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.
During this intensive 32-week certificate, you will develop skills in leading-edge technologies including 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. This experience is further bolstered by a mandatory 8-week practicum that completes the program, 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 also become 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.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- network systems specialist
- network support analyst
- help desk analyst
- network support specialist
- IT consultant
Related careers include:
- network systems administrator
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $15,362
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $23,316.98
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits 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.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Oct. 31, 2022 | May 5, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Oct. 30, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
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Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021 to Oct. 17, 2022.
- Spring 2023 start: applications are accepted from June 13, 2022.
- Fall 2023 start: applications are accepted beginning Oct. 5, 2022.
Fast-track program
This is an intensive fast-track program, with all courses delivered, full-time, Monday to Friday.
Students enrolled in this program should be available to attend lecture, from 8 am - 3 pm and lab time, from 3 pm - 5 pm.
Ideal applicant
The ideal candidate for the Network Systems Specialist (NSS) program is a motivated, mature learner with an interest in computer networking, who wants to specialize or to 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
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent, OR,
- A minimum of two years 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. Find more information here.
Due to the tight integration of the courses in the Network Technician (NT) program, credit for prior learning is not available.
Direct Entry: four-step process
Please complete these steps to learn more about the program you have chosen and confirm that this is the right training for you for your chosen career path.
Step 1: Read the program information on the website and review this program presentation to learn more about student expectations during the program..
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed.
Step 3: Apply for 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 changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NETT-350 | Network Systems Specialist 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 |
| NETT-350 | Network Systems Specialist 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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $421
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $13,893 | $916 | $553 | $15,362 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $662.06
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $21,847.98 | $916 | $553 | $23,316.98 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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 tuition and financial aid.
*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 will be announced soon. Watch your inbox and mySAIT schedule for further details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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.
