About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0717 P0717
  • Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Overview

Do you thrive on finding solutions to computer hardware challenges and want to turn your passion into a rewarding career?

As a Computer Engineering Technician graduate, your ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot and implement computer system solutions will put you in high demand by employers in multiple sectors and industries.

Highlights
  • Establish broad knowledge and understanding of the latest networking, software, hardware and programming applications.

  • Develop market-ready computer problem-solving skills that translate across many industries.

  • Gain extensive hardware troubleshooting skills in computer systems support, electronics, digital, microprocessor technology and data communications.

  • Qualified graduates may apply for Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) certification.

Career Opportunities
  • Customer service representative
  • Computer hardware/software technician
  • Computer user support
  • Data communication support
  • Embedded system support specialist
  • Helpdesk – hardware/software technician
  • Systems testing technician
  • Technical call centre analyst
  • Technical sales and support representative
  • Technical support analyst
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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1120 Introduction to Writing and Communicating in the Workplace 3
CTEC1184 Computer Concepts 3
ELEC1124 Electrical I 5
MATH1134 Mathematics I for the School of Technology Studies 4
MMFG1178 CAD and Manufacturing 4
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
ELEC1232 Electrical II 5
ELNC1210 Electronic Devices 5
ELNC1224 Digital Systems 4
ELNC1221 Networking and Data Communications 3
MATH1231 Mathematics II for Technicians and Technologists 4
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CTEC1331 Client-Server Networking 6
CTEC1332 Software Engineering Practices 6
CTEC1333 Project Management for Embedded Systems and Networks 3
CTEC1334 Computer System Architecture Design and Support 3
CTEC1336 Data Management 3
MATH1350 Statistics for Technicians and Technologists 3
Term four (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
CTEC1431 Network Administration and Security 5
CTEC1432 Embedded Systems Applications 5
CTEC1433 Internet of Things Applications 3
CTEC1436 Computer Engineering Project 3
COMM1430 Technical Communications 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.

  2. contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.

  3. implement and maintain secure computing environments.

  4. implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.

  5. communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.

  6. select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.

  7. apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.

  8. adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems

  9. support the integration of multiple software and hardware components using appropriate systems, methodologies and connection protocols.

  10. install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain a variety of computing devices and networked systems (software or hardware) in accordance with documented functional requirements and standards.

  11. apply principles of digital and analog circuits to troubleshoot computing devices,including embedded components and systems.

  12. contribute to the analysis, building, testing, implementation, and maintenance of embedded (including IoT) devices and applications.

  13. contribute to the development and maintenance of software applications for systems integration.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
  • Successful installation and activation of both AutoCAD and Multisim found on the Blackboard Homeroom page (after timetable selection).

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Tuition

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The Computer Engineering Technician program began with a thorough introduction to electricity and electronics, which provided a very strong foundation upon which to further my understanding of the inner-workings of the computer itself. Now that I am in my final term here, I cannot believe how much I have learned in less than two years. Because of the hands-on experience I have gained in the lab environment, and the kindness and dedication of my professors—who, since first term, continue to ask me how I’m doing and assist me whenever I need help—I am confident I will be well prepared for my future endeavors, and I am thankful I chose Niagara College to make that happen.

Maria Morrison, Computer Engineering Technician student

As a student in the Computer Engineering Technician Program, I feel that I’ve gained the relevant skills needed for landing a variety of positions in the tech industry. The school provides access to labs that are set up with powerful hardware, giving students the opportunity to experiment and learn effectively. The professors are also very knowledgeable and experienced. They’re always willing to give advice for your future.

io Bernardo, Computer Engineering Technician student
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