The Computer Systems and Networking two-year program focuses on the skills, competencies and attitudes required to research, design, install and maintain computer systems and network infrastructure in a highly available and secure computing environment. The program combines theoretical and practical learning experiences in a team-oriented setting encompassing front-line computer systems, back-end server environments and the local and wide-area network infrastructure.  The Infrastructure Support industry is customer-oriented and requires a high level of customer interaction and professionalism.  These critical skills are developed through a number of courses in this program.

The program includes course work, team-oriented projects, and a final 15-week work term focusing on areas of technical learning, team building, communications, interpersonal skills, ethics, and best practices. This diversity provides opportunities for the student to acquire the skills, professionalism and adaptability required to succeed in the dynamic and challenging field of Information Technology infrastructure support.

The capstone project will enable the student to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program by performing an in-depth study of a problem, design, or technological application and fully documenting and presenting the findings.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Computer Systems and Networking program is to graduate a student with the theoretical and practical skills in information technology infrastructure support. This will enable her/him to:

1.         provide computer technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users
2.         install, modify and repair computer hardware and software
3.         support local-area networks (LAN), wide-area networks (WAN), network segments, and Internet and intranet systems
4.         design an organization’s computer system in which all of the components including computers, the network, and

5.         plan, coordinate, and implement the organization’s information security policy
6.         interpret and effectively apply industry procedures and policies in the workplace
7.         incorporate the social, interpersonal and communication skills necessary to be a productive member of a team
8.         apply the self-awareness and reflective skills required to create, evaluate and modify personal growth and career plans

College of the North Atlantic is a Cisco Networking Academy.  Students have the opportunity to complete courses in the Academy program which provide a strong foundation in computer networking knowledge and skills utilizing the equipment of the industry’s leading provider.  As well, College of the North Atlantic is the only accredited Cisco Academy Instructor Training Center in Atlantic Canada.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Interconnected computing systems are an integral part of every business and the Computer Systems and Networking graduates are well suited to a broad range of computing infrastructure roles.  These roles can be included, but not limited to:

Computer Support Specialist
Network Specialist
Computer Support Technician
LAN Team Member
I.T. Support Technician
Help Desk Technician
Server Support Analyst/Technician
Help Desk Analyst
Technology Support Analyst

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS – ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-201 ONLY
Eligibility for admission to Computer Systems and Networking program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria: 

1.  High School
High School Graduation