assisted programming using modern code-generation tools, AI APIs, and software agents
Agentic and task-oriented development workflows using modern orchestration tools
Agile and DevOps practices, including CI/CD automation and AI-assisted testing pipelines
Software testing and quality assurance, including automated test generation, AI-enhanced QA workflows, and intelligent debugging
Project management and collaborative teamwork, including task planning, sprint coordination, and AI-supported project delivery
Programming with Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Java, and Kotlin
Full-stack development using React, Next.js, Node.js, .NET, Java frameworks, Android, and emerging web technologies
Enterprise data systems including Oracle, MongoDB, SQL Server, and Linux environments
Cloud-native engineering with AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, serverless, microservices, and observability
AI and machine learning integration, agentic RAG pipelines, intelligent components, and autonomous features
Software security, ethical AI, mobile-first design, and human-centered interface practices
Predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making

What You’ll Be Ready to Do

Graduates are uniquely prepared for the new era of software work.

You will be able to:

Build AI-enabled full-stack applications with conversational and adaptive features
Design and deploy secure, scalable cloud-native architectures using automation
Collaborate seamlessly in AI-assisted development teams where humans lead and AI accelerates execution
Evaluate and refine AI-generated outputs with professional judgment
Analyze business challenges and develop resilient, data-driven solutions
Contribute to innovations across fintech, health tech, government, enterprise systems, and emerging intelligent industries

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Career Options and Education Pathways

Companies Offering Jobs

IBM Canada, Manulife, Royal Bank, CIBC, RBC, Bell Canada, Scotiabank, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), American Express, Toronto Stock Exchange

Program Highlights

Software Engineering Technology courses incorporate the use of leading technology geared to industry standards.
Project-based learning is a key component of the offering.
Knowledgeable and approachable faculty members have diverse business experience and academic credentials.
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

Software Developer
Web Application Developer
Mobile Application Developer
Software Tester
Computer Programmer
Systems Analyst
Business Analyst
Database Administrator
Applications or Software Support

Education Pathways

Graduates of this advanced diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial College for credits toward further study at the degree level.

Listed below are institutions offering credits 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 institution.

External Institution	Degree Program
Algoma University	Bachelor of Computer Science - Multiple majors
British Columbia Institute of Technology	Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management
Conestoga College	Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science
Lakehead University	Bachelor of Engineering Post Diploma
Lakehead University	Honours Degree in Multiple majors
McMaster University	Bachelor of Technology in Software Engineering Technology
Ontario Tech University	Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies
Ontario Tech University	Facilitating Adult Learning with Technology (undergraduate diploma)
Queen's University	Honours Bachelor of Computing in Multiple majors
Seneca Polytechnic	Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Trent University	Honours Bachelor of Science - Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering
	Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
	Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Analytics
	Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Theoretical Computer Science
University of Guelph	Honours or General Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science
University of New Brunswick	Bachelor of Applied Management
University of Windsor	Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours Applied Computing)
University of Windsor	Bachelor of Computer Science Degree Completion
York University	Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors

Visit our search page for more information on pathways and transfer credits.

You can use this Education Pathways Checklist as a guide to help with your education journey.

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 Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) category as well as the OACETT technology report and language benchmark requirements.

OACETT The Technology Professionals In Ontario logo

Watch the OACETT Video

Accreditation

CIPS/CTAB

The Canadian Information Processing Society and the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT) jointly approved accreditation of this program in 2011. This joint accreditation is the first of its kind in Canada.
The Software Engineering Technology program has met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and, as such, has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).

CIPS Official Logo

TAC

The Software Engineering Technolog 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).

National Accredited Program logo

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 recognitions, 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

Software companies
Government
Public institutions
Banks
Small and medium businesses

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test (score of 170 or 171 is required for admission)
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

Additional Requirements

English language proficiency

Co-op Option

The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete three co-op work terms as an employee in the field. This experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice, but will also provide valuable contacts for your future career.

To participate in this co-op option, you will need to complete an application process in the second semester. If academically qualified, you may be admitted to the co-op program. Academically qualified students who are accepted into the program will register for the co-op preparation course as scheduled.

Co-op Requirements

Minimum of 80% of courses completed from semester one and two combined
Completion of COMM-160/161 by the end of semester 2 with a C grade (60%) or higher
A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (this must be maintained for the duration of the program)
Students must be legally eligible to work in Canada
Students who meet the above prerequisites will submit their application for co-op to the Career Services & Cooperative Education Department in semester 2

Note: Meeting the minimum co-op program requirements does not guarantee admission into the co-op program.

Out of province and out of country co-op applicants – Co-op work terms are typically in Ontario, in and around the GTA. Additional requirements for co-op and the co-op job search may apply to out of Province and out of country applicants.

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	$815.27	$3,536.27
International	$18,254.00	$1,500.90	$19,754.90

Delivery Mode

Asynchronous online: Students can access and engage with the course material anytime, anywhere, each week.

Synchronous online: Classes are delivered during a specific timeslot in the week. Students are expected to come together online at the same time each week to engage in their studies.

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 Services 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

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 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, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and 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 responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
Analyze and define the specifications of a software system based on requirements engineering processes and techniques.
Design, develop, integrate, document, implement, maintain and test software systems based on software engineering methodologies, modern programming paradigms and frameworks.
Analyze, evaluate and apply software engineering design techniques, data structures, algorithms, and patterns to the implementation of a software system.
Design, model, implement, optimize and maintain a database and apply data mining concepts and tools for decision making.
Develop, maintain and deploy software systems to resolve networking issues.
Build automated software solutions through the analysis, evaluation, and integration of intelligent systems into various applications.
Design and implement appropriate testing, verification and evaluation procedures to assess software quality and improve software performance.
Create innovative and entrepreneurial concepts that lead to the development of new software products and/or the enhancement of existing ones.

Advising

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/student-life/student-services/centennial-advising-and-pathways-services/