Information Technology

Majors

Computer Systems (ITCS):

The ITCS major prepares graduates to undertake IT functions that keep computers, communications platforms, and other information systems installed, connected, maintained, and supported, in order to best support an organization’s workforce and business processes. Students receive in-depth training in 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.

Network Systems (ITNS):

The ITNS major prepares graduates for the analysis, planning, design, installation, and optimization of computer networks and network systems. Students receive in-depth training in network infrastructure that includes router, switch, and server configurations, as well as IP telephony, security, and emerging technologies.

Software Development (ITSD):

The ITSD major prepares graduates for work in a variety of IT functions including the design, development, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software systems. Students receive in-depth training in programming techniques including the design, testing, implementation, and analysis of new and existent programs on multiple hardware and software platforms (e.g. Windows, Web and Linux). Students will simultaneously develop competencies in a variety of programming languages (e.g. Java, C, PHP, XML, PL/SQL, SQL) and with different supporting technologies (e.g. Communications Networks, Databases, Operating Systems).

Telecommunications (ITTC):

The ITTC major trains graduates to be proficient in Telecommunications technologies that facilitate the global transmission of communications data (audio, video, text) through smart phones, tablets, and computing devices via wireless, satellite, and copper/fiber optic cabling technologies. Students receive in-depth training in designing, installing, configuring, commissioning, integrating, maintaining, and administering voice, data, and video networks.

Fast Facts

Your Career

According to the Canadian and Alberta governments, as well as independent research companies such as Forrester’s and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) of Canada, growth in Canada’s IT sector is forecasted to continue to outpace other market segments in the foreseeable future. As such, graduates of this program may enjoy ample and varied opportunities for professional employment.

ITCS: Graduates of the Computer Systems major will possess a well-rounded and strong foundation of skills in IT, and may find rewarding careers among a diverse set of job titles and descriptions. These professionals help keep computers, communications, data centres, mobile devices, and information systems installed, connected, maintained, supported, and secure. Graduates will often start in entry-level technical support roles (e.g., customer support representative, help desk, desktop support level one) and advance into more sophisticated types of IT support as they build experience. These may include support team management, IT security, senior technical analysis, systems administration, and specialization in storage architecture, server administration, or virtualization as related.

ITNS: Graduates of the Network Systems major will possess strong technical skills in designing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and administering enterprise local area networks, and associated servers, security, and storage devices. This major focuses on the network infrastructure of an organization, which involves the storage, retrieval, transmission, and protection of information, and the hardware and software involved in these processes. In addition to comprehensive technical skills, graduates will acquire and demonstrate the professional communications, general business, problem solving, and project management skills required for professional success. Students receive in-depth training on router, switch, and server configuration for support of network infrastructure, data transmission media, wireless, Voice over IP, and new and emerging technologies. The training provided in this major prepares graduates for the highly recognized Cisco CCNA and CCNP industry certifications.

ITSD: Software Developers are required to have a broad set of technical skills covering all aspects of IT system design, development, testing, implementation, and analysis. Such skills often include knowledge of computer hardware, programming, and communications networks and databases. Competencies in all of these areas are integral to the software development process, and graduates of this major will possess a broad, practical knowledge of both software development and the Information Technology profession. As software is integrated into the fabric of everyday life, graduates may find employment with a variety of organization types, in which they work on the development of software systems, often doing so collaboratively in teams made up of other programmers.

ITTC: Graduates of the Telecommunications major will possess technical competencies in IP networking, Voice over IP (VoIP), Optical Transport Networks, Copper and Fiber Outside Plant, CO and PBX switching, Metropolitan and Wide Area Networks (MANs and WANs), and cellular, digital, and wireless technologies. As a result of these and additionally acquired business communications and project management skills, ITTC graduates may find employment as telecommunications technologists, production test technologists, cable technicians, service technicians, telecommunications field engineers, sales and marketing representatives, communication equipment installers, and manufacturing technologists. Professional opportunities exist with telecommunications companies (TELCOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and a wide range of public and private organizations and business that employ their services.

Student Success

Credentials

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Information Technology diploma.

Accreditation

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

First Year

Majors