Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
A BC information technology (IT) diploma 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 a diploma in Systems Administration and Cybersecurity you can work anywhere in the world in any industry you choose.
In this IT 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. You get career-relevant software and storage to keep after graduation. And you can count on support from your instructors after graduation.
Build real-world IT skills
Your VIU experience will mirror what it's like to work in a professional Information 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 120-hour practicum working in the field. Your instructors come from industry, so they make sure you have experience in the skills you'll need. That includes communication and collaboration skills that give you an edge in your career.
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Hands-on learning
Work with industry equipment
Use enterprise-level hardware to learn networking and server management.
Lab days
Spend Fridays in the lab working on projects with your classmates.
Practicum
Use the 120-hour practicum to build an industry network.
Your career in applied systems and networks
It's hard to find an industry that doesn't depend on information technology. With system administrator and cybersecurity training you can find work in almost any industry. And because this IT program focuses on current technologies and industry practices, your skills will be in high demand.
- network administrator
- IT support technician
- cybersecurity analyst
- solutions architect
- cloud support technician
- systems administrator or IT infrastructure specialist
- penetration tester or ethical hacker
About the Systems Administration and Cybersecurity program
The Systems Administration and Cybersecurity program prepares you for a career working with modern IT systems. The program combines theory with hands-on, project-based learning. You gain technical expertise while developing teamwork, communication and project management skills. You gain practical experience deploying, managing and securing IT systems.
In the first year, you learn about IT hardware, systems administration and secure network management. You get hands-on training, learning to configure and manage:
- IT hardware
- Windows and Linux operating systems
- wired and wireless networks
You also cover:
- secure systems setup
- access control
- cybersecurity fundamentals,
- virtualization and cloud computing
In second year, you deepen their expertise by doing advanced IT services, including:
- directory services
- email and web servers
- cloud-based solutions
You develop skills in advanced network routing and switching while using secure practices in diverse IT environments.
Your cybersecurity training includes:
- penetration testing
- vulnerability management
- intrusion detection
- disaster recovery
- digital forensics
- managing Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
Your hands-on labs and projects focus on automating systems, optimizing performance and defending IT infrastructures against modern threats.
Admission Information
- 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.
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 |
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
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 $815.77 per credit) | 29,367.72 |
| 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 | 31,120.19 |
| Year 2 - 32 credits | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (32 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 26,104.64 |
| 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 | 27,663.48 |
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.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration Diploma program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Admissions Officer:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brandon Britt Email: Brandon.Britt@viu.ca
Comments:
This program requires an interview.
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$153
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Brandon Britt Email: Brandon.Britt@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve-basis. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
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Courses and Concentrations
| 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 |
Related programs
Visit the department site
For more information about this program, including faculty biographies and frequently asked questions, visit the department site.