Network and Systems Administration

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration program provides students with a solid, hands-on skill set of computer, networking, and internetworking systems technology principles and desktop support.

Students gain an understanding of the interaction between microcomputer software and hardware, network and internetworking operating systems software and hardware, local area network administration and management, the use of troubleshooting techniques, troubleshooting hardware and software tools, as well as interpersonal/customer service skills.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific information technology areas based on their interests and professional goals and leading to industry recognized certifications through an embedded Certificate of Completion (CCL) including, but not limited to, Desktop (Desktop Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Network, Computer System Configuration and Support, Security, Computer System Configuration and Support, Linux), Cisco (Cisco Network CCNA, Cisco Network CCNP, Cisco Network CCNA Security), Linux (Red Hat Linux Engineer, Linux Associate, Red Hat Linux Administrator, Linux System Administration), Microsoft (Microsoft System Administration, Microsoft Desktop Associate), and VMware (VMware Network Administrator, VMware Foundations, VMware System Administrator).

Graduates may pursue employment in a variety of information technology environments and/or transfer to a university.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Update hardware and software as needed to maintain fully functional systems.
• Apply knowledge of operating systems to manage system hardware, security protocols, and software technologies.
• Design, maintain, and revise systems to meet desired specifications.
• Manage administrative access and user security policies within systems.
• Organize and prioritize workload to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision-making and actions.
• Continuously adapt to an ever-changing technical environment.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors and abide by norms and conventions appropriate to the field.
• Apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving to configure and troubleshoot systems to ensure proper operation.
• Utilize effective written and oral communication with multiple stakeholders in formal and informal settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with others individually and as a team.
• Create and maintain proper documentation of design, implementation, validation, workflow processes, troubleshooting, and revisions of systems.
• Maintain, update, and monitor networks and computer systems using automation and scripting.