Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Internetworking Technology
Majors Overview February 23, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Internetworking Technology and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education information.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Internetworking Technology
Few schools, if any, offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs specifically in Internetworking Technology. However, students interested in the field may pursue B.S. programs in Computer Science and Information Technology offered by many schools that include concentrations in internetworking and networking.
Students enrolled in these programs are taught about ways of building and configuring computer network systems, including networking software programs, cables, switches, and routers. Graduates learn about the skills they would need for analyzing networking functions, managing internetworking systems, and troubleshooting technical problems.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma and other prerequisites as required by some computer science departments to be completed by students before they can take core classes, including courses related to mathematics and basic computer literacy.
Coursework
Coursework within B.S. degree programs in either Computer Information Technology or Computer Science often includes a broad array of technical topics, including business communication strategies, software programs, hardware systems, and programming languages. Through electives and networking concentrations, students are provided with specific industry training. Core coursework may commonly include topic areas such as:
•Business communications and networking
•Algorithms and programming
•Information management
•Network security
•Systems development
•Computer systems and networks
•Local area network (LAN) switching
•Network architecture
•Operating systems control
•Systems implementation
Career Choices
Equipped with B.S. degrees in Computer Science, individuals can choose from various technical professions, including program design, technical support, and computer systems management. A choice of degree concentrations in internetworking or networking permits students to pursue careers within this industrial niche, including job titles such as:
•Network architect
•Network engineer
•Network administrator
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2012, network and computer systems administrators took home an average annual wage of $72,560 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A job growth of 12% has been predicted for network and computer systems administrators over the 2012 – 2022 decade (BLS).
Continuing Education Information
Professionals in jobs related to the computer industry must pursue continuing education in order to keep abreast of technological advances in the field, including new programs and hardware.
Apart from training, professional certifications may also be earned and maintained by these workers. For instance, they can seek certification in the use of particular kinds of networking software or equipment. Passage of applicable certification exams by students must be augmented by experience and educational requirements in order to obtain certification.
While companies in the fields of networking and internetworking usually don’t expect applicants to have completed any other education than a bachelor’s degree, preference is given by many organizations to holders of master’s degrees (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Those that complete graduate degrees that combine technological skills with business practice are likely to enjoy a greater number of job opportunities.