Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5199
SUNY Code: 1401
Major Code: LAN
The Career
The certificate program in Local Area Networks (LAN) will educate students to become part of one of the fastest growing areas in the computer field with a 53.4 percent growth rate in job opportunities by 2016.
The certificate in LAN will provide students with a comprehensive background in LANs. Graduates will be able to obtain entry-level employment with a job title such as computer network administrator, computer network technician, computer support specialist, help desk specialist and PC support technician. Coursework will parallel the objectives specified by COMP/TIA’s A+ and NET+ certifications. Graduates should be able to pass these vendor-neutral industry standard certification exams. The program will provide a formal education in LAN for new students as well as computer professionals currently looking to upgrade their skills.
The NCCC Approach
Classes will focus on data communication fundamentals and concepts; LAN administration (Novell, Windows Server and Linux); network protocols (TCP/IP); wireless technologies, computer hardware and software installation; and operating systems troubleshooting, upgrading and maintenance.
Students wishing to attain an associate degree may do so by continuing their study in the Associate in Science Computer Information Systems program or the Associate Applied in Science Individual Studies program.
Admission
The LAN certificate program is offered as a full-time or part-time program. Full-time students are encouraged to start in fall while part-time students are encouraged to start in spring. Courses may be offered day and/or evening each semester.
It is recommended that students follow the typical program layouts in order to achieve the most successful path in completing the LAN certificate. Not following course sequencing and course availability may negatively alter a student’s timeline for graduation.
Program Goals and Objectives
To prepare graduates for entry-level positions such as computer network analysts, computer network administrators, computer network technicians, computer support specialist and/or to continue their education toward earning a higher level degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion a graduate will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the procedural process in each component of the TCP/IP hybrid five layer and the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) seven layer models
- Formulate and employ network block addressing, port forwarding and filtering in TCP/IP
- Develop proper documentation techniques for Local Area Networks
- Create and manage user accounts in a multitude of network operating systems
- Set up and manage proper rights and security to objects in the network operating system
- Construct the proper media for computer connectivity within a network environment
- Manage network activity and utilization and make appropriate recommendations
- Demonstrate the capability of installing hardware components and appropriate drivers into a personal computer
- Propose and apply techniques in providing a secure operating system on the desktop
- Design and construct wired/wireless solutions for SOHO environments
