Program Overview

Network Support Technician, Certificate of Proficiency

The Network Support Technician certificate is designed to prepare technicians to work in a wide variety of computer-related industries and has a strong emphasis on Network+ Certification, Network Administration, and Network Security. Graduates find entry-level jobs as computer field service technicians, software technicians, computer operators, installers, troubleshooters, technical salespersons, help desk support, and network technicians.

Network Support Technician certificate graduates will:

• be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in the IT field
• create and troubleshoot physical networks
• demonstrate proficiency with using current popular network 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 Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, and Written Communication general education distribution area outcomes

Prerequisites

Students wishing to enter this certificate program need to have completed the IT Support Technician, Certificate of Proficiency, or have earned an A+ Industry certification, or have instructor approval. The following course, required for the certificate, must be completed prior to Quarter One.

• MATH 98 Essentials of Intermediate Algebra 5 credits

Program Requirements

Required Course Sequence

• Quarter One (Spring) MATH 98 (or placement into any higher level MATH/MATH& course) must be completed before Quarter One.
  • CSNT 231 Network Fundamentals I 6 credits
  • CSNT 232 Network Fundamentals II 6 credits
  • ENGL 99 Intro to Essay Writing II 5 credits (or any higher level Written Communication course)
• Quarter Two (Fall) ENGL 99 (or placement into ENGL& 101) must be completed prior to Quarter Two.
  • CSNT 255 Network Administration I 6 credits
  • CSNT 256 Network Administration II 6 credits
  • PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• Quarter Three (Winter)
  • CSNT 241 Network Security and Encryption 6 credits
  • CSNT 248 Server Administration 6 credits

General Education Requirements - 15 Credits

• MATH 98 Essentials of Intermediate Algebra 5 credits (or any higher level Quantitative Reasoning course)
• ENGL 99 Intro to Essay Writing II 5 credits (or any higher level Written Communication course)
• PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 credits (or any Social Science 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.

Total Program Credits: 51