Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate

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The Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate program is for full-time students or part-time study and allows you to learn various computer skills and programming needed in IT, video games, and website design.  Start working in the Computer Science field or build your skill to further your education. 

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note:  This program is eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP). 

“The computer programming and IT program is a great introduction to coding and all things computers. The instructors are very helpful and you’ll learn a lot in preparation for your future career in the field.”

-Nick Onciul: Computer Programming and Technology Certificate

Domestic Apply

Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

Domestic Funding Options

Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

Domestic Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

International Student Apply

International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.

International Student Study Permit

Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.

International Information Request

Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.

More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.

International Students
Learning Technology Support

Career Potential

Graduates of our Computer Programming and Information Technology Certificate program are well-prepared to pursue further studies in degree programs like a Bachelor of Science or jumpstart their careers in a wide range of high-demand tech fields. From computer programming and web design to video game development and database administration, our program equips you with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in today’s dynamic technology industry. Whether you choose to continue your education or enter the workforce, the opportunities are limitless.

Admission Requirements: 

  • English Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
  • Math 30-2 at 60%

Transfers:

Transferable to other Alberta post-secondary institutions such as Athabasca University, Bow Valley College, the University of Alberta, and Concordia University. Please refer to Transfer Alberta for more detailed information based on the courses selected.

Certification Certificate in Computer Programming and Information Technology

Program Start/End Dates
August 31, 2026 to April 20, 2027
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: August 15, 2026
International Student: May 15, 2026
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery
Delivery: Blended (Hyflex) – Programming is delivered between online remote classes and face-to-face video conference.
Domestic -Students can take the majority of the program fully online, but might require onsite classes (online/ blended).
International -Students are required to be on-site for 50% of the programming (face-to-face).

Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50 Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,174.94

Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $2,848.44

Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs) Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

International Student Fees Application Fee $160.00 Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable) If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy. Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

Tuition $7,650.00
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $8,832.73

Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

Tuition $7,650.00
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $7,903.98

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

Core Course Listing

COMP 247 is a university course designed to teach the essential principles and technologies of computer networking. To accommodate the needs of students who do not have enough programming background or are not interested in programming, requirements for coding have been removed from the course. Pre/Corequisite COMP214
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP 168 is designed to introduce you to programming in the Java computer language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object-oriented programming using Java. The course builds on the basic elements of Java programming and culminates in a final project that incorporates the skills acquired in the course. Students are also required to reflect on their progress and learning throughout the course, and to engage in online discussions with their peers, in an effort to increase problem-solving and critical analysis skills. Pre/Corequisite: COMP 105
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP 105 is a three-credit course that covers the fundamentals of information systems. The course covers basic hardware concepts; the structure (or architecture) of computers; the software hierarchy, from systems software to application programs; as well as concepts and development of the field. The course is the pre-requisite for higher-level computer science courses. Students in this course will be expected to use a combination of locally installed and external electronic materials to develop the skills needed for further study in the field. These skills include downloading, installing, and using specialized software tools, and setting the paths to allowing programs to access their components and files. Because COMP 105 is a preparatory course for further study in computer science, the level and difficulty of technical content are fairly high. Pre-Requisite 60% in Math 30-1 or 30-2  
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP 106 is designed to introduce you to programming in the C++ computer programming language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object-oriented programming using C++. Pre/Corequisite COMP105
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP166 is a beginners’ course in programming using JavaScript, together with some HTML and CSS. It follows a problem-based approach that requires the student to design and create a website of ever-increasing sophistication as the course progresses while creating design documentation and reflecting on the process. The output of the student’s work is presented as a website. Pre-Requisite: Students are expected to be proficient users of the Internet and to be able to use word processors, text editors, and file manipulation tools (including zip compression) effectively. If you do not have these skills you will not succeed and we highly recommend that you should take COMP 105 or equivalent before starting this one.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

COMP 214 introduces the fundamental concepts, principles, and structures of operating systems. An operating system is software on a computer that orchestrates the hardware components of the computer. The operating system provides the user/programmer with efficient and convenient service and a high degree of machine independence in writing programs, executing programs, and managing system resources. It is assumed that students taking this course are familiar with the basic structure and the main hardware components of a computer. Pre-Requisite: COMP 106 or COMP 168, or an equivalent university-level programming course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

System analysis and design deal with planning the development of information systems through understanding and specifying in detail what a system should do and how the components of the system should be implemented and work together. System analysts solve business problems through analyzing the requirements of information systems and designing such systems by applying analysis and design techniques. This course deals with the concepts, skills, methodologies, techniques, tools, and perspectives essential for systems analysts. The practical component of COMP 261 is object-oriented and use-case-driven, requiring students to go through the steps of system analysis and design to solve a real-life business problem. Pre-Requisite COMP 105, or instructor’s permission which is based on the student’s basic knowledge of programming, object orientation, and databases.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Course Electives

This unique, optional course provides students the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice in a 100-hour work experience. Students can apply their academic knowledge and skills to meaningful experiences in the workplace within their field of study and/or their career goals. This course involves 30 hours of employment training activities prior to entering the 100-hour placement. Students are responsible for securing an approved work-experience placement; the work experience is monitored and evaluated by the employer.
Hours: 130
Credits: 3

This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing, and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals. Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course serves as an introduction to the methods and applications of single variable calculus. Limits are used to investigate continuity and asymptotes, as well as define the processes of differentiation and integration in a precise manner. Students learn to calculate, interpret, and apply derivatives and integrals to solve rate of change problems and to accurately depict the behavior of a function. Prerequisites: 60% in ELA 30-1 and 60% in MATH 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

English 106 is designed to teach critical writing, critical reading, and critical thinking while studying canonical literary texts from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries. This course combines the study of literary works with instructional texts to teach students to express themselves more clearly in writing and in speech. The creators of this course also hope that students develop an appreciation for fine literary works. This course will present plays and poems from a variety of historical periods and from a variety of cultural contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of correct writing style, rhetorical skills, and thinking skills required for academic study. A minimum of thirty percent of class time will be devoted to writing instruction, which may take any or all of the following forms: grammar and punctuation instruction, informal writing exercises, writing workshops, stylistic and rhetorical analysis, research skills, peer editing, and group writing projects. The total amount of writing will be no less than 3,000 words. Prerequisite: 60% in ELA 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This introductory statistics course provides students in a variety of disciplines with basic knowledge regarding the theory and application of statistics. Prerequisites: 50% in MATH 30-1 or Math 30-2 at 60% and 60% in ELA 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

English 108 is designed to teach critical writing, critical reading, and critical thinking while studying canonical literary texts from the eighteenth to the twentieth-first centuries. This course combines the study of literary works with instructional texts to teach students to express themselves more clearly in writing and in speech. The creators of this course also hope that students develop an appreciation for fine literary works. This course will present novels and short stories from a variety of historical periods, and from a variety of cultural contexts. Particular emphasis will be place of the development of correct writing style, rhetorical skills, and thinking skills required for academic study. A minimum of thirty percent of class time will be devoted to writing instruction, which may take any or all of the following forms: formal written assignments, informal writing exercises, writing workshops, stylistic and rhetorical analysis, research skills, peer editing, group writing projects, and ungraded writing. Students will write two formal essays that will be graded, including an analytical and a research paper. The total amount of writing will be no less than 3,000 words.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3