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Computer Science DEC in Sorel-Tracy

Computer Science Techniques:
Software Development & AI

A 3-year DEC that trains you to design, develop, and deploy modern applications — with artificial intelligence as your daily ally.

SRAM equivalent: Computer Science (420.B0)

Why Cégep de Sorel-Tracy?

What makes our program unique

AI integrated from day 1

You learn to use artificial intelligence as a daily development tool — not just as a buzzword.

Small groups, big impact

Human-scale cohorts for personalized teaching. Here, you're not a number — the instructors know your name.

Real client projects

We get out of the classroom to meet the businesses. You build applications for real clients in the region, you grow your professional network, and your portfolio starts before you even graduate.

Work-study program

Eligible for the ATE program: you alternate between classes and paid internships in industry. You gain experience AND a salary.

DEC-BAC in 5 years

Agreements with UQTR and Université Laval: continue to university with credited courses. A bachelor's in 2 years instead of 3 after your DEC.

Apple, Android, Windows

You build for every platform — iOS with Swift, Android, and Windows. No favoritism, you master the full ecosystem.

HUB projects

The HUB brings real clients directly to students. You work end-to-end — from analysis to design — like a real consultant. You can also develop your own project as part of the Startup Track.

« Interested in technology and science, I hesitated between several programs and CEGEPs before making my decision. I finally chose this one after a visit that simply blew me away. From this unique program, I take away incredible experiences, unforgettable friendships, participation in countless competitions and formative events, and above all a set of skills that will stay with me for life. The teachers all have a special connection with their students that you won't find anywhere else. If you're hesitating, I have only one piece of advice: go for it! »

Arnaud Théberge-Mandeville

Arnaud Théberge-Mandeville

Program graduate

Is this for you?

The qualities that make a great developer

Curious

You like understanding how things work and you ask questions — that's the first step to becoming a great developer.

Logical

You have an analytical mind and you love solving problems step by step. Programming is exactly that.

Creative

Code is also creation. Every application is a unique project where you can express your ideas.

Collaborative

You like working in teams. In tech, the best projects are built together.

Persistent

Debugging code takes patience. If you're the type who won't give up until it's solved, you're made for this.

Self-driven

You can find solutions on your own. That's the number one skill of the best developers.

Technologies

The tools you'll master

Our goal: make you capable of learning any technology. Several projects let you choose the tools you want to explore. Here are the ones officially taught in the program.

Languages

Java C C# Swift PHP JavaScript Python

Web

React Vue.js Angular Node.js HTML/CSS Tailwind

Mobile

SwiftUI iOS Android

Databases

SQL NoSQL PostgreSQL

Tools

Git Docker VS Code Unreal Engine

Methods

Agile CI/CD DevOps

Career Prospects

AI doesn't replace developers — it makes them more powerful

Full-stack developer

Front-end, back-end, databases — you own the full chain. It's the most sought-after profile in Quebec and the one that opens the most doors.

$55k — $110k

Mobile developer

You build iOS and Android apps people actually use. In the program, you'll publish to the stores before you even graduate.

$60k — $110k

AI integrator

AI doesn't code itself. You learn to connect models to real applications — prompts, APIs, pipelines. The role that didn't exist 3 years ago.

$65k — $120k

Video game developer

Gameplay, physics engine, multiplayer — you build full games with Unreal Engine. Quebec is a global gaming hub, and you're walking in through the right door.

$50k — $90k

Cybersecurity analyst

Here, security isn't a course — it's a reflex. CTFs, audits, pentesting: you learn to protect systems by attacking them first.

$65k — $110k

IoT developer

Sensors, microcontrollers, embedded systems — you program the connected objects transforming agriculture, healthcare, and industry.

$55k — $100k

DevOps / Cloud specialist

CI/CD, containers, cloud infrastructure — you automate deployment and ensure applications run reliably, everywhere, all the time.

$65k — $120k

QA analyst

Automated testing, quality assurance, bug detection — you're the safety net that guarantees every shipped version is solid and reliable.

$50k — $95k

Tech entrepreneur

Launch your startup, become a Product Owner or product manager. The program gives you the technical and entrepreneurial foundation to build your own vision.

Variable

Source: Government of Canada Job Bank — Median gross wage of $33.65/h, reaching up to $52.88/h.

University pathways

A DEC that opens university doors

DEC-BAC with UQTR and Université Laval

5 years: DEC + Bachelor's

Thanks to the DEC-BAC agreements with Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Université Laval, you can earn your bachelor's degree in computer science in just 2 years after your DEC — instead of 3. Your college courses count as university credits.

Other accessible universities

ÉTS (Montréal)

Software engineering, IT engineering

Polytechnique Montréal

Computer engineering

Université de Sherbrooke

Computer science, software engineering

UQAM

Computer science and software engineering

And many more — most Quebec universities offer credits for your Computer Science DEC.

Admission

Everything you need to apply

Admission requirements

  • Secondary School Diploma (DES) or DEP with Secondary 4 French, English and Math
  • Secondary 5 Math CST or Secondary 4 TS/SN
  • Missing the math prerequisite? A catch-up course is offered in the fall.
  • No programming experience required!

At a glance

Duration

3 years (6 sessions)

Admission

Fall / Winter*

Diploma

DEC (420.B0)

Placement

91%

DEC-BAC

UQTR & ULaval

Scholarships

Eligible

* Winter admission open to candidates who have completed at least one session in the program.

Hugues Massé

Contact the coordinator

Hugues Massé

hugues.masse@cegepst.qc.ca
Apply through SRAM Become a student for a day

Course Grid

6 sessions to become proficient

Year 1

Session 1

Discovering and demystifying AI

Understand before you use

420-1J6-SO

Algorithms and Introduction to Programming

3-3-2

In this course, students learn how to apply an algorithmic approach. They learn how to extract the essential elements of a problem and how to design an algorithmic solution. The goal is to develop the ability to create algorithms using logical structures, then implement programs using a programming language (Java).

420-1U3-SO

Web I — Presentation Languages

1-2-2

This course introduces students to Web development through the HTML and CSS presentation languages, the fundamentals of interface ergonomics, and the client-server model, including an introduction to Internet communications.

420-1T4-SO

Introduction to IT Professions

2-2-2

In this course, students are introduced to the profession, to the various employment opportunities, and to the skills and attitudes required to work as an IT technician. The training program is presented, and students use a variety of IT tools to produce a professional deliverable.

420-1X4-SO

Workstation Operation

2-2-1

This course develops the skills needed to install and effectively operate a workstation by leveraging the capabilities of an operating system and making efficient use of application software. The computer and its software are demystified for integrated everyday use.

201-1G3-SO

Mathematical Tools I

2-1-2

This first mathematics course covers the acquisition of various mathematical tools needed to apply numbering systems in different bases.

Session 2

Purposeful exploration of AI

Learn when and why to use AI

420-2J6-SO

Procedural Programming Paradigm

3-3-2

In this course, students practice structured programming. They develop programming techniques through a rigorous working method so they can design programs by applying an algorithmic approach and solve increasingly complex problems using the C language.

420-2J4-SO

Object-Oriented Programming Paradigm I

2-2-2

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of object-oriented programming. They become familiar with this widely used programming paradigm. They learn to explain the creation of programs based on objects that will later be manipulated.

420-2U3-SO

Web II — Front-end Development

1-2-1

This second course in the Web sequence introduces students to various front-end frameworks and provides deeper learning on ergonomic concepts. It also offers an introduction to JavaScript (vanilla), covering the concepts of an interpreted language along with Web algorithmic notions such as listeners, events, and DOM manipulation.

420-2R3-SO

Databases I — Operation

1-2-1

To acquire theoretical and practical knowledge related to database operation, students learn to identify and explain each component of a database environment, such as schemas and indexes. They learn to use the SQL language to manipulate and query data (insert, update, delete, and extract according to specific criteria).

420-2X3-SO

IoT I — Embedded Systems and Prototyping

2-1-2

In this course, students acquire knowledge of computer systems and, more specifically, are introduced to the theoretical and practical foundations of computer architecture and network operating systems. They also develop theoretical and practical knowledge of telecommunications and computer networks.

201-2G3-SO

Mathematical Tools II

2-1-2

This second mathematics course covers the fundamental concepts and basic techniques of probability and statistics, including data presentation, the calculation of descriptive measures, and their interpretation.

Year 2

Session 3

Introduction to prompting

Collaborate effectively with AI

420-3J5-SO

Object-Oriented Programming Paradigm II

2-3-2

This course applies an analysis and programming approach using object-oriented development techniques. Refactoring. Creation of a game engine.

420-3U3-SO

Web III — Advanced Front-end and Back-end

1-2-2

This course presents JavaScript libraries and frameworks offering more advanced features in the context of server communication. Students carry out minimal development in a PHP Web back-end environment and interact with it from the front-end using either a conventional form or JavaScript through paradigms such as AJAX, SSE, and Web Socket.

420-3A4-SO

Mobile Application Development I

2-2-2

This course introduces students to mobile application development in the iOS environment. Students learn the lifecycle of a mobile application, the basics of SwiftUI for creating user interfaces, and the core principles of the Swift language. They also discover how to integrate native iOS device features (camera, sensors, etc.) into their applications, with an emphasis on designing and coding performant, interactive apps.

420-3R3-SO

Databases II — Optimization

1-2-2

This course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of database optimization. Students learn to write more complex queries while striving to optimize their execution. This is achieved by judiciously selecting and creating indexes, virtual tables (views), stored procedures, and triggers.

420-3X3-SO

IoT II — Telecommunications and Security

1-2-1

This course is the third in the "X" series. It follows the IoT I — Embedded Systems and Prototyping course (420-2X3-SO), which is a prerequisite. IoT II — Telecommunications and Security allows students to deepen their knowledge of computer systems and, more specifically, to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of embedded systems architecture, their operating systems, and their development environments. The course also introduces students to the theoretical and practical foundations of telecommunications and computer networks.

350-3F3-SO

Communicating in a Professional Context

1-2-2

This course on communication in a professional context supports the development of the key social skills needed to integrate into the workplace and be valued within an organization. It fosters the acquisition of skills related to teamwork and adaptation to new or conflict-laden situations.

Session 4

Collaborating with AI agents

Work with semi-autonomous systems

420-4J4-SO

Object-Oriented Programming Paradigm III

2-2-2

This final object-oriented programming course completes the learning of advanced concepts such as generic programming, reflection (metaprogramming), and multithreaded and parallel programming, including an introduction to the C# language and the design of windowed applications in the WPF environment (MVVM).

420-4U4-SO

Web IV — Back-end and Security

2-2-2

The fourth course in this sequence focuses more heavily on the back-end side of Web development, with an emphasis on security concepts and challenges. Students can probe vulnerabilities in controlled CTF-style environments and apply appropriate controls. Finally, students are introduced to back-end frameworks, particularly for their benefits in terms of security, integrated Web software architecture (MVC, database connectivity), and a presentation template engine (Pug).

420-4A4-SO

Mobile Application Development II

2-2-2

This course deepens iOS mobile application development by focusing on advanced techniques and the integration of advanced features. Students explore geolocation and learn to use MapKit to display maps, add annotations, and manage routes. They also become familiar with RealityKit and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive experiences, as well as real-time data management with CloudKit for storage and synchronization.

420-4B5-SO

System Development Techniques

2-3-2

In this course, students acquire foundational knowledge of the methods and tools used for structured system development, the steps involved in starting a project with a client, and the writing of user documentation. They design a new system based on client needs: describing all the steps, participating in project kickoff and writing related documents, mastering information, analysis, and design techniques and tools, writing the feasibility study, analyzing the data processing of the system being replaced, producing a prototype, and understanding and applying software development and engineering methods.

420-4R3-SO

Databases III — Design

1-2-2

This course aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of database design. Students learn to model and normalize a database, to implement and optimize the physical organization of a database, and to develop an application in the context of database operation.

420-4X4-SO

Internet and Network Services

2-2-1

The topics covered in this course include telecommunications, computer networks, and more specifically theoretical and practical knowledge of the Linux operating system in a networked environment.

Year 3

Session 5

Designing autonomous assistants

Build complete intelligent systems

420-5R0-SO

Integration Project

3-7-2

This project course allows students to develop a working method and techniques to contribute to the creation of a web and/or mobile application based on the real needs of a client. Working in a team, each student receives a specific mandate and tasks to carry out every stage of the project, from gathering information from the client and designing interfaces, to creating databases and programming the application. This course helps develop new skills related to application design as well as teamwork.

420-5U3-SO

Web V — Functional Programming and Back-end Integration

1-2-2

The final Web course guides students to develop within a functional programming paradigm and introduces new website design philosophies featuring a reactive front-end (ReactJS, Vue.js, Angular), a JavaScript back-end with Node Express, and NoSQL databases.

420-5X7-SO

Connected Ecosystem

3-4-2

Integrative course on the Internet of Things and connected systems.

420-5J3-SO

Video Game Development

1-2-2

This course introduces students to video game development through a complete game engine (Unreal Engine), the programming of networking features following a client-server architecture, and the deployment of the game for both client and server.

Session 6

Real-world consolidation

Apply your skills in a professional setting

420-6M6-SO

Workforce Integration

2-14-5

This integrative course asks students to demonstrate their preparation for and integration into the workforce with respect to the tasks of a programmer-analyst. They carry out a deliverable for a real client. Their work is accompanied by reflection and a synthesis of their workplace experience through a logbook, a written report reflecting on whether or not their objectives were achieved, and an oral presentation on the deliverable produced during the session.

420-6R5-SO

Application Deployment and Maintenance

1-4-3

In this course, students maintain (functional improvements, bug fixes) a complex application of which they are not necessarily the original author. They work in the context of a development team organized like a consulting firm. They also deploy the application along with the appropriate testing.

420-6T3-SO

Technology Watch

1-2-4

This course prepares students, as IT technicians, for the job market and for the constant evolution of the technologies specific to their profile. They are required to prepare a conference on a specific theme determined and assigned based on the opportunities offered by various work environments.

General and complementary education

These courses are spread across the 6 sessions. They form part of the general education common to all college programs.

601-101-MQ

Writing and Literature

2-2-3

604-COM-MQ

English (by placement)

2-1-3

109-101-MQ

Physical Activity and Health

1-1-1

601-102-MQ

Literature and Imagination

3-1-3

340-101-MQ

Philosophy and Rationality

3-1-3

604-PRO-MQ

English for Specific Purposes

2-1-3

601-103-MQ

Quebec Literature

3-1-4

340-102-MQ

The Human Being

3-1-3

109-102-MQ

Physical Activity and Effectiveness

0-2-1

601-MQ4-SO

Culture and Communication

2-2-2

109-103-MQ

Physical Activity and Autonomy

1-1-1

COM-001-03

Complementary Course 1

2-1-3

340-MQ3-SO

Ethics

3-1-3

COM-002-03

Complementary Course 2

2-1-3

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions?

What are the admission requirements?
You need a Secondary School Diploma (DES) or a DEP with Secondary 4 French, English, and Math. The specific prerequisite is Secondary 5 Math CST or Secondary 4 TS/SN. Missing the prerequisite? A catch-up course is offered in the fall. No programming experience required!
How long is the program?
It's a 3-year DEC (Diploma of College Studies), spread across 6 sessions. You'll alternate between general education courses and specialized computer science courses.
Can I continue to university afterward?
Absolutely! The program offers DEC-BAC agreements with UQTR and Université Laval — you can earn a bachelor's in computer science in just 2 years after your DEC thanks to credited courses (5 years total instead of 6). Many graduates also go on to software engineering, computer science, or IT management at ÉTS, Polytechnique, Sherbrooke, and other universities.
What's the placement rate and salary?
The placement rate is 91% according to Pygma. The median gross salary is $33.65/h (about $70,000/year) and can reach over $52.88/h ($110,000/year) according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. Workplaces are highly diverse: tech companies, consulting firms, government organizations, video game studios, and more.
What is work-study (ATE)?
The program is eligible for ATE: you alternate between course sessions and paid internships in industry. It's a great way to gain hands-on experience, build a professional network, and earn a salary while studying.
Why "Software Development and AI"?
AI is transforming how we build software. Instead of being left behind, we teach you to use it as a powerful daily tool — to code faster, debug more effectively, and design smarter applications. You won't be replaced by AI: you'll be the developer who knows how to wield it.

Ready to code your future?

Join the next cohort and discover a program that will change your path.

Apply for admission Book an open day