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
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Open
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 - - -

 

 

CEIWL Logo

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.

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

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following courses:

- Grade 12 English (C or U)

- Grade 11 or 12 Math (C, M or U)

Students who do not meet the admission requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.
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

Test Score
TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic 53
Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

 

Learn More about English Language Requirements

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-1294Skills Prep3
Students learn the function and interoperability of several Microsoft applications used to create a variety of technical and non-technical documents. Students will also learn basic computer fundamentals such as file and folder management, end-user navigating operating systems, entering and analyzing data.
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
$13,601.75
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$51,046.13
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