Computer Systems Technology - Security

Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.
  • Explore many technical aspects of security solutions including security audits, testing, vulnerability assessments, privacy laws, and more.
  • This program prepares students to achieve industry-recognized certifications.
  • This program is scheduled to run from 4pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday, to allow students to pursue work experience while participating in the program.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2027

No

Schedule

Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

0156X01FWO

Area of Interest

Emerging Technologies

School

School of Advanced Technology

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

Field Projects

Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?

Yes
CIP Code(s): 11.1003

In this program you develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement, and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Throughout the program, you have access to modern computing facilities that run Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating systems that support a variety of pre-installed software applications. Algonquin College also offers specialized networking, and hardware labs.

Learn how to deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to IT infrastructure and how to validate and evaluate security controls....(read more)

Overview

Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.

This three-year Computer Systems Technology - Security Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to perform a critical role in securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical data, transactions and network infrastructure.

In this program you develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement, and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Throughout the program, you have access to modern computing facilities that run Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating systems that support a variety of pre-installed software applications. Algonquin College also offers specialized networking, and hardware labs.

Learn how to deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to IT infrastructure and how to validate and evaluate security controls.

Discover common techniques used in digital forensics and investigations, and how to participate in the investigation and incident response process. Learn how to design effective corporate policies and IT forensic concepts and tools, and study the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures.

Graduates of this program may find careers in:

  • private industrial government and service sectors
  • security firms
  • security audit/penetration consulting firms
  • law enforcement agencies and security agencies

There may also be opportunities as a/an:

  • network security specialist
  • IT network security consultant
  • corporate information security manager and officer

In preparation for careers in information technology, applicants should be aware that success in this program requires a high level of commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to go beyond the materials presented in class and in lab.

Courses

Please note: The courses for this additional year are located in semesters 5 and 6, below.

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 may find employment in a variety of private and public organizations such as privately managed security firms, security audit/penetration consulting firms, law enforcement agencies (RCMP, OPP, local police forces), associated security agencies (CSIS, CSE), information technology consulting firms, primary communications carriers and information service providers.

Positions in the Information Technology environment may include:

  • corporate information security or security administrator (junior to intermediate level)
  • corporate information security manager/officer (junior to intermediate level)
  • network security specialist (junior to intermediate level)
  • IT/network security consultant (junior to intermediate level)
  • IT/network security architect/designer (junior to intermediate level)
  • security auditor/penetration tester (junior to intermediate level)
  • digital forensic analyst/consultant/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
  • IT/network security and compliance analyst/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
  • technical support specialist - security (intermediate level) and technical integration sales representative and support (intermediate level)

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  2. Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  3. Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  4. Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
  6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  7. Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
  8. Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
  9. Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
  10. Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
  11. Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
  12. Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
  13. Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  14. Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
  15. Implement defence line using security control to effectively detect and respond to various cyber attacks and threats.
  16. 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.

Textbook and course material costs are available on the Algonquin College bookstore website.

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:

  • Books and supplies cost approximately $260 in Level 05 and $150 in Level 06 and can be purchased at the campus store.

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 TECHNOLOGY - SECURITY
Program Code 0156X01FWO

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 CalendarVirtual TourProgram Overview PDF

Curriculum is reviewed annually to reflect evolving industry standards in the information technology field.

Contact

Robert Brandon

Program Coordinator

brandor@algonquincollege.com

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