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Networking and System Administration MS
Program overview
Effective technical leadership in a modern enterprise relies on a combination of strong technical knowledge, an awareness of upcoming technological trends, and an understanding of basic business concepts and processes. The master of science in networking and system administration enables students to study, develop, and become proficient in the practices, methodologies, and techniques used in the management of modern IT network infrastructures. The focus is on enterprise-scale problems and solutions, addressing the needs of a medium to large organization.
Curriculum
The program consists of two required core courses, three domain courses, up to four technical electives (depending upon capstone option chosen), and a capstone thesis or project.
Networking and system administration (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NSSA-601 | Research Methods and Proposal Development | 3 |
| NSSA-602 | Enterprise Computing | 3 |
| Knowledge Domain Course 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| Technical Elective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| NSSA-790 | MS Thesis | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| Technical Elective 3 | 3 | |
| NSSA-790 | MS Thesis | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
Networking and system administration (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NSSA-601 | Research Methods and Proposal Development | 3 |
| NSSA-602 | Enterprise Computing | 3 |
| Knowledge Domain Course 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| Technical Elective 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Technical Elective 4 | 3 | |
| NSSA-791 | MS Project | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in networking and system administration, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B)*,
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Submit two professional recommendations, and
- Complete a graduate application.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based) are required. Applicants with a lower TOEFL score may be admitted conditionally, but will be required to complete a prescribed program in English preparation along with a reduced program course load. Applicants from foreign universities also must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Visa forms cannot be issued by RIT for part-time or distance education.
* The GRE is recommended for those applicant's whose undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0.
Additional information
Bridge course
Students must have solid backgrounds in computer programming (C++ required); in networking and systems administration theory and practice; and in statistics. Students whose undergraduate preparation or industrial experience does not satisfy these prerequisites can make up this deficiency through additional study. The graduate program director will make recommendations on prerequisite course work. Formal acceptance into the program may be possible even though the applicant must complete bridge program courses.
Bridge courses are not part of the required curriculum for the master’s degree. Grades for these courses are only included in the student's GPA if courses are completed after matriculation. Bridge course work can be designed in a variety of ways. Other courses can be substituted, or courses at other colleges can be applied. Contact the graduate program director for approval.
Study options
This program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, through on-campus instruction or via online learning. Full-time students may be able to complete the program in two years; part-time students may take approximately four years.
Maximum time limit
University policy requires that graduate programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program. Bridge courses are excluded.
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesSystem Administrator, IT Technician, Network System Administrator, Network Technician, Desktop Support Specialist.
Recent Employers5LINX Technologies, America Online, Anheuser-Busch, Inc, Atlantic Broadband, Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., LLC, Con Edison (Consolidated Edison, Inc.), Eastman Kodak, Enterasys, FBI, Fidelity Investments, GEICO, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Global Crossing, Hurricane Technologies, IBM, Info Directions, Inc., Intel Corp, M&T Bank, National Security Agency, Nationwide Insurance, Network Performance, Northrop Grumman Corp., Oceana, One Communications, PAETEC Communications, Inc., Paychex, Railcomm, Progressive Insurance, RIT, Rochester City School District, SafeNet, Inc., SecureWorks, Single Digits, Sky-Scan, SunGard higher Education, Susquehanna International Group, Inc., Symantec, The Reader’s Digest Association., Inc., The Travelers Companies, The United Illuminating Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thomson Reuters, Time Warner Cable, Tyco Electronics, US Army CERDEC HQ, US Air Force research