COVID-19 Information

April 2021 - DC is committed to providing students with a high-quality academic experience. During the provincial emergency and stay-at-home order, in-person learning activities and campus operations may be impacted. For a full list of what is open or operating virtually, please visit our COVID-19 spring semester page.
Learn more about courses and services being offered remotely. COVID-19 Pre-entry Screening Questionnaire Report if you are unwell

Info for
    • Future Students
    • Current Students
    • International Students
    • Indigenous Students
    • Professional and Part-time Learning
    • Guidance Counsellors
    • Parents
    • Employers & Partners
    • Alumni
    • Media
    • Faculty
Quick links
    • DC Connect
    • DC Mail
    • MyCampus
    • DC Apps
    • Full-time programs
    • Durham Lords
    • Campus Safety
    • Library
    • Online Learning
    • Notice of Service Disruption
    • Interactive Campus Maps
    • Locations

Download our Mobile app
Icon for Apple. App Store Icon for Android. Google Play
  • Campus Status
  • Ask DC
  • Campus Status
  • Medical icon for DC Are you Ok support services. Are you okay?
      • DC Connect
      • DC Mail
      • MyCampus
      • DC Apps
      • Hired
Menu
  • Medical icon for DC Are you Ok support services. Are you okay?
  • Campus Tour
  • Donate
  • Hire
  • Quick Links
    • DC Connect
    • DC Mail
    • MyCampus
    • DC Apps
    • Hired
  • Apply
Durham College logo
  • Programs and Courses
    • Full-Time Programs
    • New Programs for 2021
    • Programs for International Students
    • Bachelor’s Degrees
    • Graduate Certificate Programs
    • Fast-Track Programs
    • Co-operative Education Programs
    • Diploma to Degree Business Programs
    • Second Career Programs
    • Professional and Part-Time Learning
    • Online Learning Offerings
    • Corporate Training Services
    • Academic Upgrading
    • School College Work Initiative
    • Pathways: Further Your Education
    • Experiential Learning
    • Apprenticeships
    • –
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Admissions
    • How to Apply
    • Admission Process
    • Admission Requirements
    • Important Dates
    • Credit Transfer
    • International Students
    • Transfer Options
    • Contact Admissions
    • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Financial Info
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Program Fee Calculator
      • Other Fees to Consider
      • How to Pay
      • Withdrawals and Refunds
    • Financial Aid
      • OSAP
      • Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
    • Financial Planning/Counselling
    • Program Fee Calculator
    • Budget Calculator
    • On-Campus Employment
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Student Life
    • Campus Services
      • Campus Safety
      • Parking Information
      • Lockers
      • Campus Store
      • Test Centre
      • Computer Support
      • Sport and Recreation Services
      • Esports Gaming Arena
      • Food Services
      • Campus ID
      • Study Spaces
      • Shop DC
    • Get Involved
      • Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Campus Walk Program
      • DC Students Inc.
      • Esports Arena
      • Fast Start
      • Green Team
      • Institute of Student Leadership (ISL)
      • Intramurals and Extramural Sports
      • Peer Tutoring
      • Research
      • Riot Radio
      • Working on Campus
    • Health and Wellness
      • Campus Health and Wellness Centre
      • Dental Clinic
      • Fine Motor Clinic
    • Student Services
      • First Peoples Indigenous Centre
      • Career Development
      • Access and Support Centre
      • Library
      • Office of the Registrar
      • Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)
      • Athletics
      • DC Students Inc.
      • Diversity
      • DC Pride Collective
      • Student Advisors
      • Co-operative Education (Co-op)
      • Outreach Services
      • Housing
      • Rights and Responsibilities
      • Peer Wellness Coaching
      • RISE (Reach, Include, Support and Elevate)
    • Support Services
    • Orientation
    • Social Media Hub
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • About
    • History
    • DC at a Glance
    • Strategy, Plans and Publications
    • Governance
    • Mission, Vision and Values
    • Anti-Black Racism Statement
    • Indigenization Statement
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Academic Schools
    • Accessibility
    • Giving to DC
    • Services for Businesses
    • Sustainability Office
    • Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE)
    • Community and Government Relations
    • Whitby Campus Phase IV Expansion
    • College Quality Assurance Audit Process (CQAAP)
    • Performance Indicators
    • Program Advisory Committees
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Contact
    • Contact DC
    • Live Chat
    • Staff Directory
    • Locations
    • DC on Social Media
    • Feedback
    • Vendor Contact Information
    Start
    Fresh

    View programs

    • Heart icon

      Need help choosing
      your program?

      Check out the 2021-22
      Program Guide

      View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Viewbook
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyCampus
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App

    Spring Programs
    and Courses

    View Calendar
    PPL course catalogue cover
    • This Month’s Highlights

    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Municipal Employment Readiness
    • Motorcycle Training
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Programs and courses
  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • Apply now
  • Ask DC
  • DC Mobile
  • Explore DC
  • Home
  • Programs
  • Computer Systems Technician

Computer Systems Technician

Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Location
Oshawa
School
School of Business, IT & Management (BITM)
Length
Four semesters
OCAS Code
CSTC
Next Intake
September 2021   +View all Intakes
Laptop
Learn more about laptop requirements
Featured image for program.
Apply Now
  • Overview
  • Program Details
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Costs
  • Career Options
  • Transfer
  • Laptop

Program Overview

The Computer Systems Technician program is the perfect vehicle to launch a rewarding career in computer assembly, installation, configuration and troubleshooting. You will learn from industry-connected professors in new, state-of-the-art labs. This program is built on partnerships with some of the most influential names in networking today, including Cisco, IBM, AWS and Microsoft. Graduates will be able to help support computer users throughout an entire organization by deploying desktop and laptop systems, assisting users with day-to-day tasks, supporting help desk environments, troubleshooting networking issues and rolling out emerging technologies that will give their organizations a competitive advantage.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

View All Requirements

Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)

View Full Costs

Semester 1 Courses

  • Communications I For IT (COMM 3201)
  • Computer Systems-Hardware (CSYS 1122)
  • Intro To Databases (DBAS 1201)
  • Data Communications & Networking I (DCOM 1100)
  • Mathematics For I.T. (MATH 1110)
  • Introduction To Programming (PROG 1205)

View All Courses

Computer Networks
Computer Networks
Computer Hardware
Computer Hardware
Hands On
Hands On

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2021OpenOpen
January 2022OpenOpen

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Call centre support
  • Computer service technician
  • Help desk technician
  • IT consultant
  • IT specialist
  • Information systems administrator
  • Network technician
  • Security administrator
  • Technical consultant
 

View all Career Options

Program Details

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.

This program will provide you with the technical skills and expertise required to work in the high-demand world of personal computers, networking and application support to meet the information technology (IT) needs of modern organizations.

The program curriculum addresses the technical aspects of commonly used components and troubleshooting techniques for:

  • Computer hardware
  • Networking technologies
  • Operating systems
  • Security
  • System administration

You will also learn how to develop your communication and administrative skills and be trained in critical-thinking skills designed to help you respond to many technical challenges. As a graduate, you will be able to:

  • Challenge for industry-recognized certifications (e.g. Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCP, CompTIA A+, Net+)
  • Install and configure system software and network devices
  • Troubleshoot computer system and network issues.

Note: To ensure you make an informed decision about your IT career path, a common first semester is offered for the Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Programmer and Computer Programmer Analyst programs. This approach will give you an opportunity to explore the systems/programming applications and networking/hardware applications of the IT sector

Certifications

Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which could require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:

  • CompTIA - A+; Network+
  • Linux LPIC-1
  • CISCO CCNA
  • Microsoft MCP Server Certifications

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  2. Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  3. Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  4. Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
  5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  7. Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
  8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
  9. Assist with the implementation of computer systems and cloud solutions.
  10. Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
  11. Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
  12. Install and monitor a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  13. Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)

Courses

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 MyCampus.

Semester 1

  • Communications I For IT (COMM 3201)
  • Computer Systems-Hardware (CSYS 1122)
  • Intro To Databases (DBAS 1201)
  • Data Communications & Networking I (DCOM 1100)
  • Mathematics For I.T. (MATH 1110)
  • Introduction To Programming (PROG 1205)

Semester 2

  • Computer Systems - Software (CSYS 2122)
  • Data Communications & Networking II (DCOM 2100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Linux I (LINU 4100)
  • OOP I (OOP 2200)
  • Web Development-Fundamentals (WEBD 2201)

Semester 3

  • Data Communications & Networking III (DCOM 3100)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • IT Career Essentials (ITCE 3200)
  • Linux II (LINU 5100)
  • Network Administration I (NETW 4102)
  • Powershell (PROG 3103)

Semester 4

  • Data Communications & Networking IV (DCOM 4100)
  • Enterprise Client Support (ENCS 4201)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • Network Administration II (NETW 5100)
  • Project Managment (PROJ 6101)
  • Virtualization And Cloud Computing (VIRT 2200)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Call centre support
  • Computer service technician
  • Help desk technician
  • IT consultant
  • IT specialist
  • Information systems administrator
  • Network technician
  • Security administrator
  • Technical consultant
 

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

  • Banks
  • Colleges and universities
  • Computer and network support companies
  • Government
  • Retail corporations
  • Software companies
  • Small to Medium Business
  • Telecommunications companies

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates may choose to return to Durham College to complete an additional year of study in the Computer Systems Technology program. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/pathways to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

  • Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) – Information Technology Security – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Ontario Tech
  • Bachelor of Science – Computer and Information Systems – Athabasca University
  • Bachelor of Science - Network Management and Design and Network Security (Double Major) - Davenport University
  • Bachelor of Science - Network Security - Davenport University
  • Bachelor of Science - Technology Project Management - Davenport University
  • Bachelor of Information Technology - Griffith University
  • Bachelor of Computer Information Systems - University of the Fraser Valley

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Laptop Requirements

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED HARDWARE

  • Intel I7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor or better with chipset that must support virtualization
  • 16 GB of RAM
  • 1 TB hard drive
  • Ethernet Network Card or USB to Ethernet adapter
  • Wireless Network Card
  • One USB 3.0 port (two preferred)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone (headset preferred)

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

  • Windows 10 Professional Edition
previous arrow
next arrow
Slider
Book a campus tour

Interested in visiting our campuses? We'd love to show you around!

Book now!
Contact Us

T: 905.721.3000

Program related questions?
Email
Live Chat
Application related questions?
Email
Live Chat
International Students

T: 905.721.2000 ext. 7697

Contact the International Education office.
Email
Live Chat

Helpful Resources

writing

Have a Question?
Attend a Program Information Webinar

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information

writing

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]

What's Trending at DC

    Photo icon

    Many of the photos on this website were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Future Students
    • Current Students
    • International Students
    • Indigenous Students
    • Professional and Part-time Learning
    • Alumni
    • Parents
    • Employers & Partners
    • Guidance Counsellors
    • Media
    Oshawa Campus

    2000 Simcoe St. N.
    Oshawa, ON, Canada L1G 0C5

    Whitby Campus

    1610 Champlain Avenue
    Whitby, ON, Canada L1N 6A7

    905.721.2000
    dccares@durhamcollege.ca
    Campus Maps

    • Hire a Student
    • Careers at DC
    • Giving to DC
    • Ask DC
    • Staff Directory
    • Smoke-free Campus
    Accessibility |  Legal & Privacy
    • Notice of Service Disruption
    • Info Centre for Employees (ICE)
    • Centre For Academic And Faculty Enrichment
    • Anti-Black Racism Statement
    • Indigenization Statement
    • Land Acknowledgement
    Copyright Durham College 2021
    GTA Top Employer
    Greenest Employer
    Top Employer