Build a career as an information technology specialist or consultant with this comprehensive program. Prepare for an ever-growing industry through a major in computer systems, network systems, telecommunications or software development.

Information Technology deals with the generation, storage, retrieval, transmission and protection of information and the hardware and software involved in these processes.

For that reason, IT professionals are often called IT specialists/consultants or business process consultants and the division of an organization that deals with computers, software and communication technology are often called the IT department.

The growth of the IT sector in Canada is expected to continue to outpace other market segments in the future according to the Canadian and Alberta governments and independent research companies such as Forrester’s and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) of Canada.

The Information Technology program encompasses four majors: Computer Systems, Network Systems, Software Development and Telecommunications. The first semester is common to all four majors. It is a full-time, two-year diploma program.
IT Computer Systems major Prepares ITCS graduates for the IT functions that work with the people and processes that help keep the computers, communications and information systems installed, connected, maintained and supported. Students receive in-depth training on computer hardware and peripheral systems, server and system administration, operating systems, data center management and virtualization, networking, and IT security. In addition, students develop skills in interpersonal communications and teamwork, customer service protocols, business applications and problem-solving techniques.
IT Network Systems major Prepares ITNS graduates for the analysis, planning, design, installation and optimization of computer networks and network systems. Students receive in-depth training on network infrastructure that includes router, switch and server configurations, plus IP telephony, security and emerging technologies. The training provided in this major prepares graduates for the highly recognized Cisco CCNA and CCNP industry certifications.
IT Software Development major Prepares ITSD graduates for work in a variety of IT activities including the design, development, implementation, testing and maintenance of software systems. Students receive in-depth training in programming techniques as well as analysis, design, implementation and testing of new programs on multiple hardware and software platforms (e.g. Windows, Web and Linux) using a variety of programming languages (e.g. Java, C, PHP, XML, PL/SQL, SQL) and different supporting technologies (e.g. Communications Networks, Databases, Operating Systems).
Telecommunications major Prepares ITT graduates to be proficient in Telecommunications technologies that facilitate the Global Transmission of voice, video, data, text, and audio using smartphones, tablets and computing devices via media such as wireless, satellite and copper/fibre optic cabling technologies. Students receive in-depth training on designing, installing, configuring, commissioning, integrating, maintaining and administering voice, data and video networks.
Is this the right fit for me?
Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:

working knowledge of MS Office Suite would be an asset
enjoys keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continues to take training and enjoy learning new skills
managing your time and work effectively while facing deadlines
working independently with little supervision but can also perform as a vital member of a team of professionals
ability to pay attention to detail and take personal pride in their technical problem-solving skills.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Information Technology.

Career potential for graduates of this program vary by major. Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):

Computer Systems: customer support analyst, help desk support, desktop support, IT security, server administrator
Network Systems: network technician, network administrator, deployment technician, desktop support technician, network analyst, local area network (LAN) administrator, remote operations technician
Software Development: computer programmer, software developer, programmer analyst, application programmer
Telecommunications: telecommunications technologist, production test technologist, cable technician, service technician, associated field engineer, sales and marketing, communication equipment installer, manufacturing technologist
Related careers include:

management consultant
data administrator