Objective: This program is designed to give the student experience recognizing network vulnerabilities and maximizing network security.   At the end of this program, the student should be prepared to take the SCNS (Security Certified Network Specialist), SCNP (Security Certified Network Professional) and SCNA (Security Certified Network Architect) exams. In addition, students are introduced to the Unix/Linux operating systems, including setup, configuration and user management. 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.

As a Microsoft IT Academy and Security Certified Program Training Partner, Empire College provides Microsoft Official Curriculum 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 4 areas:
  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows 2008 Server Administrator
  • Windows 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
  • Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) Server Administrator: With completion of the 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
• Security Certified Network Specialist (SCNS)
• Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP)
• Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA)

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 – Security Concentration program, students will have demonstrated:

1. The ability to provide customer and user support for computer systems and networking products including Microsoft Windows, Novell Netware, Linux cross platform connectivity and numerous software products
2. An understanding of Microsoft Windows operating systems including setup, configuration, and file and user management, as well as router configuration
3. An ability to design and configure a PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)
4. An understanding of network data packets, the ability to create and design network firewalls and intrusion detection systems
5. An understanding of strong authentication, including the use of biometric, key fobs and smart cards
6. An understanding of various types of network vulnerabilities and the types of attacks used to penetrate a network
7. The critical thinking skills required to analyze network connectivity problems and make necessary judgments to troubleshoot hardware and software
8. The ability to interact with users/customers in a professional, businesslike manner
9. 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 of the Security concentration.

Contact us for more information.

"I do networking, hardware and software troubleshooting, including security issues. Empire College prepared me well."
- Dan Wilson, Network Technician