Computer Programming and Analysis CPA

Holland Code: I (Investigative)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Grade 12 English is required. Strong writing skills are an asset for this program. High school courses such as “The Writer's Craft”, are good preparation for this program.

Math & Science High school courses such as: Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Programming, Computer Programming, Information and Communication Technology: The Digital Environment, and Information and Communication Technology: Multimedia Solutions are good preparation for this program.

Technology Moderate computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, keyboarding skills) Applicants should be very familiar using a computer, navigating within a graphical operating system like Windows, Linux, or Mac.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• Ability to think logically and analyze complex problems
• Persistence
• Interested in continuous learning of new technologies
• The ability to anticipate change and make decisions in an uncertain environment
• The ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Strong time management, ability to set and meet self-imposed and external deadlines
• Good stress management skills

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a 

Programmer/developer; Programmer/analyst; Systems analyst; Software Project Manager; Software Architect.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Office environment
• May work from home
• May need to work overtime to meet deadlines
• Long periods of sitting required

Places you may find yourself employed include 

Information systems departments of large organizations; specialized software development firms; consulting firms; software developers; insurance, oil, transportation, financial, and utility companies; municipal, provincial, and federal governments; educational and financial institutions; manufacturing companies; or company that uses their own internal software.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Programmer

• Combine and adapt existing programs or program components, or write computer code
• Use application design and development tools, and different computer and database languages for different types of applications (for example, business, commercial, engineering, or scientific software)
• Work from specifications drawn up by systems analysts and/or discuss requirements with people who will be using the program
• Analyze requirements to determine what steps need to be taken and in what order, and translate these steps into a useful computer application
• Test and debug programs to ensure they work properly
• Address security and privacy concerns

Info systems quality assurance analyst

• Consulting users to define what the software or system must be able to do
• Analyzing requirements and designing software and systems to meet those requirements
• Developing, testing and implementing software and systems
• Evaluating and maintaining software and systems to ensure that they meet customer requirements and specifications.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and overall quality of software products and information systems
• Auditing software and systems to ensure specifications are accurate
• Researching, developing, implementing, and documenting test plans and test scripts
• Evaluating automated testing tools
• Making recommendations about ways to improve software and system quality.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Association of Computer Machinery (ACM)
• Canadian Association of IT Professionals (CIPS)
• Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
• Discover IT
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates of the Computer Programmer Analyst program qualify for entry into the Game Development - Advanced Programming Graduate Certificate program
• Credits from the advanced diploma may transfer to a university degree or other college programs at many different schools 

Last Modified: January 11, 2024