Information Technology and Applied Systems – Systems Administration and Cybersecurity Diploma | Vancouver Island University

Program Length

2 Years

Credential

Diploma

Location Offered

Nanaimo

A career that can take you anywhere

Are you a practical problem-solver looking for a future-proof career? System administrators make the internet run, and they solve many other technology problems. With training in this field, you can work anywhere in the world in any industry you choose.

In this program, you get your own workstation – you don’t share one with hundreds of other students. Instructors come to your classroom, which you share with the same cohort of students throughout the program. This leads to a strong sense of community and lifelong friendships. In addition to the skills you need for a successful career, you leave the program with career-relevant software and storage. And you can count on support from your instructors after graduation.

Experience that gives you an edge

Your VIU experience will mirror what it’s like to work in a professional Internet Technology (IT) environment. You get to work with enterprise-level hardware. And you work on real machines, not simulators. You can use your labs and projects in your professional portfolio.

The program features a 100- to 120-hour practicum working in the field. Your instructors come from industry, so they make sure you have hands-on experience in the skills you’ll need. That includes communication and collaboration skills that give you an edge in your career.

System administrator and networking career options

It’s hard to find an industry that doesn’t depend on computers. With system administrator and networking training you can find work in almost any industry. And because this program focuses on current technologies and industry practices, your skills will be in high demand. In addition to system administration and networking roles, you can pursue a career as:

IT technician
cybersecurity analyst
cloud computing specialist

The Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration and Networking Diploma Program

The ITAS - Systems Administration and Cybersecurity program prepares students for careers in the design, implementation, operation, and security of modern IT systems. The program combines rigorous theoretical and technical education with hands-on, project-based learning to create graduates who are well-equipped to meet industry demands. Using an up-to-date curriculum developed in consultation with industry partners, the ITAS program focuses on building a student's technical expertise, while developing teamwork, communication, and project management skills. This approach aligns with VIU's graduation attributes and ensure students are adaptable, highly skilled, and career-ready.

The program emphasizes key areas such as systems administration, network management, cybersecurity, virtualization, and cloud computing. Students gain practical experience deploying, managing, and securing IT systems, preparing them for dynamic careers in a rapidly evolving field.

ITAS - Systems Administration and Cybersecurity is offered as a two-year diploma program. Each academic year consists of two 4-month terms, with a 120-hour practicum work experience session at the end of the first academic year, providing students with valuable real-world experience.

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in IT hardware, systems administration, and secure network management. Through hands-on training, students configure and manage IT hardware, Windows and Linux operating systems, and wired and wireless networks. The curriculum incorporates secure systems setup, access control, and cybersecurity fundamentals, along with an introduction to virtualization and cloud computing, emphasizing reliability and security.

The second year, students deepen their expertise by administering advanced IT services, including directory services, E-mail and web servers, and cloud-based solutions. Students develop skills in advanced network routing and switching while implementing secure practices in diverse IT environments. Cybersecurity training includes penetration testing, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, disaster recovery, digital forensics, and managing Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Hands-on labs and projects focus on automating systems, optimizing performance, and defending IT infrastructures against modern threats.

Graduates of the program receive a diploma in Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration and Cybersecurity.

Year 1	Credits
ITAS 141 - (Windows Administration and Security I - Hybrid Infrastructure)	4
ITAS 164 - (Information Technology Project Management Essentials)	4
ITAS 166 - (Secure Cloud Computing I)	4
ITAS 167 - (Applied Hardware and Operating Systems)	4
ITAS 175 - (Network Infrastructure Fundamentals)	4
ITAS 176 - (Network Security - Routing and Switching I)	4
ITAS 181 - (Linux Server Management)	4
ITAS 185 - (Introduction to Programming)	4
ITAS 195T* - (Practicum)	4
Total Credits	36

* Intersession course.

Year 2	Credits
ITAS 241 - (Windows Administration and Security II - Directory Services)	4
ITAS 242 - (Windows Administration and Security III - Advanced Services)	4
ITAS 267 - (Secure Cloud Computing II)	4
ITAS 281 - (Linux Infrastructure and Security)	4
ITAS 288 - (Database Administration and Design)	4
ITAS 292 - (Ethical Hacking and Cyber Defense I)	4
ITAS 293 - (Ethical Hacking and Cyber Defense II)	4
ITAS 296 - (Network Security - Routing and Switching II)	4
Total Credits	32

Completion Requirements

Students should expect to spend 20 hours a week in the classroom, and an additional 15 - 20 hours per week on homework and assignments. Students must pass all courses and obtain a "C+" average in each term to be eligible to continue in the program and/or to receive an ITAS credential.

General admission requirements apply.
Letter of application describing reasons for wanting to take the program (500 - 1,000 words). Include name and contact information, including email. A handout is available outlining the required content of application letter – see the Admissions Department, or email the Department Chair (see below).
Interview.

Recommendations for Admission

One of Principles of Mathematics 12, Applications of Mathematics 12, or Foundations of Mathematics 12.
Two years' previous experience with computers, including experience installing and maintaining operating systems, and using office productivity software.
ICT 11 & 12 (High School Info Tech).

Notes on Admission

Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

This program is open to full-time students only.
Interview will only be granted after all other admission requirements are met.
Students are not required to bring their own computer systems. High-end workstations are provided in the ITAS Labs for student use.
Consideration will be given to mature students without Grade 12; however, they must complete all prerequisites or equivalents.

Typical employment sectors and job roles include:

Cybersecurity Analyst – Monitor networks, detect and respond to threats, conduct vulnerability assessments, and support digital forensics and incident response.
Systems Administrator / IT Infrastructure Specialist – Manage, secure, and optimize enterprise IT environments across Windows and Linux platforms.
Cloud Support Technician / Cloud Solutions Associate – Deploy and manage cloud-based services using providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Network Administrator / Network Security Specialist – Design, configure, and maintain wired and wireless network infrastructures, with a focus on secure routing and switching.
DevOps Support / Automation Specialist – Use scripting and configuration management tools to automate infrastructure deployment and maintenance processes.
IT Support Specialist / Technical Support Analyst – Provide frontline support and troubleshooting in diverse environments, from enterprise to managed service providers.
IT Consultant / Solutions Architect – Assist businesses in designing tailored IT solutions to meet strategic goals and compliance requirements.
Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker – Identify and test system vulnerabilities to help organizations strengthen their security posture.

Graduates may also find opportunities in:

Managed Services Providers (MSPs)
Educational institutions
Government and municipal IT departments
Healthcare and finance industries
Retail and e-commerce technology teams
Non-profit and Indigenous community IT services

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Year 1 - 36 credits	Amount
Tuition (36 credits x $169.73 per credit)	6,110.28
Lab fee	121.90
Student Activity fee (9 months x $20.37 per month)	183.33
Student Services fee (9 months x $22.49 per month)	202.41
VIU Students' Union fee (9 months x $28.87 per month)	259.83
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year)	285.00
Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies	700.00
Total	7,862.75

Year 2 - 32 credits	Amount
Tuition (32 credits x $169.73 per credit)	5,431.36
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month)	162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month)	179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month)	230.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year)	285.00
Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies	700.00
Total	6,990.20

Notes

Some applicants may already hold industry certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, or others.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees