In today’s society, we have become completely dependent on computers. From communications to entertainment, to healthcare, to transportation, every industry is in need of a computer network and IT infrastructure to operate. Students who earn an Associate Degree in Network Administration from CBT College will be eligible to apply for jobs as a computer support specialist, network administrator, help-desk analyst, database manager, Internet manager, among others.

IT Professionals are responsible for LANs, WANs, network segments, and Internet and intranet systems. They work in a variety of environments, including large corporations, small businesses, and even government agencies. They install and maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor networks to ensure their availability to users. Also, they evaluate a system’s performance, identify user needs, and determine system and network requirements. IT Professionals are the backbone of our modern society.

After graduation, will there be jobs in this field? The answer is Yes! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in these careers is expected to grow much faster than the average, and job prospects should be excellent”² Consider this, computer networks are an integral part of businesses today; therefore, demand for qualified computer network engineers, desktop support technicians, and computer administrators is increasing rapidly as companies continue to invest more resources in new technologies as well as the heavy use of the Internet to conduct business.

Certification Goals: (MOS, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCP, CCNA)

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): At CBT College you can earn a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification on Microsoft Office programs and Windows operating systems right on campus. This will help you demonstrate expertise in accomplishing essential job tasks across multiple programs. All MOS certified students receive access to a member Web site from Microsoft where you can print transcripts, demonstrate proof of certification, and receive a certificate that verifies your successful completion of the exam. Additionally, professionals who earn this certification gain access to a certification logo that they can display on their resumes and other business materials

CompTIA A+ certification: This Certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.

CompTIA Network+ certification: This certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): The MCP program offers multiple certifications, based on different areas of technical expertise. To attain these certifications, a candidate must pass a series of exams within the program. The current sets of certifications are Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®): CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2), VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).