Program Overview

Major ID: 298C

Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

The Network Administration Certificate is designed for individuals who already have acquired at least a minimum level of technical computer skills, either through previous education, training, and/or experience. It is designed to enhance one’s current computer knowledge and skills.

Networking Specialists can work in a wide variety of jobs. The work could include purchasing, installing, configuring, administrating, and/or supporting. Some jobs in networking could include help desk support, user training, installing and maintaining local and/or wide area networks.

The student should have excellent communications and math skills. For the certificate programs the student is expected to have prior microcomputer and/or networking experience. They should exhibit qualities of patience, perseverance, and preciseness and be a logical thinker. The student should enjoy working in a team environment, and be able to work independently. All networking programs emphasize preparation for either the Microsoft Certified System Administration or Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Certification.

Career Opportunities

With almost every size company connected to some type of network, the jobs in networking have become the fastest growing jobs in the computer field. With companies networking to share resources and reduce expenses the networking specialist is an invaluable part of the new company structure. There is a wide variety of jobs in networking including installation, maintenance, training, managing and user support.

Graduates find excellent opportunities as Network Administrators, Network Support, and Certified Network Engineers in business, manufacturing, government and education. Jobs for Networking Specialists for all types of installations are found throughout the country with opportunities for excellent earnings and rapid advancement. Jobs include the following:

• Networking Engineer
• Network Help Desk Support
• Data Communications Specialist
• PC Network Administrator
• Information Specialist
• WAN Manager
• Network Administrator
• LAN Specialist
• Telecommunications Specialist
• Certified Network Engineer
• LAN Manager

Program Outcomes

1. Design, construct, and maintain computer networks.
2. Install, configure, and maintain workstation based operating systems.
3. Explain the OSI model.
4. Troubleshoot hardware and software problems in a network environment.
5. Install and configure basic host and network security.

Program Faculty

Mark Rawlings
mark.rawlings@saintpaul.edu

Warren Sheaffer
warren.sheaffer@saintpaul.edu