Information Technology

• Two-year Diploma
• Fall Start
• e-Learning

Program Description

Information Technology deals with the use of computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and retrieve information. For that reason, computer 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 is 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.

The Information Technology program encompasses four majors: Computer Systems, Network Systems, Software Development and Telecom Systems. There is a common first semester, then you move into the major that you will have selected during the registration process. It is a full-time, two-year diploma program. This program will also utilize an e-Learning (SAIT issued laptop computer) instructional delivery method.

Your Career

Computer Systems Major: Graduates of the Computer Systems major will have rewarding careers with a diverse set of job titles and descriptions. They help keep computers, communications and information systems installed, connected, maintained, supported and secure. Graduates will often start in entry-level tech support roles (customer support representative, help desk, desktop support level one, etc.) and advance to more sophisticated levels of IT support roles (levels two and three, in larger corporations), management of support teams, or specialize into storage, server administration, or IT security areas. Graduates will have a well-rounded and strong foundation to begin their careers in the growing field of IT technical systems and support, with the opportunity to advance into senior technical analyst, systems administration and IT management roles.

Network Systems Major: Graduates of the Network Systems major will have strong technical skills in designing, installing, configuring, maintaining and administering local, municipal and wide area networks. This major focuses on the network infrastructure of an organization from OSI layers one through seven, but also includes significant discussion of related topics including security, network operating systems and network management (including wireless) and Voice over IP (VoIP). In addition to comprehensive technical skills, graduates will acquire and demonstrate the professional communications, general business, problem solving and project management skills required for success in industry. Students receive in depth training on router, switch and server configuration for support of network infrastructure, data transmission media, and new and emerging technologies. Students also receive the training required for industry recognized certifications.

Software Development Major: Graduates of the Software Development major will assist with the development of software applications, work collaboratively with teams to design new software, create software on multiple platforms (Windows, Web, Linux) use various languages (i.e. Java, C, .NET, PHP, XML, PL/SQL, SQL) and utilize different technologies (i.e. networks, databases, operating systems, ERP). Graduates can start in a junior position and work their way up to more advanced levels of Software Development or go into specialty areas. This is a field that graduates, right out of a post-secondary institution, can excel at.

Telecom Systems Major: Graduates of the Telecom Systems major may find employment as a telecom technologist, production test technologist, cable technician, service technician, associated field engineer, sales and marketing, communication equipment installer and manufacturing technologist. They will be proficient in designing, installing, configuring, commissioning, integrating, maintaining and administering voice, data, and video networks owned by telecommunications companies (TELCOs) or Internet Service Providers (ISP). They also find careers in a wide range of businesses, industries, and government institutions. Technical competencies will include IP networking, Voice over IP (VoIP), fiber optic transport, copper, fiber and outside plant, CO and PBX switching, wide area networks (WAN), cellular, digital and wireless. Business, communications and project management skills will also be taught.

Admission Requirements

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 50% in Pure Math 30 or 65% in Applied Math 30 (applicants with Applied Math 30 will enter in selection - see Selection Criteria below), and 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 65% in English Language Arts 30-2.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• For upgrading options, please refer to the Academic Upgrading program.
• For international students, please refer to the International section.
• For mature students, please refer to the Admissions section.
• Advance credit may be granted to applicants who have completed equivalent education at a post-secondary institution or have demonstrated equivalent experiential learning. Please refer to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Selection Criteria (2010-2011)

Meeting the Admission Requirements is the first step in the selection process. Students will be interviewed in person or by telephone to ascertain appropriate program selection and probability of success.  Applicants at or near minimum requirements may be asked to do an assessment to ensure they have the necessary skills for the program. Please contact the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for more information.

Student Success

Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:

• A working knowledge of MS Office Suite would be an asset.
• Enjoy keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continue 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.

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.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Information Technology.

Accreditation

For information about accreditation for each major, please call the School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) at 403.284.8543.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 per year, depending on the major.
• A $500 security deposit to use a SAIT issued laptop.

Program Outline (2010-2011)

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (I.E. DMST-350) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.
• The learning environment is an in-class blended delivery which incorporates traditional instructor-lead instruction and discussions enhanced with computer-based presentations and simulation software. Additionally, most courses incorporate laboratory exercises that are designed to realize theoretical principles into real-world applications and situations.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8543
E-mail: ict.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

Transfer with Diploma to…

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Griffith University
• Memorial University
• NAIT
• SAIT Polytechnic
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge (Co-op Education)
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John
• University of Victoria

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar