About the Program
This three-year advanced diploma program provides you with knowledge and technical skills in networking and computer system administration. Built on partnerships with industry experts like Cisco, IBM, and Microsoft, our curriculum prepares students to specialize in security, physical and logical network design, as well as enterprise management. This program is comprised of practical courses focusing on hands-on training with computer programs in specialty labs.
Open Sources and Seneca
Seneca's Centre for Development of Open Technology has unparalleled connections with top-tier open source projects such as Mozilla, creators of the Firefox web browser, and Red Hat, maker of the most successful commercial Linux operating system. In the Software Build and Release professional option, you have the opportunity to work with world class developers on such projects.
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 Advanced Diploma
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Starts
January, May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible 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. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Analyze and resolve information technology problems
- Analyze, plan, design and implement computer systems and networking solutions
- Install and monitor computer systems and networks
- Plan and develop data storage
- Appraise existing security solutions
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 Technology (Co-op) (CTYC) program.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Technology infrastructure analyst
- Technical systems analyst
- Technical specialist
- Network systems administrator
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, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
- communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
- select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
- adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
- investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
- analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
- research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
- install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
- 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.