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

Work Experience

Optional Co-op

Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional co-op work term(s) in a formal work environment. In most cases the work term(s) is a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. In programs with limited co-op opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional co-op stream regardless of success in securing a work position.

Review eligibility requirements for work-integrated learning

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

Program of Study

Effective January 2024

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
COM101	Communicating Across Contexts	3
or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)
CSN105	Introduction to Computers and Networks	4
MST100	Introduction to Microsoft Services	4
OPS145	Introduction to Linux and Unix	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)		4

Professional Options

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
CPO500	Red Hat Academy Exam Preparation	4
CPO520	Cisco Certification Preparation	4
CSP451	Computer Systems Projects: Cloud Environments	4
DCN686	Configuring Cisco Devices	4
IEL645	Ethical and Legal Issues in IT	4
IPC144	Introduction to Programming Using C	4
OPS400	AS/400 Operations	4
PMC615	Project Management for IT Professionals	4
SEC660	Security for Cloud and internet of Things	4
TEC701	Technical Support for Network Administrators	4
TEC702	Technician as an Entrepreneur	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:

Analyze and resolve basic information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches.
Support the analysis, planning, design, development and implementation of computer systems and networks.
Design, install, configure, troubleshoot and manage components of computer systems and networks.
Apply basic knowledge of software application development.
Apply basic knowledge of database connectivity issues and concepts.
Apply principles of data management to ensure the integrity of information.
Complete all work in compliance with relevant policies, practices, processes, and procedures.
Participate as an effective individual and member of a team.
Interpret, produce, and present work-related documents and information effectively and accurately.
Identify and implement strategies to improve job performance and promote personal and professional growth.
Install, configure, and optimize microcomputer operating systems and network application software including Windows and Linux software.
Install, manage, and maintain web servers; design and develop web sites.
Implement cross-platform integration among PC/LAN and mid-range computing systems.

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).