Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology:
Network Engineering Specialization
Area: Information Systems Technology - Network Engineering Specialization
Degree: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length: Four semesters (two-year) program
Purpose: This curriculum is designed to provide skills to students in designing, installing, administering and repairing computer networks.
Occupational Objectives: The associate of applied science degree curriculum in information systems technology with a network engineering specialization is designed for students who wish to seek full-time employment as a network administrator, analyst, designer or technician.
Transfer Guidelines: Transfer opportunities for associate of applied science degrees, if existing, are very specific in nature. Students enrolling in an applied science degree with plans to transfer to a four-year college or university should explore opportunities with their faculty advisor.
Related Certifications: In addition to providing a foundation in network engineering, this degree prepares students to obtain entry-level certifications and eventually seek advanced certification in a number of networking technologies. Related entry level certifications include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Linux+.
Program Requirements: A network engineer must possess detailed knowledge of one or more networking technologies, strong analytical and problem solving skills and good interpersonal and communications skills. These skills are an integral part of the information systems technology (IST) curriculum. The curriculum includes technical courses in information technology, business-related areas, general education and electives. Instruction is centered on theoretical concepts and practical, hands-on applications key to success in the networking field. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor in planning their programs and selecting electives. Upon satisfactory completion of the program the graduate will be awarded the associate of applied science degree in information system technology with a network engineer specialization.
Special Note (Bridge Courses): This program is designed for those students who have completed a variety of keyboarding and introductory computer applications courses at the high school level. A student who has not completed the recommended high school courses may enroll in the IST Program by taking courses designed to bridge the gap. These courses are to be selected by consulting with an IST advisor and may include one or more of the following:
| AST 101 | Keyboarding | 3 credits |
| ITE 115 | Intro to Computer Applications and Concepts | 3 credits |
| CSC 155 | Computer Concepts and Applications | 3 credits |
| (Note: ITE 115 or CSC 155, not both.) | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Course# | Title | Credits |
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ITD 110 | Web Page Design I | 3 |
| ITD 130 | Database Fundamentals | 3 |
| ITN 109 | Internet and Network Foundations | 3 |
| MTH 151/152 (or MTH 163 or 271) |
Math for Liberal Arts1 | 3 |
| SDV 101 | Orientation to the IT Professions | 1 |
| Total | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Course# | Title | Credits |
| ENG 112 | College Composition II | 3 |
| Approved IT elective2 | 3 | |
| ITN 106 | Microcomputer Operating Systems | 3 |
| ITP 100 | Software Design | 3 |
| MTH 151/152 (or MTH 271 or 272) |
Math for Liberals Arts1 | 3 |
| Approved Social Science elective3 | 3 | |
| Total | 18 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Course# | Title | Credits |
| ECO 201/202 | Principles of Macro/Microeconomics | 3 |
| ENG 115 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| ITN 200 | Admin of Network Resources | 3 |
| ITN 260 | Network Security Basics | 3 |
| PED/HLT | Physical Education (or Health) | 2 |
| Approved ITP/CSC course4 | 4 | |
| Total | 18 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Course# | Title | Credits |
| ITN 120 | Wireless Network Administration | 3 |
| ITN 170 | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| ITN 201 | Admin and Management of Network Infrastructures | 3 |
| ITP 251 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 |
| Approved humanities elective5 | 3 | |
| Total | 16 | |
| Program Total | 68 | |
- Students planning to transfer to a four-year college are encouraged to take MTH 163 or MTH 271/272.
- Students may select ITD 132 (Database), ITD 210 (Web) or ITN 107 (Networking). Students should choose the course which maps to their chosen specialization (e.g. Web Applications Development, Database Administration, Network Engineering).
- Students may select Social Science elective from the approved list found in the LFCC catalog.
- Students must complete a one-semester programming language course (CSC 201, ITP 112, ITP 120 or ITP 132). Students planning to transfer to a four-year college are encouraged to take CSC 201 or ITP 120.
- Students may select humanities elective from the approved list found in the LFCC catalog.