Computer Systems Technician (CSN)

Co-op Option (CSNC)

Start in January, May, September

PGWP-eligible Program

Study Option

Full-time & Part-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Information Technology Administration & Security

About the Computer Systems Technician (CSN) Program

The Computer Systems Technician diploma program offers you the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of the ever-changing field of information technology administration. You will enhance your abilities by completing practical, hands-on training in networking, operating systems, security and cloud computing.

Your studies will teach you to design and implement wireless, local/wide area and software-defined networks; how to work with and configure open source and proprietary operating systems; and how to work on premises and in the cloud taking you into the future of IT administration.

Computer Requirements

16 GB RAM minimum
256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB would be better)
Quad-core i7 2.4GHz or better
Video card (2GB RAM minimum/4GB RAM recommended)
Webcam

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

Internet of Things
Linux/UNIX administration
Microsoft administration
wireless networks
software-defined networks
cloud services
maintenance and security
analyze and resolve information technology problems
system design and installation

Program Duration

Study at your own pace: In this program you’ll have the flexibility to choose how many courses you want to take each term. Students who study full-time can complete this program in as little as two years (four semesters). Duration will depend on the number of courses taken each term. See courses for more information.

Maximum completion time: In accordance with ministry requirements, all students must complete the program within four years of being admitted.

Work Experience

Optional Co-op

This program offers the option to complete a co-op work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. If you are interested in completing a co-op work term, apply to the PROGRAMNAME program.

If you select the co-op stream you will have the opportunity to participate in a co-op term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. You will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-co-op stream at any time. The co-op term(s) is typically a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. The co-op search is student-driven and participation in the co-op stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, you will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the co-op term. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional co-op stream, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.

The co-op work term can be completed in person, online or in a hybrid format, depending on the hiring organization.

Review eligibility requirements for work-integrated learning.

Start in	Study Option	Location	Availability
Jan. 2027	Full-time	Newnham	Open
Jan. 2027	Part-time	Newnham	Open
May 2027	Full-time	Newnham	Open
May 2027	Part-time	Newnham	Open
Sept. 2027	Full-time	Newnham	Open
Sept. 2027	Part-time	Newnham	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Start in	Study Option	Location	Availability
Sept. 2026	Full-time	Newnham	Closed
Jan. 2027	Full-time	Newnham	Open
May 2027	Full-time	Newnham	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements. (CIP code: 15.1202)

International students: Studying part-time is not an available option as this will impact your study permit and PGWP eligibility. Review the requirements before choosing your program and study option.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

International students planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): You must maintain full-time status and if you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend classes in person. Review the PGWP requirements before choosing your program delivery options as studying online may affect your PGWP eligibility.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

Technical support specialist
Network administrator
Local-area network/Personal computer technician
Computer network technician
Helpdesk support

Professional Certification

To demonstrate expertise in the cybersecurity field, graduates of this program can pursue certification through the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium (ISC2), a global leader in cybersecurity certification. Seneca has partnered with ISC2 to offer preparation courses that prepare students to write the ISC2 certification exams.

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

IT & Security Labs

You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art IT Admin & Security labs, preparing you for your in-demand career.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has an optional co-op to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.

Degree Pathways

Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.

Prior Experience

Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.

What Our Graduates Say

Sohail Zahidbhai

Graduate, Computer Systems Technician

“I would highly recommend Seneca Polytechnic to any student considering higher education. The Computer Systems Technician (CSN) program offered a perfect balance of theory and hands-on experience, preparing me for real-world challenges. The supportive environment, resources and networking opportunities made it an excellent choice to build a strong foundation for my career.”