Computer Information Systems

Coding Skills associate certificate

Coding is a part of the software development workflow that draws on software designs and business requirements to realize the implementation of new software systems. Our daily activities are becoming increasingly integrated and reliant on computing technologies. The expertise required to develop new systems using these technologies is in high demand. Coding is an important aspect of work in specialized fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, mobile technologies, and web services.

The Coding Skills associate certificate program is designed to prepare graduates as junior-level developers, front-end and back-end developers, app creators, web developers, and API engineers. This 15-credit program consists of advanced software development courses and includes a field practicum experience.

Entrance requirements

Seats in the Coding Skills associate certificate are limited and entry is competitive. Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Entrance requirements for all CIS programs.
2. Successful completion of the diploma in CIS at UFV or equivalent.
3. COMP 251 with a grade of B or better.
4. A completed portfolio (see How to apply below).

Note: Students who have completed the first two years of the Computer Science major (at UFV or at an equivalent educational institution) will also be considered.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • Shareable hyperlink to an online electronic portfolio that demonstrates the following:
     • Competency in three different programming languages.
     • Specialization in one or more specific areas such as AI, Graphics, Web, Information Security, and Mobile.
     • Participation in team-oriented processes such as issue tracking, version control, and continuous integration and deployment, among others.
     • Quality of coding and documentation.
2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Students must meet all entrance requirements and will be admitted competitively based on their GPA and a portfolio evaluation consisting of:

• Competency in three different programming languages.
• Specialization in a specific such as AI, Graphics, Web, Information Security, and Mobile.
• Participation in team-oriented processes such as issue tracking, version control, and continuous integration and deployment, among others.
• Quality of coding and documentation.

Fees and additional costs

All students in the Coding Skills associate certificate are expected to have, or have access to, their own laptop computer. Some courses may require the purchase or licensing of additional software. Wherever possible, UFV will try and obtain educational pricing. Books and additional supplies normally cost approximately $75–150 per course. Students are responsible for costs associated with travel to and from field placement sites.

Program duration

The Coding Skills associate certificate requires at least two semesters of study and can be completed in less than one year.

Location

The program is located at the Abbotsford campus. Some courses may be offered in the evening for people working full-time who wish to take courses on a part-time basis.

Program outline

Program requirements

Students in CIS programs must maintain semester and cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.00 (C average) in order to be awarded a certificate, diploma, or degree. All courses used to satisfy certificate requirements must be completed with a grade of C or better in order to be counted for credit towards the certificate.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. No more than five course duplications will be permitted in work used towards the Coding Skills program. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Readmission

Students in the Coding Skills associate certificate program who fall into any of the following categories must apply for readmission:

1. Failure to register in courses required for the Coding Skills associate certificate for more than three consecutive semesters (including Fall, Winter, and Summer). A student who withdraws from all courses in a semester will be considered not to have registered in that semester.
2. Failure to register in, or withdrawal from, the first semester of attendance after admission to the program.
3. Official completion of a CIS program or a change to another program.

Residency

Students must complete at least 12 of the credits required in the certificate at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete the associate certificate within 10 years of initial entry.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.