Systems Administration and Networking Diploma

Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma
Location Offered
Nanaimo

A career that can take you anywhere

Are you a practical problem-solver looking for a future-proof career? System administrators make the internet run, and they solve many other technology problems. With training in this field, you can work anywhere in the world in any industry you choose.

In this program, you get your own workstation – you don’t share one with hundreds of other students. Instructors come to your classroom, which you share with the same cohort of students throughout the program. This leads to a strong sense of community and lifelong friendships. In addition to the skills you need for a successful career, you leave the program with career-relevant software and storage. And you can count on support from your instructors after graduation.

Experience that gives you an edge

Your VIU experience will mirror what it’s like to work in a professional Internet Technology (IT) environment. You get to work with enterprise-level hardware. And you work on real machines, not simulators. You can use your labs and projects in your professional portfolio.

The program features a 100- to 120-hour practicum working in the field. Your instructors come from industry, so they make sure you have hands-on experience in the skills you’ll need. That includes communication and collaboration skills that give you an edge in your career.

System administrator and networking career options

It’s hard to find an industry that doesn’t depend on computers. With system administrator and networking training you can find work in almost any industry. And because this program focuses on current technologies and industry practices, your skills will be in high demand. In addition to system administration and networking roles, you can pursue a career as:

IT technician
cybersecurity analyst
cloud computing specialist

Program Overview

The ITAS - Systems Administration and Networking program prepares students for careers in the design, installation, operation, and administration of network and Internet-based information systems. The program combines rigorous theoretical and technical education with hands-on, project-based learning. Using the most up-to-date curriculum, the ITAS program develops a student's technical skills, as well as teamwork, communications, and project management skills that align with VIU's graduation attributes, to satisfy industry demands for well-rounded, highly employable technology graduates.

The program will cover modern IT systems administration skill sets and set up students for careers in the implementation and management of Information Technology hardware, networks, operating systems, cybersecurity and virtualized cloud computing.

ITAS - Systems Administration and Networking is offered as a two-year diploma program. The program consists of two 4-month terms per year, plus a one month practicum work experience session at the end of the first academic year.

The first year of the program provides students with a solid foundation in Information Technology hardware, Windows and Linux client and server operating systems, wired and wireless networking and project management.

In the second year of the program, students will install, configure, and administer a wide variety of Information Technology services such as Active Directory, E-mail, web site servers, cloud and virtualized systems, network routing and switching, and cybersecurity best practices, in a mix of Linux, VMware and Windows Server environments. Second year graduates receive a diploma in Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration and Networking.

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements apply.
Letter of application describing reasons for wanting to take the program (500 - 1,000 words). Include name and contact information, including email. A handout is available outlining the required content of application letter – see the Admissions Department, or email the Department Chair (see below).
Interview.

Recommendations for Admission

One of Principles of Mathematics 12, Applications of Mathematics 12, or Foundations of Mathematics 12.
Two years' previous experience with computers, including experience installing and maintaining operating systems, and using office productivity software.
ICT 11 & 12 (High School Info Tech).

Notes on Admission

Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

This program is open to full-time students only.
Interview will only be granted after all other admission requirements are met.
Students must supply their own computer system—see Program Fees.
Consideration will be given to mature students without Grade 12; however, they must complete all prerequisites or equivalents.

Program Outline

Year 1	Credits
ITAS 141 - (Windows Server Management I)	4
ITAS 164 - (Information Technology Project Management Essentials)	4
ITAS 166 - (Virtualization and Cloud Computing I)	4
ITAS 167 - (Applied Operating Systems)	4
ITAS 175 - (Network Infrastructure Fundamentals)	4
ITAS 181 - (Linux Server Management I)	4
ITAS 185 - (Introduction to Programming Concepts)	4
ITAS 191 - (Introduction to Web Design)	4
ITAS 195T* - (Practicum)	4
Total Credits	36

Year 2	Credits
ITAS 292 - (Information Technology Cybersecurity)	4
ITAS 241 - (Windows Server Management II)	4
ITAS 242 - (Windows Server Management III)	4
ITAS 267 - (Virtualization and Cloud Computing II)	4
ITAS 281 - (Linux Server Management II)	4
ITAS 288 - (Database Administration and Design)	4
ITAS 295 - (Network Routing and Switching Essentials I)	4
ITAS 296 - (Network Routing and Switching Essentials II)	4
Total Credits	32

* Intersession course.
Note: All program courses must be successfully completed before certificates will be issued.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the ITAS program will be qualified to work for:

Internet service providers
Network design, installation, and support companies
Web development and web-hosting companies
Private and public educational institutes and training centres
Computer retailers and systems integrators
Most companies that use computers, computer networks, and the internet to carry out their business operations

Program Fees

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Year 1 - 36 credits	Amount
Tuition (36 credits x $166.40 per credit)	5,990.40
Lab fee	119.51
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition and lab fee)	244.40
Student Services fee (36 credits x $7.35 per credit)	264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $27.60 per month)	248.40
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)	265.00
Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies	700.00
Total	7,832.31

Year 2 - 32 credits	Amount
Tuition (32 credits x $166.40 per credit)	5,324.80
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition and lab fee)	212.99
Student Services fee (32 credits x $7.35 per credit)	235.20
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month)	220.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)	265.00
Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies	700.00
Total	6,958.79

Notes

Some applicants may already hold industry certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, or others.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.90 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees