http://www.nssa.rit.edu/

Program overview

Networking is the technology of interconnecting multiple computers so information can flow between them. As the number of computers in the network scales up, the task becomes more difficult, involving design tradeoffs, performance considerations, and cost issues. Applied networking refers to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of computer networks using off-the-shelf components. This includes activities as simple as cable construction to those as complex as the configuration of services and protocols to enable an entire intranet and the support of that environment.

Systems administration is the installation, configuration, operation, and support of computer systems. This includes the specification and implementation of server hardware and software.

Both areas are concerned with the security and privacy of the information that servers maintain. In today’s information-rich environment, servers exist at the heart of a network and often work together to provide services and a central repository for information.

Curriculum

The BS degree in applied networking and system administration is designed to teach students to be the designers, implementers, operators, and maintainers of computing networks and networked systems (both clients and servers). Graduates will evaluate existing networks and computing systems, suggest improvements, monitor such systems for faults, and plan for growth. They work in small- to large-scale companies.

An important goal of the program is to provide students with a level of specialization in this area beyond that provided by information systems or information technology programs. To accomplish this, the program focuses specifically on the network or computing system and overall favors depth over breadth. It is this approach that allows faculty to guide students in their exploration of the technologies.

Students must complete 182 quarter credit hours to graduate from the program. Entering freshmen will earn most (if not all) of those credits at RIT. For transfer students, up to two years' worth of credits may be transferred from course work completed at previous schools.

The program includes required core courses and advanced track curriculum. The core includes a programming sequence, competency courses in multimedia and database, and a sequence in user-centered deployment. These are in addition to fundamental courses in computer networking and system administration. In addition to 60 credits of core courses, students will select 20 credits of advanced work.

Advanced track

The advanced track of study for the program requires students to choose five of the following courses:

4050-403 Wireless Network Concepts
4050-422 System Administration II
4050-423 System Administration III
4050-519 Network Troubleshooting
4050-521 Perl for System Administration
4050-530 Telephony Integration
4050-550 VoIP Security and QoS
4050-540 Network Design and Performance
4050-545 Advanced Routing and Switching
4050-582 Wireless Ad-Hoc/Sensor Networks

Students may also select themed groupings, such as the following:

Network Administration

4050-519 Network Troubleshooting
4050-530 Telephony Integration
4050-540 Network Design and Performance
4050-545 Advanced Routing and Switching
4050-582 Wireless Ad-Hoc/Sensor Networks

Systems Administration

4050-422 System Administration II
4050-423 System Administration III
4050-521 Perl for System Administration
4050-530 Telephony Integration
4050-540 Network Design and Performance

Additional information

Cooperative education

Students will complete three quarters of cooperative education. Students have found co-op positions in nearly every type of business that requires a computer network or server. These vary from small- or medium-sized businesses to large international companies, from computing-centric organizations (network hardware manufacturers, software services providers) to those that are users of information technology (manufacturing companies, school districts, and the entertainment industry). Co-op gives students real-world experience and an edge 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 quarters in the third year. Students must complete their co-op requirement prior to completing their course work and preferably prior to their senior year.

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. The typical evening student requires 26 quarters to complete the BS degree. Please refer to the Part-Time Undergraduate Bulletin for more information on this option.