Networking Systems and Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Program Code: 0141

Program Requirements

General Education Coursework 1
ENGLISH 101Composition3
Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended)4
Fine Arts or Humanities course3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course3
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences course3
Required Program Core
BUSINES 111Introduction To Business3
CIS 101Computer Science 1013
CIS 111Computer Operations3
CIS 116Operating System I3
CIS 255Operating Systems II3
COMPSFI 102Information Security Essentials3
NET TEC 121Internetworking I3
NET TEC 122Internetworking II3
NET TEC 221Internetworking III3
NET TEC 222Internetworking IV3
or NET TEC 245 Cloud Computing and Services
NET TEC 240Operating Systems/Server I3
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
CIS 260Computer Information Systems Field Project3
or CIS 265 Computer Information Systems Internship
Program Electives
Students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours in the subjects Computer Information Systems (0032), Networking Technologies (0165), or Cybersecurity (0162).9
Total Hours61
1

At least one course must be an HD course.

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning a degree in Networking Systems and Technology. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC), an Advanced Certificate (AC), and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Networking Systems and Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. One course will satisfy the Human Diversity (HD) requirement, and is labeled with an (HD) in the sequence below.

The Networking Systems and Technology AAS program is for students interested in administering and maintaining network equipment such as routers, switches, and servers, as well as, maintaining software and services that are common in modern network infrastructures. The curriculum covers both hardware and software components which help prepare students for jobs in the Information Technology (IT) market. It also offers students relevant knowledge and skills required in a variety of industry certifications including: A+, Network+, CCENT, CCNA and CCNA Security.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
ENGLISH 101 Composition 1 3
CIS 101 Computer Science 101 3
CIS 116 Operating System I 3
CIS 111 Computer Operations 3
NET TEC 121 Internetworking I 3
 Hours15
Semester 2
BUSINES 111 Introduction To Business 3
CIS 255 Operating Systems II 3
MATH 125 Introductory Statistics (or other Mathematics) 4
NET TEC 122 Internetworking II 3
Fine Arts & Humanities course (HD) 1 3
 Hours16
Semester 3
COMPSFI 102 Information Security Essentials 3
NET TEC 221 Internetworking III 3
NET TEC 240 Operating Systems/Server I 3
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences course 1 3
Program Elective 2 3
 Hours15
Semester 4
NET TEC 222
Internetworking IV
or Cloud Computing and Services
3
CIS 260
Computer Information Systems Field Project (Capstone or Internship)
or Computer Information Systems Internship
3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course 1 3
Program Elective 2 3
Program Elective 2 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours61
1

General Education Requirement

2

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours in the subjects Computer Information Systems (0032)Networking Technologies (0165), or Cybersecurity (0162).

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Computer User Support Specialists

Job Description

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$39,015
Median 50th Percentile$60,509
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$96,927

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$19
Median 50th Percentile$29
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$47

Annual Job Openings

852 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.32%
A certificate32.33%
Some college1.92%
An Associate degree13.74%
A Bachelor's degree47.32%
A Master's or Professional degree4.37%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

51.69% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Computer Network Support Specialists

Job Description

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$42,894
Median 50th Percentile$71,434
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$128,275

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$21
Median 50th Percentile$34
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$62

Annual Job Openings

300 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less4.23%
A certificate10.16%
Some college13.63%
An Associate degree21.68%
A Bachelor's degree48.77%
A Master's or Professional degree1.53%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

50.30% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Job Description

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$57,780
Median 50th Percentile$90,616
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$140,049

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$28
Median 50th Percentile$44
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$67

Annual Job Openings

288 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.00%
A certificate7.49%
Some college9.72%
An Associate degree20.30%
A Bachelor's degree52.37%
A Master's or Professional degree10.13%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

62.50% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Information Security Analysts

Job Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$67,312
Median 50th Percentile$113,413
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$178,147

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$32
Median 50th Percentile$55
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$86

Annual Job Openings

192 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.00%
A certificate7.16%
Some college2.01%
An Associate degree12.87%
A Bachelor's degree75.16%
A Master's or Professional degree2.80%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

77.96% continue their education beyond an associate degree