Network & Systems Admin
Degrees & Certificates in this major: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Department Website: Computer Systems
Program Contact:
Dodi Coreson
Additional Faculty:
David Becker, Linda Carroll, Joe Paris, Parker Swanson
The Network and Systems Administration program develops graduates who are able to enter the job market successfully as network technicians, junior network administrators, and junior system administrators. The program provides foundational skills, which provide a firm basis for lifelong, on-the-job learning and professional growth.
The first year of the program includes a sequence of four courses, which prepares students who wish to take the examination for Cisco Certified Network Associate® (CCNA) certification. The first year also includes courses in software applications, programming, and Web development.
The second year of the program includes a sequence of advanced courses in the administration of client/server network operating systems, script programming, and a course in network and system security. The second year also includes valuable cooperative work experience in the information technology field, arranged with one of a number of local public or private organizations.
The Certificate in Basic Networking is designed to help students develop skills to administer and manage computer networks and assume the role of a network technician. The courses examine and illustrate network terminology, protocols, standards, local and wide area networks (LANS/WANS), OSI model, cabling, network topology, troubleshooting, and network addressing. Skill classes are taught in a laboratory setting, online simulation, lecture, and online curriculum. This certificate program must be started in Fall Term, and it assumes that the entering student already has some working knowledge and familiarity with computer systems and software. Individual courses may assist the student in preparing for related industry information technology exams (CCNA, CompTIA, MCSE). Students should contact an advisor to discuss this certificate program and the necessary basic skill set prior to enrolling in courses. All the required courses can be applied toward the Network and Systems Administration two-year of Applied Science degree.
The Certificate in Systems Administration is a two-year, 28-credit certificate that prepares students for entry into the Information Technology field as administrators of Network Operating Systems. These systems typically incorporate a large number of client enterprise-wide resources and connectivity through a computer network. This certificate program teaches foundational skills that provide a basis for lifelong on-the-job learning and professional growth. The required courses for this certificate can all be applied toward the Network and Systems Administration two-year Associate of Applied Science degree.
To begin this certificate the assumption is made that the entering student already has some working knowledge and familiarity with computer systems and software. The following corequisite (or equivalent as determined by a Computer Systems Department advisor) courses need to be completed prior to or during the first term: CIS 125 Introduction to Software Applications, with a minimum “C” grade and MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra, with a minimum “C” grade. The certificate program includes five laboratory courses in which students practice hands-on administration of several Network Operating Systems. Also included in the certificate program are courses in Networking Essentials, Orientation to Computer Science, and Security and Information Assurance.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete an Associate of Applied Science in Network and Systems Administration will:
- Analyze and program to solve computation problems using various program languages.
- Design and utilize a database system using SQL.
- Communicate and work effectively in a technical computer environment.
- Solve business-related computer problems.
- Obtain practical experience working in a business computer field.
- Be prepared to take and pass the CCNA exam.
- Solve problems with a group or team.
- Demonstrate professional skills while dealing with people with technical problems and write directions they can follow.
- Understand the principles of management.
- Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
- Apply a basic system design in a business environment.
Program Requirements:
Students considering a major in Network and Systems Administration should be aware that this is a challenging program which requires a full-time commitment. The sequence of courses begins in fall term and continues for two years. Although there is a small amount of flexibility in the time some courses can be taken, students who intend to complete the program in two years should plan to begin in fall term and pursue it full time. Students should also be sure to meet with a program advisor regularly to insure that coursework is on track.
Facilities
The students in this program spend a considerable amount of their time working on computers. Campus labs are well-equipped with modern hardware and software. Students have access to networked IBM-compatible personal computers for completing assignments.
