Networking and Information Technology Security

Computer networking has become an integral part of today’s business environment. The major in Networking and IT Security prepares graduates with theoretical and hands-on knowledge and skills in planning, designing, installing, operating, managing, and securing information technology infrastructure. In addition to the technical courses, the core curriculum includes mandatory courses in business and management, providing students with the necessary business background and technological skills to make significant contributions in today’s workplace.

The coursework prepares graduates to manage the continuing changes and challenges of the IT profession. The program helps prepare graduates to attempt for two levels of the Cisco certification program, namely, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE®) will be offered as a technical elective. The program also helps graduates for the following security certificates: Security+, CCNA Security, and the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP). Students may take the required business courses to obtain a minor in Marketing or Operations Management.

In Years 2 to 3, all students participate in the IT Skills Workshop (ITSW). Each course taken in that year is integrated into a semester long group project. Students will work in teams to develop and deploy an industry-relevant IT project.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U) with a recommended minimum average of 60 per cent and one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U) with a recommended minimum average of 60 per cent or Computer Science (ICS4U) with a recommended average of 70 per cent. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Internship program

This program offers students who have successfully completed two years of study, achieved a minimum 2.3 GPA (C+ average on a 4.3 scale) and who are in good academic standing an opportunity to engage in a contracted learning partnership with businesses locally and globally. Faculty members may provide links to various internship placement opportunities or a student may secure an employer who meets the criteria as prescribed by the Faculty of Business and Information Technology.

The internship program not only gives students an opportunity to apply classroom concepts to the challenges of organizational life but also helps them to gain valuable and relevant work experience to promote networking and life-long career success. Participating employers are given the opportunity to bring the motivated learners, thinkers, and doers of tomorrow into their workplaces, as well as provide valuable mentoring to students.

The internship program placement equates to a minimum of 560 hours of progressive business and management experience. The intern’s wages (stipulated in a contract) are paid by the sponsoring business over a contracted period. Successful work placement completion and both a verbal and written final report will result in the intern receiving a mark and three credits toward the honours Bachelor of Information Technology degree requirements. Students who have successfully completed the Internship program are not required to take the Capstone Study Project.

Admission to the internship program is competitive. While students are participating in an internship program, they may enrol in one course (3 credits) per semester. This course must not interfere with the internship schedule outlined by the employer.

Program details and degree requirements

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change. For the most up-to-date list of course offerings, please visit the faculty website at businessandit.uoit.ca.

Year 1

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Year 2

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Year 3

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Year 4

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Open elective
Technical elective
Technical elective
Technical elective
INFR 4690U – IT Forensics

Electives

General elective

Students must select a minimum of two non-INFR, non-CSCI (computer science) related courses from any faculty, subject to credit restrictions.

Open elective

Students may enrol in any courses from any faculty as open electives, subject to credit restrictions. These courses may be either non-INFR/non-CSCI science courses or may include INFR/CSCI courses.

Technical elective

Students must select a minimum of two approved INFR/CSCI courses as technical electives. Details will be sent to their UOITnet email accounts prior to registration and available in their schedule of classes.