Information on the Computer Networking Specialist program available at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL

1. Computer Networking Specialist www.sandburg.edu

2. COMPUTER NETWORKING SPECIALIST Carl Sandburg College offers three distinct programs to serve the needs of students with diverse educational or career goals including Computer Application Developer, Computer Support Specialist, and Computer Networking Specialist.

3. Associate in Applied Science Degree This curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment positions that require the knowledge and skills to support local and wide area network installations in a business or professional setting. Students will receive preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate examination during their first year as they gain a basic understanding of popular network server environments and architectures. In the second year, students may select from focus options that will provide a greater degree of specialization. The Computer Networking Specialist curriculum is an approved CISCO Networking Academy program that concentrates on teaching students to design, build and maintain computer networks. Using Web technologies, the Cisco Networking Academy program prepares students for the 21st century work place and serves as a model for e-learning. This program is a successful alliance between Cisco Systems, education, business government and community organizations around the world. This program provides preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) examinations.

4. Nature of the Work Computer networking specialists solve computer problems and enable computer technology to meet individual needs of an organization. They help an organization realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes. This may include planning and developing new computer systems or devising ways to apply existing resources to additional problems. Primary tasks associated with this profession include ‘networking,’ or connecting all the computers internally in an individual office or department or externally because many organizations rely on e-mail or the Internet. Computer networkers allow users to retrieve data and information from a mainframe computer or a server and use it on their machine.

5. Working Conditions Computer networking specialists normally work in offices or other business-like settings. They usually work a normal 40-hour week as many other professional or office workers, however some weekend or evening work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. These workers do spend long periods in front of a computer terminal or typing on a keyboard. Employment Computer networking specialists are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations during this next decade. The demand for networking to facilitate the sharing of information and the need for networking specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving capacity will be major factors in the rising demand in this field. Students that enter this career field can expect annual earning around $40,000. To learn more about the admission requirement and the application process for this program, call (309) 341-5229.

6. Certification Students completing the Networking Specialist program are eligible to sit for the CCNA which consists of a single examination, the CCNP which consists of 4 exams, the MCSA which consists of 4 exams, and the Comp/TIA A+/Net+ examination. Examinations are offered at the CSC Assessment Center located in Room E-133 at the main Galesburg Campus. For scheduling and cost information, please contact the Assessment Center at (309) 341-5323. CSC Advantages • Small class size allows individual attention • CSC is a local Cisco Networking Academy site • Hands-on experience using current network equipment • Day and evening classes offered • Qualified instructors Special Needs Carl Sandburg College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, orders, and regulations. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer. Facilities are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Persons requiring special accommodations should make their needs known at the time of registration by contacting the Academic Support Services Office at (309) 341-5262.

7. Cost & Financial Aid For current tuition and fees, please refer to our Web site at www.sandburg.edu. A variety of scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified applicants. For information contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 341-5283. Mission Statement OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district. 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401 www.sandburg.edu (309) 341-5229 Toll Free (877) 236-1862, ext. 5229