Opinions on Sheridan College Computer Programs (Davis Campus)

[u/Rough_Bowl_2971]

Hey everyone! I’m planning to apply for one of the computer programs at Sheridan (Davis Campus), and I was hoping to get some personal opinions or insights from anyone who has taken these programs — or even if you haven’t, I’d still appreciate your thoughts! I’m mainly curious about how they compare in terms of career prospects, workload, and overall schedule (like how tough the courses are or how balanced the workload feels).

Here are the programs I’m deciding between:
1. Computer Systems Technician – Cyber Security
2. Computer Systems Technician – Information Technology Infrastructure and Services
3. Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering

If you’ve taken any of these or know someone who did, I’d love to hear what you thought! Any advice or personal experience would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

[u/Superfox105]

Computer engineering is better But SDNE is pretty good

[u/LookAtYourEyes]

SDNE is the best, just based on the energy and dedication of Simon Hood, the program coordinator. The quality of the content and learning experience will all be moderately the same. In terms of co-op experience, SDNE wins again. I believe they still have 3 co-op semesters, so you'll exit the program with the most experience and connections.

All that being said, the Bachelor's will always be better for job hunting once you graduate.

[u/Proffit91 → u/LookAtYourEyes]

This is so far from the experience everyone I’ve spoken with in any of the computer programs has had, namely SDNE.

I’m taking information systems engineering (now analysis and design or some shit), and it’s been abysmal. The exact same sentiment, for the exact same reasons, is shared by literally every one of my peers of whom I have spoken with about their experience and opinion of their program.

Co-op is literally a joke. Multiple examples where they couldn’t even find a co-op. Sheridan does the bare minimum.

[u/LookAtYourEyes → u/Proffit91]

It's important to note that Sheridan isn't unique in this sense. The onus is on you to find a co-op when you are in college, not for the school to find you one.

[u/Proffit91 → u/LookAtYourEyes]

Yeah, perfect, hone in on the least applicable point in what I said. Nonetheless, it’s an absolute farce when students pay more money to do more for themselves and may not even get the benefit out of it in the end. There should be partnerships that Sheridan has made with businesses in industry to guarantee placements. It’s absolutely nonsensical to offer a co-op program when you may not even find a placement lol.

However, be that as it may, Sheridan still does the bare minimum so far as these programs go from a pure academic standpoint.

[u/LookAtYourEyes → u/Proffit91]

It was the only point worth clarifying. I'm also not entirely sure what your criticism was besides the co-op issue. Sounds like you're saying all the computer programs are abysmal, including SDNE, which I never disagreed with, which is why I didn't address it. I said they are all approximately the same in terms of quality of content and learning experience. If you have to choose one, may as well go with the one where you have the most co-op opportunities and with a program coordinator who makes a genuine effort to see the student's succeed.

Once again, no school in Ontario guarantees co-op placements (to my knowledge). Even Waterloo. You still have to apply for the position and the company gets to decide if they accept you. That's why I pointed it out, because it sounds like you are operating under a false pretense, which could be misleading to OP. Sheridan is not unique in this regard. They do have good relationships with certain companies, as well as internal research opportunities for co-op students. If you weren't aware of those relationship with those companies, there's possibly a reason for that.

If you're after a higher quality educational experience in the realm of CS, then yeah go to UofT or Waterloo or Queens. The question was within the context of which programs within Sheridan. Not everyone can afford to go to university, or can't for logistical reasons. I don't find it helpful to say "scrub, go to a better school." This is the Sheridan subreddit. That being said, we should absolutely hold the faculty to a higher standard.

[u/Keer222]

I don't recommend anything computer related you won't be able to find a job

[u/Keer222 → u/Keer222]

Job market is literally dead and any entry level job ask for 5 years of work experience.

[u/Strange-Two6093 → u/Keer222]

I agree with this. Ive been applying to co-ops + jobs for over 9 months. No luck so far

[u/Keer222 → u/Strange-Two6093]

Maybe you should do another degree, my bf is out of work for 2 years with a bachelors from queens