Computer Systems Technician Program (Online) (T191)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Our Cisco Networking Academy has won the Premier Partner status for two years in a row for our contributions to the success of students and instructors. We support over 35 other Cisco Networking Academies in North America and are one of only a few academies that have an Instructor Trainer status.

Program Overview

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician online program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

This program is fully online, including lectures, exams and class projects. This program allows you to:

  • Study online from the comfort of home while joining other students across Canada in live, instructor-led classes.
  • Access the knowledge and expertise of faculty members who are embedded in Toronto’s rapidly growing tech industry.
  • Develop professional skills in a format convenient to you and your busy weekday commitments.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an online-only program, open to domestic students. Regular in-person delivery and international eligibility is available; please see Computer Systems Technician (T141) for more details.

Full Description

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician online program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

George Brown continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless and security lab equipment to help students develop hands-on installation, configuration and troubleshooting skills. Students use the NetLab platform, which enables them with 24/7 remote access to Cisco Systems physical equipment. This investment, along with our hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician program are prepared to write several industry certification exams that are in demand by employers.

Note: Students who start the program in January (winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).

Technology Requirements

This program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following specifications: 

  • 16 GB RAM minimum 
  • 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal) 
  • Quad-core i7 2.4GHz or better 
  • Video card (2GB RAM minimum/4GB RAM recommended) 
  • Webcam 

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Computer system technicians establish, operate, maintain and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), software services and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and Intranet websites and web-server technologies, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in Information Technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this group.

Graduates can provide client support and network technical support in a wide variety of industries. Opportunities exist in companies that provide computer support services to other businesses and organizations that specialize in the sale and installation of computer systems and networks. 

Graduates may also find employment working directly with business clients, providing training services and ongoing support to effectively assist them in using computer applications.

The curriculum also prepares students to write several examinations leading to industry certification in Network Administration and Support after graduation.

Educational Pathways

Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.

Graduates may continue directly into the third year of the Computer Systems Technology program (T147 / T197), and earn an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in two additional semesters.

Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for entry into university degree programs. This includes credit toward the Athabasca University BSc-CIS (PD).

For further information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.

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