Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Computer Systems Technician - Networking (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
Ottawa, Canada
Diploma
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: This two-year Ontario College Diploma in Computer Systems Technician – Networking at Algonquin College (Ottawa or Pembroke) readies you for network and system administration. Coursework covers routing and switching, enterprise networking, Windows and GNU/Linux administration, cloud infrastructure, databases, cybersecurity fundamentals, scripting, and technical communication. You’ll use Cisco and Aruba labs, pursue vendor certifications (CCNA, CompTIA A+/Network+/Linux+, MTA), and may take optional paid co-op work terms (typically 14 weeks). Graduates can ladder into the Computer Systems Technology – Security advanced diploma; programme is PGWP-eligible.
Career Outcomes: Graduates secure junior network administrators, technical support specialists, IT trainers in government, healthcare, education or industry.
The two-year Ontario College Diploma in Computer Systems Technician - Networking trains students for careers supporting modern IT infrastructures, with emphasis on network and system administration. Coursework covers networking fundamentals, routing and switching, enterprise networking, Windows and GNU/Linux desktop and server administration, cloud infrastructure, database management, cybersecurity fundamentals, scripting/programming, and technical communication. Students have access to Cisco and Aruba hardware labs and industry-standard software and tools. The program offers an optional paid co-operative education stream (co-op work terms typically 14 weeks); co-op placement is subject to availability and eligibility and is not guaranteed. Graduates may ladder into the Computer Systems Technology - Security advanced diploma with credit for the first two years (subject to admission requirements). The program is PGWP-eligible (CIP 11.1001).
Why choose this program?
Industry-focused curriculum with hands-on labs (Cisco, Aruba), opportunities to pursue vendor certifications (CCNA, CompTIA A+/Network+/Linux+, MTA), optional paid co-op work terms to gain real-world experience, and laddering opportunities into the Computer Systems Technology - Security advanced diploma (credit for first two years).
Graduates may find employment in entry-level roles such as junior systems and network installers/administrators, technical support specialists, customer service support representatives, computer trainers, and hardware/software sales and support. Employment sectors include government, libraries, hospitals, schools, private and public enterprises, or self-employment.
Delivered across four levels (Level 01–04) over a two-year Ontario College Diploma program. Year 1 comprises Level 01 (Semester 1) and Level 02 (Semester 2); Year 2 comprises Level 03 (Semester 1) and Level 04 (Semester 2). Core technical courses cover networking fundamentals, routing and switching, Windows and GNU/Linux desktop and server administration, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, database management, troubleshooting, and programming fundamentals. Students choose general education electives. An optional co-operative education stream includes preparatory/co-op job search courses and up to two co-op work terms (WKT8001, WKT8002).