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Computer Network Design and Administration

Are you interested in technology and how it can be applied to build connections between people in different places? Network design and administration could be the right career for you.

 
In this program, you'll develop the critical thinking skills and knowledge needed to create and maintain computer networks. You’ll practice optimization, troubleshooting, and using different operating systems and hardware such as Microsoft, CISCO, or LINUX/UNIX.

Whether you want to work as a network administrator, engineer, analyst, or technician, this program prepares you to join a growing technological industry.

  1. Install and configure servers, workstations, routers, switches, network cabling and wireless devices.
  2. Show knowledge of network topologies, protocols and technologies.
  3. Analyze and troubleshoot a network and its peripherals.
  4. Perform administrative tasks on a network.
  5. Establish communications between similar and dissimilar networking systems.
  6. Monitor network performance.
  7. Show a strong working knowledge of network security policies and procedures.
  8. Develop research skills and techniques.
Note: All program required software is available in CIS labs. Student discounts are available for purchasing software for home use.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Computer Network Design and Administration program prepares students as local- and wide-area network administrators. Successful completion of the program provides students with the essential skills of network administration including network design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting, utilizing a variety of network operating systems, and hardware platforms and protocols. These include but are not limited to Microsoft, Cisco and Linux/UNIX. Upon completion, students have covered objectives leading toward professional certification. Effective oral and written communications are emphasized throughout the program.

All required courses must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or better before proceeding to the next quarter or before a diploma is awarded.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 90


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 103
Mobile Devices  
2
CIS 106
Network Math  
2
CIS 108
Computer Math  
3
CIS 201
IT Essentials  
5
Total Credits
 
12

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 206
Introduction to Linux/Unix  
5
CIS 250
Cisco I Introduction to Networks  
5
ENGL&101
English Composition I   2
5
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 134
Virtualization Technologies  
3
CIS 213
Advanced Linux/Unix  
5
CIS 244
Windows Server Installation and Configuration  
5
CIS 251
Cisco II Switching, Routing, and Wireless I  
5
Total Credits
 
18

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 236
Windows Server Administration  
5
CIS 252
Cisco III Switching, Routing, & Wireless II  
5
CIS 270
Principles of Network Security  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 246
AWS Cloud Practitioner  
2
CIS 253
Cisco IV Enterprise Networking Security and Automation  
5
CIS 263
Advanced Windows Server  
5
CIS 286
Cisco Emerging Technologies  
3
Total Credits
 
15

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CIS 275
Networking Capstone  
5
CIS 277
Database Administration  
5
 
Communication Elective   1
5
Total Credits
 
15
BUS 280
Human Relations in Business  
5
CMST&210
Interpersonal Communication  
5
CMST 227
Intercultural Communication  
5
CMST&230
Small Group Communication  
5
CMST 250
Managing Conflict Through Communication  
5
ENGL&235
Technical Writing  
5

1 Select from the communication elective group.
2 ENGL& 101 can be substituted with BT 105 or BT 274.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 9,544
$ 11,488
$ 21,823
Books
$ 797
$ 797
$ 797
Course Fees
$ 24
$ 24
$ 24
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 3,195
Total Costs
$ 11,038
$ 12,982
$ 25,838

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

  • Tami Absalonson
    Tami Absalonson
    Computer Informat Systems
    A.A.S., Master Electronics Technical Certificate, Spokane Community College; Vocational Teaching Certificate, Eastern Washington University
    Tami.Absalonson@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-8369
  • Scott Dawson
    Scott Dawson
    Computer Informat Systems
    A.A., Spokane Falls Community College; A.A.S., Spokane Community College; B.A., Eastern Washington University
    Scott.Dawson@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7471
  • Laura Kier
    Laura Kier
    Computer Informat Systems
    B.S., Oregon State University; Additional Studies, Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, and Oregon State University; Certification, CCNA
    Laura.Kier@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-8446

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Jake Wizner

Workforce Transitions Specialist
Jake.Wizner@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8056

 

Jeff Brown

Division Dean
Jeff.Brown@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8882

 

Loni Benz

Academic Counseling Liaison

 

Neesa Guel

Pathway Specialist
Neesa.Guel@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7005

 

Tami Absalonson

Department Chair
Tami.Absalonson@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8369