Computer Networking & Security Technology (A.A.S) - Computer Network Specialist**
Network administrators and network security specialists are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2016*, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates into a need for systems administrators who can help organizations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and consumers. The wide use of electronic commerce and the increasing adoption of mobile technologies also mean that more establishments will use the Internet to conduct business online resulting in a growing need for specialists who can develop, support, and secure increasingly complicated Internet and intranet applications.

As the demand for more of these sophisticated and complex technologies is implemented across all organizations, demand for systems analysts will remain strong. The wireless Internet, known as Wi-Fi and the introduction of personal mobile computers has created a need for new systems that can integrate these technologies into existing networks fueling demand for analysts who are knowledgeable about systems integration and network, data, and communications security. These workers will be called upon to solve problems and to integrate new technologies with existing ones. The increasing importance being placed on securing these systems and the protection of electronic information—“cyber security” — will result in a need for workers skilled in information security.

To provide employers with well-trained prospects for these fast-growing positions, the Computer Networking & Security Technology program will matriculate students who are knowledgeable in the latest technologies and able to apply them to meet the needs of business.

CNST A.A.S. graduates are successfully employed as:

Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Network Specialists who:

• Design, install, secure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network segment, or Internet system.
• Maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Computer Security Specialists who:

• Manage the organization’s information security.

Webmasters who:

• Administer all technical aspects of a website, including performance issues, such as security and speed of access.

Computer Networking & Security Technology (Certificate) - Network Technician***
Network management, network security and other growing specialty occupations reflect the increasing emphasis on client-server applications, the growth of the Internet, the expansion of World Wide Web applications and Intranets, and the demand for more end-user support. In addition, growth of the Internet and expansion of the World Wide Web have generated a variety of occupations relating to design, development, and maintenance of websites and their servers.

CNST Certificate graduates are successfully employed as:

Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Network Specialists who:

• Design, install, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network segment, or Internet system.

Webmasters who:

• Administer all technical aspects of a website, including performance issues, such as speed of access.

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor-Job Outlook Statistics
**Typical annual starting salary range is $25,000-$36,000
*** Typical annual starting salary range is $18,000-$24,000