Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
The Computer Software Development area of emphasis (formerly Application Development) teaches you to design and implement scalable application solutions, including developing, testing, documentation, deployment and support. You will also learn how to design, create and maintain databases for use in various applications.
The courses in this area of emphasis include instruction in various programming languages and tools to support software development, including Oracle, C#, Java, SQL, .NET, JavaScript and PHP.
These courses will show you how to:
- write, test, debug, implement and maintain computer software programs
- design, create, and maintain databases utilizing industry best practices, including Structured Query Language (SQL)
- develop web applications
- generate system deliverables using various System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies
- develop native iOS applications
- develop native Android applications
Co-op opportunities
As a result of DMIT's close connection with industry, various co-op opportunities exist for students in the DMIT program. Many companies offer our students paid co-op positions that provide direct experience in specific areas of study. Co-op is also seen as a staffing strategy for many organizations.
Contact the Co-op Coordinator dmitcoop@nait.ca or the program at dmit@nait.ca or 780.378.6140 for more information.
Co-op opportunities are available for 4-month or 8 terms.
Students must have a minimum of 28 credits, an overall GPA of at least 2.8, and pass both DMIT1001 and ORGB1500 to apply for a co-op position. These co-op opportunities benefit not only DMIT students but also the employers.
Career Outcomes
Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
| Duration |
15 weeks |
| Compensation |
Yes |
| International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
To participate in the Co-op Program, self-enroll in the DMIT0001 Co-op Information course (Use your NAIT Student email address) All information, requirements, and forms needed to participate in DMIT's co-op program are located on that site.
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected May 05, 2025 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $625
Level 1 Term 2: $625
Level 2 Term 1: $625
Level 2 Term 2: $625
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected May 05, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
Additional requirements & considerations
Alternative entrance pathways
If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.
Successful completion of the following 3 courses through NAIT Open Studies with an overall minimum GPA of 2.0:
- DMIT1001 - Communications for Digital Media and IT
- COMP1017 - Web Design Fundamentals I
- ORGB1500 - Organizational Behaviour for Digital Media and IT
Note: These courses are generally offered in the evenings for Open Studies students.
OR
5 credits of Advanced Level Computer Sciences or Advanced Level Design Studies or Advanced Level Communication Technology courses taken within the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) program
OR
Applicants who, prior to September 2019, completed any three NAIT Digital Media & IT courses successfully with a minimum combined GPA of at least 2.0, may use those courses to satisfy the current entrance requirements.
Additional options
This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.
Learn more about Open Studies
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Jun 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
May 05, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
