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Networking and Systems Administration (formerly Applied Networking and System Administration) BS
Program overview
Networking, the technology of interconnecting computing devices so information can flow between them, includes the design, deployment, operation, and maintenance of computer networks using developed components. This includes activities as simple as topology design to those as complex as the configuration of services and protocols to enable an entire intranet and the support of that environment. As the number of computing devices in the network scales up, the task becomes more difficult, involving design tradeoffs, performance considerations, and cost issues.
Systems administration includes the system design, installation, configuration, operation, and support of computer system platforms from mobile devices, servers, and large scale systems to the deployment of clouds and the use of virtualization. This includes the specification and implementation of all the hardware and software structures required to support and deploy these environments.
These disciplines are also concerned with the security and privacy of the information that is stored on these platforms and communicated over the networks they are attached to. In today’s information-rich environment, computer systems exist at the heart of a network and often work together to provide services as well as repositories for information. Students will be able to take all of this into consideration as they design and deploy secure system and network solutions in support of an organization's strategic and tactical goals.
Curriculum
The BS degree in networking and systems administration is designed to teach students to be the designers, implementers, operators, and maintainers of computing networks and the computer systems attached to the network. Students will evaluate existing networks and computing systems, suggest improvements, monitor such systems for faults, and plan for growth. They will have the opportunity to work in small- to large-scale companies in any industry segment that interests them.
An important goal of the program is to provide students with a level of specialization beyond that provided by typical information systems or information technology programs. To accomplish this, the program focuses on networks of all types and the full range of computer system platforms that can attach to them. In this way the degree program favors depth over breadth. It is this approach that allows faculty to guide students in their in-depth exploration of conceptual knowledge, which is enhanced with required cooperative education experiences.
The program includes required core courses such as a programming sequence, introductory courses in database and security, and fundamental courses in computer networking and system administration.
Networking and systems administration, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NSSA-101 | NSSA Fundamentals | 3 |
| ISTE-100 | Computer Problem Solving: Network Domain I | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| STAT-145 | LAS Perspective 7A: Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| NSSA-102 | Computer Systems Concepts | 3 |
| NSSA-161 | Fundamentals of Information Security | 3 |
| ISTE-101 | Computer Problem Solving: Network Domain II | 4 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| NSSA-220 | Introduction to Scripting | 3 |
| NSSA-241 | Networking I | 3 |
| ISTE-230 | Introduction to Database and Data Modeling | 3 |
| PHYS-111 | LAS Perspective 6: College Physics I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| NSSA-242 | Networking II | 3 |
| NSSA-243 | Networking Lab | 3 |
| NSSA-221 | System Administration I | 3 |
| PHYS-112 | College Physics II | 4 |
| Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op | |
| Third Year | ||
| NSSA-322 | System Administration II (WI) | 3 |
| NSSA-323 | System Administration Lab (WI) | 3 |
| NSSA Option Courses | 6 | |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-Based Calculus I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 5 | 3 | |
| MATH-182 | Project-Based Calculus II | 4 |
| Ethics Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| NSSA-362 | Cryptography and Authentication | 3 |
| NSSA Option Courses | 9 | |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| Free Electives | 9 | |
| NSSA-363 | Cyber Security Policy and Law | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 126 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum-Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Additional information
Cooperative education
Students complete two or three blocks of cooperative education depending on when they start their degree program. Students have found co-op positions in nearly every type of business that requires computer systems and/or networks. These vary from small- or medium-sized businesses to large international companies, from computing-centric organizations (network hardware manufacturers, software services providers) to users of information technology (manufacturing companies, school districts, and the entertainment industry). Co-op gives students real-world experience and a definite advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs after graduation. Typically, co-ops occur during the summers following the second and third years and during one of the academic semesters in the third year. Students must complete their co-op requirement prior to completing their course work and preferably prior to their senior year.
Accreditation
The BS in applied networking and system administration is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Part-time study
The program is available on a part-time basis. Courses are available during the day and in the evening to accommodate those who work. Please refer to the Part-time Study website (rit.edu/ptgrad/parttime) for more information on this option.