Computer Systems Technician - Networking (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)

Pursue a technology career to support modern IT infrastructures.
  • Students will receive training as an IT professional, and gain an understanding systems (Windows, email, programs).
  • Job opportunities upon graduation include government, libraries, hospitals, schools, etc; not just high tech companies.
  • Laddering opportunity into the Computer Systems Technology - Security program. This is just one additional year after completing the Computer Systems Technician - Networking program.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2026

No

Winter 2027

No

Spring 2027

No

Schedule

For the co-op version of this program, if students are unable to successfully complete all co-op requirements, the program delivery schedule will be adjusted for them as outlined in the Alternate Co-op Delivery Schedule(s).

For the co-op version of this program, if students are unable to successfully complete all co-op requirements, the program delivery schedule will be adjusted for them as outlined in the Alternate Co-op Delivery Schedule(s).

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Diploma (2 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

1560X03FWO

Area of Interest

Advanced Technology

School

School of Advanced Technology

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

Co-op

Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?

Yes
CIP Code(s): 11.1001

The two-year Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in information technology with a focus on network and system administration.

You learn to set up, configure and maintain all components that constitute an effective network: computer hardware, operating systems, networking and virtualization technologies, security and task automation. In addition, you develop problem solving skills and troubleshooting techniques to help support an IT infrastructure. Throughout the program, you also develop your oral and written communication skills, customer support, and ethics relevant to the information technology workplace....(read more)

Overview

Pursue a technology career to support modern IT infrastructures.

The two-year Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in information technology with a focus on network and system administration.

You learn to set up, configure and maintain all components that constitute an effective network: computer hardware, operating systems, networking and virtualization technologies, security and task automation. In addition, you develop problem solving skills and troubleshooting techniques to help support an IT infrastructure. Throughout the program, you also develop your oral and written communication skills, customer support, and ethics relevant to the information technology workplace.

As a student in this program, you have access to the latest software and equipment including Cisco and Aruba hardware labs, network-based operating systems, including Microsoft and GNU/Linux, as well as other industry-standard tools and resources.

You can work towards industry recognized certifications including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+ and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). Upon successful completion of this program, you may transfer credit for the first two years of the Computer Systems Technology - Security three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma, as long as you meet its admissions requirements.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Upon graduation you may find employment opportunities in a wide range of sectors including government, private and public for entry-level positions or self-employment in:

  • network and systems administration
  • IT infrastructure
  • installation, migration and support
  • technical and customer service support
  • computer training and consultation

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates of this program may find employment as junior systems and network installers and/or administrators, technical support specialists, customer service support representatives, computer trainers, hardware and software sales and support.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  7. Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
  8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
  9. Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
  10. Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission information systems infrastructure.
  11. Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
  12. Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  13. Provide technical support for information system infrastructure that aligns with industry best practice.
  14. Design, deploy and administer robust network infrastructures and cloud solutions.
  15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2026/2027 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Application Information

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN - NETWORKING
Program Code 1560X03FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/

For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/

Additional Information

Program Resources

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) RequirementsArchived Program Information Academic CalendarProgram Overview PDF

CO-OP INFORMATION
All applicants apply to the co-op version of the program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. After admission, students who do not wish to pursue the co-op option may opt out before the first scheduled co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world experience through paid, program-related work terms. Two academic terms before their first co-op work term, students must actively participate in and complete a self-directed co-op preparation course, including required readiness activities and workshops.

Students are responsible for conducting a guided, self-directed job search and securing approved, paid co-op employment related to their program of study. Co-op students compete for positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. While Algonquin College's Co-op & Career Centre supports students by developing co-op opportunities and providing guidance throughout the process, employment is not guaranteed. Co-op work opportunities may require students to relocate. All costs associated with participation-including travel, accommodation, work permits, visa applications, and other related expenses-are the responsibility of the student.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during academic terms when students are not enrolled in classes. For details about the number and timing of co-op work terms in your program, please refer to the Courses tab on your program's webpage.

International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all co-op work permit requirements before participating in a co-op work term. Additional information is available at: www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts

For more information about co-op programs, expectations, and general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, visit: www.algonquincollege.com/coop-career-centre

Contact

Denis Latremouille

Program Coordinator

coordcst@algonquincollege.com

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