This joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) diploma-to-degree program will enable you to earn a diploma and a degree in only four years. Experience the best of both learning environments while on the journey to a rewarding career in the computer systems technician field.
In today’s world of personal computers, networking and applications, computer systems technicians are in high demand. You will learn in state-of-the-art labs from professors who are connected to industry. This program is built on partnerships with some of the most influential names in cutting-edge technology today, including Cisco, AWS and Microsoft.
This program was created by Durham College and Ontario Tech University for individuals who plan to take Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) degree program, majoring in Networking and IT Security. The bridging courses required for admission to the degree program are embedded in the curriculum and if you achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in each semester of your Durham College courses and no grade below C in your Ontario Tech courses, you can apply directly to the third year of the degree program. In order to participate in this program, you are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and complete an application to Ontario Tech in the first semester. The Ontario Tech embedded courses are flexible and subject to change by Ontario Tech. Academic planning assistance will be offered to you by a student advisor representative.
As a student participating in this program, you will be registered at Durham College and at Ontario Tech. Ontario Tech offers classes in the evenings and the annual calendars including reading week are generally different. Students are expected to attend all classes that are scheduled. In addition, the two institutions use different learning management systems.
For more information please visit the Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: You will apply to the Computer Systems Technician program at www.ontariocolleges.ca using the CSTU application code. Upon meeting the selection criteria, you may be eligible to complete your Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) degree at Ontario Tech.
- This program enables students to complete the Computer Systems Technician diploma at Durham College (DC) and the Ontario Tech Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) degree at the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) in four years for qualifying students, and at less cost than a four-year degree program.
- This program provides students with the option of proceeding in second year with the college-only curriculum to complete the standard two-year Computer Systems Technician diploma, or proceeding to complete the two-year University Transfer, which will include five university credits. Students who choose to complete the standard college diploma will be required to take one additional General Education elective.
- This unique pathway is available on a shared campus with exposure to college and university faculty, information and opportunities. Students can transfer to the Computer Programming, Computer Programming and Analysis, or Computer Systems Technology programs at DC after the first semester; leave after first year with a Computer Foundations certificate; or leave after second year with a Computer Systems Technician Students who choose to return to complete the Computer Systems Technology program would receive advanced standing.
For more information about the Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech University program please visit our frequently asked questions webpage.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students may choose to pursue the following industry certifications, which could require additional exams and/or related work experience to qualify:
- CompTIA – A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Linux LPIC-1
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Certifications
ACCREDITATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
First-year students enrolled in this program will receive a membership to all eight of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. DC is proud to be one of the only colleges in Ontario offering students this unique connection to business leaders.
The eight Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are:
- Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
- Brock Board of Trade
- Clarington Board of Trade
- Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
- Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce
- Scugog Chamber of Commerce
- Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce
- Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Membership benefits:
- Opportunities to connect with over 2,500 local businesses and jumpstart your career by networking with potential future employers;
- Access to professional development events across Durham Region to gain unique business insights and learn from industry leaders; and
- Learning opportunities to develop the in-demand skills required to launch a successful career.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
AND - Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U) (minimum mark of 60 per cent)
Are you a mature student looking to pursue your dreams and further your education? Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to upgrade your skills or exploring new interests, we offer a wide range of programs and resources tailored to meet your needs and career goals.
We have so much to offer – more than 145 programs taught by industry experts, co-op and hands-on learning opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, two amazing campuses and more.
We understand this may be both exciting and overwhelming, which is why we are here to support you every step of the way. There are lots of ways to connect: visit us on campus, explore our programs, talk directly with a staff member online or at a recruitment event. We are here to answer all your questions so reach out today and see how you belong at DC!
Mature student status refers to applicants who are 19 and older as of the first day of classes without an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent but with the admission required courses. The admission required courses for our full-time programs are noted on each program page, and for some programs, a GED may be considered in place of these requirements.
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
- Associate network engineer
- Computer support specialist
- Database security manager
- Data Centre specialist
- Systems support analyst
- Help desk analyst
- IT analyst
- IT security analyst/specialist
- Network administrator
- Network analyst
- Network security engineer
- Service specialist representative
- System/network manager
- Systems support specialist
- Technical support analyst
WHERE YOU COULD WORK:
- Banks
- Computer and network support companies
- Consulting groups
- Government
- Publishing companies
- Retail corporations
- Self-employment
- Software companies
- Telecommunications companies