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Here would one of the major impacts or suggestions for both CNS and CTY curriculum development. For the CNS and CTY curriculum for the fourth year, it is currently NDD430 plus 4 professional options and for CTY program it is NDD430, INT420, OPS335 and two professional options. Relating to the future CTY curriculum map would be splitting NDD430 into two courses: the first being focused on LAN infrastructure (networking), and the other being focused on installation of a server and configuration of services. In addition to these courses, there is a suggestion for a need for a Firewall course (understand and know the functions of firewalls), a basic security course (focusing on security policies as opposed solely to intense focus on applications ("Bells and whistles" - like stated from textbook, "Inside the Security Mind" - perhaps what the current course SEC625 attempts to accomplish). There has been discussion regarding the last course available such as a "professional option", but part of the MTCU requirements for diploma status is some knowledge of "project management", so there is talk of eliminating the professional option for the fourth semester and having a course in project management.
Therefore, the first 4 semesters of both the CNS and CTY programs are more structured aTnd and are basically taking the same prescribed courses. Based on observation as it now exists, a dilemma exists where students attempting CTY and changing their minds (I want to do just CNS), this process can't be stopped. In this way, there is a consistency that whether or not the student graduates CTY or CNS, that a consistent set of skills are possessed. Discussion in curriculum meeting to go back to basics that if students do not perform well will get placed in a one year (lower credential)program (1 year Ontario certificate). If they are successful with that program, then they might be able to continue with CNS / CTY. Secondly, there is a need for retention. This will put more emphasis on CTY developing curriculum in the fifth and sixth semester that will have more value that will provide additional skills for the IT industry. Capstone project, involved directly with industry (research, problem solving). This may provide the students with a "carrot" that would be tempted to graduate CNS, but with no job prospects to be channeled tackling a "real IT" related situation as opposed to being inactive (which this "idle period" does not look great on a resume when applying for a job).
