[Benched]

r00t spoke to UofC program, and I believe it, rings true (I never took computer science there but had always heard it was heavy programming/programmer focused)

I did go to SAIT though for a 2yr diploma in Computer Engineering, that led into continuing into another 2yr program to get my degree (Bachelor of Applied Science - specializing in Network Managment)

Computer Engineering diploma was a very general course, extremely hands on (as you’d expect from SAIT). We did printer maintenance (open and fix printers), build PCs, you take math classes on base 2 math, you do a lot of electrical work learning capacitor color codes, designing circuits, creating little circuits with AND and OR gates to solve puzzles. We also did some coding. Use programs to design circuit boards, that get printed, and then you would fabricate (solder) actual working electronic devices. That was also where you learn about basic networking, switches, routers, fixing networking issues (like I can’t connect to the internet - what do you do?) - which I loved!

Overall it was a very broad course, very basic labour/IT fix it career focused - but also very informative and builds a lot of competency.

With a broad focus you can also discover something you’re interested in. That’s what happened to me and why I chose to pursue Networking after my diploma. I had classmates with me do Networking, some to a coding focused degree instead, some to an electronics focused degree, lots stopped with their diploma and went to go work IT.

It may not have as much prestige or be as widely know as UofC, but I do think the SAIT program has value and is respected - at least in AB. Most importantly a wide base of learning may help spark an interest in a particular discipline that you can then pursue - much like it did for me.

[caveat - I’ve been working in telecomm (since I graduated) for 15 years. So I’m not sure what exactly the program is like currently as my experience was 15 years ago and I’m sure things have changed a bit since then]

I can’t speak to the current job market/demand for a SAIT grad, but I never had an issue finding a job (and in fact got hired by a manager with the same degree as myself).

I will say that having experienced both: UofC vs. SAIT for work load and ‘difficulty’ is not even close. UofC is a big step up after high school and takes focus, discipline (large classes, more distant instructors - so more self learning required and/or extra time put in to go to tutorials/office hours to ask questions & get help) and overall volume and level of work. SAIT is a much easier starting experience, not as big a jump (still feels like high school especially in regards to teacher support - lots of it, small classes, highly structured), not as demanding overall.