This program is one of a collection of IT programs at Fanshawe College that allow students to choose a field of study and program length after being exposed to the fundamentals of the IT industry. After the first level, students can choose from programs related to systems technology and networking, programming or web development. After the second level, students can choose between the 2 or 3 year networking programs. All of these choices are part of the Fanshawe Connect approach to learning in which concepts are explained, demonstrated, guided, and applied in classes that are an integration of instruction and practice. This is done in a consistent environment provided by laptops that students own. The Computer Systems Technology program is an accredited, three-year co-operative education, Ontario College Advanced Diploma program which provides comprehensive training for students wishing to work in the high demand areas of network, security, virtualization, data storage and management and systems operation and management. This program provides the students the ability to be effective team leaders, think critically, solve problems, and acquire new skills quickly. Under the guidance of expert faculty, combined with the use of leading edge labs, the program emphasizes the design, implementation, configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, management, as well as the hands-on installation of networking, security, VoIP, mobile devices, virtualization, data storage and management, server, workstation, and operating systems technologies. Instruction in project management, communication, and interpersonal skills prepare the student to effectively interact with all levels of users in both oral and written mediums. Upon completion of the program, and in addition to the highly valued Ontario College Advanced Diploma, graduates should have the knowledge and skills to take exams for the following certifications, if they choose to do so: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Graduates may also choose to apply the knowledge gained to prepare and test for other industry certifications, such as those offered for Microsoft, Linux, VMWare and EMC2.

Technical Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Network Manager, Security Specialist, System Manager, Field Service Technician, PC/LAN User Support and Technical Analyst.