Computer Science – Network & Systems Administration

The BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Network & Systems Administration is designed for students who wish to work with computer science and technology in all facets of an organization. You’ll immerse in a curriculum focused on computer structure and diagnostics, network management and administration, as well as data communications and networking. You’ll apply networking concepts and principles to solving problems related to networked computer systems. And you’ll demonstrate the ability of Microsoft client and server operating systems to configure, repair, optimize and solve system issues.

Classes will prepare you for a number of certifications, which will give proof of your industry-standard knowledge. These nearly 20 certifications – ranging from CompTIA Networking+, Microsoft Technology Associate in Introduction to Programming Using Python, and CompTIA Cloud+ – partnered with a degree in computer science, will give you a clear competitive advantage when it comes to job placement.

Programmed for Success

• Tiffin University is a Certified Cisco Academy, allowing you to gain real-world hands-on experience with equipment and hardware that is utilized in the industry.
• Networking classes utilize the Cisco curriculum, which enables you to take industry certifications such as the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) after completing the courses.
• Study with professors who bring years of industry leadership and experience to the classroom.
• Work in an advanced computer science lab with the most up-to-date software environments and equipment specific for Cisco networking course work.
• You will complete a required professional internship, and the opportunities in the field for internships are abundant.
• The TU School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

This is a program that will prepare you in every way for the IT world. You’ll study with knowledgeable professors who bring years of IT experience. An industry-informed curriculum, based on the latest from Cisco Networking Academy, will prepare you to take industry certifications, which are built into the courses. And, along with computer and networking concepts, you’ll learn the basic skills of communication, organization, critical thinking and teamwork – soft skills that are critical to the success of any IT professional.

A Practical, Professional Education

• Networking classes utilize the Cisco curriculum, which enables you to take industry certifications after completing the courses.
• Industry certifications are built into course work and you will be prepared for:
  • Excel
  • Microsoft Client
  • Network +
  • Security+
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) or Certified Associate in Software Quality
  • HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Programming Using Python
  • Access Specialist
  • Programming in C#
  • A+ Certification
  • Server+/Microsoft Server 2016
  • Linux+ or RedHat Certification
  • ICDN1
  • ICDN2
  • Cloud+/Microsoft Cloud
  • CISCO CCNA
  • Linux +
  • AWS Cloud
• Tiffin is an Amazon Web Services Academy, enabling us to provide a cloud-computing curriculum that prepares you to pursue industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs.
• Tiffin University is a Certiport Authorized Testing Center and a Pearson Vue Testing Center, enabling you to take most of the certification exams right on campus.

In the Network & Systems Administration program, you’ll learn by doing, as you combine networking concepts with hands-on practice. Most of our classes are hands-on, where you’ll actively work on IT/IS projects based on in-class learning. With TU being a Certified Cisco Academy, you’ll work the same equipment and software that is utilized in the industry. You’ll participate in a 150-hour professional internship, providing invaluable industry experience. You’ll see firsthand the industry at work through field trip visits. And, you’ll hear from accomplished IT professionals, who visit our campus to speak on current topics.

Bringing Knowledge to Practice

• In networking classes, you’ll actively complete IT/IS functions to understand the concepts, then complete projects, based on in-class work.
• In your second-to-last course of the program, CST460 Research in Computer Science, you’ll focus on a project through the term, encompassing all areas of course work and putting knowledge into practice.
• In the final course, CST470 Internship, you’ll work professionally within an organization for a minimum of 150 hours gaining practical experience and learning what life is like working in the industry.
• Hands-on IT projects working with the local community are at times incorporated into course work.
• Clubs and organizations – such as the Tiffin University ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) Student Chapter, or what we call Technology Club – offer insights into real-world learning.

CURRICULUM

General Education Core (37 hours)

Computer Science Core (3  hours per course, 48 hours total)

• MKT151 Introductory Marketing
• CST155 Introduction to Operating Systems
• ACC210 Financial Accounting
• MGT201 Management of Organizations
• CST201 Introduction to Programming
• LAW211 Business Law I
• ECO222 Principles of Microeconomics
• CST230 Networking Fundamentals
• CDS244 Cyber Security
• CST280 Database I
• CST285 Spreadsheets and Analytics
• FIN301 Business Finance
• CST412 IT Project Management
• CST460 Research in Computer Science
• CST470 Internship
• MGT495 Organizational Strategy

Total = 48 hours

Concentration: Network & Systems Administration (3 hours per course, 18 hours total)

• CST212 Systems Analysis and Design
• CST325 Linux
• CST330 Network Infrastructure I
• CST345 Server Administration
• CST430 Network Infrastructure II
• CST445 Cloud Administration

Total = 18 hours

Total BS hours = 127-135

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

SAMPLE COURSES

Introduction to Programming (CST201) – This course introduces the basic concepts of a structured programming language. All programming languages use the same concepts and the language will be based on the current need of the industry. The student will learn to design and develop software applications using the building blocks of a language which can include basic variable declaration and sequential code using mathematical expressions to more advance techniques with decision and repetition coding using advance data variable structures such as arrays and records (these may have different names in some languages but, have the same ideas). File manipulation for input/out will be addressed. The course will begin to look at breaking a large program down into functions that forms the basis for object-oriented programming.

Linux (CST325) – This course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and aptitude in UNIX and Linux Operating Systems at a command line level as well as the administration level. This course will prepare students to sit for the CompTIA Linux+ certification offered by CompTIA as well as the RedHat Linux Administrator certification offered by RedHat or other comparable certifications.

Network Infrastructures 1 (CST330) – This course teaches basic concepts associated with using PC’s in a networked environment, including connecting to a network and connecting networks together. Included are peer-to-peer and client/server networks, network topologies and architectures, the OSI model, Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols, IPv4/IPv6 and MAC addressing, routers and routing, network printing, NAT and VPN’s, plus wireless networking. The course also provides a strong foundation in preparation for the CompTIA Network+ Exam offered by CompTIA or comparable certifications.

Server Administration (CST345) – This course prepares students to install, configure, and administer Windows Server Active Directory Students will be prepared for the Microsoft MCSA certification on Windows Active Directory.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format with start dates of January and August

OTHER CONCENTRATIONS

Other Computer Science concentrations offered:

• Software Development
• Web Design
• Video Game Design

Computer science is a rapidly growing field and the need for network administrators is projected to significantly increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer science and technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

CAREERS

• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Support Specialist
• Customer Service Representatives
• Database Administrator
• Data Business Process Analyst
• DCA Engineer
• Hardware and Network Specialist
• Information System Manager
• IT Support Specialist
• Network and Systems Administrator
• Programmer Analyst
• Software Developer
• System Analyst
• Technology Support Specialist
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Web Developer

WHERE TU GRADS HAVE WORKED

• Bascom Mutual Telephone Company Inc.
• Brown-Forman Corporation
• Computer Sciences Corporation
• Cooper Tire & Rubber
• Ellucian
• Firelands Health System
• First Energy
• General Electric
• Genscape, Inc.
• Great Units at SF
• Jem Network Consulting, LLC
• Kroger
• Seneca Computer Center
• Toshiba Business Solutions
• Wal-Mart, Inc.
• Webster Industries