Networking Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Networking Specialist associate degree 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, and computer networking. Graduates are qualified for employment as networking specialists.
Students may enter the Networking Specialist degree program any semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 5 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 66 semester credit hours.
Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode:
- South Campus (Dublin)
- North Campus (Sandersville)
- Online (Distance Education)
Articulation Agreements
For information on further advancing your education after completing your Associate of Applied Science Degree, see our Articulation (Transfer) Agreements.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Networking Specialist degree 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 Networking Specialist degree 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: $8,255.00
Books & Supplies: $2,300.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
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
Area I - Language Arts/Communications
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences
Area III - Natural Science/Mathematics
Choose one of the following:
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts
Choose one of the following:
Program-Specific General Education Course Requirements
To meet the minimum required 15 semester credit hours in General Core Courses, students must take an additional 3 semester credit hours.
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 | Guided Elective | 14 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Operating Systems Course | 3 | |
| XXXX XXXX | CIS Security Course | 3 | |
Microsoft Specialization
| CIST 2411 | Microsoft 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
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
| CIST 1401 | Computer Networking Fundamentals | 4 | 90 |
| ENGL 1101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 | 45 |
| | Elective | | |
Choose one of the following:
Semester 3
Choose one of the following:
Choose one of the following:
Semester 4
Semester 5
| CIST 2413 | Microsoft Server Infastructure | 4 | 90 |
| PSYC 1101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 | 45 |
| | Elective | | |
| | Elective | | |