Computer Systems Technology Program (Online) (T187)
Apply Now:
Domestic Students
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Our Cisco Networking Academy has won the Premier Partner status for two years in a row for our contributions to the success of students and instructors. We support over 35 other Cisco Networking Academies in North America and are one of only a few academies that have an Instructor Trainer status.
Program Overview
The Computer Systems Technology (Online) three-year advanced diploma program will give you what you need to meet the high demand for skilled employees in the tech industry. Designed with extensive input from our industry partners, this program offers two optional specializations in your third year of study. Plus, you’ll get to work on exciting, hands-on projects developing IT solutions.
This program is fully online, including lectures, exams, and class projects. This allows you to:
- Study online from the comfort of home while joining other students across Canada in live, instructor-led classes.
- Access the knowledge and expertise of faculty members embedded in Toronto’s rapidly growing tech industry.
- Develop professional skills in a format convenient to you and your busy weekday commitments.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an online-only program open to domestic students. Regular in-person delivery and International eligibility are available through our Computer Systems Technology (T147) program.
Full Description
The three-year Computer Systems Technology (Online) advanced diploma program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:
- The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
- The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, as well as best practices in Information Technology (IT).
You’ll also be involved in real-life projects or case studies in your third year. You can complete these independently with an industry partner or George Brown’s Office of Research and Innovation. This hands-on experience may include working in teams to develop proposals, plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in information technology. Through some of these exciting projects, our students have helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the GTA.
This program covers all official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum courses. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.
Our college continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment so that all students gain hands-on experience installing and configuring equipment ranging from small offices to enterprise-class hardware and software. Cisco recognized this investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, and designated George Brown as an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, making us part of a select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.
Note: Students who start the program in January (winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).
Technology Requirements
You'll need to have access to a personal computer with the following specifications:
- 16 GB RAM minimum
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal)
- quad-core i7 2.4GHz or better
- video card (2GB RAM minimum/4GB RAM recommended)
- webcam
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.
Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for entry into Ontario college graduate certificate and university degree programs. George Brown currently has articulation agreements with various other post-secondary institutions such as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, McMaster University and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. For further information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| COMP 1151 | IT Essentials |
| COMP 1234 | Introduction To Web Development |
| COMP 1236 | Fundamentals of Computing Logic |
| COMP 1238 | Introduction to Data Management |
| MATH 1162 | Mathematics for Computer Technology I |
Semester 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1176 | Introduction to Networks |
| COMP 1250 | Introduction to Programming |
| COMP 3044 | Linux Essentials |
| COMP 3105 | Enterprise Desktop Operation Systems |
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
| MATH 1172 | Mathematics for Computer Technology II |
Semester 3
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 2064 | Identity Management Services |
| COMP 2148 | Professional Workplace Competencies |
| COMP 2155 | Network Automation |
| COMP 3066 | Linux System Administration |
| COMP3136 | Network Infrastructure |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 2102 | Wireless Technology Fundamentals |
| COMP 2141 | Windows Server Network Infrastructure |
| COMP 2156 | DevOps For System Administration |
| COMP 3061 | Cyber Security Fundamentals |
| COMP 3138 | Enterprise Networking and Automation |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Program Specialization - Choose one set of courses
Students are to pick a specialization in semester five and will be registered in the corresponding courses. Please note that once your specialization is picked in semester five, you will not be able to change in semester six.
Networking Specialization
Semester 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3049 | WLAN Administration |
| COMP 3076 | Network Infrastructure Security |
| COMP 3093 | Infrastructure Virtualization |
| COMP 3098 | Enterprise Network and System Design |
| COMP 3112 | IP Telephony and Streaming Services |
| COMP 3115 | Information Systems Project Management |
Semester 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3094 | ITIL Foundation |
| COMP 3099 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 3107 | Enterprise Network Management |
| COMP 3108 | Cloud Computing Infrastructure |
| COMP 3111 | Broadband and Data Communications |
Systems Specialization
Semester 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3093 | Infrastructure Virtualization |
| COMP 3098 | Enterprise Network and System Design |
| COMP 3102 | Mail Server Administration |
| COMP 3103 | Power Shell Scripting |
| COMP 3114 | Database Administration |
| COMP 3115 | Information Systems Project Management |
Semester 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3094 | ITIL Foundation |
| COMP 3099 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 3108 | Cloud Computing Infrastructure |
| COMP 3121 | System Data Collaboration |
| COMP 3125 | Cybersecurity Operations |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Alternative Study Options: In-person delivery of this program is available; please see Computer Systems Technology (T147) for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
- Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
- Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
- Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
- Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
- Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Program Co-ordinator: Jorge Olenewa
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6809
Email: jolenewa@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Visit Our Campus
The Computer Systems Technology program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 146 Kendal Avenue, Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
Computer Systems Technology Program (Online) (T187)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Leadership Claims
Our Cisco Networking Academy has won the Premier Partner status for two years in a row for our contributions to the success of students and instructors. We support over 35 other Cisco Networking Academies in North America and are one of only a few academies that have an Instructor Trainer status.
Program Overview
The Computer Systems Technology (Online) three-year advanced diploma program will give you what you need to meet the high demand for skilled employees in the tech industry. Designed with extensive input from our industry partners, this program offers two optional specializations in your third year of study. Plus, you'll get to work on exciting, hands-on projects developing IT solutions.
This program is fully online, including lectures, exams, and class projects. This allows you to:
- Study online from the comfort of home while joining other students across Canada in live, instructor-led classes.
- Access the knowledge and expertise of faculty members who are embedded in Toronto’s rapidly growing tech industry.
- Develop professional skills in a format convenient to you and your busy weekday commitments.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an online-only program, open to domestic students. Regular in-person delivery and International eligibility is available through our Computer Systems Technology (T147) program.
Full Description
The three-year Computer Systems Technology (Online) advanced diploma program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:
- The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP), and wireless LANs.
- The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration, and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).
In your third year, you'll also be involved in real-life projects or case studies. You can complete these independently, along with an industry partner or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation. This hands-on experience may include working in teams to develop proposals, plan, set schedules, and achieve specific goals in information technology. Through some of these exciting projects, our students have helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations, and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems, and many other well-known companies in the GTA.
This program covers all courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.
Our college continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP, and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. Cisco recognized this investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, and designated George Brown as an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, making us part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.
Note: Students who start the program in January (winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).
Technology Requirements
You'll need to have access to a personal computer with the following specifications:
- 16 GB RAM minimum
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive (500+ GB is optimal)
- Quad-core i7 2.4GHz or better
- Video card (2GB RAM minimum/4GB RAM recommended)
- Webcam
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.
Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for entry into Ontario college graduate certificate and university degree programs. George Brown currently has articulation agreements with various other post-secondary institutions such as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, McMaster University and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. For further information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
PRINTABLE CURRICULUM PLANNER 2024-2025
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1151 | IT Essentials |
| COMP 1236 | Fundamentals of Computing Logic |
| COMP 1234 | Introduction To Web Development |
| COMP 1238 | Introduction to Data Management |
| MATH 1162 | Mathematics for Computer Technology I |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1176 | Introduction to Networks |
| COMP 3044 | Linux Essentials |
| COMP 1250 | Introduction to Programming |
| COMP 3105 | Enterprise Desktop Operation Systems |
| MATH 1172 | Mathematics for Computer Technology II |
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3136 | Network Infrastructure |
| COMP 2064 | Identity Management Services |
| COMP 2155 | Network Automation |
| COMP 2148 | Professional Workplace Competencies |
| COMP 3066 | Linux System Administration |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3138 | Enterprise Networking and Automation |
| COMP 2102 | Wireless Technology Fundamentals |
| COMP 2141 | Windows Server Network Infrastructure |
| COMP 2156 | DevOps For System Administration |
| COMP 3061 | Cyber Security Fundamentals |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
PROGRAM SPECIALIZATION
CHOOSE ONE SET OF COURSES
Students are to pick a specialization in semester five and will be registered in the corresponding courses. Please note that once your specialization is picked in semester five, you will not be able to change in semester six.
NETWORKING SPECIALIZATION
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3076 | Network Infrastructure Security |
| COMP 3049 | WLAN Administration |
| COMP 3098 | Enterprise Network and System Design |
| COMP 3093 | Infrastructure Virtualization |
| COMP 3112 | IP Telephony and Streaming Services |
| COMP 3115 | Information Systems Project Management |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3094 | ITIL Foundation |
| COMP 3107 | Enterprise Network Management |
| COMP 3108 | Cloud Computing Infrastructure |
| COMP 3099 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 3111 | Broadband and Data Communications |
SYSTEMS SPECIALIZATION
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3102 | Mail Server Administration |
| COMP 3103 | Power Shell Scripting |
| COMP 3114 | Database Administration |
| COMP 3115 | Information Systems Project Management |
| COMP 3098 | Enterprise Network and System Design |
| COMP 3093 | Infrastructure Virtualization |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMP 3094 | ITIL Foundation |
| COMP 3108 | Cloud Computing Infrastructure |
| COMP 3099 | Capstone Project |
| COMP 3125 | Cybersecurity Operations |
| COMP 3121 | System Data Collaboration |
Alternative Study Options: In-person delivery of this program is available; please see Computer Systems Technology (T147) for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
- Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
- Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
- Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
- Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
- Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
School of Computer Technology
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4287
Email: computertechnology@georgebrown.ca
The office hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 – 4 p.m.m.
Program Co-ordinator: Jorge Olenewa
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 6809
Email: jolenewa@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Visit Our Campus
The Computer Systems Technology program is offered through our School of Computer Technology from our Casa Loma Campus at 146 Kendal Avenue, Toronto. Sign up for an information session or campus tour to learn more about George Brown College and the program. You can also explore our virtual tour.
