Network Administration Diploma
Build. Protect. Innovate.
The NETA Diploma program equips you with the in-demand skills to design, manage, and optimize IT & network systems to ensure secure, efficient data flow across platforms.
Graduates of the program are prepared to support critical industries like business, healthcare, energy, and transportation by creating reliable, scalable, and secure network environments.
You’ll gain key skills, including:
Installing, maintaining, and optimizing network infrastructure.
Managing secure IT environments across local, remote, and cloud platforms.
Designing scalable networks for seamless performance and capacity.
Identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks to prevent breaches.
Communicating effectively with strong teamwork, leadership, and technical skills.
Program Pathways
16-Month Program: Network Administration Professional Diploma
Offered through Continuing Education, the May 2025 intake registration is open for the 16-month program
2-Year Program: Network Administration Diploma
Offered through the Donald School of Business, Science & Computing, Fall 2025 applications are open for the full- & part-time programs.
Work-Integrated Learning
(2 Year Program)
To ensure workplace readiness, all students will complete WIL 1100 during their first year, before placement. This module prepares you for work placements with skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.
NETA Diploma
WIL 2200 consists of a 100-hour project that solves a problem or creates efficiency for an organization.
Weekly seminar discussions will connect Work-Integrated Learning and classroom learning.
NETA Diploma: Co-op Specialization
COOP 2200 is a required 420-hour (minimum) paid work term secured on a competitive basis in Term Four.
Note: Students should be prepared to incur the costs of a work placement. This could include suitable attire, travel to and from the placement, and other incidentals.
Co-op Specialization
(2-Year Program)
The Co-op Specialization allows you the opportunity to network and apply knowledge through structured work experience. Most of the courses will be held in person on RDP's Main campus, with a few available online.
Note: Co-op placements may require travel to locations in central Alberta outside of the City of Red Deer.
Related Careers
As a graduate of this program, you will be ready to excel in essential industries by building & maintaining secure, scalable, and efficient network systems.
- IT Technician
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Network Systems Specialist
- Remote Support Technician
Meet the Faculty
Faculty and Staff are experts in IT, networking, and cybersecurity with extensive industry experience.
16-Month Program Intakes
Winter 2025 (Domestic) - Closed
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Spring 2025 (Domestic) - Open
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Winter 2025 (International) - Closed
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Spring 2025 (International) - Open
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2-Year Program Intakes
Fall 2025 (Domestic) - Open
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Fall 2025 (International) - Open
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Note:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change.
2-Year Diploma Program CIP: 11.1001
Post-Graduation Work Permit Details
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis
Academic Requirements
Students applying to the NETA Diploma (2 Year Program) must have:
60% in ELA 30-2, ENGL 0300, or equivalent or 50% in ELA 30-1, ENGL 0301, or equivalent
and
60% in MATH 30-2, MATH 0300, or equivalent or 50% in Math 30-1, Math 0301, or equivalent
Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Additional Requirements
Technology Requirements
Learners require a laptop with the following minimum specifications:
minimum 15.6-inch screen
Intel i5 processor (latest 12 Generation) or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
16GB Minimum RAM (32GB Memory recommended)
Integrated Graphics Card
SSD 500GB (preferred 1TB)
WiFi and LAN
Co-op Specialization Requirements
Students interested in the Co-Op Specialization (2-year Program) should apply directly, as there are limited seats available. To continue with the co-op placement in their final term, students must meet the prerequisites for COOP 2100.
COOP 2100 is a required course in the Co-op Specialization. The pre-requisites for COOP 2100 include:
a minimum of 60 credits
good academic standing
completion of the CEED Work Readiness modules, and
a job offer with a suitable employer.
Note:
RDP cannot guarantee a Co-op placement if students are unable to secure a job offer
Students who do not meet the requirements for the Co-op specialization will be eligible to graduate with the Network Administration Diploma.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students may receive Recognition of Prior Learning in some courses where the learning of skills, knowledge or competencies has been acquired through work, formal and informal education or training, or self-study.
Indigenous Learners
The NETA program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase the participation of Indigenous learners, the program has designated five (5) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, designated seats which have not been allocated to Indigenous learners will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry.
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Métis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
Note: For 16-month program only
Learners should also budget approximately $800 per year for class resources (including online textbooks). Details will be given on the first day of class, you are not required to purchase resources ahead of time.
Note: On January 22, 2024, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada announced the issuance of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) that will need to be added to the Study Permit application for applications for programs starting Fall 2024.
To receive a PAL, you will need to submit a fee of $1400.00, which will be applied directly to your tuition. The balance of your tuition is due 30 days before your program start date.
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. See below for an estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs:
Financial Aid Options
Explore financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and awards.
Program Content
16-Month Program Courses
- NWAD IT Systems
- NWAD Intro to Database
- NWAD Professional Practices
- NWAD Intro to Programming
- NWAD Computer Servicing Skills
- NWAD Operating Systems
- NWAD Networking
- NWAD System Administration & Management
- NWAD Directory Services
- NWAD Routing & Switching
- NWAD Connecting Networks
- NWAD Network Management
- NWAD Wireless Networking
- NWAD Unified Communication
- NWAD Network Security
- NWAD IT Management
2-Year Program Courses
Year 1
- ITEC 1330
- ITEC 1335
- NETA 1340
- NETA 1345
- ITEC 1331
- CPRO 2601
- ITEC 1350
- NETA 1355
- PHIL 2399
- ENGL 1212
- ENGL 1219
- COMM 1250 or CPRO 1011
Year 2
- BUS 2110
- ITEC 2332
- NETA 2337
- NETS 2352
- AIDA 1141
- CPRO 2602
- ESB 2254
- WIL 2200
- 2 Option Courses
- COOP 2100 (Co-op Specialization Only)
Graduation Requirements
You must pass all courses with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 (65%).
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.
RDP Continuing Education & Corporate Training offers programs like: