Career Description

IT professionals work together to design and improve existing networking and security communication between systems and support end-user technologies to increase productivity in any business environment. They lead the way through the planning and development of new systems using knowledge of hardware, software, and best networking and security practices. IT professionals are not “one size fits all,” especially when it comes to business. Different companies have different needs. IT professionals use skills from multiple areas to plan, design, implement, secure, or troubleshoot endpoint communication, cloud-based or server-based systems on a networking level.

Program Information

The CLC Computer IT Security and Networking Diploma is designed to train students with the skills and character needed to be successful IT professionals in today’s job market. The program includes a variety of IT concepts and methods used today in emerging technologies and security. With switches, routers, firewalls, endpoints, servers, and networking equipment, students will learn skills needed to be successful in the design, implementation, troubleshooting, communication, and management of IT networking architecture and security in a professional business environment. The curriculum will engage student learning as well as build character and confidence with team building, communication skills, and training in end-user support and customer service. CLC computer technology instructors are industry-certified professionals with years of experience in the classroom and industry.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Describe the concepts of computer hardware and system components;
• Design, configure, and implement various networking architectures utilizing best practices, and security methods;
• Design, configure, harden, and implement endpoint and server operating systems;
• Effectively establish secure networking connections between endpoints, applications, services, and local/cloud-based server systems;
• Understand, design, and collaborate on current IT standards and policies in relation to acceptable use, data classification, incident handling, disaster recovery, business continuity, and security awareness;
• A thorough understanding of emerging technology, hardware, concepts, and methodology;
• Locate, evaluate, and properly utilize tools and resources appropriate to a computer technology professional;
• Apply appropriate security standards to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risk; and
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0.
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0.
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Certification

This program will prepare students for the following certifications from CompTIA: A+, Network+ and Security+, Linux+, Server+, Cloud+, CySA+, and Project+. Students are encouraged to pursue certifications; however, they are not required for program completion and require additional costs per exam. Certification educational discounts are available to CLC Students through CompTIA and Microsoft.