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Honours Bachelor of Technology - Software Development (BSD)
About the Program
This innovative four-year program equips you with advanced, industry-driven technical training in modern software development and programming. You will build deep expertise in programming languages and frameworks while developing practical skills in mobile app development, enterprise system design and architecture, cloud computing and more.
Throughout the program, you will explore essential areas such as operating systems, multimedia interfaces, information security, artificial intelligence, and system analysis and design. You’ll also explore user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design alongside key business concepts, preparing you to develop sophisticated enterprise-level software solutions.
Hands‑on learning is a core component of the program, including two co‑op work terms that provide real-world experience in today’s software industry. You may also have the opportunity to collaborate on applied research projects with Seneca’s Centre for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Technology, which partners with organizations to incorporate AI technologies across multiple sectors.
As a graduate of the BSD program, you'll be well-positioned to pursue further studies at the master’s level, including Seneca’s Master of Artificial Intelligence Design & Development.
Credential Awarded
Honours Bachelor Degree
Duration
8 Semesters (4 Years)
Starts
September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Program algorithms and software languages
- Operating system architectures
- Cloud computing
- Web and mobile application design and deployment
- User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
- Enterprise design and architecture
- Network and information security
- Database design and development
- System methodologies
- Business principles and management
- Research and problem-solving
- Communication and project management
Work Experience
Mandatory Degree Co-op
This program includes a mandatory co-op work term to provide you with valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. A mandatory co-op is typically a paid position that is completed between two academic semesters. It is similar in length to an academic semester and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. You must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. Successful completion of the co-op work term(s) is required for graduation.
The co-op search is student-driven and participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, you will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the co-op term. Additional fees are required for programs with mandatory co-op, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.
Your Career
Graduates of the BSD program can explore the following roles, organized by field:
-
Software development: server application developer, software engineer and designer and system software programmer
- Application development: client application developer, mobile application developer, iOS software engineer, full-stack web developer and interactive media developer
- Business analysis: systems analyst, project manager and product manager
- Cloud and security: database application specialist, data analyst, cloud services analyst, information security analyst and information systems testing technician
- UX and management: UI/UX designer and business technology designer
Technology Partner
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| BAB100 | Introduction to Canadian Business | 3 |
| BTL100 | Computer Foundations for Developers | 4 |
| BTO125 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 4 |
| BTP100 | Programming Fundamentals Using C | 4 |
| ENG106 | Writing Strategies | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BTC240 | Interpersonal Communications in Organizations | 3 |
| BTD210 | Database Design Principles | 4 |
| BTI225 | Web Programming Principles | 4 |
| BTL200 | Mathematics for Developers | 4 |
| BTP200 | The Object-Oriented Paradigm Using C++ | 4 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| BTD315 | Advanced Database Technologies | 4 |
| BTI325 | Web Programming Tools and Frameworks | 4 |
| BTL300 | Statistics for Developers | 4 |
| BTP305 | Object-Oriented Software Development Using C++ | 4 |
| BTS330 | Business Requirements Analysis Using OO Models | 4 |
| LSP400 | Presentation Skills | 3 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| BTC440 | Business and Technical Writing | 3 |
| BTI425 | Web Programming for Apps and Services | 4 |
| BTN415 | Data Communications Programming | 4 |
| BTP405 | System Development and Design | 4 |
| BTS435 | System Analysis and Design | 4 |
| Semester 5 | ||
| BAB235 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 |
| BTH545 | Principles of GUI Design and Programming | 4 |
| BTI525 | Web Programming for the Cloud | 4 |
| BTP500 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
| BTS535 | Software Project Management | 4 |
| WTP200 | Work Term Preparation | 1 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| BTH650 | Advanced User Interface Design | 4 |
| BTP610 | Mobile Applications | 4 |
| BTS530 | Major Project - Planning and Design | 4 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (1) | 3 | |
| plus: Professional Options (1) | 3-4 | |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term 1 | ||
| BSD771 | Software Development, Co-op | 35 |
| Semester 7 | ||
| BTE620 | Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility | 4 |
| BTH745 | Human-Computer Interaction | 4 |
| BTN710 | Information Security | 3 |
| BTS630 | Major Project - Implementation | 4 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term 2 | ||
| BSD772 | Software Development, Co-op II | 2 |
| Semester 8 | ||
| BTM710 | Research Methods | 3 |
| BTM800 | Technology Planning and Acquisition | 3 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (1) | 3 | |
| plus: Professional Options (2) | 6-8 | |
Professional Options
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BDA420 | High Performance Computing | 3 |
| BTP610 | Mobile Applications | 4 |
| DPI910 | Web Application Security Assessment | 4 |
| DPI912 | Python for Programmers: Sockets and Security | 4 |
| DPS530 | Cross-platform App Development | 3 |
| DPS909 | Topics in Open Source Development | 4 |
| DPS911 | Open Source Project | 4 |
| DPS912 | Topics in UNIX Systems Programming | 4 |
| DPS920 | Computer Vision | 4 |
| DPS921 | Parallel Algorithms And Programming Techniques | 4 |
| DPS923 | Mobile App Development - iOS | 4 |
| DPS924 | Mobile App Development - Android | 4 |
| DPS931 | Game Engine Foundations | 4 |
| DPS936 | Game Content Creation | 4 |
| DPS937 | Game Development Fundamentals | 4 |
| DPS941 | Mobile Robotics Software Design | 4 |
| DPS970 | AI for Software Developers | 4 |
| SEP700 | Compiler Design | 4 |
Seneca has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting Apr. 9, 2021. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Design software utilizing knowledge of organizational structures, business practices, and project management techniques, in the implementation of business systems.
- Apply problem-solving skills by writing software using a number of programming languages to implement information systems.
- Utilize system development and delivery methodologies, including software quality control and testing techniques, in the design and implementation of software solutions.
- Use and configure several operating systems to develop and deploy software on a diverse range of computing platforms.
- Develop and deploy applications using web technologies to fulfil business requirements.
- Design databases and combine the use of various programming languages to build data driven applications.
- Apply data communications, networking, security concepts, and industry standards to develop distributed systems.
- Communicate information and ideas to technical and non-technical audiences when participating in diverse organizational settings.
- Employ interpersonal, team building, and cooperative skills as a team member in different roles and settings.
- Utilize investigative and self-directed techniques to identify and pursue lifelong learning opportunities and conduct applied research.
- Comply with privacy protection, industry standards, ethics and codes of conduct in professional practice.
- Perform quantitative analysis to solve problems or recommend a course of action.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 65%, or a mature applicant.
- Required courses with minimum final grade of 65% in each:
- English: Grade 12 ENG4U
- Mathematics: any Grade 12 U
Learn about Seneca’s free English upgrading course and math upgrading course for applicants who don’t meet the high school requirements, as well as recommended upgrading for applicants who don’t meet their academic subject requirements.
Advanced Entry
Advanced entry offers a pathway for graduates from the following diploma/advanced diploma programs with a GPA of 65% or higher:
- Computer Programming and Analysis (Seneca Polytechnic)
- Computer Programming (Seneca Polytechnic)
- Computer Programming (Humber College)
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.