Computer Network Systems (CISCO)

  What is Computer Network Systems (CISCO)?

Computer network systems involves the design, installation and support of an organization’s local-area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) daily operations, as well as their Internet and intranet connectivity.

People who work in network systems support maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. Network support personnel also gather data to identify customer needs and then use the information to identify, interpret and evaluate system and network requirements. Network administrators also may plan, coordinate and implement network security measures.

  Success Factors

Successful students should have strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills. Especially needed is the ability to view things as interactive, whole systems. Students should also be able to anticipate future problems and plan responses accordingly.

  Career Possibilities

Career possibilities are numerous. Some opportunities for employment include:

• network design and administration
• technical support
• telecommunications
• programming and software engineering

  Majoring in Computer Network Systems (CISCO)

A working, general knowledge of computer and network connectivity is valuable before beginning this program.

Course work recognizes multiple learning styles through Web-based, multimedia content and online assessment and evaluation throughout the program.

Hands-on labs provide opportunities to design, install and support an organization’s LAN and WAN network segments, as well as their Internet or intranet systems.

Students will be prepared to provide day-to-day, on-site support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government and large corporations. Students will also learn to administer and configure networks and servers remotely.

The computer network systems course work, in combination with a well-balanced selection of courses in English, personal communications, history and social sciences, enables students to develop the skills necessary to operate effectively in the workplace and in customer environments.

Students should be able to complete all but one course of this program in two years, attending full-time (fall, winter and spring quarters). However, because of prerequisite requirements, students will need to take the final five-credit class the summer of the second year. Students may also choose to co-op. Students who have graduated in computer networking from a tech-prep high school program may be granted college credits and advanced standing. This program is career specific and does not generally transition into a bachelor’s degree.

Employed professionals or students choosing not to pursue an associate degree may wish to consider the certificate option. The certificate completes the CCNA and CCNP portions of the degree program, providing highly marketable credentials in an explosively growing field.

  Minoring in Computer Network Systems (CISCO)

Minors do not apply to associate degree studies.

Career-oriented technical degree programs are geared toward developing competencies in specific job-related skills. However, computer network systems may also be pursued as a second major. Expect acquisition of a second major to prolong your degree completion.

Students majoring in a significantly different field of study may chose instead to add the computer network systems certificate as part of their degree program.

For specific details on computer network systems as a second major or adding a certificate, please contact Enrollment Services, 513-732-5319.

Students enrolled in a two-year transitional degree program will spend most of their classroom time acquiring the foundational courses for the four-year baccalaureate. Generally, students select a minor when they transfer to their four-year institution. Computer network systems course work does not normally fulfill the requirements of a bachelor’s degree program.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Students should check with an academic advisor every quarter before registering for classes. Associate degree program courses are tightly scheduled in order to complete in two years. It is not possible to offer every course every quarter. A missed prerequisite, or a delayed requirement will jeopardize the student's ability to complete the degree on time.

Core Courses	Course #	Cr. Hrs.
First Year Experience	EGTN101	1
Work Experience or elective	CIS221 or elective	3
Implications of Computer Technology	CIS298	3
Effective Public Speaking	COMM171	3
PC Hardware	CSST130	4
PC Operating Systems	CSST131	4
Elements of Electrical
and Computer Engineering Technology	ELTN102	3
Elements of Electrical
and Computer Engineering Technology Lab	ELTN112	1
Computer Network Systems I, II, III	ELTN121, 122, 123	12
CAD I	ELTN181	3
Advanced Computer Network Systems I, II, III, IV	ELTN221, 222, 223, 224	20
Voice and Data Communications	ELTN170	3
English Composition I, II	ENGL101, 102	6
Intermediate Composition	ENG289	3
Technical Writing	ENGL371	3
Elementary Probability and Statistics I	MATH147	3
Introduction to Lean Manufacturing	MFTN179	3
Multimedia Logistics	CISM171	3
Fine Art/History/Literature electives		6
Natural Science elective		3
Social Science elective		3
TOTAL		93

Printable version (pdf)

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The UC Clermont College campus is on 92 wooded acres located in Batavia, Ohio, in the heart of Clermont County. Clermont College is relatively small with a low faculty-to-student ratio. Small class sizes and personal interaction with instructors create the ideal learning environment. Parking is convenient and at no additional charge. Clermont College tuition is the lowest of the UC colleges.

Studies are oriented toward finding solutions to day-to-day installation and maintenance problems in real-world business settings. Students will learn on the latest hardware with up-to-date tools and techniques, gaining hands-on experience.

It is highly recommend that students also pursue CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification. To obtain CCNA certification, students may take either a two-exam option (exam one covers CCNA 1 and 2; exam two covers CCNA 3 and 4) or a one-exam option that covers CCNA 1 through 4. CCNP certification is acquired by completing four exams (CCNP 1, 2, 3 and 4). The Clermont College curriculum thoroughly covers all four parts of both CCNA and CCNP, and the exams may be taken as the appropriate course work is completed.

Each successfully completed exam earns a certificate, which is a nationally recognized statement of proficiency, issued by Cisco Systems, Inc.  (Clermont College students pass their certification exams at better than a 90% rate.) Clermont College is a certified CISCO Academy.

For more information on CISCO certification, visit www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html.

  Special Programs

The Clermont College Learning Center is an excellent, free student resource. Students returning to college after a long absence or those who feel underprepared for the challenges of college, will find the Learning Center to be especially helpful.

Tutoring — The Learning Center offers individual and group tutoring in math, writing, psychology, economics, accounting, biology, chemistry and statistics. Tutoring can be arranged in any academic subject.

Smarthinking — Interactive, online tutoring is available to registered students 24/7 through www.smarthinking.com.

College Coping Skills — The Learning Center offers workshops (students can also arrange individual meetings) to help improve study skills, including solving word problems, conquering test anxiety, reading, note-taking and critical thinking.

Call the Learning Center, 513-732-5228, with questions about programs and services.

  Admission Requirements

This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

First-year students are required to take placement tests. These tests do not affect admission; however, the results are essential for proper placement in classes. Placement tests must be taken before students can register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.

  Transferring to UC Requirements

A student must be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended in order to transfer to UC Clermont College. Transfer applications are accepted all year long and students may start any quarter, provided  transcripts arrive in time to be evaluated.

Students who have not taken college-level mathematics or English will need to take the appropriate placement test(s).

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Other UC students may transfer into Clermont College by completing the application for change in college and program form available from most UC admissions offices (including ours, 513-732-5319). Students are urged to see an advisor before transferring into a different major to minimize any negative impact on degree progress.

  International Student Requirements

A TOFEL score of 187 (computer test) or 515 (paper exam) is required for students whose formal education is from a country where English is not the primary language or if the student's documents do not clearly indicate proficiency in English. International students must also meet admissions deadlines and visa requirements, and provide documentation of sufficient funds before admission. Please call Enrollment Services (513-732-5319) for details.

International students are charged nonresident tuition.

Please note that UC Clermont College is nonresidential (no dorms or other housing is available on campus). Students must find local housing on their own. Students must also provide their own reliable transportation -- bus transportation is not available to the campus. It is possible to live in a dorm on the main UC campus and commute; however, Clermont College is 26 miles from main campus and traffic is often challenging.

  Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must complete an application for degree and receive a pre-certification from an academic advisor very early in the quarter in which they expect to graduate. Contact an advisor or Enrollment Services (513-732-5319) for specific information well in advance.

  Application Deadlines

UC Clermont College is an open admission campus. Applications are accepted all year long and students may start any quarter. Financial aid takes six to eight weeks to process. It is recommend that students apply at least 10 weeks prior to their desired attendance.

It is recommended that students begin the computer network systems program in the fall quarter, because the basic series of foundation courses starts in the fall and continues sequentially through the spring.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.