Objective: The Microsoft Concentration is designed to give the student experience in designing, deploying and administering network infrastructure using Microsoft Windows. In addition, students are introduced to the Linux/Unix operating system. Students will also learn the basics of Cisco routers, including setup and configuration of many LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) technologies, as well as the basics of web design and Microsoft Office.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as network administrators, network consultants, network engineers, network technicians or systems engineers. This is an in-demand industry, and opportunities can be plentiful for those with the proper qualifications.

Empire College is a Microsoft IT Academy and MSDN AA (Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance) member and uses a teaching program prescribed by Microsoft to prepare graduates for certification as Microsoft IT Professionals.

Empire College provides Microsoft certification training in California that prepares graduates for the following certifications:

• CompTIA A+ Technician
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Linux+
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft certification at the product level (MCTS-Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) in 6 areas:
  
  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator
  • Windows 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator
  • Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure
• MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) Server Administrator: With completion of three MCTS certifications, the student will have achieved the highly regarded MCITP Server Administrator certification.
  
  • Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator
  • Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) Enterprise Administrator: With completion of five MCTS certifications, the student will have achieved the highly regarded MCITP Enterprise Administrator certification.
  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure
  • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator

Certifications are not required to be employed in the career field or to graduate from the program, but they are highly recommended. Exams may be taken at the on-campus Prometric/VUE Testing Center. Exam fees vary, ranging from $60 to $225.

Expected Educational Outcomes: Upon completing the Specialized Associate Degree in Information Technology – Microsoft Concentration program, students will have demonstrated:

1. The ability to provide customer and user support for computer systems and networking products, including Microsoft Windows client and server operating systems, Novell Netware, cross platform connectivity, and numerous software products
2. The ability to create a complete network infrastructure using Microsoft client and server operating systems
3. An understanding of Microsoft Windows operating systems, including setup, configuration, file and user management, as well as router configuration
4. The critical thinking skills required to analyze network connectivity problems and make necessary judgments to troubleshoot hardware and software
5. The ability to interact with users/customers in a professional, businesslike manner
6. Proficiency with web authoring and Microsoft Office
    

Program Length: 7 quarters
A Specialized (Occupational) Associate Degree will be awarded upon successful completion of all graduation requirements. Click here to view a course outline for the Microsoft concentration.

Contact us for more information.

"I traveled a great distance when I learned about Empire College and what it has to offer. Empire College enabled me to get the great job I have now."
- Michael Enriquez, Network Administrator