Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Network Security & Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Bundle program)

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

Information technology workers need a broad range of practical skills to enhance concepts and principles that are often the focus of post-secondary study. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program concentrates on hands-on application of network and systems administration practices and techniques commonly employed in modern IT enterprise infrastructure management.
Students will gain valuable skills and knowledge in the deployment and configuration of network operating systems (desktop and server), infrastructure services and network technologies. Students will also acquire foundational knowledge to work towards challenging professional certification exams from various organizations. Graduates of this program will have the skills required to move into IT administration positions or transition into more advanced graduate studies in areas such as security, networking and operations.

Information Technology Infrastructure

Information technology workers need a broad range of practical skills to enhance concepts and principles that are often the focus of post-secondary study. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program concentrates on hands-on application of network and systems administration practices and techniques commonly employed in modern IT enterprise infrastructure management.
Students will gain valuable skills and knowledge in the deployment and configuration of network operating systems (desktop and server), infrastructure services and network technologies. Students will also acquire foundational knowledge to work towards challenging professional certification exams from various organizations. Graduates of this program will have the skills required to move into IT administration positions or transition into more advanced graduate studies in areas such as security, networking and operations.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Information Technology is an ever-changing field with two of these new areas of expertise being Virtualization and Cloud Computing. Organizations have started to replace physical computers (servers and desktops) in their organizations with ‘virtual machines’. The virtualization strategy allows companies to replace existing hardware driving cost savings and reduction of infrastructure support. Furthering this, companies are also starting to purchase or lease cloud services as a means of provisioning services without any onsite installations of hardware. In order to help organizations succeed, specialist skills in these fields are required. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program concentrates on hands-on experiential practices and techniques commonly employed in Virtualization and Cloud Computing. You will gain valuable skills and knowledge in systems, infrastructure services, cloud technologies, as well as systems architecture methodologies. Graduates will have the skills required to move into more senior IT and Data Centre positions.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Information Technology is an ever-changing field with two of these new areas of expertise being Virtualization and Cloud Computing. Organizations have started to replace physical computers (servers and desktops) in their organizations with ‘virtual machines’. The virtualization strategy allows companies to replace existing hardware driving cost savings and reduction of infrastructure support. Furthering this, companies are also starting to purchase or lease cloud services as a means of provisioning services without any onsite installations of hardware. In order to help organizations succeed, specialist skills in these fields are required. This two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program concentrates on hands-on experiential practices and techniques commonly employed in Virtualization and Cloud Computing. You will gain valuable skills and knowledge in systems, infrastructure services, cloud technologies, as well as systems architecture methodologies. Graduates will have the skills required to move into more senior IT and Data Centre positions.

Information Technology Network Security
Information technology and network infrastructure are targets for malicious activity on a regular basis. News reports about data breaches, security violations, privacy failures and other infrastructure failures highlight a growing threat to business and personal information. This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program is designed to address this growing threat to our network infrastructure. It will provide students with the security background in network technologies, computing hardware, operating and protocols, to harden and further secure such systems from attack. Students will learn to identify threats through audits and supporting technical methods, as well as evaluate and develop appropriate policies to support a strong organizational security posture. This program offers skills that allow graduates to evaluate risk and design infrastructure solutions that keep a business’s code, data and network systems safe.

This program is designed to help students start a career as a baker or pastry chef. It will include practical, theoretical and hands-on training in areas of baking, baking equipment usage, baking and pastry fundamentals, food costing, cake decorating, sanitation and safety and pastry management. Under faculty guidance, working individually and as part of a team, students will develop core skills in specialized areas, including: chocolate and confections, wedding and specialty cakes, tarts and pastries, plated desserts, artisan breads and breakfast pastries, petits fours, laminated dough and viennoiseries, ice cream and sorbets.

Companies that embrace modern information technology must deal with very large amounts of data. This "Big Data" often shows patterns and trends on which to make good business decisions. To support Business Analysts, students in this program focus on the collection, processing and presentation of these large data sets. Developing skills in solution development, database design (both SQL and NoSQL), data processing, data warehousing and data visualization help build a solid foundation in this important support role. Through applied learning techniques such as problem-based learning, students will be able to apply their learning to real world problems. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, this two-year program in Baking and Pastry Arts Management focuses on advanced pastry and baking training, as well as the management skills required to work successfully in this fast-growing industry. This program is designed to help students start a career as a baker or pastry chef. It will include practical, theoretical and hands-on training in areas of baking, cake decorating, sanitation and safety, and pastry shop management, as well as advanced techniques practiced in this ever-evolving industry. Students will spend extensive time in the College's state-of-the art labs and teaching facilities developing and expanding on the core skills of the industry. These include: artisan breads and breakfast pastries; wedding cakes; chocolates and confections; plated desserts; classic and modern tarts, entremets and petits fours; laminated dough and viennoiseries; ice cream and sorbets; artisan sugar confections. In the classroom, students will acquire the technical knowledge of ingredient function, formula balance, and modern technology as it relates to this field. On the business side, students will learn the key skills that are necessary to run a successful operation including: cost control and forecasting; labour relations and leadership; sales and marketing and small business development. Students have the option of participating in an industry-based co-op, further refining their knowledge and skills with real-world experience which will provide a true advantage. Additionally, interested students may have the opportunity to travel to an international location in collaboration with college partners for what can be a life-changing experience. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op webpages.
The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.

Applying to the Co-op Stream

• All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Every student who meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co-op stream.
• To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum of 70% session weighted average, with no dropped or failed courses during the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op work term.
• Co-op is not an option for Level 3 transfers.

In this one-year co-op program, students will gain the fundamental knowledge and techniques of quality food preparation, an understanding of the complexity of kitchen management and an appreciation of fine food. The co-op education work term in the final semester enables students to develop their skills and enhance the knowledge learned in the college setting.

Computer Applications Development
This one-year, full-time, graduate certificate program provides students with a broad business and technical background in computer applications, database applications, data communications, programming, data design and systems analysis and design. This program provides the student with programming experience and the skills necessary to analyze and design Information Technology (IT) based solutions.In the Computer Applications Development program, students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Big Data Solution Architecture
Companies that embrace modern information technology must deal with very large amounts of data. This “Big Data” often shows patterns and trends on which to make good business decisions. To support Business Analysts, students in this program focus on the collection, processing and presentation of these large data sets. Developing skills in solution development, database design (both SQL and NoSQL), data processing, data warehousing and data visualization help build a solid foundation in this important support role. Through applied learning techniques such as problem-based learning, students will be able to apply their learning to real world problems. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

This two-year graduate certificate is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively initiate, plan, control and commission construction projects. Students will study the investment appraisal of development projects; planning, scheduling, budgeting and control of construction project; and soft skills related to effective leadership, communication and negotiation. Students will learn to integrate construction methods, building code, and lean construction techniques into their projects. Learning will be enhanced through the use of case studies, group work and field trips. The capstone project will enable students to apply, integrate and synthesize knowledge learned into a real-world project. The co-op or guided career management term will provide students with an opportunity to apply and practice knowledge and skills in preparation for the work environment. This program will prepare students to take various professional certification exams with main focus on CAPM (Certified Associate Project Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), PQS (Professional Quantity Surveyor designation) and Gold Seal certification. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term instead of the Guided Career Management course. A laptop is required for in-class assignments and project work.

Note: This program is designed for international students wishing to pursue studies in the field of construction management.

Big Data Solution Architecture (Optional Co-op)

Companies that embrace modern information technology must deal with very large amounts of data. This "Big Data" often shows patterns and trends on which to make good business decisions. To support Business Analysts, students in this program focus on the collection, processing and presentation of these large data sets. Developing skills in solution development, database design (both SQL and NoSQL), data processing, data warehousing and data visualization help build a solid foundation in this important support role. Through applied learning techniques such as problem-based learning, students will be able to apply their learning to real world problems. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineering (Optional Co-op)
This program will deepen students' understanding of the testing paradigms, methodologies and tools utilized throughout the software development process. Software quality assurance requires an awareness of what constitutes quality software from the point of view of an end user, a developer, and a business, and how to create a process that can lead to quality software. Software quality control requires an awareness of how to most effectively and efficiently test the results of a software development project. As a comprehensive program, this graduate certificate will cover a wide range of topics, but ready students for the in-demand field of software quality assurance and software quality control. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.