Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems and Network Technology

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Systems and Network Technology (CSNT) prepares students for employment in computer networking and information systems administration. This program encompasses vendor-neutral and theoretical concepts and practices. The program includes Microsoft Windows Server and Desktop operating systems, as well as Cisco routing and switching technologies.

The AAS in Computer Systems and Network Technology offers students the business, communication, teamwork, technical skills, and IT concepts needed to enter the workforce as entry-level technicians or administrators. It also provides a foundation for advanced studies in information technology and related fields.

The AAS in Computer Systems and Network Technology constitutes the first two years of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Technologies Leadership.

Admission Requirements

Graduation Requirements

CNT A160PC Operating Systems3
CNT A165Customer Service Fundamentals1
CNT A170CCNA 14
CNT A183Local Area Networks3
CNT A210PC Technician Fundamentals3
or CNT A162 PC Architecture and Building
CNT A240Industry PC Configuration Essentials2
CNT A241Administering and Supporting Industry Network Infrastructure3
CNT A242Industry Network Directory Configuration3
CNT A243Industry Application Infrastructure3
CNT A261CCNA 24
CNT A264 Introduction to Information Security3
CNT A270CCNA 34
CNT A275Information Technology Project Management2
Complete 10 credits from courses approved by CSNT faculty or from the following courses:10
Introduction to Personal Computers and Application Software
Computer Concepts in Business
Business Foundations
Fundamentals of Supervision
Computer User Support and Help Desk
Computer Technical Support
Individual Technical Project
Industry Workplace Experience
Selected Topics in Information Technology
Selected Topics in Computer and Networking Technology
Total48

A minimum of 60 credits is required for the degree.

 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems and Network Technology will be able to:

  • Show an understanding of IT concepts and technical skills, installing and configuring operating systems, and using utility software.
  • Show knowledge of computer hardware and peripherals.
  • Demonstrate competence in IT workplace service skills through customer service, troubleshooting and implementation of security.
  • Demonstrate competence in entry-level tasks of design, configuration, operation and troubleshooting Ethernet and TCP/IP networks using Cisco routers and switches.
  • Show knowledge of network infrastructure, network workgroups, and domain administration.
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage an IT-related project by professionally and ethically utilizing business principles, communication skills and teamwork.

Sample Plan

The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.

Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.

  • Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.
  • GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.
  • Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
  • Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.
  • Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
  • Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CNT A160 PC Operating Systems 3
CNT A162
PC Architecture and Building
or PC Technician Fundamentals
3
CNT A165 Customer Service Fundamentals 1
COMM A111 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3
WRTG A111 Writing Across Contexts 3
Program Elective: (BA or BADA or CNT) 3
 Credits16
Spring
CNT A170 CCNA 1 4
CNT A183 Local Area Networks 3
MATH A105 Intermediate Algebra 4
WRTG A212 Writing and the Professions 3
Program Elective: (BA or BADA or CNT) 3
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
CNT A240 Industry PC Configuration Essentials (First part of term) 2
CNT A241 Administering and Supporting Industry Network Infrastructure (Second part of term) 3
CNT A261 CCNA 2 4
CNT A264 Introduction to Information Security 3
CNT A275 Information Technology Project Management 2
 Credits14
Spring
CNT A242 Industry Network Directory Configuration (First part of term) 3
CNT A243 Industry Application Infrastructure (Second part of term) 3
CNT A270 CCNA 3 4
Program Elective: (BA or BADA or CNT) 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits61