Computer Studies and Information Processing, Networking Technology - Associate in Science
- Stem
CNTD
This program may be completed at the Knight (Warwick) Campus but requires one or more courses be completed online.
Networks continue to expand in all aspects of our personal activities in business, manufacturing, education, and health care. This program provides balanced coverage of technology fundamentals, emphasis on this concentration prepares students for careers in modern office environments, focused on both client/server technologies and networking technology. Importance is placed on operating principles of programming, hardware, software, networking models, network operating systems, internetworking components, and industry standards along with hands-on laboratory activities for developing practical problem-solving skills. Students develop the ability to design, configure, secure, and troubleshoot basic local area networks (LANs) and internetworks using servers, routers, and switches. Integrated into the program are courses that prepare students to sit for both the server and networking certifications. Depending on the path taken, students can choose between networking or programming emphasis.
Note: Students enrolled in this program must earn a grade of at least C in all computer course requirements and must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Show Preparation for international exams/Certifications.
- Research information and technologies on networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity.
- Translate concepts and implement them in different working business environments.
- Demonstrate oral communication skills such as presentation for an audience, discussions, and debates.
- Use visual aids effectively to support an oral presentation.
- Demonstrate writing abilities such as reports, instructions, and documentation.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in problem-solving.
- Develop and demonstrate troubleshooting skills.
- Comply with today's business and industry standards for networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| COMM 1010 | Communication Fundamentals^ HUMN; Non-Written Communication; Social and Professional Responsibilities | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) HUMN; Written Communication; Information Literacy | 3 |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective 1; MSCI | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective SSCI | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective SSCI | 3 | |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3-5 | |
Mathematics Elective 1; MSCI | ||
Science Elective MSCI | ||
| Subtotal | 21-23 | |
| Major Core Requirements | ||
| CNVT 1810 | Networking 1 | 3 |
| CNVT 1820 | Networking 2 | 3 |
| CNVT 1830 | Networking 3 | 3 |
| CNVT 2030 | Core Networking 3 | 5 |
| COMI 1170 | Scripting for System Administration | 3 |
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design^ 2 | 4 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Basic Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | ||
| Network Security Hardware | ||
| Subtotal | 39-40 | |
| Total Hours | 60-61 | |
- 1
See table of Math Electives below.
- 2
Computer Studies Department recommends taking Systems Analysis and Design^ (COMP 1230) in your final semester
- 3
Core Networking (CNVT 2030) is offered in the Spring semester only.
- ^
Work-based learning course
Math Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1139 | Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students (MATH 1139C) | 3 |
| MATH 1240 | Statistical Analysis I | 4 |
| MATH 2111 | Pre-Calculus Mathematics | 4 |
| MATH 2138 | Quantitative Business Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 2141 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 2142 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2243 | Calculus III | 4 |
Recommended Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
| CNVT 1810 | Networking 1 | 3 |
| COMI 1800 | Computer Networking Software Linux | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | Composition I (ENGL 1010A) | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CNVT 1820 | Networking 2 | 3 |
| COMI 1840 | Microsoft Windows Server | 3 |
| COMI 2037 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| COMM 1010 | Communication Fundamentals^ (Work-based learning course) | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective | See Mathematics Electives note at the bottom of this page 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CNVT 1830 | Networking 3 | 3 |
| COMI 1170 | Scripting for System Administration | 3 |
| COMI 2020 | Network Security Software Fundamentals (Offered in fall semester only) | 3 |
| COMI 2036 | Introduction to Computer Ethics | 3 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| COMP 1230 | Systems Analysis and Design^ (Work-based learning course) | 4 |
| CNVT 2030 | Core Networking (Offered in spring semester only) | 5 |
| CNVT 2200 | Network Security Hardware | 4 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
- 1
Mathematics Elective Note: For list of MATH courses that fulfill the Math elective requirement for this program, please see table of Math Electives on the Networking Technology Requirements page.
Transfer
Please meet with an Academic Advisor/Student Success Coach if you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree. Your Academic Advisor will help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.
Check out the Joint Admissions Agreement if you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island. The JAA program offers seamless transfer to RIC or URI with additional benefits. Transfer information, events, and articulations are available on the Transfer Center website.