Degree Overview: Associate in Network Systems Administration
Majors Overview August 24, 2013In this article, you will learn about the network systems administration associate degree program, as well as receive information on continuing education possibilities, career options, and common course topics to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Network Systems Administration
Students enrolled in associate degree programs in network systems administration are taught about building and managing network systems for the transmission of communications data through satellite, fiber optic, hard-wired and wireless networks. Once they have completed the degree program, students will be awarded with an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Associate degree program graduates will be prepared to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification examination.
Specializations are offered by schools in different kinds of network systems, such as Novell, Cisco, UNIX and Microsoft. The focus of these programs may also include Cisco equipment, multi-vendor systems, network cabling systems and operating systems. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Computer networking associate degree program usually consists of sixty-three to seventy-two credits and designed to be completed within two years, if students are enrolled full-time. Students will be introduced to programming logic and computer technology. Program course topics may include the following:
•Technical support concepts
•Cisco router configuration
•LAN network server technologies
•Electronic messaging
•Network design
•Personal computer hardware
•Cisco network fundamentals
•Linux configuration and installations
•Copyright and ethical issues in computer networking
•Fundamentals of networking technologies
Career Options
Most positions in networking administration require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree, related work experience and an associate’s degree might be helpful in acquiring specific positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most jobs are driven by the latest advancement in technology. Graduates can obtain the following job titles:
•Information Technology (IT) helpdesk support
•Network operations analyst
•Computer support specialist
•Network systems administrator
Information on Continuing Education
Network administration associate degree program graduates who want to gain new responsibilities and advance in their careers should consider enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Networking professionals may enroll in certificate programs, which teach advanced skills, including programming languages and enterprise-class network administration. Software vendors usually offer training for their network applications. Depending on the programs, some may be offered on an online format.
