Program: Networking Services Technology (Network Support) (2156) (A.S.) - Florida State College

Networking Services Technology (Network Support)

Associate in Science

The Networking Services Technology (Network Support) program is for individuals interested in beginning or advancing a career in computer/network support. Computer and network support work involves installing, configuring, repairing, and managing computer and network hardware and software. It requires both hands-on skills and knowledge of theory and concepts. Because network technology is constantly changing and evolving, learning in this field never ends. The emphasis of the program is on teaching students a broad base of skills and knowledge in network and systems administration while also allowing the flexibility fro students to pursue individual interests and specialties. With the ever-changing demands of the technology job market, this broad background and flexibility increases career opportunities available to graduates.

The program begins by teaching the basic skills and knowledge required to work as an entry-level Microcomputer Technician or Desktop Support Specialist. Students then learn the skills and knowledge required to administer server, security, voice, or network infrastructure environments. Once finished with the core requirements of the program, students are free to choose their remaining classes from a vast array of technology offerings at Florida State College. Students can select courses from specialty groupings such as systems administration, network security, computer hardware, internetworking, server, Voice over IP (VoIP), Data Forensics, or mix and match to take courses from a variety of technology areas to complement your existing skills.

Internships

A 180-hour internship is a required part of this degree program.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement

Florida State College is the regional resource for employers in every type of technology. Our partnerships with Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun Microsystems provide career connections. Florida State College’s intranet site posts jobs targeting our students. Graduates are regularly employed by CSX, JEA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the City of Jacksonville, Medtronic, Mayo Clinic and other regional employers including the government and military.

Four technical certificates are included as options within this degree program: Information Technology Technician (Desktop Support) (6945), Information Technology Management (Systems Administrator) (6946), Computer Forensics Technician (6947) and Advanced Network Support Technician (6948). Students may choose to pursue this A.S. degree and earn technical certificates while completing the requirements for the degree, or pursue one or more certificate programs to develop or upgrade their skills in a particular field. Contact an advisor or counselor to determine the career education path that is best for you.

Annual Salaries

Starting annual salaries for Jacksonville average $35,000–$40,000, the Florida average is $57,021 and the national average is $58,480.

Certification and Licensing

After completing the program, students can pursue industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA’s A+ Microcomputer Technician and Network+ Network Technician certifications, Microsoft’s Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, Cisco’s Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, and various Linux certifications.

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Curriculum

Total Credit Hours: 66

General Education

Credit Hours: 15

Mathematics Credit Hours: 3
Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements
Humanities Credit Hours: 3
Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements
Social and Behavioral Science Credit Hours: 3
Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements
Communication Category B Credit Hours: 3
Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements

ENC 1101 - English Composition I Credit Hours: 3

Professional Courses

Credit Hours: 15

CNT 1015 - Operating Systems Foundations Credit Hours: 3
CTS 1131 - Hardware Configuration Credit Hours: 3
CTS 1133 - Software Configuration Credit Hours: 3
CTS 1154 - Technical Support Credit Hours: 3
CTS 1120 - Fundamentals of Information Security Credit Hours: 3

Professional Electives

Minimum Credit Hours: 33

CAP 2140 - Data Forensics I Credit Hours: 4
CAP 2141 - Data Forensics II - Advanced Credit Hours: 4
CET 2588 - Network+ Certification Review Credit Hours: 2
CET 2600 - Network Fundamentals Credit Hours: 3
CET 2662 - Techniques of Computer Hacking and Incident Handling Credit Hours: 4
CNT 2102 - Switching and Wireless Fundamentals Credit Hours: 4
CNT 2210 - WAN Fundamentals Credit Hours: 4
CNT 2401 - Networking Operating System Security Credit Hours: 4
CNT 2404 - Intrusion Detection Systems and Auditing Credit Hours: 4
CNT 2930 - Special Topics in Networking Credit Hours: 1
CNT 2942 - Cooperative Education (Internship) Credit Hours: 2
CNT 2943 - Cooperative Education (Internship) Credit Hours: 3
CTS 1136 - Computer Hardware and Software Certification Review Credit Hours: 2
CTS 1334 - Server Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 1651 - Network Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2111 - Open Source Operating Systems Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2302 - Directory Services Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2317 - Advanced Information Security Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2664 - CCNA Security Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2325 - Networking Services Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2329 - Desktop Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2332 - Open Source Networking Systems Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2655 - Routing Fundamentals Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2656 - Basic Routing and Switching Certification Review Credit Hours: 2
CTS 2657 - Building Scalable Networks Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2658 - Managing Network Security Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2659 - Building Multilayer Switched Networks Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2660 - Deploying Quality of Service Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2661 - Internetwork Configuration Credit Hours: 4
CTS 2662 - Voice over IP (VoIP) Credit Hours: 4
MAN 2021 - Principles of Management Credit Hours: 3
MAN 2582 - Introduction to Project Management Credit Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

In order to be awarded the associate in science or associate in applied science degree, students must have met the following requirements:

Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) at Florida State College in courses eligible toward the associate in science or applied science degree programs (A.S. Florida State College GPA or A.A.S. Florida State College GPA).
Earned an all–college cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) on all courses attempted, including transferred credits. (All college cumulative).
Completed at least 25 percent of credit semester hours required for the degree at Florida State College.
Completed a minimum of 60 semester hours, as specified by the degree, of which a minimum of 15 semester hours must be General Education requirements.
Earned a grade of at least a “C” in each course used to satisfy the General Education Requirements .
Can demonstrate mastery of the Information Literacy Assessment. Refer to the assessment section for details.

Note: Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to the following statements.

Graduation dates will be the date at the end of the college term in which the students complete the academic requirements for the degree or certificate for which students are applicants. (The removal of an incomplete grade does not affect students’ graduation dates, since the grade change is effective as of the end of the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned rather than the term in which the incomplete work was made up.)
If students expect to complete the coursework under the terms of the catalog in effect during the term of their first registration, they must graduate within five years or they will need to be reassigned to an active catalog. Accordingly, students who enter under this catalog (2009/2010) must graduate by the end of the Summer Term 2014, or they will automatically be reassigned to the 2013/2014 catalog requirements. Changes to requirements as mandated by law or by rule of the District Board of Trustees may supersede this provision.
The General Education Requirements may be taken on any Florida State College campus or center.
Many courses in this catalog have prerequisite and/or corequisite courses which are listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.
Students who place into college preparatory courses are required to complete designated college preparatory courses with a grade of “C” or better regardless of program of study.
Students enrolling in associate in applied science programs must pass all sections of the placement test before award of an A.A.S. degree, regardless of the degree program’s general education requirements.
Degree–seeking students whose native language is not English, who fall below a designated cutoff score on the English as a second language (ESL) entry placement test, will be required to take ESL courses with EAP prefix prior to registering for other college credit classes. The level of these courses will be determined by the entry placement scores. Individual exceptions will be determined by the ESL program manager.
Degree–seeking students identified as non–native speakers must take an English as a second language (ESL) placement test prior to taking the College’s standard course placement test. Students who place into ESL, as determined by the test, must complete ESL courses before registering for other college credit classes. Non–degree seeking college credit students who plan to take English or reading courses must also meet these requirements. Exceptions to these requirements can be made by the ESL program manager or designee.

University Transfer

This associate in science degree program is intended primarily for students who desire to complete an associate in science degree and become employed. Students who decide to pursue university transfer study must meet certain course and test requirements. For details refer to the university transfer guide.