Computer Networking Technology, A.A.S.

Computer Networking Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3771, E-mail network.tech@nscc.edu

Cisco Networking Academy

General Information
Course Requirements
Recommended Schedule
Program Website
Course Descriptions

General Information

Computer Networking Technology prepares students for employment in the Information Technology field in the area of network infrastructure. The program includes theoretical and practical components, preparing entry-level networking technicians to design, install, monitor, maintain, and enhance network infrastructure. Graduates of the program will be able to design and implement an infrastructure consisting of various networking devices and components such as clients, servers, routers, switches, hubs, and cabling systems.

Graduates of this program will be capable of working in entry-level positions of user support, server monitoring, directory services basic administration, network media installation and testing, basic router configuration, subnetting, and network communications protocols.
In addition to technical proficiency, graduates of this program will be knowledgeable in effective communications - both written and verbal. Graduates will be experienced in working in teams and being self-motivated in problem solving scenarios.

Computer Networking Technology graduates should be able to:
• Function competently in entry-level network technician positions.
• Proficiently use various operating system environments including DOS, Windows,
Novell, and UNIX/Linux.
• Perform initial installation and setup of various network servers, such as, Novell,
Linux, and Windows.
• Perform initial configuration of microcomputers including the installations of workstation software necessary to communicate with network servers.
• Select, install, terminate, and test appropriate network media, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber. Perform basic configuration of wireless networking components.
• Troubleshoot and analyze network hardware, software, and communications problems.
• Install and implement network monitoring and management tools.
• Communicate successfully in a variety of situations using written and oral communication skills.
• Use concepts taught in the General Education courses that are reinforced in the Computer Networking Technology curriculum.
• Apply critical thinking skills in providing solutions to network infrastructure problems.
• Work effectively as individuals and in a team environment.

After completing the minimum course requirements, graduates are prepared to take the exams for several industry certifications, including A+, Net+, Security+, Novell CNA, and Microsoft MCP. In addition, a rich selection of electives allows students to increase the breadth and depth of their understanding and prepares them for advanced certifications such as Cisco CCNA and CCNP, Novell CNE, Microsoft MCSA and MCSE, and BICSI Installer, Level I.

Career Opportunities
Typical positions available to graduates of this program (based upon DOL classifications) are:
• LAN administrator
• Network administrator
• Microcomputer support specialist
• Network technician
• Data communications technician

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

RUBRIC

COURSE

CLASS

LAB

CREDITS

General Education

ENGL 1010

English Composition I

3

0

3

Humanities Elective

3

0

3

SPCH 1010

Speech

3

0

3

MATH 1630

Finite Mathematics

3

0

3

Social Sciences Elective

3

0

3

Computer Technology

CPT 2425

UNIX/Linux

4

0

4

CPT 1510

A+ Computer Hardware

4

0

4

Computer Networking Technology

CNT 1010 Survey of Computer Networking
4

0

4

CNT 1050

NetWare Administration

4

0

4

CNT 1060

Cisco Routers I

4

0

4

CNT 1160

Cisco Routers II

4

0

4

CNT 1170

Microsoft Professional OS

4

0

4

CNT 2350

Windows Server Administration

4

0

4

CNT 2450

Network Security

4

0

4

CNT 2130 Applied Networking
5

0

5

Technical Electives (4)

TOTAL REQUIRED - ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE

60

APPROVED ELECTIVES

CNT 1090 Wireless Networking
4

0

4

CNT 2050

NetWare Advanced Admin.

4

0

4

CNT 2280 Network Infrastructure Design
4

0

4

CNT 2360

Windows Active Directory

4

0

4

CNT 2410

Cisco Routers III

4

0

4

CNT 2420

Cisco Routers IV

4

0

4

CNT 2500

Graduation Evaluation

1

0

1

CNT 2550 Fund. of Network Security I
4

0

4

CNT 2560 Fund. of Network Security II
4

0

4

CIS 2216

C Language for Eng. Tech.

3

0

3

CPT 1010

User Support/Help Desk

3

0

3

CPT 1400

Digital Systems Interfacing

3

0

3

CPT 1500

Microprocessor Sys Principles

3

0

3

CPT 2430

System Troubleshooting

4

0

4

CPT 2450

Advanced UNIX/Linux

3

0

3

EETH 2250

Introduction to Fiber Optics

3

0

3

EETH 2255 Intro to Fiber Optics Lab
0

2

1

EETH 2222

Digital Communications

3

0

3

Other electives as approved by faculty

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Recommended Full-Time Schedule

First Year

Fall Semester Course Credits

CNT 1010 Survey of Computer Networking 4

CNT 1510
A+ Computer Hardware
4

CNT 1060 Cisco Routers I 4

MATH 1630 Finite Mathematics 3

Spring Semester Course Credits

CNT 1160 Cisco Routers II 4

CNT 1170 Microsoft Professional OS 4

ENGL 1010 English Composition I 3

Humanities Elective 3

Second Year

Fall Semester Course Credits

CNT 1050 NetWare Administration 4

CNT 2350 Windows Server Administration 4

CPT 2425 UNIX/Linux 4

Technical Elective 4

Spring Semester Course Credits

CNT 2450 Network Security 4

CNT 2130 Applied Networking 4

Speech 3

Social Sciences Elective 3

Cooperative work experience can be an important addition to a student's formal classroom work. Co-op courses may substitute for technical coures with the prior approval of the Program Coordinator. The Career Employment Center will provide the correct course numbers.

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