Overview

Are you eager to start a rewarding career as a full-stack software developer? Our Object Oriented Software Developer program provides comprehensive training to ensure you develop strong software development skills efficiently. 

In this program, you'll learn:

  • object-oriented programming from introductory concepts to advanced techniques, helping you to master multiple object-oriented programming languages
  • web-based application development, with hands-on experience creating cutting-edge applications
  • relational databases by exploring the ins and outs and discovering how they are integral to modern software development.

Throughout the program, you'll work with various technology development tools, providing practical experience that mirrors real-world scenarios. 

This is an intensive program requiring a commitment of both time and energy. You will need to make your education a priority throughout the program. Due to the tight integration of the courses in this program, credit for prior learning is not available.

As a graduate, you'll be prepared for diverse roles in the tech industry, including software developer, programmer, analyst, systems analyst, web developer or IT consultant. 

Whether starting from scratch or looking to enhance your existing skills, this program is your fast track to a successful career in full-stack software development and computer programming.

Join us and embark on your journey to becoming a proficient software developer.

Those working in the software development field are innovative, methodical and directive.

You need:

  • logical thinking to analyze complex problems and create and verify solutions
  • patience and persistence when developing or debugging programs
  • attention to detail to avoid errors that cost time and money
  • the ability to interpret user needs
  • knowledge of user experience (UX) techniques
  • speaking, listening and writing skills
  • interpersonal and teamwork skills.

You should enjoy learning new computer languages and programming styles, creative problem-solving, doing tasks with precision and taking a structured approach to your work. 

You will participate in a practicum at a participating organization, giving you a realistic taste of working in the technology industry and the opportunity to connect with potential future employers. 

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be awarded a SAIT Object Oriented Software Development certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 88% graduate employment rate

salary icon $69,250 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 21220, 21221, 21222, 21230, 21231, 21232, 21233, 21234.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Courses

The Object Oriented Software Development certificate requires 28.5 credits (12 courses) to complete.

The program spans 32 weeks over two semesters (spring intake) or three semesters (fall intake.)

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course introduces object-oriented software development using Java. Basic programming elements such as classes, objects, methods, flow-control, data types, and standard class libraries are covered. More advanced levels are covered, including Java GUI, Exception Handling, Event-driven programming, Layout Managers, Security, Threads, Networking, XML, JSON, and Java Database Connectivity. In order to accommodate market demand for mobile application development training, the second half of this course uses the Android operating system to teach the advanced Java topics while learning Android App development.

3

In this course, learners receive an introduction to network concepts, designs, client/server configurations, and system administration and networking in a Unix/Linux environment. Learners receive basic instruction in the latest Windows server environment with an emphasis on the services necessary for administration and security.

3

This course will include the skills required for career management including resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies and interviewing skills.

1.5

This course introduces the Microsoft .NET framework using Visual Studio and programming language C#.

3

This course provides learners with the necessary skills to write modern web applications in a secure fashion.

1.5

This course provides learners with the skills required to create web sites. Learners will create web applications using the latest versions of current web languages. Languages covered include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Javascript, and Cascading Stylesheets (CSS) for displaying pages in the browser, and PHP for generating custom pages and form processing on the web server. The PHP segment will include database processing using the MySQL database server. In addition, learners will publish and post their web sites using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The course also explores responsive web design techniques.

3

This course introduces participants to database concepts. The course will be delivered in three parts, interspersed with programming courses that reinforce database concepts while developing database programming skills. The first part uses MS-Access, exploring the design process using Entity Relationship Modeling, and covering relational database theory and introducing SQL. Various tools used for data maintenance, form handling, and reporting are explored. The second part explores the MS-SQL-Server database platform, and covers the use of SQL in more depth. The third part introduces development on the MS-SQL-Server database platform, providing extensive coverage of the SQL and TSQL languages.

3

This course introduces learners to Web Application development using Microsoft's web application technology, and XML technology. Learners are introduced to Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS), which they will learn to install, configure, and maintain. They will build multi-tiered database-driven web applications using the ASP.NET framework, applying the VB.NET and C# languages and the MS-SQL Server database, which were taught in previous courses. They will also learn XML which, although not a Microsoft technology, is used for data transfer in web applications. The final day will involve exploration of web services architecture.

1.5

This course introduces learners to Web Application development using Open Source web application technology. Learners are introduced to the Apache Web Server, which they will learn to install, configure and maintain. They will build multi-tiered database-driven web applications and web services using Java Server Pages with Oracle and MySQLdatabases (taught in a previous course). They will explore emerging "Internet of Things" technologies using Python, electronic components, sensors, and miniature prototyping computers.

1.5

This is a practicum conducted off campus at a participating corporation or business. It provides learners with a realistic taste of what it is like to work in the technology industry. Learners are involved in all steps of the practicum process.

3

In this course, learners conduct a system analysis, develop a project schedule, design and build a database and web-based software application prototype and prepare a proposal.

3

This course familiarizes learners with software projects, discussing project definition, management, control, and other issues. Learners explore project management tools and methods, and business documents such as the request for proposal, project proposal, and project plan. Participants are introduced to the Software Development Lifecycle, exploring alternative lifecycle models, and team development with agile and extreme programming methods. Object Oriented design is explored through the use of UML diagramming techniques.

1.5

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent, or,
  • a minimum of two years of post-secondary education from a recognized university, institute, or college.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2.5* $14,421 $1,840 $16,261
Total cost:
$16,261

*.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2.5* $21,831 $1,840 $23,671
Total cost:
$23,671

*.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a power-user computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Your textbooks will be provided at no additional cost.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Alberta Job Grant

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Admission process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School for Advanced Digital Technology Advising

Phone
403.284.8543
Email
sadt.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.