Computer Networking (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science ∙ Program Code: 282 · Credit Hours: 60-61 ∙ Contact Hours: 61-64

Associate Dean: Pam Miller · Faculty Contact: Fred Harrington

North Central’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking provides students with both academic study and hands-on experience along with the opportunity for Microsoft certifications. Through the College’s membership in the Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA), students have access to Microsoft’s complete line of computer networking products. The hands-on activities help students prepare for certification as a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) up to Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP).

Program requirements may be waived with documented equivalent vendor certifications (e.g., Net+, MCSA, CNE, MCP, CCNA), for all IT courses below IT 200, with advisor approval. Any 100-level or higher course may be used to meet the 60-credit minimum requirement for a certificate if any program requirements are waived.

Open Entry/Self-Paced: North Central offers computer networking courses in an open-entry (OE) self- paced format. This format enables students to start courses after the normal semester and work at a pace agreed upon by the student and the instructor. Open lab time is scheduled for daytime and evening access to facilitate student work schedules. The College’s networking lab is designed for networking activities using routers, switches, multiple servers and multiple operating systems in hard box and virtual environments.