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Next information session
There are no events scheduled for this program. Please visit the link below to see all upcoming and on-demand information sessions.
For the Fall 2021 semester, all courses in this program will be delivered online (OA, OS, OR) for first-year (common), Computer Systems, Network Systems and Telecommunications students.
Software Development students will have their courses delivered in a blended format (OA, OS, OR and OF/CLAS). Some courses will be delivered online while others occur on-campus.
Learn more about our course delivery options
Overview
Build a career as an information technology specialist or consultant with this comprehensive program. Prepare for an ever-growing industry through a major in computer systems, network systems, telecommunications or software development.
Information Technology deals with the generation, storage, retrieval, transmission and protection of information and the hardware and software involved in these processes.
For that reason, IT professionals are often called IT specialists/consultants or business process consultants and the division of an organization that deals with computers, software and communication technology are often called the IT department.
The growth of the IT sector in Canada is expected to continue to outpace other market segments in the future according to the Canadian and Alberta governments and independent research companies such as Forrester’s and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) of Canada.
The Information Technology program encompasses four majors: Computer Systems, Network Systems, Software Development and Telecommunications. The first semester is common to all four majors. It is a full-time, two-year diploma program.
| IT Computer Systems major | Prepares ITCS graduates for the IT functions that work with the people and processes that help keep the computers, communications and information systems installed, connected, maintained and supported. Students receive in-depth training on computer hardware and peripheral systems, server and system administration, operating systems, data center management and virtualization, networking, and IT security. In addition, students develop skills in interpersonal communications and teamwork, customer service protocols, business applications and problem-solving techniques. |
| IT Network Systems major | Prepares ITNS graduates for the analysis, planning, design, installation and optimization of computer networks and network systems. Students receive in-depth training on network infrastructure that includes router, switch and server configurations, plus IP telephony, security and emerging technologies. The training provided in this major prepares graduates for the highly recognized Cisco CCNA and CCNP industry certifications. |
| IT Software Development major | Prepares ITSD graduates for work in a variety of IT activities including the design, development, implementation, testing and maintenance of software systems. Students receive in-depth training in programming techniques as well as analysis, design, implementation and testing of new programs on multiple hardware and software platforms (e.g. Windows, Web and Linux) using a variety of programming languages (e.g. Java, C, PHP, XML, PL/SQL, SQL) and different supporting technologies (e.g. Communications Networks, Databases, Operating Systems). |
| Telecommunications major | Prepares ITT graduates to be proficient in Telecommunications technologies that facilitate the Global Transmission of voice, video, data, text, and audio using smartphones, tablets and computing devices via media such as wireless, satellite and copper/fibre optic cabling technologies. Students receive in-depth training on designing, installing, configuring, commissioning, integrating, maintaining and administering voice, data and video networks. |
Is this the right fit for me?
Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:
- working knowledge of MS Office Suite would be an asset
- enjoys keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continues to take training and enjoy learning new skills
- managing your time and work effectively while facing deadlines
- working independently with little supervision but can also perform as a vital member of a team of professionals
- ability to pay attention to detail and take personal pride in their technical problem-solving skills.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Information Technology.
Career opportunities
Career potential for graduates of this program vary by major. Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- Computer Systems: customer support analyst, help desk support, desktop support, IT security, server administrator
- Network Systems: network technician, network administrator, deployment technician, desktop support technician, network analyst, local area network (LAN) administrator, remote operations technician
- Software Development: computer programmer, software developer, programmer analyst, application programmer
- Telecommunications: telecommunications technologist, production test technologist, cable technician, service technician, associated field engineer, sales and marketing, communication equipment installer, manufacturing technologist
Related careers include:
- management consultant
- data administrator
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $8,053
Year 2: $8,053
Year 1 (International): $22,917
Year 2 (International): $23,772
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021.
- Applications for spring 2022 open June 14, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | April 29, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 11, 2022 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Dec. 19, 2022 |
Changing tracks for a changing world
Melisa Carnovale worked in the restaurant industry for 12 years before deciding she needed a change. She knew in an increasingly digital world there was a future in IT, so she enrolled in Information Technology – Computer Systems at SAIT.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Winter 2022 start: applications open March 31, 2021.
- Spring 2022 start: applications open June 14, 2021.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, or at least 60% in Math 30-2 or Applied Math 30,
- At least 55% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.
- 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.
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 Information Technology and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades
- 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.
Communication during selection
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 ict.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-211 | Computer Hardware and Operating System Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPP-269 | Computer Programming Essentials | 3.0 |
| CMPS-237 | Information Technology Foundations | 3.0 |
| COMM-256 | Professional Communications and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| CPNT-220 | Introduction to Networking | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Computer System Major
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-252 | Systems Hardware I | 3.0 |
| CMPS-254 | Computer Operating Systems | 3.0 |
| CMPS-275 | Client-Server Administration | 3.0 |
| CPRG-260 | Scripting for System Administrators | 3.0 |
| HREL-250 | Business Dynamics | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Computer Systems Major | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Computer Systems Major | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPH-308 | Data Center Systems and Storage | 3.0 |
| CMPS-305 | Server Service Administration | 3.0 |
| CPRG-302 | Web Essentials | 3.0 |
| ITSC-311 | Information Technology Security I | 3.0 |
| PROJ-304 | Project Preparation | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Computer Systems Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-368 | Data Center Management and Virtualization | 3.0 |
| INTP-354 | Service Management | 3.0 |
| INTP-362 | Emerging Trends in Technology | 3.0 |
| ITSC-321 | IT Security II | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Computer Systems Major | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Computer Systems Major | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Computer Systems Major | 60.0 | |
Network Systems Major
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-275 | Client Server Administration | 3.0 |
| CPNT-254 | Switching and Routing Essentials | 3.0 |
| CPRG-261 | Scripting for Network Administrators | 3.0 |
| ELCM-254 | Structured Cabling | 3.0 |
| HREL-250 | Business Dynamics | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Network Systems Major | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Network Systems Major | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-313 | Voice over Internet Protocol | 3.0 |
| CMPN-332 | Advanced Routing | 3.0 |
| CMPS-305 | Server Service Administration | 3.0 |
| ITSC-359 | Network Security Techniques | 3.0 |
| PROJ-304 | Project Preparation | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Network Systems Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-361 | Server Management | 3.0 |
| CMPN-371 | Wireless Networks | 3.0 |
| CMPN-383 | Server Virtualization | 3.0 |
| CMPN-386 | Advanced Networking and Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Network Systems Major | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Network Systems Major | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Network Systems Major | 60.0 | |
Software Development Major
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-253 | Interface Design | 3.0 |
| CPRG-250 | Database Design and Programming | 3.0 |
| CPRG-251 | Object Oriented Programming Essentials | 3.0 |
| CPRG-256 | Website Development Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| HREL-250 | Business Dynamics | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Software Development Major |
15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Software Development Major |
30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-303 | Object Oriented Software Analysis and Design | 3.0 |
| CPRG-307 | Database Programming and Testing | 3.0 |
| CPRG-311 | Advanced Object-Oriented Programming | 3.0 |
| CPRG-352 | Web Application Programming | 3.0 |
| PROJ-304 | Project Preparation | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Software Development Major | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-369 | Operating Systems for Software Developers | 3.0 |
| DBAD-300 | Introduction to Database Administration | 3.0 |
| INTP-362 | Emerging Trends in Technology | 3.0 |
| ITSC-315 | Security for Software Developers | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Software Development Major |
15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Software Development Major |
30.0 | |
| Program Total - Software Development Major | 60.0 | |
Telecommunications Major
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPS-275 | Client-Server Administration | 3.0 |
| CPNT-254 | Switching and Routing Essentials | 3.0 |
| ELCM-254 | Structured Cabling | 3.0 |
| ELTR-251 | Electronics for Information Technology | 3.0 |
| HREL-250 | Business Dynamics | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total - Telecom Systems Major |
15.0 | |
| First Year Total - Telecom Systems Major | 30.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CMPN-313 | Voice over Internet Protocol | 3.0 |
| CPNT-301 | WAN and ISP Routing | 3.0 |
| ELCM-252 | Digital Transmission Techniques | 3.0 |
| ELCM-303 | Wireless Telecommunications | 3.0 |
| PROJ-304 | Project Preparation | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Telecom Systems Major |
15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPNT-351 | Multi-Protocol Label Switching and IP QoS | 3.0 |
| ELCM-306 | PBX Switching Principles | 3.0 |
| ELCM-308 | Service Provider Access Technologies | 3.0 |
| ELCM-363 | Wide Area Networking Transport Technologies | 3.0 |
| PROJ-309 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Telecom Systems Major |
15.0 | |
| Second Year Total- Telecom Systems Major |
30.0 | |
| Program Total - Telecom Systems Major |
60.0 | |
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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Business Academy Aarhus, Denmark
- Griffith University
- NAIT
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Lethbridge
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
To learn more, visit transfer options.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,720 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $8,053 |
| 2 | $6,720 | $792.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $8,053 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,584 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $22,917 |
| 2 | $22,439 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $23,772 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $252
- 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 for the first year and $500 for the second year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out 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.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Sept. 2. Watch your inbox for the time and location.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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.
Required equipment/tools
Students will require their own cloud computing services subscription which is approximately $800 - $1,200 per year.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to 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 D2Lbefore the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
The required textbooks will be discussed within the first few weeks of classes.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
ict.techstudents@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jessica Ager, Academic Chair (First semester)
jessica.ager@sait.ca
Amos Ngai, Academic Chair (Computer Systems, Network Systems and Telecommunications)
amos.ngai@sait.ca
Erin Gates, Academic Chair (Software Development)
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.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Meet some of the instructors
Instructor
Instructor