Program Overview

Computer Security and Network Technology, AAS

The Computer Security and Network Technology AAS degree prepares students for a career in the area of microcomputer technical support. Technical and network support personnel may perform a wide variety of duties, such as service technicians, software technicians, network technicians, computer operators, installers, trouble shooters, salespersons, help desk support, and network administrators. Students will enhance their computer skills to assist in network design, security implementation, and forensics investigations.

Our program has a strong emphasis on hands-on training and uses a variety of methods to deliver the course material in a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. Our participants include high-school students, veterans, worker re-trainee’s, and those looking to transfer to four-year institutions. Our program philosophy is “Work hard, be challenged, have fun, and be flexible!”

Computer Security and Network Technology AAS degree graduates will:

• be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in the IT field
• perform successfully as computer technicians, Network technicians, installers, troubleshooters, help desk support, and network administrators
• create and troubleshoot physical networks
• demonstrate proficiency with using current popular network & client operating systems
• demonstrate proficiency with implementing and troubleshooting network communication protocols
• demonstrate knowledge of data protection and network hardening techniques
• demonstrate a working knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies (e.g., VoIP, 4G, Cloud computing)
• demonstrate communication, critical thinking, cultural humility, information literacy, and teamwork skills
• meet Humanities, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, and Written Communication general education distribution area outcomes

Program Requirements

Required Course Sequence

• Quarter One (Fall): MATH 87 or AHSE 66 (or placement into MATH 98/MATH 99 or higher) must be completed prior to Quarter One.
  • CSNT 115 A+ Software Essentials 6 credits
  • CSNT 116 A+ Hardware 6 credits
  • CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)
• Quarter Two (Winter): ENGL 93 (or placement into ENGL 99 or higher) must be completed prior to Quarter Two.
  • CSNT 124 Open Source Operating Systems 6 credits
  • CSNT 125 Shells and Scripts 6 credits
  • CJ& 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• Quarter Three (Spring): MATH 98 (or placement into any MATH/MATH& course with MATH 098 as a prerequisite) must be completed prior to Quarter Three.
  • CSNT 231 Network Fundamentals I 6 credits
  • CSNT 232 Network Fundamentals II 6 credits
• Quarter Four (Fall): ENGL 99 (or placement into ENGL& 101) must be completed prior to Quarter Four.
  • CSNT 255 Network Administration I 6 credits
  • CSNT 256 Network Administration II 6 credits
  • ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
• Quarter Five (Winter)
  • CSNT 241 Network Security and Encryption 6 credits
  • CSNT 248 Server Administration 6 credits
  • MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics 5 credits (or any college-level, transferable Quantitative Reasoning course)
• Quarter Six (Spring)
  • CSNT 257 Cloud Computing 6 credits
  • CSNT 253 Capstone 6 credits

General Education Requirements - 20 Credits

• CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)
• CJ& 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
• MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics 5 credits (or any college-level, transferable Quantitative Reasoning course)

Diversity and Social Justice Requirement

Within the degree requirements, students must complete a 3-5 credit course that meets the college’s Diversity and Social Justice (DSJ) requirement. DSJ courses are designated in the college schedule and are designed to meet other general education or technical requirements simultaneous to meeting the DSJ requirement (e.g., ENGL& 101 with the DSJ attribute meets both the ENGL& 101 requirement and the DSJ requirement). Note: Not all sections of a course meet the DSJ requirement. Students should review the class information to ensure the class section includes “course attributes: meets diversity requirement.”

Total Program Credits: 92

Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an advisor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.