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

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

Customers today want all information to be accessible on a website and they want that information fast. This four-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to provide hands-on, comprehensive training for those who desire to work in the field of web-centric business application development. The primary focus of the program is on user-centered design supported by extensive back-end programming and front-end use of graphic design, multimedia, video, animation, and e-commerce applications to facilitate a fully functional website. Students will apply human interface guidelines, standard-based structures, and design and development principles to create accessible, usable, and captivating web experiences geared to today’s marketplace.

In this two-semester program, you study and practice carpentry skills related to the interior and exterior construction of residential and light-commercial buildings. The focus of the program is to provide graduates with the skills to gain entry-level employment in residential and commercial construction. The program provides students with safety training (general and specific) and skills development in a number of the construction areas. Graduates may be eligible to enter directly into the second year of the Carpentry and Renovation Technician diploma program.

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.

Computer Programmer is a two-year diploma program designed for students who wish to learn the latest skills needed by business application developers in industry, but want to graduate sooner than allowed by the three-year Computer Programmer/Analyst program. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills using the latest versions of Microsoft, Java and open-source software to develop business and web applications. Object-oriented analysis, design, agile methodologies and programming techniques are mastered and applied throughout the program. 

Students learn through a combination of theory and practice, applying their knowledge to hands-on assignments and challenging projects. Complementary courses in areas such as mathematics, accounting and communications support the core IT courses. All of these skills are then applied to a capstone group project in the last year in which students build a major business application, providing them with experience of the complete application development cycle.

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. Students benefit from specialized courses taught by highly qualified industry experts and as a result, should expect to have classes scheduled up until 8:00 p.m.

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.

The Event Management program is a one-year, full-time graduate certificate program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of a growing industry in the planning and management of events.

The program will provide graduate students with specialized training in event management and will assist students in obtaining and developing the skills and understanding necessary to plan, promote and operate events for the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors.

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.

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.

Wireless Network Infrastructure

This program prepares graduates with degrees or diplomas in telecommunications, electronics, or computer engineering/technology for work in emerging fields in the wireless telecommunications industry. Students will enhance their undergraduate knowledge with practical skills that include the use of industry standard tools (drivetest tools, propagation tools, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc.), and the techniques required for success in the wireless industry. Students will broaden their familiarity with troubleshooting and the configuration of local area and wide area networks (LANs and WANs) and networking topics relevant to telecom carriers including virtual private networks, quality of service, and others. Cutting-edge topics which include long term evolution (LTE) and 5th generation wireless networks, high bandwidth wireless (WiGig+) and concurrent MIMO systems, will ensure that graduates will be in high demand. Additional topics will be chosen according to relevance including spectrum utilization and associated network design, IP-based wireless systems, enterprise WiFi, Bluetooth, intra-vehicular communication systems used in emerging auto designs (such as used for self-driving cars) and IoT (Internet of Things).

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.