Network Administration and Design Degrees: Course Curriculum for Degrees in Network Administration and Design
Individuals interested in network administration and design degrees can pursue the Associate of Applied Science degree in Network Design and Administration, Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology with a Network Administration concentration or a Master of Science degree in Networking and Systems Administration. Course curricula include network security, data communications, project management,website development and software design.
Network Administration and Design Associate Degree Course Curriculum
Students can pursue 2-year Associate of Applied Science degrees in Network Design and Administration. through accredited courses in traditional campus settings or online. The core curriculum for a network administration and design associate degree covers operating systems, project management, telecommunications, network security and user support; capstone projects and internships may be required. Programs, including the one at Southwestern Illinois College, www.swic.edu, may prepare students for certification exams, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Network Administration and Design Bachelor's Degree Course Curriculum
Students interested in a 4-year degree in network administration and design can earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree with a Network Administration concentration, which generally requires between 124-140 credits. The bachelor's degree curriculum includes courses in software design, website development, technology trends, technical writing and management information systems. General business courses, such as accounting, marketing and statistics, as well as administrative courses in project management, leadership and problem-solving, may also be included. Many bachelor's programs include certifications in A+, CompTIA and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP). Students typically complete a capstone project and graduate with a professional portfolio.
Network Administration and Design Master's Degree Course Curriculum
Graduate programs, such as Master of Science degree in Networking and Systems Administration, often combine general business classes with field-specific instruction. While master's programs are geared toward computer professionals, individuals who do not have a networking background may be able to pursue the course after taking prerequisite classes. Graduate curricula require approximately 48 credits, and core classes include network security, computer forensics, system viruses, project management and network design. Students are generally required to complete a thesis or capstone project, and internships are promoted. Employment in network administration is expected to rise 27% between 2006-2016, notes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.