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Program Information

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Systems and Network Administration

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Business & Information Technology
  • Duration: Two Years

This program was formerly known as Computer Systems and Networking.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2026
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2026

Applications closed to international applicants for the Prince Philip Drive Campus.

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2026
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2026

Applications closed to international applicants 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

 

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
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, CM1061
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ii.         Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
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, MA1041
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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
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Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
MA1521
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Applied Mathematics for SNA 3 3 1
CP1923
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Computer Hardware and Troubleshooting 4 3 2
CR1107
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Network Fundamentals 4 3 3
CR1020
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Desktop Application Support 3 2 2
CP3126
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PowerShell & CLI Basics 3 2 2
CR1120
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Introduction to the Field of IT and Ethics 0 1 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
CM1401
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Technical Report Writing II 3 3 0
CR1035
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Introduction to Linux 4 3 2
CP1927
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Desktop OS Troubleshooting 4 3 2
CP1466
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Windows Server Administration 4 3 2
CR2402
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Switching, Routing & Wireless 4 3 3
CR1260
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Client Service for the IT Industry 2 2 1
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
CR3456
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Scripting with Bash 3 2 2
CM2200
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Oral Communications 2 2 0
EP1110
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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
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Linux Server Administration 4 3 2
CP2291
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Advanced Windows Enterprise Server 4 3 2
CR2180
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Virtualization & Cloud I 4 3 2
CR2903
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Enterprise Network Security & Automation 4 3 3
CP2730
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Project Management and Analysis 3 2 2
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
CR2242
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Information Systems Security 4 3 2
CR2290
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Virtualization & Cloud II 4 3 2
CR2460
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Microsoft 365 Administration 4 3 2
CR2480
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Enterprise Endpoint Management 4 3 2
CR2970
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Capstone Project 4 3 2
CR2270
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SNA WT Orientation 0 2 0
         
Semester 6   Cr Le La
WT1185
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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.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    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 - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Business & Information Technology (per semester) - $1,099.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Business & Information Technology (per semester) - $524.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

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.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due within two (2) weeks of date of Letter of of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay this non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • First Semester Tuition- which includes the $1500 Deposit Fee
      Deposit fee - $1500 non-refundable, non-transferable fee.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Business & Information Technology (per semester) - $4,484.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Business & Information Technology (per semester) - $2,243.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2025-2026. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2025-2026) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
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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