The Networking Specialist diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. Graduates are to be competent in the general areas of humanities or fine arts, social or behavioral sciences, and natural sciences or mathematics, as well as in the technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, system design and analysis, security, troubleshooting, and computer networking. Program graduates are qualified for employment as networking specialists.
Students may enter the Networking Specialist diploma program any semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 4 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 54 semester credit hours.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Networking Specialist diploma program must show initiative; be willing to continue education as technology advances; be interested in operating systems and applications, networking theory and solutions, configuring, and troubleshooting; be organized; have the ability to multi-task; and possess a strong work ethic.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Computer Information Systems-Networking Specialist diploma program are prepared for performing many different types of jobs. Graduates can find employment in the areas of computer hardware and software sales, installation and repair, computer networking, system design and analysis, security, troubleshooting, and software and technical support. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $7,055.00
Books & Supplies: $1,900.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
HOPE Career Grant: The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:
- 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
- 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
- 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
- Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award
High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.
Admission Requirements
OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums:
- COMPASS/ASSET,
- SAT,
- ACT,
- PSAT,
- PACT,
- Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion,
- HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher, or High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.
The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
Curriculum
Basic Skills Courses
Occupational Courses
| CIST 1001 | Computer Concepts | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 1122 | Hardware Installation and Maintenance | 4 | 105 |
| CIST 1401 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 4 | 90 |
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Operating Systems Course | 3 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Security Course | 3 | |
| XXXX XXXX | Guided Elective | 9 | |
Microsoft Specialization
| CIST 2411 | Micorsoft Client | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 2412 | Microsoft Server Directory Services | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 2413 | Microsoft Server Infastructure | 4 | 90 |
| XXXX XXXX | MS Elective | 4 | |
Program Pathway
Year 1
Semester 1
| COLL 1060 | Introduction to College and Computers | 3 | 50 |
| CIST 1001 | Computer Concepts | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 1122 | Hardware Installation and Maintenance | 4 | 105 |
| | Elective | | |
Semester 2
Semester 3
Year 2
Semester 4
| CIST 2411 | Micorsoft Client | 4 | 90 |
| CIST 2412 | Microsoft Server Directory Services | 4 | 90 |
| | Elective | | |
| | Elective | | |
Semester 5
| CIST 2413 | Microsoft Server Infastructure | 4 | 90 |
| | Elective | | |
| EMPL 1000 | Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development | 2 | 30 |