Mar 28, 2024  
2017-18 Catalog 
    
2017-18 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Network Technology, A.S.


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Program Design

The Computer Network Technology Associate Degree program provides students with both a broad and in-depth background in computer networking concepts and technologies. It covers the fundamentals of computer network theory as well as practical network connectivity device configuration, administration of networked client-server computer operating systems, computer hardware design and maintenance and computer programming. Students will also study web design and project management.

Students will have hands-on access to HP and CISCO networking equipment. Advanced high-end computer labs allow each student to build individual VMware based virtual networks comprised of large scale client-server configurations.

Students will also acquire a comprehensive educational background in mathematics, physics and general education, designed to develop and enhance their critical thinking, problem analysis and resolution skills.

The Computer Network Technology A.S. degree program can serve as either a terminal degree which prepares students for positions in the computer networking and system administration professions or as a transfer degree to baccalaureate institutions with degree programs in computer networking and system administration. Students planning to transfer to baccalaureate institutions should consult with an advisor (Richard Gnall) regarding the requirements of these institutions and transferability of courses.

Students who do not wish to complete all of the general education coursework for an Associate in Science degree may choose to pursue a certificate in Computer Network Technology. Students who complete the Computer Network Technology certificate program and then decide to pursue an Associate in Science degree may apply all of their certificate credits towards the Computer Network Technology A.S. degree program.

Curriculum

Students may enroll in this program full- or part-time. With full time attendance, the degree is designed to be a two-year program. The certificate is also a two-year program. Courses are offered during daytime and/or evening hours (the certificate may be completed with all night classes). For students who don’t meet the math prerequisite requirements for either the math or computer programming/networking courses in the program, MCC offers a wide range of preparatory courses.

Students must take physics for their Gen Ed science requirement.

Students have the choice of several programming languages. However, Python is the preferred choice and is strongly recommended.

Note that the prerequisites for the Computer Hardware class are Physics and Precalculus.

While there is no required sequence for most courses in the program, the following four courses have prerequisites which require them to be taken in the following order. Furthermore, three of the four courses are only offered once a year in either the fall or spring semester.

1st Semester (FA & SP)      CST*131 Networking Theory & Application

2nd Semester (SP)              CST*237 SysAdmin I - Client/Server

3rd Semester (FA)               CST*238 SysAdmin II - Client/Server

4th Semester (SP)               CST*132 Networking Infrastructure

Students should consult with a computer science/networking faculty advisor (Richard Gnall) to plan their program and schedule of classes, and to discuss required course prerequisites.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all Computer Network Technology degree program requirements, graduates will

  1. Differentiate and understand the role and function of various current and emerging technologies, including, but not limited to computer networking, system administration, computer hardware, programming and related Internet technologies.
  2. Implement basic switching and routing technologies used in computer networks.
  3. Demonstrate and implement advanced networking infrastructure concepts.
  4. Demonstrate skill in the installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrading and troubleshooting of computer operating systems at both the workstation and server levels in both stand-alone and networked environments.
  5. Describe basic computer organization and the relationship between hardware components and the operating system.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to understand a problem and develop logically structured solutions through the use of a modern programming language such as Python, Java, C++ or C#.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Total Minimum Credits Required: 61


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