Associate of Applied Science in Network Management and Security
Train to become a Computer Networking Specialist
The mission of the Associate of Applied Science in Network Management and Security is to prepare the University's students with the necessary skills to be competitive on the job market. This degree accentuates on the current industry competencies to provide the student the opportunity to learn and understand the current trends that drive the IT industry. If you would like to study at one of the leading tech schools in Virginia and you're interested in our Associate of Applied Science in Network Management and Security program, request more information today.
The students who obtain an Associate of Applied Science in our computer networking programs will become professionals who can install, troubleshoot and maintain computer networks. Upon completion, students will possess the necessary skills and techniques using modern tools to administer computer networks. A strong emphasis is put on key topics such as network management, system administration and security concepts necessary for introductory computer networking specialist positions in the computer network industry.
Network Management and Security Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the computer networking programs through classroom instruction at our locations in Virginia, online instruction, or a combination of both.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both.
| Credits Required | Number of Classes |
|---|
| Core Component |
45 |
10 |
| Electives |
22.5 |
5 |
| Arts and Sciences |
22.5 |
5 |
| Total Required for Graduation |
90 |
20 |
Student Disclosures
The U.S. Department of Education requires that we report and disclose certain information about our school programs in a clear, prominent, user-friendly, and easily understood manner. The intent of the requirement is to enable students to make an informed choice about a program of study. To this end, we have developed documents containing the following information:
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- The graduation rate.
U.S. Department of Education references from 34 Code of Federal Regulations:
- Occupation (Sections 600.2, 600.4, 600.5, 600.6, 668.6, and 668.8)
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- Student Right-to-Know Act (Section 668.45(d)(3))
ACICS-Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Program level standards reporting requirement of student achievements.
- Retention rate by programs
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Click on each group of courses below to expand the course list and descriptions.
Core Requirements
Fundamentals of Information Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Students learn the founding concepts of Information Technology (IT) and the systems needed to achieve the measureable benefits of introducing IT into and enterprise. The course will teach students to analyse systems and quality concepts and learn how information technology can be used to design, facilitate, and communicate organization goals and objectives. An overview of hardware and software with its relation to information technology is also presented. Prerequisite: None.
CIS103
Fundamentals of Information Systems
4.5
Hardware & OS Architecture
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides knowledge in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of expansion buses, multimedia, video, modems, SCSI controllers, laptops, and printers. In addition, this course provides a brief introduction to networking technology, including the components necessary to attach a client to a local area network LAN. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS103 or Permission of the Dean. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS141
Hardware & OS Architecture
4.5
Data Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the basic concepts of networking technology within Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) environments. Topics include the dominant network topologies (Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI), network protocols (TCP/IP, SPX/IPX and NetBIOS), cabling systems (coaxial, twisted pair, fiber optic), as well as wireless communication. The course introduces the primary features of internetworking devices (bridges, routers, repeaters, hubs, gateways, and switches) and the OSI software model for computer communication. All topics are related to the historical development of the field. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS141 or Permission of the Dean. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS143
Data Communications
4.5
Introduction to Client/Server Technology
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The student will learn how to install, configure, optimize, and troubleshoot a Windows XP Professional client operating system and a server operating system. The student will become familiar with resource administration, hardware devices and drivers, system performance and reliability, the desktop environment, network protocols and services, and security. These concepts will be reinforced through a series of hand-on exercises. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS141. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS145
Introduction to Client/Server Technology
4.5
Advanced Client/Server Technology
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers theoretical and technical aspects of advanced distributed systems and the core elements of such advanced systems. Modern client server systems such as large cluster based systems, scalable web-server systems, audio/video streaming servers, VOD servers, content distribution networks etc are discussed in details. Several core technical issues, such as performance anaylsis of multi server systems, resource management and data sharing in grid systems, optimal server placement in internet, and efficient server selection by clients in large networks (eg. internet) are also covered in depth. Computer Lab fee required. Prerequisite: CIS141.
CIS150
Advanced Client/Server Technology
4.5
Network Directory Services Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, students learn to install, configure, and troubleshoot the Windows 2003 Active Directory components, DNS for Active Directory, and Active Directory security solutions. In addition, each student will be developing the skills required to manage, monitor, and optimize the desktop environment by using Group Policy. Through a series of hands-on exercises, the student will become familiar with directory organization unit structures, connection objects and links, global catalog servers, directory backup and restore integration of directory services with DNS, inter-site replication of data, directory change and configuration management, group policy, remote installation, and network security. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None.
CIS160
Network Directory Services Management
4.5
Linux Operating Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, students will learn how to install and optimize Red Hat Linux or a contemporary LINUX variant, a multi-user and multitasking Unix-like operating system. In particular each student will become familiar with: the Linux file system; shell programming; filters and pipelines; GUI desktop and application environments; and virtual memory. Through a series of laboratory exercises, each student will configure a server for remote access using the standard suite of TCP/IP tools and application packages. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None.
CIS162
Linux Operating Systems
4.5
Network Security Infrastructure Design
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Students learn to analyze the business requirements for security and to design security solutions that meet business requirements. The student learns best practices in security including: controlling access to resources, auditing access to resources, authentication, and encryption. Security topics include: audit policy, encryption file system, authentication strategy, security group strategy, public key infrastructure, DNS, SNMP, terminal services, remote access, signing, and IPSec. The student design a security baseline for a Windows 2003 network that includes domain controllers, operations masters, application servers, file and print servers, RAS servers, desktop computers, portable computers, and kiosks. Prerequisite: None.
CIS230
Network Security Infrastructure Design
4.5
Routers & Switch Configuration in the En
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, students learn how to work with networks that include routers and switches. They will be able to install, configure, and operate Cisco routers and switches within LAN and WAN environments. Students will configure IP, IPX, and IGRP protocols, as well as frame relay and remote access dial-up router interfaces. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS143. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS250
Routers & Switch Configuration in the En
4.5
Implementing & Supporting Secure Network
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, students learn and implement best practices in the creation of a secure wide area network that includes both Microsoft and non-Microsoft products. Students design a security system that degrades gracefully under attack both from within and without. As part of this course, students learn published hacking techniques, such as IP address spoofing, source routing, routing table corruption, password cracking, denial of service zombies, and several methods to get access to the root directory. The course then focuses on the patches and methods to disable these security breaches. Vulnerabilities of Microsoft, Linux, and UNIX operating systems are addressed. Several well-known hacking case studies are analyzed. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS230.
CIS255
Implementing & Supporting Secure Network
4.5
Elective Requirements
Students are required to complete 22.5 elective quarter credits. In conjunction with an academic advisor, students will choose from the list of department elective courses to fulfill the elective requirements. Other
elective options may be available with the approval of the Program Dean or faculty advisor.
Network Infrastructure Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, the student will learn to install, manage, monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the services that are required for the efficient operation of a TCP/IP Windows 2003 network infrastructure, including Domain Name Servers (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Remote Access, Network Protocols, IP Routing, Windows Name Servers (WINS), Network Address Translation (NAT), and Certificate Services in a Windows 2003 network infrastructure. Students will understand the conceptual and practical framework for this TCP/IP infrastructure through a series of hand-on exercises. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS155
Network Infrastructure Management
4.5
Fundamentals of Web Design
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course applies effective graphic design techniques and methods to the web. Students learn to write HTML code directly and are to use HTML code generators such as Macromedia Dreamweaver. The course emphasizes the creation of web pages that are displayed properly in multiple browsers. Special attention is being paid to well-designed web pages that meet site requirements. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None
CIS202
Fundamentals of Web Design
4.5
Advanced Data Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this class the student develops an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of various communication protocols and data link sub networks, including TCP/IP, SNA, SPX/IPX, X.25, frame relay and ATM. Students design and analyze a wide area network infrastructure. This analysis includes congestion, bandwidth versus performance trades, bandwidth versus cost trades, equipment specifications, protocol standards, LAN/WAN integration, and network performance in terms of latency and jitter. Prerequisite: CIS143.
CIS210
Advanced Data Communications
4.5
Network Directory & Infrastructure Desig
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, the students learn to analyze the business requirements for a network and Active Directory services infrastructure and design a network infrastructure that meets those business requirements. Network infrastructure elements include: network topology, routing, IP addressing, name resolution using DNS, virtual private networks, and remote access. Various network designs are covered, including issues such as bandwidth requirements, latency, statistical access patterns, multi-protocol requirements, internet connectivity, and WAN infrastructure telecommunication costs. Students also design a directory services architecture, including forest and domain structure, naming strategy, and organization unit structure, replication strategy, site topology, operations masters, global catalog servers, domain controllers, and DNS servers. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS160.
CIS226
Network Directory & Infrastructure Desig
4.5
Database Concepts & Relational Mgmt Sys
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course presents the concepts of databases and various ways to represent and manage data to the student. It provides an overview of the concepts involved in the five structure models of database management: (1) simple; (2) hierarchical; (3) network; (4) relational; and (5) object-oriented databases. Course outcomes include a solid understanding of fundamental database terms and concepts such as tables, queries, forms and reports, and their application using a popular database. Discussed topics include abstract data types, recursion, mathematical induction, sorting and searching, indexing, file processing, constructing data base schema and querying a database. It also 18 introduces database analysis, database design, database administration and N-tiered client-server database systems. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None. Lecture Hours: 35; Lab Hours: 20.
CIS206
Database Concepts & Relational Mgmt Sys
4.5
Network and Intrusion Forensics
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The student will develop a comprehensive understanding of forensics as it relates to data communication networks and intrusions. Students will learn the relationship between computer security, computer crimes, and forensics. Special emphasis will be placed on computer crimes and forensics in law enforcement and financial accounting practices. Forensic tools will be discussed and used in lab sections. Prerequisite: CIS201 or Permission of the Dean.
CIS235
Network and Intrusion Forensics
4.5
Enterprise Email Architecture
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
In this course, the student develops the ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Exchange 2003 Server. Students install and upgrade Exchange 2003; manage coexistence with Exchange Server 2000; deploy Microsoft Outlook 2003, Outlook Web Access, POP3, IMAP4, and IRC; configure Exchange Server for disaster recovery; create and manage administrative groups, security, and public folders; and configure and monitor client connectivity. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS160.
CIS240
Enterprise Email Architecture
4.5
Legal and Ethical Aspects in Digital For
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course uses current events to exploit the impact of civil, criminal, and regulatory law on network and intrusion forensics. Current and future affairs are s of information include articles, journals and papers. Other topics discussed include legislative concerns affecting digital forensics, a study of the legislative process, ethics are discussed. Sources of information include articles, journals and papers. Other topics discussed include legislative concerns affecting digital forensics, a study of the legislative process, ethical issues and standards. This course uses current events to exploit the impact of civil, criminal, and regulatory law on network and intrusion forensics. Current and future affairs are discussed. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None
CIS245
Legal and Ethical Aspects in Digital For
4.5
Basic Router & Switch Configuration
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers advanced topics in both routers and switches. In the first part of the course students learn how to configure and troubleshoot various routed environments (Access, Distributed and Core) and to manage access and control overhead traffic in growing, routed networks once basic connectivity has been established. An additional focus is on router capabilities as well as connecting corporate enterprise networks to an ISP. In the second part of the course, students learn to build networks using multilayer switching technologies over high-speed Ethernet connections. Students encounter routing and switching concepts and implementations including the use of appropriate devices and external management tools. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS250.
CIS251
Basic Router & Switch Configuration
4.5
Advanced Router & Switch Configuration
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers advanced topics in both routers and switches. In the first part of the course students learn how to configure and troubleshoot various routed environments (Access, Distributed and Core) and to manage access and control overhead traffic in growing, routed networks once basic connectivity has been established. An additional focus is on router capabilities as well as connecting corporate enterprise networks to an ISP. In the second part of the course, students learn to build networks using multilayer switching technologies over high-speed Ethernet connections. Students encounter routing and switching concepts and implementations including the use of appropriate devices and external management tools. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CIS250.
CIS252
Advanced Router & Switch Configuration
4.5
Encryption & Cryptography in Digital Fo
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the basics of cryptography. The differences between Symmetric and Asymmetric encryption will be examined and examples of each type of algorithm are discussed. Prerequisite: None.
CIS265
Encryption & Cryptography in Digital Fo
4.5
Incident Handling and Computer Forensics
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Students will learn how to identify an attack in progress or that an attack has occurred and how to properly handle each situation. Students will learn to monitor different types of computers systems and platforms for evidence of crime and learn how to gather and preserve such evidence. Prerequisite: None.
CIS275
Incident Handling and Computer Forensics
4.5
Wireless Telecommunications Networks
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Students develop a fundamental understanding of fixed and wireless networks, including satellites, in terms of design and deployment engineering practices. The course considers indoor and outdoor propagation effects, modulation and data encoding technologies, antenna design and placement, and personal communications device design constraints. Current and future systems in the U. S., Europe and Asia are included, with particular emphasis on the standards development process. The impact of new Low Earth Orbit (LEOs) Satellites and other technologies on the use of wireless Personal Communications Systems (PCS) will be analyzed. Students will work in teams on a specific practical project. Computer Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: None.
CIS281
Wireless Telecommunications Networks
4.5
Current Topics in Information Tech I
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course offers comprehensive discussion of current popular or “hot” topics in the technology field. Students analyze the topic critically and understand how it impacts the field and the student’s career. The exact topics will be announced in the current term schedule. Prerequisite: Approval of Student Advisor or Dean.
CIS291
Current Topics in Information Tech I
4.5
Current Topics in Information Tech II
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course offers comprehensive discussion of current popular or “hot” topics in the technology field. Students analyze the topic critically and understand how it impacts the field and the student’s career. The exact topics will be announced in the current term schedule. Prerequisite: Approval of Student Advisor or Dean.
CIS292
Current Topics in Information Tech II
4.5
Arts and Sciences Requirements
See the Arts and Sciences Elective Pool Requirements