VIU Information Technology and Applied Systems: Network Administration, Web and Mobile Development Programs

Systems Administration and Networking Diploma


  • Program Length 
    2 Years
  • Credential 
    Diploma
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo

The Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration and Networking Diploma Program

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.

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.

Completion Requirements

Students should expect to spend 20 hours a week in the classroom, and an additional 15 - 20 hours per week on homework and assignments. Students must pass all courses and obtain a "C+" average in each term to be eligible to continue in the program and/or to receive an ITAS credential.

Updated 
Saturday, June 25, 2022
  • 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

  • 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.

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.

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 $163.14 per credit)

5,873.04

Lab fee

117.17

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition and lab fee)

239.61

Student Services fee (36 credits x $7.21 per credit)

259.56

VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $26.59 per month)

239.31

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies

700.00

Total

7,693.69

Year 2 - 32 credits

Amount

Tuition (32 credits x $163.14 per credit)

5,220.48

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition and lab fee)

208.82

Student Services fee (32 credits x $7.21 per credit)

230.72

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies

700.00

Total

6,837.74

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 $23.43 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

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 (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester + 6 additional credits x $776.48)

26,400.32

Lab fee

117.17

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester + 6 additional credits x $33.10)

1,125.40

VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $26.59 per month)

239.31

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies

700.00

Total

28,847.20

Year 2 - 32 credits

Amount

Tuition (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester + 2 additional credits x $776.48)

23,294.40

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester + 2 additional credits x $33.10)

993.00

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies

700.00

Total

25,465.12

Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.

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 $23.43 per course.

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

Updated
Monday, April 3, 2023

For more information please contact the Department Chair by emailing info@itas.ca. For information about registering and late applications, contact Melanie Cousins at 250.753.3245 Ext. 2282, or by emailing: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Next Intake(s)

The Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration Diploma program has one intake each Fall.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Admissions Assistant

Name: Melanie Cousins
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2282
Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca

Chair Contact

Name: Brandon Britt
Email: Brandon.Britt@viu.ca

Comments

This program requires an interview.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Next Intake(s)

Fall 2024

Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150
Testing Required
No
Chair Contact

Name: Brandon Britt
Phone: 250.753.3245
Email: Brandon.Britt@viu.ca

International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Yuzo Ishida
Email: Study@viu.ca

Documentation Deadline

March 31, 2024

Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve-basis. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Information Technology and Applied Systems – Web and Mobile Development Diploma (Trades and Applied Technology), Computer Science (BSc) (Science, Engineering, and Technology Programs), Computer Science (BA) (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences), Computer Science (Science, Engineering, and Technology Programs)