Computer Information Systems: Networking Specialist
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
Computer Information Systems: Networking Specialist
Associate in Applied Science (075)
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in business, industry and government. Computer network specialists are responsible to oversee the design, administration, and security of organizations' network infrastructure. In addition to the training provided by the certificates for networking, networking specialist and networking professional, the degree provides a stronger background in business.
Work and Employment
Computer network specialists are employed by all sectors of the economy including the communications industry. Network professionals are employed in large and small organizations with diverse responsibilities including supervision of computer network specialists.
Special Considerations
Computer network specialists must have the following skills and aptitudes: communicate well, work under pressure, show good judgment, be systematic and accurate. A clear understanding of computer technology and internetworking is important.
Follow this link for career information.
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Kevin Megill, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815-835-6251
- Greg Noack, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815-835-6434
Total Hours Required - 61 Hours
Major Field Requirements - 36 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUS103 | Intro to Business | 3 Hours |
| Introduction to Business provides a foundation of knowledge in business including an understanding of the basic processes of marketing finance production accounting information technology human resource management and the relationships of business to our society and government and the global economy.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS101 | Fund of Computer Info Systems | 3 Hours |
| This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development history growth and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware systems software storage devices telecommunications database theory and applications operating systems programming languages software development systems analysis and design and management information systems. Issues of computer security Internet and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS151 | Network Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software and install configure and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N network certification. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 lab | ||
| CIS152 | Introduction to Networks (ITN) | 3 Hours |
| This is the first of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to LANs OSI model cabling cabling tools switching routing IP addressing and network standards in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification Track. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 151 can be as co-requisite or approval of instructor3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 lab | ||
| CIS154 | Switching/Routing/Wireless Ess | 3 Hours |
| This is the second of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to Switching Concepts VLANs STP DHCP LAN and WLAN Concepts Routing and Troubleshooting Networks in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 1523 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS156 | Enterprise Netw/Sec/Automation | 3 Hours |
| This is the third of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to Single-Area OSPFv2 Concepts and Configuration ACL Concepts NAT WAN Concepts VPN IPSec Network Design Network Troubleshooting Network Virtualization and Network Automation in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 1543 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek for 3 credits | ||
| CIS167 | A+ Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer laptops and portable devices current operating systems printing scanning techniques basic networking safety and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A Essentials and A Technician exams. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| CIS186 | Intro to Virtualization | 3 Hours |
| This introduction to Virtualization course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard virtualization technologies. Students will explore creating a virtual machine its benefits and be able to describe types of virtualization used for data centers. Additionally students will be able to describe virtualization virtual machines hypervisors and various standard virtualization platform components and describe the concepts of server network storage and desktop virtualization. Students will understand how individuals and businesses benefit from virtualization.Prerequisite CIS 101 or CIS 109 or consent of instructorSemester hours 3LectureLab hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS194 | Managing Modern Windows Device | 3 Hours |
| This course is designed to teach you the foundation knowledge to accomplish the following technical tasks deploy Windows manage devices and data configure connectivity and maintain Windows.Prerequisite CIS 101 or CIS 167 or instructor consent3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| CIS197 | Security + Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organizations electronic data will be addressed. This course prepares students for the current CompTIAs Security Certification Exam.Prerequisite CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 may be taken as co-requisite or approval from instructor3 Semester hours2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS250 | Beginning Linux | 3 Hours |
| This course will provide a comprehensive look at common tasks performed by Linux system administrators. This includes installation management of Linux systems from the command line and the GUI user administration file permissions customization software configuration management of Linux-based clients troubleshooting and more. Expanded coverage of networking and security are covered. This course covers all the objectives and will prepare the student for the current CompTIAs Linux Certification Exam.Prerequisite CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 may be taken as co-requisites or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS257 | Cyber Security Analysis | 3 Hours |
| This course provides the knowledge and skill required to configure and use threat detection tools perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities threats and risks to an organization with the end goal of securing and protecting applications and systems within an organization. This course is aligned with the CompTIA CySA certification and prepares the student for the CompTIA CySA exam. Prerequisite CIS 151 and CIS 197 CIS 197 can be taken concurrentlySemester hours 3LectureLab hours2 lec2 labweek | ||
Electives - 6 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CIS231 and CIS235 are Strongly Recommended | ||
| ACC101 | Financial Accounting | 4 Hours |
| This course presents accounting as an information system that produces summary financial statements primarily for users external to a business enterprise organized as a corporation. Students study the forms of business organization and the common transactions entered into by businesses. The emphasis is on understanding and applying basic accounting principles and other concepts that guide the reporting of the effect of transactions and other economic events on the financial condition and operating results of a corporation. The procedures of how to analyze and interpret historical financial statements as well and the limitations of using these in making forward-looking business decisions is included. The primary content emphasis will be accounting for current assets and liabilities long-term assets and liabilities corporations cash flow statements and financial statement analyses. Prerequisite None4 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 903 LectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| ACC102 | Managerial Accounting | 4 Hours |
| This course presents accounting as a system of producing information for use in internally managing a business. The course emphasizes the identification accumulation and interpretation of information for planning controlling and evaluating the performance of the separate components of a business. Included is the identification and measurement of the costs of producing goods or services and how to analyze and control these costs. Decision models commonly used in making specific short-term and long-term business decisions also are included.Prerequisite ACC 101 4 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 904LectureLab Hours 4 lecweek | ||
| CIS187 | Intro to Cloud Computing | 3 Hours |
| This introduction to Cloud Computing course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard cloud technologies. Students will implement maintain and deliver cloud technologies including network storage and virtualization technologies to create cloud solutions. This course will also teach students to manage workload migrations manage cloud vendors to control costs use automation and orchestration to bring business value from cloud solutions and ensure security of cloud implementations using cybersecurity best practices. Prerequisite CIS 151 and 167 recommended may be taken concurrentlySemester hours 3LectureLab hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS231 | Occupational Seminar | 1 Hour |
| A seminar designed to complement the students initial placement in an approved working situation. Prerequisite Completion of 12 hours in major field courses. Concurrent enrollment in CIS 235. 1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
| CIS235 | Occupational Internship | 3 Hours |
| An occupational experience utilizing on-the-job training. All students are required to spend a minimum of 15 hours each week on the job. Prerequisite Concurrent enrollment in CIS 231. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 15 labweek | ||
| CIS290 | Introduction to Servers | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to servers. Topics will include server architecture server administration storage security networking disaster recovery and troubleshooting server hardware and software. This accelerated hybrid course will combine lectures labs videos simulations and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite CIS 194 or approval from instructor. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS291 | Intro to Windows Server Admin | 3 Hours |
| This course is intended to provide an introduction to the Microsoft Server operating system. Topics will include how to install configure monitor and maintain Microsoft Servers. Additional topics will focus on how to deploy and configure Active Directory Domain Services AD DS in a distributed environment how to implement Group Policy how to perform backup and restore and how to monitor and troubleshoot Active Directory-related issues with Windows Server 2016. Additionally this course teaches students how to deploy other Active Directory server roles such as Active Directory Federation Services AD FS and Active Directory Certificate Services AD CS. This accelerated hybrid course will combine lectures labs videos simulations and group and individual assignments.Prerequisite CIS 2903 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
General Education Requirements - 18 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications (ENG101 and ENG111 Required) | 6 Hours | |
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| Social / Behavioral Sciences | 3 Hours | |
| Physical / Life Sciences | 3 Hours | |
| Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher Required) | 3 Hours |
SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Suggested Program
First Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUS103 | Intro to Business | 3 Hours |
| Introduction to Business provides a foundation of knowledge in business including an understanding of the basic processes of marketing finance production accounting information technology human resource management and the relationships of business to our society and government and the global economy.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS101 | Fund of Computer Info Systems | 3 Hours |
| This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development history growth and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware systems software storage devices telecommunications database theory and applications operating systems programming languages software development systems analysis and design and management information systems. Issues of computer security Internet and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS151 | Network Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software and install configure and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N network certification. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 lab | ||
| CIS167 | A+ Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer laptops and portable devices current operating systems printing scanning techniques basic networking safety and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A Essentials and A Technician exams. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| ENG101 | Composition I | 3 Hours |
| This course 1 develops awareness of the writing process 2 provides inventional organizational and editorial strategies 3 stresses the variety of uses for writing and 4 emphasizes critical skills in reading thinking and writing.Prerequisite Required placement score on approved English placement test high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Second Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physical / Life Science | 3 Hours | |
| Social / Behavioral Science | 3 Hours | |
| CIS186 | Intro to Virtualization | 3 Hours |
| This introduction to Virtualization course will prepare students with the skills required to evaluate and implement standard virtualization technologies. Students will explore creating a virtual machine its benefits and be able to describe types of virtualization used for data centers. Additionally students will be able to describe virtualization virtual machines hypervisors and various standard virtualization platform components and describe the concepts of server network storage and desktop virtualization. Students will understand how individuals and businesses benefit from virtualization.Prerequisite CIS 101 or CIS 109 or consent of instructorSemester hours 3LectureLab hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
| CIS194 | Managing Modern Windows Device | 3 Hours |
| This course is designed to teach you the foundation knowledge to accomplish the following technical tasks deploy Windows manage devices and data configure connectivity and maintain Windows.Prerequisite CIS 101 or CIS 167 or instructor consent3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| CIS197 | Security + Certification | 3 Hours |
| This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organizations electronic data will be addressed. This course prepares students for the current CompTIAs Security Certification Exam.Prerequisite CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 may be taken as co-requisite or approval from instructor3 Semester hours2 lec2 labweek | ||
Third Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher) | 3 Hours | |
| Electives (See Elective Options) | 3 Hours | |
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| CIS152 | Introduction to Networks (ITN) | 3 Hours |
| This is the first of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to LANs OSI model cabling cabling tools switching routing IP addressing and network standards in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification Track. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 151 can be as co-requisite or approval of instructor3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 lab | ||
| CIS154 | Switching/Routing/Wireless Ess | 3 Hours |
| This is the second of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to Switching Concepts VLANs STP DHCP LAN and WLAN Concepts Routing and Troubleshooting Networks in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 1523 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek | ||
Fourth Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Electives (See Elective Options) | 3 Hours | |
| CIS156 | Enterprise Netw/Sec/Automation | 3 Hours |
| This is the third of three courses designed to provide students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology that will empower them to enter employment andor further education and training in the computer networking field. Instruction includes but is not limited to Single-Area OSPFv2 Concepts and Configuration ACL Concepts NAT WAN Concepts VPN IPSec Network Design Network Troubleshooting Network Virtualization and Network Automation in accordance with the Cisco CCNA Certification. Emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to solve networking problems. Prerequisite CIS 1543 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 2 lec2 labweek for 3 credits | ||
| CIS250 | Beginning Linux | 3 Hours |
| This course will provide a comprehensive look at common tasks performed by Linux system administrators. This includes installation management of Linux systems from the command line and the GUI user administration file permissions customization software configuration management of Linux-based clients troubleshooting and more. Expanded coverage of networking and security are covered. This course covers all the objectives and will prepare the student for the current CompTIAs Linux Certification Exam.Prerequisite CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167 may be taken as co-requisites or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS257 | Cyber Security Analysis | 3 Hours |
| This course provides the knowledge and skill required to configure and use threat detection tools perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities threats and risks to an organization with the end goal of securing and protecting applications and systems within an organization. This course is aligned with the CompTIA CySA certification and prepares the student for the CompTIA CySA exam. Prerequisite CIS 151 and CIS 197 CIS 197 can be taken concurrentlySemester hours 3LectureLab hours2 lec2 labweek | ||
| ENG111 | Bus/Technical Communication | 3 Hours |
| Provides information on principles of written and oral communication specifically applied to business and technical fields. Assignments are designed to develop skill and practice in the use of these principles and include the writing of memoranda business letters instructions informal reports and formal reports. Students are encouraged to tailor assignments to the specific careers they are pursuing. Not applicable for humanities requirement.Prerequisite ENG 101 with a grade of C or higher. Because of emphasis on graphics and computer formatting students are advised to complete CIS 109 or IND 105 or to have equivalent word processing skills.3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||