Overview
Narrative
With every aspect of our lives dependent on computers and information technology, there's a continuing demand for the professionals who can set up and manage computers, computer peripherals and local area networks (LAN). Northampton's Computer Administration program helps meet that demand by producing graduates who have the latest knowledge and hands-on skills. Graduates of the program go well beyond industry certification standards (CompTIA, Microsoft, etc.) in their ability to solve computer related problems effectively, minimizing downtime in the organization. Some of the jobs for which you will be prepared include computer technician, LAN technician, computer administrator, network administrator, computer field service technician, computer helpdesk representative, and technical sales consultant.
Features
Courses in circuit analysis and electricity provide the fundamental knowledge of electronic concepts. Courses in computer applications and operating systems improve your familiarity with using the computer and operating systems. Building upon that foundation, students learn the hows and whys of equipment selection, installation techniques, testing, and repair and upgrade methods of the latest computer and network technology. Coursework includes computer troubleshooting and repair, networking, wireless, Windows Server and Linux administration. Industry-experienced instructors teach effective troubleshooting and problem solving. Students carry out lab work, using the latest equipment to keep you current and job-ready. In addition to major courses, our general education courses are an investment in your growth. These required courses improve your ability to communicate, relate to other people and cultures, and solve fundamental problems. By enrolling in a combination of day and evening courses, full-time students can complete the degree requirements in 2 years. Because the full-time program is accelerated, it is also intensive. Full-time students are advised to prepare to commit the extra time and effort needed to graduate in 24 months. All course-work is provided during the evening for part-time students. Contact the Admissions Office at 610.861.5500 for further information.
Courses
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| CISC100 | Computer Technology I | 4 credits |
| CISC136 | PC Support and Troubleshooting | 4 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| ELEC101 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis I | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
| CISC105 | Desktop Operating Systems | 4 credits |
| CISC137 | Introduction to Networking Hardware | 2 credits |
| CISC254 | Server I | 3 credits |
| ENGL151R | English II | 3 credits |
| CMTH102 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
| BUSA221G | Business Communications | 3 credits |
| CISC255 | Server II | 3 credits |
| MATH | Mathematics Elective (QL)++ | 3 credits |
| General Education Elective | 3 credits |
| Technical Elective + | 3/4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-16 |
Fourth Semester
| CISC251 | Network Administration and Maintenance | 3 credits |
| CISC286 | Linux Administration | 4 credits |
| General Education Elective | 3 credits |
| General Education Elective | 3 credits |
| Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 61-62
- For the General Education Electives, students must choose three courses from at least two of the following areas: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time (SIT) or Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
- One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
+ Technical Elective options: CISC115, CISC128, CISC265, CISC278; ELEC126, ELEC151
++ Mathematics Elective (QL) options: MATH103, MATH120, MATH140, MATH145, MATH150, MATH160, MATH165, MATH175, MATH180, MATH181, MATH210, MATH211