Program Description - Pellissippi State Community College

NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY ( N e w )
Program Description: The Networking and Communications Systems
Technology program offers a core curriculum that provides the academic
and technical background for individuals who wish to prepare for successful
employment in network design and administration. The focus of the curriculum
is on student performance of administrative functions and support for local
and wide area networks. A d d i t i o n a l l y, emphasis is placed on system monitoring
and management, network testing, and system configuration and implementation.
The Networking and Communications Systems Technology students complement
their studies with an internship at a selected site that allows students to gain onthe-job
experience prior to graduation.
Typical Job Opport u n i t i e s :
Network Engineer/Administrator. Performs requirements analysis for new
and existing networks and designs, installs, tests, and documents networks;
develops maintenance and upgrade plans; schedules and coordinates network
installations, changes, and maintenance and documents changes; manages
i n v e n t o r y, documents network activities, and defines and documents test specifications
and interprets results; and provides security analysis, planning, and
operational support for networked computer systems.
Technical Support Specialist. Sets up and maintains user accounts, provides
Helpdesk support, applies upgrades, performs system backups, and restores
data; provides customer support for network engineering departments.
Systems Engineer/Administrator. Reports component, security, and connectivity
problems; performs system and security audits; makes recommendations
for system optimization/improvement/security; and documents and establishes
security measures.
After successfully completing the Networking and Communications Systems
Technology program, the graduate will be equipped to do the following:
I . Demonstrate problem-solving skills.
I I . Secure employment within the information technology industry.
I I I . Implement problem solutions.
D e g ree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact(s): Jerry Sherrod, (865) 694-6637, jsherrod@pstcc.edu
Networking and Communications Systems Technology—
Courses and Course Sequence
This sequence can be followed by students who begin college-level work in the
fall semester. Prerequisites may apply to specific courses; it is the student’s responsibility
to determine if prerequisites have been met. An academic advisor is provided
for each student. Prior to registering each semester, the student is expected to consult
with his/her assigned advisor.
Semester I (Fall) ENGL 1010 English Composition I ......................................3
HUM * Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ..........................3
NETW 1010 PC Hardware (A+ Certification) ......................4
NETW 1020 PC Operating System Software
(A+ Certification) ............................................4
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