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Ministry-approved title: Computer Systems Technology
Co-op option available – September and January intakes only
As computer systems technology continues to advance and integrate into every aspect of modern life, demand continues to grow for skilled professionals who can manage and innovate within complex computer information systems. This program prepares students for careers focused on the design, testing, installation, and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems. The Computer Systems Technology program is built on partnerships with leading organizations in technology, including Cisco, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft.
In this program, students:
With increasing reliance on computer systems technology across all sectors, demand continues to grow for professionals with expertise in networking, systems, and cloud-based infrastructure. Graduates play a key role in supporting the security, efficiency, and reliability of organizational IT systems.
Durham College’s (DC) Computer Systems programs have been strengthened through a donation from General Motors (GM) of approximately 100 Cisco switches, providing students with access to industry-grade networking equipment and hands-on learning experiences. The partnership began when a Computer Systems Technology student completing a co-op placement at GM recognized the potential impact the equipment could have at DC. This student-led collaboration highlights the value of industry partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities and preparing graduates for careers in IT and engineering.
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The Computer Systems Technology program opens the door to a breadth of exciting and rewarding career paths in IT. The diverse nature of the IT field means that your skills will be in demand across multiple industries, including business, IT industry, service provider, and government, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.
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NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.
Graduates of the three-year Computer Systems Technology program are prepared to meet the information technology (IT) needs of the business, industry, service, and government sectors. Students are trained to plan, implement, and analyze IT solutions across operating systems, networking technologies, and cloud-based infrastructure.
The curriculum addresses:
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of current industry trends and technologies, supporting readiness to tackle complex challenges in the tech sector. Through hands-on experience, students apply classroom concepts to real-world situations, understand workplace dynamics, and build professional networks.
Graduates develop the skills and expertise required to contribute to the planning and implementation of organizational IT infrastructure, including deployment and management of workstations and servers, network design and implementation, and development of security plans. Knowledge of databases and project management is also developed.
The diverse skill set acquired through this program prepares students to pursue industry-recognized certifications, such as Cisco (e.g., CCNA), Microsoft, AWS (Certified Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect, and SysOps Administrator), CompTIA (e.g., A+, Network+), Linux (LPIC-1 and LPIC-2), and ITIL Foundation certification. These certifications validate technical expertise and support employability in a competitive job market.
To support informed program selection, a common first semester is offered for the Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech University, Computer Programming, and Computer Programming and Analysis programs. This provides exposure to both systems/programming and networking/hardware pathways within the IT sector.
Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which could require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:
First-year students enrolled in this program will receive a membership to all seven of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. DC is proud to be one of the only colleges in Ontario offering students this unique connection to business leaders.
The seven Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are:
Membership benefits:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
This program contains a co-op option. Click here for information on program costs for co-op students.
As organizations increasingly prioritize digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals who can securely manage and innovate within IT infrastructures continues to rise. Graduates of the Computer Systems Technology program have the opportunity to work at the forefront of technology, developing and maintaining the complex computer information systems that businesses rely on. Your ability to design, implement, and secure various IT solutions will make you an asset across a wide range of industries, including tech companies, financial services, healthcare, and government agencies. The versatility of your skills ensures that you can adapt to and excel in different environments, making a meaningful impact wherever you choose to take your career.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Students will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first year of study. Entrance to the co-op option is limited, and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third years of their program. Learn more about co-op.
Students will have the opportunity to complete a four-week, 160-hour field placement in their final semester. This placement will enable students to apply the theories and concepts studied in the program in a real work setting, gain valuable hands-on IT experience, and make connections for future careers.
Qualified graduates can go on to further their IT skills through a number of graduate certificates at Durham College, including Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation, Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity. They may also be eligible to apply their academic credits towards other Durham College programs or partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
MINIMUM REQUIRED HARDWARE
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.
Students in the Computer Systems Technology program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first year of study. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third years of their program.
Supports are available through the Experiential Learning office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Experiential Learning office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.
Please note that the May intake does not have the option for a co-op due to the compressed nature of the program delivery.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
E: co-op@durhamcollege.ca
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