Program Overview

Kick-start a rewarding and in-demand career with this unique information technology program. The Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma uses hands-on labs to explore how to design, install, troubleshoot and maintain enterprise-level information systems (IS). You’ll develop your skills to manage and provide high-level support to various organizations.

Program Details

Program Code
CTY2
Credential:
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
89 weeks

Canadian Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2024 September
London
Open
2023 September
London
Closed

International Students

Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2023 September
London
Closed
2024 September
London
Closed

Your Learning Experience

The Computer Systems Technology program is an accredited, three-year co-operative education, Ontario College Advanced Diploma program which provides comprehensive training for students wishing to work in the high-demand areas, including: 

  • Operating Systems – support, manage and administer Windows and Linux;
  • Networks – implement, support, secure, and manage switching, routing, WAN, wireless, VoIP and Firewalls;
  • Virtualization - cloud services, data management;
  • Services – implement, support, manage and secure Active Directory, web, database and messaging services;
  • Securing information systems hardware, software and data using firewalls, IDS/IPS, and best practices.

 

Field experience is gained through back-to-back co-ops that support progressive learning offered early in your studies. You’ll apply your learning directly in the field to further strengthen your technical skills, plus build communication and interpersonal skills. Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will have the knowledge to explore several industry certifications, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Red Hat Certified System Administrator and VMWare.

 

Under the guidance of expert faculty, combined with the use of leading-edge labs, the program emphasizes the design, implementation, configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, management, as well as the hands-on installation of networking, security, VoIP, virtualization, data storage and management, server, workstation and operating systems technologies.

 

Instruction in project management, communication and interpersonal skills prepare the student to effectively interact with all levels of users in both oral and written mediums.

 

Click here for information about laptop requirements for this program.

 

Co-op Opportunities and Career Information ​​​​​​

Co-op Opportunities

The Computer Systems Technology program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand work experience in their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Computer Systems Technology students before even graduating:

  • Network/Systems Technical Analyst - assist with front-line support duties to minimize network downtime
  • IT Service Desk - assist customers who experience technical problems
  • IT Technician - assist with hardware setup and repair throughout an organization.

For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.

 

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe's Computer Systems Technology program can pursue rewarding careers providing multi-level systems and network services in a variety of industries. Many career opportunities can be explored including:

  • network administrator
  • systems administrator
  • VoIP administrator
  • security specialist
  • network/systems manager
  • database administrator
  • enterprise virtualization and storage administration
  • enterprise cloud administrator
  • systems/network analyst
  • help/service desk analyst
  • field service technician

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduate employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Computer Systems Technology program:

Network/Systems/Security Engineer

Design, troubleshoot and optimize technology performance and security.

Network/Systems/Security Administrator

Deploy, maintain, optimize and troubleshoot network and security systems.

Technical Support Specialist

Install, configure and update hardware and software, and fix any issues related to the equipment as they arise.

Program Progression
Fall Winter Spring Summer
Start Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Break
Co-op 1 Level 4 Level 5 Break
Level 6 Co-op 2 Start Co-op 3 Continue Co-op 3 
Level 7 - - -

 

 
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.

 

Program Coordinator:

Jonathan van den Boogaart
 

Academic Advisor:

Cynthia Lessard

 

Admission Requirements

OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U),
University/College (M), or Open (O) stream WITH:
- Any Grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Mathematics* (C), (U), or (M)
OR
Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)
OR
Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) AND:
- Any Grade 11 or Grade 12 Mathematics* (C), (U), or (M)
OR
Mature Applicant with standing in the required courses stated above

Note:

  • *Applicants who lack the required Mathematics may still gain eligibility for admission by completing appropriate prior upgrading
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

  • A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two year
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
  • A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
  • Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation

Recommended Academic Preparation

  • Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
  • Grade 11 and Grade 12 Computer Engineering Technology (M)
  • Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (U)
  • Grade 12 Computer Science (U) 
  • Grade 11 Information and Communication Technology: The Digital Environment (O)
  • Grade 12 Information and Communication Technology: Multimedia Solutions (C)
  • Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE): Business or Technical Mathematics course and Computer Skills course
Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:

Group 1
BUSI-1156Strategies for Success1
This course presents and helps to develop some of the skills required to achieve academic and career success. Areas of focus include college resources, study skills, time management, academic integrity and calculating Grade Point Averages, among other skills.
INFO-1280Network-Fundamentals5
This course is part of the Cisco Network Academy and introduces the architecture, functions, components, and models of networks. IP addressing, Ethernet, media, and operations fundamentals are introduced. By the end of the course, students perform basic router and switch configurations to build simple local area networks (LAN).
INFO-1248Data Centre Infrastructure3
This is an introductory course in data centre design and operations. Using theoretical and practical approaches, students will explore concepts such as equipment organization, power management, cooling, cabling and safety issues. In addition, students will learn fundamentals about physical server functionality.
INFO-1291Database-Fundamentals3
This course is an introduction to the basics of working with relational databases and database servers. Students will learn database server administration and the Structured Query Language using Microsoft SQL Server.
INFO-1292MS Applications for IT3
Students learn to produce documents using many of the industry standard Microsoft applications. Students will use operating system commands and produce a variety of documents using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio. Helping to produce professional and effective business communications with internal and external clients in a rapidly changing environment.
INFO-1246Operating Systems-Windows 13
MCSA Certification preparation course - This is an introductory course focusing on configuring and maintaining Windows client operating systems. Using theoretical and practical approaches to install and upgrade the operating system, as well as to manage drivers, applications, network connections, resource access, create backups and use different recovery methods.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$12,297.50
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$48,404.98
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions