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All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
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
$50,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,503
Year 2: $7,503
Year 1 (International): $22,683
Year 2 (International): $22,683
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $21,584 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $23,095 (+fees TBD)
*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 for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
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
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Spring or fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
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-354 | 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-354 | 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-354 | 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-354 | 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
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 6,281 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,503 |
| 2 | $6,281 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,503 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,370 | $682 | $288 | $460 | $22,683 |
| 2 | $21,370 | $682 | $288 | $460 | $22,683 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,584 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $23,095 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*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: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
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: $344
- 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.
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.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Orientation details for new students will be provided closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox!
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
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 is approximately $800 - $1,200 per year.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available in late November.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Student Guidelines
Review the student guidelines to learn about the School of Information and Communications Technologies' expectations before you start your studies.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: ict.techstudents@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jessica Ager, Academic Chair (First semester)
Email: jessica.ager@sait.ca
Amos Ngai, Academic Chair (Computer Systems, Network Systems and Telecommunications)
Email: amos.ngai@sait.ca
Erin Gates, Academic Chair (Software Development)
Email: erin.gates@sait.ca
Next steps for students that began in Fall 2020
OrientationOrientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020. To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page. DeliveryAll classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. How to register for classesYou'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is an e-learning program, which means you will be provided with a laptop with all the necessary software required. Find instructions on how to pick-up your e-learning laptop. Required equipment/toolsStudents will require their own:
Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe Fall 2020 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. We recommend you wait to buy your books until your first few days of classes and speak with your instructors. |
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.