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Systems and Network Administration

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Systems and Network Administration

  • Program Code: 9A5
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Business & Information Technology
  • Area: Information Technology
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
Unavailable Delivery Options
Domestic:
C
Prince Philip Drive
International:
C
Prince Philip Drive

This program was formerly known as Computer Systems and Networking.

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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2026
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2026

Applications closed for the Prince Philip Drive Campus.

All systems go.
 
As organizations and businesses face rapidly emerging technologies, they must build on their IT resilience and opportunity to meet the future head on.
 
IT support is key. With great attention to detail, technical savvy and strong communication skills, systems and network professionals are in great demand across all sectors. They know how the technology behind servers, networks and cloud platforms work together to keep businesses, schools and organizations running.
 
With this Systems and Network Administration program, you will hone your innate skills and gain the technical knowledge and real-world experience needed to design, install, secure and manage computer systems and networks. You will work with both hardware and software systems, learning how to set up user accounts, configure devices, troubleshoot problems and manage security policies. You will explore how to build and maintain local and wide-area networks (LANs and WANs), install and manage Windows and Linux servers, and use virtualization and cloud technologies that are standard across the IT industry.
 
Hands-on learning is a key part of this diploma. Teamwork, ethics and problem-solving are emphasized, preparing you for true work environments. You will spend time in labs and project-based courses where you practice the same tasks you’ll perform on the job. In your capstone project, you will apply project management principles as you design and present a complete system or network solution to a challenge, demonstrating your ability to connect theory to practice.
 
In your last semester, you will complete a 15-week work term, giving you valuable on-the-job experience. This placement helps you apply what you’ve learned, build confidence, and make professional connections in the industry.
 
As a student in the Systems and Network Administration program, you’ll benefit from CNA’s strong partnerships with global industry leaders. The program is aligned with several industry recognized education programs, including the Cisco Networking Academy, Fortinet Academic Partner Training Institute, AWS Academy, and Microsoft Learn. These partnerships provide access to real-world tools, simulation environments, and vendor training resources that reinforce in-class learning.
 
By the time you graduate, you are ready to start your career in IT infrastructure, network administration or technical support, or continue your studies in CNA’s Bachelor of Applied Information Technology: Systems and Network Cybersecurity degree program.
 
The future starts here.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon Web Services and Fortinet tools and technologies that are used in industry
  • Train in labs that mirror today’s IT environments
  • Complete courses that can lead to industry certifications like Network+ and CCNA
  • Ladder into CNA’s Bachelor of Applied Information Technology: Systems and Network Cybersecurity degree after graduation
  • Learn from instructors with real industry experience and strong employer connections
  • Build skills that support greener, more sustainable IT practices

DID YOU KNOW?

  • CNA is the only accredited Cisco Academy Instructor Training Centre in Atlantic Canada; you will learn from certified instructors and could pursue globally recognized certifications as part of your studies.
  • The need for skilled professionals who keep networks and systems running continues to grow.  It is projected in Canada to reach 1.46 million in roles like systems and network administration.[1]
  • The program goes beyond classroom theory. You’ll work with Microsoft 365, Azure, Fortinet, and leading virtualization platforms, building practical skills that employers need right now.
  • Graduates of the program complete their studies with the skills needed to write the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
  • The Government of Canada Job Bank reports strong employment prospects for computer network and web technicians and user support specialists across most provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador. That means your skills will be in demand close to home and across the country.[2]
  • The program emphasizes sustainability and responsible technology use. Students learn how to configure systems for energy efficiency, extend hardware lifecycles, and reduce electronic waste, supporting both industry needs and environmental goals. [3]
 

 
 

 

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the Systems and Network Administration program graduates will be able to:

  1. Provide technical support and troubleshooting for computer systems and users.
  2. Install, configure, and maintain computer hardware, operating systems, and network software.
  3. Support and administer local-area networks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs), and network services.
  4. Design and implement integrated computer and network systems that meet organizational needs.
  5. Plan and implement information security practices and policies consistent with industry standards.
  6. Interpret and apply industry procedures, policies, and standards in the workplace.
  7. Demonstrate effective teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills in collaborative environments.
  8. Demonstrate self-awareness and professional growth strategies for ongoing career development.
  9. Apply sustainable and ethical practices in system and network administration.

REFERENCES

[1] CompTIA. (2025, January 27). Canada’s growing tech industry and workforce highlighted in new CompTIA report. Retrieved from https://www.comptia.org/en/about-us/news/press-releases/canadas-growing-tech-industry-and-workforce-highlighted-in-new-comptia-report/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[2] Government of Canada. (2024). Job Bank: Explore careers – Computer network and web technicians (NOC 22220) and User support technicians (NOC 22221). Retrieved from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home 
[3] United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York, NY: United Nations. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals

 

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT

  • Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Systems and Network Administration diploma program are eligible for admission to Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland's Bachelor of Technology degree program. Students admitted may satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Technology degree program by succesfully completing thirteen courses (39 credit hours).

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission to Systems & Network Administration program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria: 
 
1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (60% minimum)
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:

Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii.        Five credits at the 3000 Level
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i.          English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii.         Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Business-Related College Profile (with a 60% overall average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i.          English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii.         Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4.   Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the educational prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
 
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
 

Courses

 

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
CM1400 Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
MA1521 Applied Mathematics for SNA 3 3 1
CP1923 Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting 4 3 2
CR1107 Network Fundamentals 4 3 3
CR1020 Desktop Application Support 3 2 2
CP3126 PowerShell & CLI Basics 3 2 2
CR1120 Introduction to the Field of IT and Ethics 0 1 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
CM1401 Technical Report Writing II 3 3 0
CR1035 Introduction to Linux 4 3 2
CP1927 Desktop OS Troubleshooting 4 3 2
CP1466 Windows Server Administration 4 3 2
CR2402 Switching, Routing & Wireless 4 3 3
CR1260 Client Service for the IT Industry 2 2 1
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
CR3456 Scripting with Bash 3 2 2
CM2200 Oral Communications 2 2 0
EP1110 Introduction to Business 4 4 0
The Lecture and Lab hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. In intersession, the Lecture and Lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length.
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
CR2520 Linux Server Administration 4 3 2
CP2291 Advanced Windows Enterprise Server 4 3 2
CR2180 Virtualization & Cloud I 4 3 2
CR2903 Enterprise Network Security & Automation 4 3 3
CP2730 Project Management and Analysis 3 2 2
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
CR2242 Information Systems Security 4 3 2
CR2290 Virtualization & Cloud II 4 3 2
CR2460 Microsoft 365 Administration 4 3 2
CR2480 Enterprise Endpoint Management 4 3 2
CR2970 Capstone Project 4 3 2
CR2270 SNA WT Orientation 0 2 0
         
Semester 6   Cr Le La
WT1185 Work Term 5   15 wks

 

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Systems and Network Administration program are prepared for a wide range of careers in both public and private sectors, including:

  • Computer Network Technician
  • User Support Technician / IT Support Specialist
  • Systems Administrator / Network Administrator
  • Cloud Support Specialist (Microsoft Azure, AWS, or hybrid environments)
  • IT Infrastructure Technician
  • Help Desk Analyst / Service Desk Technician
  • Network Operations Centre (NOC) Technician
  • Technical Support Analyst
  • Information Security Support Specialist
  • IT Field Service Technician
  • Virtualization and Server Support Technician
  • Systems Integration Specialist
 
FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 
Graduates of the Systems and Network Administration program qualify for direct entry into year-3 of the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology: Systems and Network Cybersecurity.
 
Graduates may also choose to pursue certifications from industry providers such as:
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Cisco
  • CompTIA
  • Microsoft
  • VMware
 

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Business & Information Technology $1,099.00 (per semester) $524.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Business & Information Technology $4,484.00 (per semester) $2,243.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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