To pursue a career in computer networking,
students typically enroll in an information technology degree program,
such as an online associate or bachelor's degree, that offers the option
to concentrate in network management or administration. Jobs include
network administrators, network analysts and other related positions.
Students can earn their Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of
Applied Science
(A.A.S.) degree after approximately two years of full-time study. Some
programs offer a fully online option, whereas others have a hybrid
course of study, allowing students to complete some classes online, with
the rest offered in a traditional on-campus classroom.
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually a prerequisite to
enrolling in any associate degree program. As classes are taught online,
students must have access to a computer with Internet connection.
Computer literacy is strongly recommended, given the information
technology focus and online delivery methods.
Typical Classes
A networking focus covers the many types of computer networks that
enterprises and individuals may use to share information. Associate
degree programs typically supplement networking and information
technology courses with several general education courses in
communication, humanities, college-level math and science.
Networking Methods Course
The networking curriculum includes a brief history of the Internet and how it relates to modern-day
computer networking.
Specialized topics in local area networks (LANs), networking media,
transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), routing and
switching and wide area networks (WANs) are also discussed.
IT Security Course
The class introduces the student to methods and theories used in
network security for Microsoft and UNIX operating systems. Additional
subject areas include network configuration, policy domain controllers
and troubleshooting techniques.
Web Design Course
Students identify the purpose of a website, projecting its intended
message while focusing on the target audience. They gain experience
creating, modifying and updating websites of their own design. Proper
website navigation design, customer usability and overall functionality
is also discussed in the course.
Career Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected employment for
computer network administrators to grow much faster than average from
2008-2018. Network and computer systems administrators held 339,500 jobs
in 2008, with a median annual wage of $66,310 (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Students may opt to take several certification exams following an
associate program in networking, including the Cisco Certified Network
Associate (CCNA) exam. While not required for employment in the computer
networking field, these national certifications may cause potential
employers to look more favorably upon individuals, since they attest to
specific product expertise or skills.
Students with no prior college education who attend online classes
full-time can expect to earn their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in
approximately 4-5 years. In addition to coursework, many schools include
industry certifications as a part of the curriculum. Microsoft, CIW or
CompTIA certifications are typically included. Most schools offer a
fully online option, while some others are hybrid, offering some online
classes with the rest taught on-campus.
A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite to enrolling in
the B.S. in Information Technology program. Coursework delivered online
requires students to have access to a computer with Internet
connection. Schools recommend a high level of computer literacy for the
networking programs.
Typical Classes
A few networking courses require on-campus labs for students to get
hands-on experience with professional-grade networking equipment. Core
requirements in business expose information technology networking
students to the enterprise environments in which networks frequently
operate.
Addressing the foundations, technical and management fundamentals of
IT, students develop a basic working knowledge of hardware, software and
networked resources. Moving on to the classification, configuration,
optimization and installation of peripheral equipment and devices,
students learn to identify problems, prevent safety hazards and
recommend tools and maintenance procedures.
Operating Systems Course
Students learn how to install, update and configure types of
operating systems. Troubleshooting of drivers, hardware devices, network
protocols and application issues is addressed, as is the implementation
and management of network resources in a given operating system.
Network Design & Management Course
This course teaches students to design and implement network
infrastructures, communication protocols and logical and physical
components. Planning and troubleshooting client access, authentication
and domain name resolution are also required learning.
Career Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects computer network analysts
to continue to have excellent job prospects. Typically, applicants with
a college degree and certification will have the best opportunities.
Median annual wages of network analysts were $71,100 in May of 2008 (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Certain industry certifications are included in several of the
bachelor's programs online, but future recertification may be necessary.
Students may choose to pursue certifications not included in the
academic curriculum.
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