AY24 Academic Catalog/Handbook

Networking Specialist Diploma

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.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode:

  • South Campus (Dublin)
  • North Campus (Sandersville)
  • Online (Distance Education)

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

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I

3

45

MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics

3

45

EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development

2

30

Occupational Courses

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 1001Computer Concepts

4

90

CIST 1122Hardware Installation and Maintenance

4

105

CIST 1401Computer Networking Fundamentals

4

90

COLL 1060Introduction to College and Computers

3

50

XXXX XXXXCIS Operating Systems Course

3

XXXX XXXXCIS Security Course

3

XXXX XXXXGuided Elective

9

Microsoft Specialization

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 2411Microsoft Client

4

90

CIST 2412Microsoft Server Directory Services

4

90

CIST 2413Microsoft Server Infastructure

4

90

XXXX XXXXMS Elective

4

Program Pathway

Semester 1

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
COLL 1060Introduction to College and Computers

3

50

CIST 1001Computer Concepts

4

90

CIST 1122Hardware Installation and Maintenance

4

105

Elective

Semester 2

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 1401Computer Networking Fundamentals

4

90

ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I

3

45

MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics

3

45

Elective

Semester 3

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 2411Microsoft Client

4

90

CIST 2412Microsoft Server Directory Services

4

90

Elective

Elective

Semester 4

Course NameCourse TitleCreditsContact
CIST 2413Microsoft Server Infastructure

4

90

EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Prof Development

2

30

Elective

Elective