To demonstrate expertise in the cybersecurity field, graduates of this program can pursue certification through the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium (ISC2), a global leader in cybersecurity certification. Seneca has partnered with ISC2 to offer preparation courses that prepare students to write the ISC2 certification exams.
Computer Systems Technician (CSN)
About the Program
This two-year Computer Systems Technician diploma program offers you the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of the ever-changing field of information technology administration. In Seneca’s modern labs, you will enhance your abilities by completing practical, hands-on training in networking, operating systems, security and cloud computing.
Your studies will teach you to design and implement wireless, local/wide area and software-defined networks; how to work with and configure open source and proprietary operating systems; and how to work on premises and in the cloud taking you into the future of IT administration.
Computer Requirements
- 16 GB RAM minimum
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB would be better)
- Quad-core i7 2.4GHz or better
- Video card (2GB RAM minimum/4GB RAM recommended)
- Webcam
Part-time option is available >
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Starts
January, May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Internet of Things
- Linux/UNIX administration
- Microsoft administration
- wireless networks
- software-defined networks
- cloud services
- maintenance and security
- analyze and resolve information technology problems
- system design and installation
Optional Co-op
This program offers the option to complete a co-op work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the co-op stream will have the opportunity to participate in a co-op term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non co-op stream at any time. The co-op term(s) is typically a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. The co-op search is student-driven and participation in the co-op stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the co-op term.
Students interested in completing a co-op work term should apply to the Computer Systems Technician (Co-op) (CSNC) program.
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
- Technical support specialist
- Network administrator
- Local-area network/Personal computer technician
- Computer network technician
- Helpdesk support
Professional Certification
Program of Study
Effective January 2024
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| CSN115 | Introduction to Computers and Networks | 4 |
| MST100 | Introduction to Microsoft Services | 4 |
| OPS145 | Introduction to Linux | 4 |
| SPS120 | Strategic Problem Solving | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CSN205 | Static Networks | 6 |
| MST200 | Microsoft Server Administration | 4 |
| OPS245 | Open Systems Server | 4 |
| SEC220 | Introduction to System Security | 4 |
| plus: General Education Course (2) | 6 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CSN305 | Software Defined Networks | 4 |
| DAT330 | Introduction to Databases | 4 |
| MST300 | Introduction to Microsoft Cloud Technologies | 4 |
| OPS345 | Open System Application Server | 4 |
| SEC320 | Security Incident Response | 4 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| CSN331 | Computer Systems Technician, Co-op * | 30 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CSN405 | Wireless Networks | 4 |
| CSP450 | Computer Systems Projects: On Premises Networking and Server Administration | 4 |
| EAC594 | Business Communication for the Digital Workplace | 3 |
| MST400 | MS Cloud Administration | 4 |
| OPS445 | Open System Administration | 4 |
| plus: Professional Options (1) | 3-4 | |
Professional Options
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSP451 | Computer Systems Projects: Cloud Environments | 4 |
| CYT145 | IT Security: Ethical and Legal Issues | 3 |
| CYT160 | Security for Cloud and Internet of Things | 4 |
| IEL645 | Ethical and Legal Issues in IT | 4 |
| PMC115 | IT Project Mgmt. Fundamentals, Tools and Techniques | 4 |
| SRT211 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| TEC701 | Technical Support for Network Administrators | 4 |
| TEC702 | Technician as an Entrepreneur | 4 |
| WIN500 | Windows Server Scripting | 4 |
| WIN700 | Windows Active Directory Services | 4 |
- *
Work-Integrated Learning option only
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
- communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
- select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
- adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
- assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
- install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
- install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
- Mathematics: Grade 12 C or U, or Grade 11 U or M, or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.