Overview of Program Outcomes

Program purpose

The program prepares students for rewarding careers in the dynamic field of computer networking.  The continued growth of the Internet, wide area networks (WANs) and local area networks (LANs) requires people with the broad knowledge and skills needed to design, manage, troubleshoot and maintain these increasingly important infrastructure resources.

What you will learn

This is a rigorous educational program that will provide you with the foundation skills and advanced knowledge needed to work in the field of computer networking.  You will know the inner workings of networks from an end-user?s desktop to a remote server that could be located anywhere in the world.  As you work toward completing your degree, you will also gain the knowledge and skills that will allow you to acquire several industry-recognized certifications that will significantly enhance your employability in the field.

Some of the major topics you will learn include:

·         A+ Certification: the installation, maintenance, repair, and management of desktop PCs

·         Network + Certification: the foundation knowledge and skills of computer networks

·         CCNA Certification: Cisco Certified Network Administrator provides the skills needed to manage, configure and troubleshoot network hardware (routers, switches, and related devices) and software

·         MCSA Certification: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator covers the essential skills needed for server and client administration.  The degree program includes courses that cover three of the four exams needed for this certification.

·         Security + Certification: provides essential knowledge and skills that everyone involved with information networks should possess

·         Cisco Network Security: All degree students will learn the fundamentals of firewalls, virtual private networks and other essential security measures to protect networks

·         Advanced Network Skills: depending on which area of emphasis selected, you will learn advanced skills in information and network security or develop higher level competencies in specific network technologies

·         Communication skills: ask any information technology director for the top three competencies needed by employees and communication skills will be on that short list

·         Customer service: along with communication ability, this is another essential dimension for excellent performance and career advancement in the networking field

·         Global perspective: courses in social science, humanities and science will help prepare you for life in the emerging global society where your colleagues are as likely to be living on another continent as in the next town