Traits, skills and aptitudes
Software developers are innovative, methodical and directive.
You need:
- logical thinking to analyze complex problems and create and verify solutions
- patience and persistence when developing applications
- attention to detail to avoid errors that cost time and money
- the ability to interpret user needs
- possess basic computer literacies, including the ability to use word processing and communication software
- speaking, listening and writing skills
- interpersonal and teamwork skills.
You should enjoy learning new computer languages and programming styles, solving problems creatively, being precise in your work and taking a structured approach to tasks and projects.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You can complete an optional work term between your first and second year. This work placement includes full-time paid employment.
Specialized intakes
This program is available to international applicants as a stand-alone program or as part of a program bundle - two programs delivered consecutively.
If you choose the program bundle, you’ll complete English Language Foundations in your first year of study.
In the second year of study, you’ll complete the Software Development diploma program.
You may then qualify for a post-graduate work permit of up to three years.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for both programs.
Bundle program details
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Software Development diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
- Software developers and programmers (21232)
- Web designers (21233)
- Web developers and programmers (21234)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- 50% in Math 30-1 or 60% in Math 30-2, and
- 55% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Application process
International bundle program applicants
If you are an international applicant who wishes to take this program as part of a bundle, first review the admission requirements for both programs to ensure you meet them.
When selecting your programs in the application portal, your first choice should be the program delivered in year one. The second choice program will be the program delivered in year two.
The bundle is unavailable to domestic applicants, who may apply to the stand-alone program.
Program outline
The Software Development diploma requires 60 credits (20 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with two to three semesters in the first year (depending on if you do the cooperative work term) and two semesters in the second year.
Suggested schedule of study
Co-op work term (optional)
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 >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 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.
The recommended hardware and software requirements are:
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 32GB RAM or greater
- Storage: 512 GB SSD or greater
- Video card: onboard integrated
- Screen size: 15” or greater
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 or greater
- OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit with antivirus/malware protection
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Program outcomes
- Business communication - demonstrate the professional written, verbal, and technical communication skills required to succeed within a development lifecycle.
- Professional acumen and work ethic - demonstrate professionalism and social and ethical awareness.
- Project management - apply recognized project management frameworks and best practices as a project team member.
- Business foundations - explain the integral role of the software developer in managing business processes.
- Client experience - exemplify a service mindset focusing on client satisfaction and the ability to problem solve with the customer needs in mind.
- Solution design - demonstrate knowledge of the software development lifecycle in designing, modelling, testing and implementing software solutions.
- Solution development - develop secure, user-centric software solutions by incorporating user requirements.
- Software architecture - recognize software architectures, design patterns and frameworks, and emerging technologies when developing software solutions.
- IT infrastructure - understand the basics of software development platforms, operating systems and cloud-based infrastructure.
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