Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.

Explore many technical aspects of security solutions including security audits, testing, vulnerability assessments, privacy laws, and more.
This program prepares students to achieve industry-recognized certifications.
This program is scheduled to run from 4pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday, to allow students to pursue work experience while participating in the program.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

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Schedule

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Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

0156X01FWO

Area of Interest

Advanced Technology

School

School of Advanced Technology

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

Field Projects

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program may be interested in furthering their knowledge and skills with this third year of study.

This third-year Computer Systems Technology - Security Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to perform a critical role in securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical data, transactions and network infrastructure....(read more)

Overview

Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma program may be interested in furthering their knowledge and skills with this third year of study.

In this program you develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement, and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Throughout the program, you have access to modern computing facilities that run Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating systems that support a variety of pre-installed software applications. Algonquin College also offers specialized networking, and hardware labs.

Learn how to deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to IT infrastructure and how to validate and evaluate security controls.

Discover common techniques used in digital forensics and investigations, and how to participate in the investigation and incident response process. Learn how to design effective corporate policies and IT forensic concepts and tools, and study the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures.

Graduates of this program may find careers in:

private industrial, government and service sectors
security firms
security audit/penetration consulting firms
law enforcement agencies and security agencies

There may also be opportunities as a/an:

network security specialist
IT network security consultant
corporate information security manager and officer

In preparation for careers in information technology, applicants should be aware that success in this program requires a high level of commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to go beyond the materials presented in class and in lab.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Enjoy solving problems and challenging their minds.
Have an inquisitive, organized, and analytical nature.
Can work effectively independently and with others in a corporate team environment.
Enjoy analyzing problems of a complex nature and providing solutions.

Courses

Please note: The courses for this additional year are located in semesters 5 and 6, below.

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Read this before applying:

Current Algonquin College Computer Systems Technician – Networking students apply to this program through an internal process with the academic department. Students can register in-person with the front desk at T307.

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Level 01

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8182

Course Name:

Networking Fundamentals

Course Description:

The modern world is connected and networking technologies form the foundation of data communication. Students describe the architecture, top... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8202

Course Name:

Windows Desktop Support

Course Description:

Microsoft Windows desktop is a commonly implemented desktop operating system in industry. Students prepare a MS Windows client system for pa... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8207

Course Name:

GNU/Linux System Support

Course Description:

GNU/Linux is an open-source operating system that operates on a variety of computing devices such as mobile devices, server systems and supe... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8300

Course Name:

Achieving Success in Changing Environments

Course Description:

Rapid changes in technology have created personal and employment choices that challenge each of us to find our place as contributing citizen... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

ENL1813T

Course Name:

Communications I

Course Description:

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

MAT8002

Course Name:

Numeracy and Logic

Course Description:

Students acquire the knowledge to work with numerical systems and internal machine representations, binary/hex/octal/decimal math, Boolean l... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Level 02

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8200

Course Name:

Windows Domain Administration

Course Description:

Microsoft Windows Server is an enterprise-level operating system that supports the computing requirements of a modern business. Students man... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8208

Course Name:

PC System Technology

Course Description:

Computer technology is built upon hardware, which requires regular maintenance as well as periodic upgrading and repair. Students work with ... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8305

Course Name:

GNU/Linux Server Administration

Course Description:

The GNU/Linux operating system, known for its flexibility and stability, is implemented as a server solution in a variety of business establ... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8315

Course Name:

Routing and Switching Fundamentals

Course Description:

A fundamental concept of networking is to connect network segments. Students implement switched networks based on industry standard design a... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

ENL8720

Course Name:

Technical Communication for Technicians

Course Description:

Clear, concise and detailed communication is essential for technical workplaces. Students plan and execute a variety of formal and informal ... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Choose one from equivalencies

Code:

GED0156

Course Name:

General Education Elective

Course Description:

Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Level 03

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8206

Course Name:

Foundation of IT Service Management

Course Description:

Technical customer support is an essential business service, and knowledge of IT Service Management, as described in the IT Infrastructure L... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

CST8245

Course Name:

Database Management and Interfacing

Course Description:

Data as a business asset requires the implementation of data storage and management technologies. Students explain the theoretical concepts ... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8246

Course Name:

Network Services Administration

Course Description:

The client-server model, an essential part of network computing, enables client systems to use services, such as email or web services, over... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8316

Course Name:

PC Troubleshooting

Course Description:

A problem solving methodology is the foundation for effectively troubleshooting computing problems to support IT infrastructures. Students d... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8342

Course Name:

Windows Enterprise Administration

Course Description:

Modern enterprise-level IT solutions include on-site network service administration, as well as cloud integration. To optimize the managemen... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8371

Course Name:

Introduction to Enterprise Networking

Course Description:

Network scalability features are an integral part of Enterprise network administration. Students configure dynamic routing protocols, develo... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Level 04

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8248

Course Name:

Emerging Technologies

Course Description:

Computing solutions are currently migrating from an onsite IT department to a cloud service provider. Students examine current and emerging ... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8249

Course Name:

Network Security

Course Description:

The objective of network security is to maintain access to network resources for legitimate users and is an integral part of network adminis... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8317

Course Name:

Wireless Network Fundamentals

Course Description:

Wireless networks enable enterprises to expand their network access beyond a wired infrastructure. Students describe the fundamentals of the... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8378

Course Name:

Advanced Enterprise Networking

Course Description:

Enterprise campus networks continue to evolve and scale to provide vital services to all users. Local area networks (LANs) and wide area net... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Choose one from equivalencies

Code:

GED0150

Course Name:

General Education Elective

Course Description:

Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Level 05

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8601

Course Name:

Network Security Architecture

Course Description:

Securing routers and switches along with their associated networks, how to recognize threats, and vulnerabilities to networks and how to imp... + Read More

Hours:

84.0

Code:

CST8602

Course Name:

Fundamentals of Penetration Testing

Course Description:

Students are exposed to and implement applied skills and practical techniques required for penetration testing when used to evaluate corpora... + Read More

Hours:

84.0

Code:

CST8603

Course Name:

Security Law and Compliance

Course Description:

Students gain insight into legal and regulatory issues related to information technology and security by using the Criminal Code of Canada, ... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Code:

CST8604

Course Name:

Information Security Risk Management

Course Description:

Students acquire the skills necessary to develop processes for protecting against economic loss owing to disruptions of business activities ... + Read More

Hours:

42.0

Level 06

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

CST8605

Course Name:

Advanced Security Appliances

Course Description:

The proper design and implementation of common security appliances in the overall security solution are examined. Topics include advanced fi... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8606

Course Name:

Fundamentals of Digital Forensics and Discovery

Course Description:

Students develop skills in digital forensic techniques and tools for investigations of cyber-crimes or corporate policy violations. Topics i... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8607

Course Name:

Applied Cryptography

Course Description:

Students explore concepts and tools related to data security and integrity using mechanisms, such as authentication, access control, cryptog... + Read More

Hours:

70.0

Code:

CST8608

Course Name:

Fundamentals of Cyber Incident Response

Course Description:

Students are introduced to incident handling tasks and critical-thinking skills required for Incident Responders, allowing insight into the ... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

CST8609

Course Name:

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Course Description:

Students participate in the planning and implementation of mechanisms designed to safeguard enterprises from serious disruption to normal bu... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a variety of private and public organizations such as:

privately-managed security firms
security audit/penetration consulting firms
law enforcement agencies (RCMP, OPP, local police forces)
associated security agencies (CSIS, CSE)
information technology consulting firms
primary communications carriers and information service providers

Positions in the Information Technology environment may include:

corporate information security or security administrator (junior to intermed
corporate information security manager/officer (junior to intermediate level)
network security specialist (junior to intermediate level)
IT/network security consultant (junior to intermediate level)
IT/network security architect/designer (junior to intermediate level)
security auditor/penetration tester (junior to intermediate level)
digital forensic analyst/consultant/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
IT/network security and compliance analyst/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
technical support specialist - security (intermediate level)
technical integration sales representative and support (intermediate level)

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

View all Algonquin College pathways

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
Implement defence line using security control to effectively detect and respond to various cyber attacks and threats.
Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $260 in Level 05 and $150 in Level 06 and can be purchased at the campus store.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Select the Academic Year:

Admissions Next Steps

Program Eligibility

Successful completion of Algonquin College`s Computer Systems Technician - Networking Ontario College Diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. Current Algonquin College Computer Systems Technician - Networking students apply to this program through an internal process with the academic department. Algonquin College Computer Systems Technician - Networking students that have graduated 2 or more years ago must apply to 0156A Computer System Technician Security - Pathway Computer Systems Technician through www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Application Information