Internetwork Engineering Associate Degree Program Information
Majors Overview April 13, 2013Students should research about associate degree programs in network engineering; obtain information on certifications, careers, and courses in this field to make an informed decision on their education.
Network Engineering Associate Degree Program
Internetworking involves connecting networks together; either wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), to make larger networks. This is completed with the use of routers, bridges, and gateways. Most degree programs in internetwork engineering are available at the graduate-level, but students may receive an introduction to internetwork engineering through associate degree programs in network engineering.
Network engineering involves different types of networks used to store, transmit, and receive information within a business. Internetworking engineering associate degree program offer studies on how to install, design and maintain a network.
Typically, students will have the opportunity to learn diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques while gaining proficiency in mathematical functions and operating systems. Individuals will gain skills in communication and team building while increasing their knowledge of ethical responsibility. Students are required to participate in an internship program, in some degree programs. Typically, associate degree program applicants are required to submit transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, or Accuplacer.
Program Course Topics
Students who enroll in computer network engineering associate degree programs take classes in computing and electronics. Students have the option of pursuing areas of specialization, such as Microsoft systems administration or cyber-security in some programs. Course topics can include:
•Technical writing
•Network servers
•Wireless networks
•Telecommunications
•Computer assembly
•Data structures
•Operating systems
•Circuit analysis
•Digital electronics
•Microprocessors
Career Options
Students who graduated from an associate degree program in internetwork engineering will be prepared for careers in network and computer engineering. Individuals can find jobs in network administration, network design, network maintenance, and network installation. Graduates will be prepared for positions such as:
•Network support technicians
•Repair technicians and computer assembly
•Internet support analysts
•Network administrators
•Data communication analysts
Information on Continuing Education
Students who have graduated from a network engineering associate degree program can transfer to a bachelor degree program in a related area, since the majority of colleges and universities have articulating agreements with four-year institutions. Individuals who have earned a bachelor degree can pursue positions such as microcomputer software consultants, support specialists, LAN managers, network security specialists, and network engineers.
Graduates from network engineering associate degree programs can sit for industry certification examinations. Certifications include Microsoft System Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Systems Administrator (MCSA), and Cisco Network Associate (CCNA), among others. Students should complete a certificate program to prepare themselves for immediate employment and certification exam in a specialized area. Depending on the colleges, students will be allowed to transfer credits from the certificate program to a network engineering associate degree program. Alternatively, students can complete their associate degree program, and then sit for the certification examinations.
