IT Operations Specialist

Overview

The IT Operations Specialist program provides you with the broad skill set needed to work in the information technology (IT) industry. You learn fundamental IT skills in a range of areas, including: 

• Network systems
• Security
• Web development
• Programming 

Through both core and elective courses designed to represent the IT needs of your region, this program allows you to focus on specific areas of study, depending on specific industry needs.

You graduate from this program ready to take on a variety of entry-level positions within the IT sector.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for a cooperative education (co-op) credit course between years 1 and 2.
  • Students are responsible for securing their own co-op placements by applying to College-approved co-op postings or conducting independent job searches. All employers and co-op opportunities must be reviewed and approved by the student’s faculty advisor.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term between years 1 and 2 and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Other info

• The range of available courses varies by campus. Your faculty advisor and academic chair will assist you in ensuring all graduation requirements are met.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
• Applicants may qualify for the following educational award: Digital Nova Scotia TechQuity Award – Community Foundation of Nova Scotia

September 2027

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• IT Operations Specialist - Year 1
• IT Operations Specialist - Year 2

Career options

• Graduates of this program are employed in the following positions:
  • General IT support for small businesses
  • System administrator 
  • Technical service representative
  • Technical support advisor
  • Web support – server and client side

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree
• Continue your studies and add to your skills at NSCC. Completing this program qualifies you for:
  
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Full Stack Application Development
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Remote Sensing
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Geospatial Data Analytics and AI
  • IT Programming in Artificial Intelligence