Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Infrastructure

at Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus Canada

Software Engineering Technician is a two-year program that teaches the skills required to write computer software while developing problem-solving skills using a variety of computer languages in a technical programming environment. Software Engineering Technician Program Highlights:· Broad base of languages and technologies, including web development, databases, and cyber security· Focused, hands-on approach· One of the strongest programs of its type in Ontario The Software Engineering Technician program at Conestoga is most suitable for students who have significant exposure to the software industry but do not have the relevant academic credentials. This program is also suitable for students who are time limited to two-year diplomas. All other students interested in careers in software should instead consider the three-year Software Engineering Technology program.

Computer Applications Development (Optional Co-op)
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.

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.

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.

Process Quality Engineering
This advanced-level graduate certificate program provides individuals with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of products and services. The material that is taught in this program can be applied within any area of an organization. The focus of this program is on the achievement of performance excellence through the use of modern quality improvement methods. The program develops the skills required to perform process quality roles in a broad range of organizations and sectors.The program content aligns favourably with selected American Society of Quality's (ASQ) Bodies of Knowledge. This program is non-industry specific as it provides the proficiencies demanded by organizations in today’s market place.

Quality Assurance - Manufacturing and Management
Today’s manufacturing sector requires highly skilled individuals with in-depth knowledge of current quality assurance, problem solving, and management practices. If you have the desire to be part of a quality movement, and want hands-on experience with the tools to support your career goals, then this program will be of interest to you. This two-semester Quality Assurance Manufacturing and Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of goods and services. This program focuses on the use of modern quality improvement and problem solving methods that support the achievement of performance excellence in manufacturing and associated business processes. A combination of theoretical and practical learning opportunities will prepare you for a variety of management and quality focused career opportunities.

This program provides students with an overview of the hospitality and tourism industry along with entry-level management skills for this very diverse and integrated industry. Students will receive a broad base of business and entrepreneur skills ensuring a strong understanding of financial, customer service, marketing, and the human resources aspects of the industry. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

Program Outcomes

• Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs, and contributing as a team member.
• Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
• Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell tourism products, services and customer experiences.
• Apply business principles as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering tourism products and services.
• Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy tourism operations.
• Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences, to measure the effectiveness of tourism operations and to participate in tourism development.
• Keep current with tourism trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry* sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
• Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability
• Organize new tourism products for clients based on an analysis of local and international destinations to establish connections with industry leaders.
• Examine economic, political, social, global and intercultural factors that influence the management of travel services, marketing strategies, customer retention and sales programs.

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 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 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.

Process Quality Engineering
This advanced-level graduate certificate program provides individuals with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of products and services. The material that is taught in this program can be applied within any area of an organization. The focus of this program is on the achievement of performance excellence through the use of modern quality improvement methods. The program develops the skills required to perform process quality roles in a broad range of organizations and sectors.The program content aligns favourably with selected American Society of Quality's (ASQ) Bodies of Knowledge. This program is non-industry specific as it provides the proficiencies demanded by organizations in today’s market place.

Project Management
Learn how to manage simple to complex projects from start to finish, and become a critical part of an organization’s most exciting achievements. Develop the skills you need to oversee project management activities such as planning, managing scope, costs, time while balancing client expectations. Learn organizational Agility with practices such as Scrum. Establish goals for your project team and lead them to overcome obstacles to achieve success, meeting stakeholders needs. Earn project management education hours towards a variety of certifications: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Scrum Master (ASM), Risk Management Professional (RMP), or Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) designations. Interested in taking this program on a part-time basis? It's possible to complete this program while still working full-time and fulfilling your other commitments. 

This two-year program focuses on the restaurant and hotel sectors and is designed to provide students with balanced training that combines theory and practical experience in the specific skills involved in people management, hands-on preparation, customer service, and financial controls needed in the hospitality industry. Optional co-op terms can be completed in a restaurant, hotel, catering or other approved food and beverage facility either locally or across Canada. In addition, courses such as communication, computer skills, marketing, and nutrition ensure graduates are well rounded to meet the demands of industry. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term.

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.

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).

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.