Available Intakes
Start date
Start date
Overview
In our interconnected world, strong, resilient and scalable computer networks are critical to industry success. Through classroom training and practical application, this program will help you develop skills and competencies in computer network design, maintenance and support, to get you career-ready as a network systems specialist.
You will learn from leading-edge courses in cloud and server administration, virtualized infrastructure, and Linux administration. You’ll also become a member of the Cisco Networking Academy to specialize in computer networking, troubleshooting, and security.
As a result of the practical focus of this program, you will gain valuable experience solving technical problems and providing solutions that are on-time and within scope, preparing you for a successful career in the information technology (IT) field.
Is this the right fit for me?
This is an intensive program requiring a significant commitment of time and energy. Students who are successful in this program typically:
- have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
- make their education a priority (including engaging in consistent self-study throughout the program)
- have experience with computer hardware and/or operating and networking systems (an asset, but not required).
Accreditation
By the end of the program, graduates will have the knowledge to challenge the Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) exams.
With additional work experience and exam preparation, graduates may be prepared to challenge other relevant industry exams, including the CompTIA A+ and VMWare certifications.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Network Systems Specialist certificate.
Get important updates about our business and tech programs
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $16,030
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $24,157.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Ideal applicant
The ideal candidate for the Network Systems Specialist (NSS) program is a motivated, mature learner interested in computer networking, who wants to specialize or upgrade their existing skills.
You are technically proficient and detail-oriented. Your approach to problem-solving is both creative and logical, depending on the circumstances. You work well as part of a team and enjoy interacting with others. You possess a good working knowledge of operating systems and computer hardware. You are probably the person your friends and family go to when they have computer problems.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent OR
- a minimum of two years of post-secondary education from a recognized university, institute, or college.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Due to the tight integration of the courses in the Network Technician (NT) program, credit for prior learning is not available.
Previous computer operating systems, cloud technologies and/or networking experience gained through education, industry experience, industry certifications, or completion of online tutorial related to computer operating systems or networking is strongly recommended.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Oct. 30, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 |
Courses
Program outline
The courses listed are not shown in the instructional order. Due to the nature of the fast-track programs some courses may be modified or replaced.
This is a 32-week fast-track certificate offered over multiple semesters.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Fall program start
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-239 | IT Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPN-276 | Internetworks Level I | 3.0 |
| CPLN-240 | Career Planning and Management | 1.5 |
| NETT-270 | Linux Installation and Administration | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 9.0 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-277 | Internetworks Level II | 3.0 |
| CMPN-287 | Internetworks Level III | 3.0 |
| CPNT-209 | Network Resilience and Scalability | 3.0 |
| CPNT-216 | Virtualized Infrastructure | 3.0 |
| CPNT-223 | Network Security | 3.0 |
| NETT-262 | Network Design and Implementation Project | 3.0 |
| NETT-275 | Cloud and Server Administration | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 21.0 |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-249 | Career Advancement Practicum | 3.0 |
| Program total | 33.0 |
Spring program start
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-239 | IT Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPN-276 | Internetworks Level I | 3.0 |
| CMPN-277 | Internetworks Level II | 3.0 |
| CMPN-287 | Internetworks Level III | 3.0 |
| CPLN-240 | Career Planning and Management | 1.5 |
| CPNT-216 | Virtualized Infrastructure | 3.0 |
| NETT-270 | Linux Installation and Administration | 1.5 |
| NETT-275 | Cloud and Server Administration | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 21.0 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPNT-209 | Network Resilience and Scalability | 3.0 |
| CPNT-223 | Network Security | 3.0 |
| NETT-262 | Network Design and Implementation Project | 3.0 |
| PRAC-249 | Career Advancement Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 12.0 | |
| Program total | 33.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $14,157 | $1,105 | $768 | $16,030 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5** | $22,284.90 | $1,105 | $768 | $24,157.90 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
**.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held online on October 26. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Students may also be required to purchase hosted virtual lab tools at their own expense.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Erin Gates, Academic Chair
erin.gates@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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