Computer and Network Technology

The Computer and Network Technology program consists of 1200 hours of instruction (70 quarter credit hours). The program requires 12 months for completion on the basis of approximately 25 hours of instruction per week. After the first term, the remaining terms of the program are independent of each other, thus the sequence in which they are offered to students may vary.

The Computer and Network Technology program is offered through the Waterbury, CT campus (residential only). As part of their program materials, students in this program receive a laptop which is fully compatible with the Learning Management System (LMS) used in the delivery of instruction and are provided with computer hardware and tools to facilitate learning. Students are also provided access to a catalog of desktop and server operating systems, virtualization tools, cloud management platforms, network administration tools, and a library of simulation products.

Learning is achieved through a combination of live, synchronous interaction and asynchronous activities. Course materials, assignments, and homework are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through the Learning Management System (LMS).

The Computer and Network Technology program is an intensive study of a broad range of Information Technology concepts. Students will be trained in the following areas: installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of desktop and server hardware, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of desktop, server, and mobile operating systems, installation configuration, and maintenance of virtualization products and cloud platforms, and the installation, administration, and troubleshooting of networks including router and switch configuration. Additionally, students will learn about emerging cybersecurity concepts and threats and will be trained to implement security solutions.

This program provides comprehensive preparation for the CompTIA A+, Network +, and Cloud + certification exams. These exams are nationally recognized by the leading employers in the field of Information Technology. As part of the program, students may register for the exams at the end of the applicable courses.

Delivery at this campus. On ground – the program is offered in CT through the Waterbury location (residential only).

If you’re already good with computers and like solving some real world puzzles, here are just a few reasons to get your computer networking training at Porter and Chester Institute:

Job Outlook. Computers are everywhere and they all need to be set up, maintained and fixed when things go wrong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs as a computer support specialist are expected to grow 6% through 2031. And our computer training classes will teach you the training you need to work in fields like business, education, healthcare, finance and much more!

Concrete Skills. You’ll be trained to install computer hardware and software. You’ll learn all about operating systems, networking interface components, cabling and connectivity. You’ll learn how to connect computers to company intranets and the Internet and how to maintain, test, evaluate and perform routine updates to them and their networks. You’ll also learn the importance of network administration and security and how to help companies run and protect their data.

Certifications. The Computer and Network Technology program prepares students to sit for CompTIA A+ 1 and 2, CompTIA Network +, and CompTIA Cloud + certifications.

Soft Skills. In addition to computer knowledge, you’ll learn how to present yourself as a professional in today’s work environment. We’ll teach you what it means to be a good employee in a real world setting.

Prior to enrollment at the Institute, an applicant must have graduated from high school or have acquired a state high school equivalency diploma or graduated from a college degree program. Instruction is only offered in English, requiring proficiency in written and spoken English.

Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. Students may begin classes in the Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. Students are encouraged to make early application for admission, as some forms of financial aid give preference to early applicants; and whenever aid is limited, it is made available to the first applicants.

Students will need to schedule approximately 25 hours per week for residential instruction, activities and simulations, with an additional six hours per week for reading assignments and other homework activities.

Classes in the residential versions of Automotive Technology, CADD, CNT, Electrical Technology, HVACR and Plumbing meet Monday - Thursday from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM or 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at selected campuses only.

Upcoming class starts published in the catalog's Program and Term Schedule are January 11, 2027; March 22, 2027; May 31, 2027; August 16, 2027; October 25, 2027; January 17, 2028; and March 27, 2028. If, in the opinion of the Institute, there is insufficient enrollment to make the class start of a program session or section feasible, the Institute reserves the right to cancel that class.

Tuition is $3,999 per term for 5 terms, for total tuition of $19,995. The Materials Fee is $4,260. Program fee by term: Term 1: $3,400; Terms 2–4 ($210 per term): $630; Term 5: $230.

Program fees may include materials, laboratory, technology, and graduation expenses. These fees are applied at various points throughout the student’s training, depending on the specific requirements of the program. All applicable fees are disclosed in the student’s Enrollment Agreement and are included as part of the overall cost of attendance. The Materials Fee covers all books, devices, tools, instruments, uniforms, supplies, and other materials that the students will receive from PCI during the course of their attendance in their program. Even if costs increase, students will never pay more than the fee specified in their Enrollment Agreement.

There are no additional charges for programs delivered via Distance Education (Hybrid or fully Online). After deducting all anticipated educational funding from the total charges for each term, any balance due to the Institute must be paid by the student out-of-pocket prior to the start of each term. Or, the student may request a monthly payment plan. The first payment on a monthly payment plan is due prior to the start of the first term.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Federal Title IV programs available to qualified students include Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). PCI also participates in the Imagine America scholarship program and offers institutional grants and awards to specific student populations.

Veterans’ Benefits are currently only available for the residential version of this program. All Porter and Chester Institute campuses are approved to train veterans and their qualified dependents who are eligible for Veterans Administration educational benefits.

FAFSA code: 010779 (all PCI campuses other than Hamden). Use the Porter and Chester Institute Net Price Calculator to estimate how much your total career training program will cost you.

Cost of Attendance (COA). For federal student aid purposes, postsecondary institutions must estimate a student’s total cost of attending the institution for a specified period of time, as established by law. The COA includes tuition and fees; room and board (or an allowance for housing and food); an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care (if applicable); disability related expenses, and some miscellaneous expenses as well. Below is Porter and Chester’s estimate of a student’s cost of attendance, including estimated living expenses.

• Tuition and Fees: Actual (student living with parents); Actual (student with dependents)
• Books and Equipment: Included in the Student Services Fee (student living with parents); Included in the Student Services Fee (student with dependents)
• Room and Board: $906/month (student living with parents); $1576/month (student with dependents)
• Personal Expenses: $231/month (student living with parents); $353/month (student with dependents)
• Transportation: $348/month (student living with parents); $348/month (student with dependents)
• Loan Fees (other): $25/month (student living with parents); $25/month (student with dependents)
• Disability Costs: Actual (student living with parents); Actual (student with dependents)

Graduates entering the field of computer and network technology will have sufficient knowledge and skill for entry level employment as a Computer Technician, PC Technician, Computer Support Specialist, Network Technician, Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support or Network Support Specialist. Typically, these positions are found in businesses in the following commercial or industrial areas:

• Computer and Network Consulting
• Business/Office machines
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceutical and biological
• Navigation (space, aeronautics, and marine)
• Manufacturing (wherever automated processes are involved)

Licensing and certification. There is no license or certification required for entry-level employment in CT, MA or PA. PCI students are able to sit for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams 1 and 2, the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam and the CompTIA Cloud+ Certification exam as part of their program; first test fees are included in the cost of the program.

Graduation and employment rates. From the 2025 ACCSC annual report, for the 10/2022-9/2023 start cohort at this campus, Computer & Network Technology reported a graduation rate of 29% and an employment rate of 75% (starting population 14, graduate population 4).

How these rates are calculated. Porter and Chester Institute calculates a Graduation Rate and an Employment Rate for each program using formulas specified by our accrediting agency, the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The graduation rate formula uses a cohort of students who began school during a given 12 month reporting period as the denominator, and as the numerator uses the number of students from that group who graduated within 150% of the program length. The employment rate formula uses a cohort of students who began school during a given 12 month reporting period and proceeded to graduate as the denominator. Those of the cohort whose self-reported employment in their field of training, or a related field has been verified by the school, form the numerator. The rate is calculated for the cohort after 150% of the program length has elapsed for all students in the cohort, with an additional three month allowance for placement related activities.

Graduation rate for the student body. The graduation rate for first-time full-time students who began their studies at Porter Chester Institute in Fall 2019 (310 students) and graduated within 150% of their program length (178 students) is 57.4%.

Where graduates work. Waterbury campus graduates are working at employers such as Morse Watchman, NCR Corp.

The Waterbury campus consists of approximately 62,500 square feet of space. All classrooms are air-conditioned, brightly illuminated and tiled or carpeted. There are approximately 300 parking spaces on the premises. Each curriculum division operates its own reference library which contains appropriate resource materials and multimedia. All student workstations are equipped with the same kinds of tools, equipment, and instrumentation in current use by advanced industrial and commercial firms.

Each term, each campus holds a mandatory online or on-campus New Student Orientation, specifically for the incoming student body. Key staff are on hand to share important information.