Toronto Education

 Computer and communication networking is the communication between computer systems and devices. To clarify further, a network is any set of computers or devices that are connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Ensuring that the networks are functioning as they should are computer networking professionals, who are in very high demand in Ontario.

There are a variety of jobs within the computer and communication networking field. They include: IT program managers, network administrators, project management analysts, business account managers, technical account managers, network analysts and network support. Let’s take a look at a few of these options. For example, a network analyst installs, lays out and maintains all network components. He or she plans, designs, analyzes and provides technical support for data communications and network or group of networks. The network analyst also conducts research and evaluation of network technology. Another job is that of a technical account manager who helps customers to make changes to accounts, such as updating payment and production information. He or she is also in charge of helping companies forecast revenue based on customer accounts. The last example is an IT program manager who runs complex projects or programs from design and development stages to production. He or she also defines resources and schedules implementation, directs and oversees the project engineering team, performs assessments, as well designs and maintains technical and project documentation.

In order to enter the field, you must obtain computer networking training. Through Centennial College’s Computer and Communication Networking program students are part of a select group to receive a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Information Sciences. It is the only post-secondary institution in Ontario to offer a bachelor’s degree program in Computer and Communication Networking.

During the duration of the program, students take computer networking training courses in both business and technology. These courses are conducted via state-of-the-art laboratories that are specially engineered and feature VoIP, Cellular Networks, Wireless Broadband (WiMax), Advanced Routing and Switching or Network Management. Specific courses within this computer and communication networks program are Business Consulting, Enterprise Network Design, Advanced Switching and Routing, Wireless Networks, Principals of Computer and Networking Security and many others.

To supplement their in-class learning, students participate in a 15-week mandatory co-op placement, during which they are placed in financial institutions, Fortune 500 organizations, IMB as well as private sector companies. A minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses required for COOP-221.

To apply, candidates must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There are also minimum academic prerequisites, such as: English 12U and one from the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.