Is Interactive/Online Career Training Right for You? Take The Quiz
Get the Skills to Be an IT & Network Professional
Network specialists are in demand. Train for that career with Laurus College’s IT & Network Systems program
IT and Network Systems Training in 2 Years*
Looking to gain skills in an industry with many career opportunities so you can improve your earning potential?
You should be!
The Information Technology industry continues to expand and has a high demand for skilled specialists. If you’re ready to move up and create a brighter future with a rewarding career, Laurus College has the IT programs to get you there.
With your initiative and our support, we thrive.
Computer networking offers businesses, schools, small and large corporations, and families several benefits, including faster access to more information, improved communication and collaboration, and more convenient access to software tools.
All the Things You’ll Learn
Many companies want to have a staff member who can maintain the company’s personal computers (PCs), maintain their information systems, and support their non-technical PC users, while other companies need staff who can go onsite to service computer problems.
Among the topics covered in the Information Technologies and Network Systems Occupational Associate Degree program are:
Operating System Fundamentals
Administering Computers and Devices
Network Administration
Database Foundations
Information Systems Management
Information Security Foundations
Network Deployment
Project Management
Course List
Students in this course are exposed to basic issues in starting a business. Topics may include capitalization, staffing, subcontracting, permits, facilities, and basic business planning. The course offers students practical exercises to begin strategic development of a business and offers practical problems and issues in the startup phase of building a successful organization. Credits: 5
This course prepares students to develop and implement project plans when working to complete assigned projects. Topics in this course may include defining project goals and objectives, specifying tasks or how goals will be achieved, establishing needed resources for project completion, and associating budgets and completion timelines. Students study the major phases of project management including project feasibility, planning, implementation, evaluation, and support. Project management software will be used by students to gain an understanding of how to best organize and delegate their project. Students gain an understanding of how to manage projects and how these skills may be applied to an individual project or a group project. Credits: 5
This course examines decision making, strategic thinking, and communications for complex issues. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize different approaches to developing written action plans for solving today’s issues in the modern age. Credits: 5
This course serves as an introduction to the necessary core skills needed to be successful at an academic, professional and personal level. Students will identify core skills, values and interest to assist in their path to success. Topics covered in this course may include time management, effective study skills, written and oral communication, improving critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills. Other topics may include job search techniques and job etiquette, and on-the-job behavior. Students will work towards building their professional development through various assignments and topics throughout the course. Students will explore Laurus College resources for success inside and outside the classroom. Credits: 5
Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied. Instruction covers communication strategies and conventions of written expression including idea generation, paragraph development, and essay construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized sentences, paragraphs, and compositions, and their applications to real world documents such as cover letters, resumes, and memos. Students examine grammar, vocabulary and the writing process, and may apply the skills learned to multiple forms of writing. Students also explore oral communication skills used in a business setting, and how to effectively communicate written ideas. Other topics may include presentation skills, etiquette, interpersonal skills and delivery techniques. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates. Credits: 5
Students in this course explore written and oral communication as a skill to be mastered and applied at a more sophisticated level. Instruction covers complex communication strategies and conventions of written expression focusing on concept development, report construction. The writing portion of this course concentrates on the development of clear and organized complex structures and their applications to real world documents. Students will be expected to deliver oral and written presentations to the instructor and classmates. Credits: 5
Students begin learning about computer hardware and each item that makes up a computer. Students build the skills needed for proper file management, and learn to troubleshoot basic problems that may occur during computer usage. Students study the system board in depth, learning about components, as well as, their functions. Other topics covered may include computer memory, different operating systems, floppy drives, and hard drives. Students also work with computer power supplies, learning how to measure output and proper removal and replacement of power supply units. Students learn to handle several system types and troubleshoot various computer hardware issues. Credits: 5
Students study how to properly set up and install hard drives, as well as techniques for proper troubleshooting and data recovery. Students examine how to protect the hardware and software of a computer while troubleshooting, and how to properly use tool kits and troubleshooting reference guides while isolating and repairing a number of computer problems. Other topics studied may include ports and expansion slots for add-on devices, SCSI devices, keyboards, pointing devices, multimedia technology, monitoring system performance, and support devices. Students install and study about supporting applications with various operating systems Credits: 5
Students in this course study operating systems designed specifically for networking, as well as the differences between various operating systems. Students install and customize operating systems, utilize system registries and diagnostic tools, and troubleshoot problems that typically arise in various systems. Other topics studied may include communication over the internet, browsing the World Wide Web, utilizing email, transferring files, communication over phone lines, and modems. Credits: 5
Students study the basic principles of networking and networking concepts, as well as discover different types of network architectures and learn about various networking software and protocols. Students learn about many of the computer and printer problems that commonly occur in the workplace, and how to effectively troubleshoot and fix those problems. Students discover proper maintenance techniques for computers and printers in an office setting. Also discussed in this course are proper disaster recovery and maintenance plans for computers, how to create system backups, and viruses and other computer infestations. Credits: 5
Starting with an introduction to networks students gain an understanding about communication services, mail services, and management services. Students study networking standards and models, and study the various layers making up networking as a whole. Students gain an understanding of different network protocols, and their functions. Students explore networking media and learn to install protocols on various operating systems. They examine the difference between LANs and WANs, and the transport systems that serve them both. Other topics covered may include installing NICs in computers and configuring them for various types of networks. Network hardware such as hubs, repeaters, bridges, and routers may also be examined in this course. Credits: 5
Network Administrators must understand a variety of key networking concepts and technology that include storage, network architecture, Voice over IP implementation, and server consolidation. In this course students come to understand the common causes and high costs of service outages, how to measure high network availability, how to design a data center and explore what must be considered with consolidating resources. Credits: 5
Students in this course examine the essentials of a WAN, and learn how one is implemented and how remote connectivity is established. Students gain understanding of various network operating systems and how they are similar or may differ from one another. Students gain an understanding for how to establish users, groups, and rights in a networking system. Credits: 5
In this course, students learn to plan, control, and manage the deployment of a network system. It will encompass documentation, operating system application governed by the system role. Students work with GUI (Graphical User Interface) based applications as well as the CLI (command-line interface) to accomplish tasks. GUI and CLI applications include Windows PE (Pre-installation Environment), Microsoft Visio, WDS (Windows Deployment Services), AD DS (Active Directory Domain Services), MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit), and Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit). Credits: 5
Network System Services provide the structure for authenticating and authorizing users in the work place. This course prepares students to manage and administer these services in a Windows Domain environment. Topics include Active Directory, Group Policy, File Services, DNS, Remote Access Management, Server Management, and many other supporting services. Credits: 5
Students are introduced to core database concepts, objects, data manipulation, storage structures, and administering a database. This course includes skills that prepare students to design, manage, and secure relational databases and an understanding of structured query language. Credits: 5
Students combine acquired skills from previous courses to capitalize in the process of IT and Computer Networking management. They plan, coordinate, document, and direct computer and network related projects within sets of scenario guidelines. Students will learn to project, set achievable business goals, and align projects to reach those goals. Credits: 5
This class will increase your understanding of potential threats, learn how to apply practical mitigation options, and react to attacks quickly. The class teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to design, develop, implement, analyze, and maintain networks and network protocols. It explains how these systems currently operate and the limitations that lead to security weaknesses. Topics covered in this course may include the fundamental issues needed to understand network security, the definition of security terms, security ethics, the OSI network model, and cryptography for networks. Students may explore the common risks for secure network design and development, including the impact of modularity on security and a summary of the general security issues. Credits: 5
This math course is a thorough review and study of algebraic concepts, functions, and operations, utilizing a balanced approach of basic algebraic theories with practical applications and conceptual understanding. Students review mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and decimals as it applies to business operations. Students gain an understanding of basic mathematical and algebraic concepts and functions needed for the world of business including but not limited to account balancing, payroll, depreciation, profit and loss calculations, interest calculations, problem solving, probability theory, and decision making. Credits: 5
This course focuses on professional communication in the 21st workplace. Students in this course will hone their communication skills by working on various assignments and projects, including: face-to-face conversations, collaborative work groups, presentations, and interviews. Lectures include topics in nonverbal communication, cultural differences, organizational fit, and networking within specific industries through face-to-face interactions and via social networking sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. By the end of the course, students will have prepared industry specific portfolios and taken part in mock interviews specific to their field of study. Credits: 5
* General Education Course
Here’s How You’ll Grow with Us
Upon completion of the Information Technologies and Network Systems Occupational Associate Degree program, students should be able to:
Demonstrate proficiency with a WAN networking system
Set up remote access for a networked system
Analyze network security and understand how it is maintained and implemented in an organization
Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for personal computers, laptops, peripherals, and operating systems
Perform preventive maintenance on personal computers, laptops, peripherals, and operating systems
Perform scholarly research
Is a Career in IT Right for You? Find Out!
Take the "Laurus College IT Career Readiness Training Quiz"
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Information Technologies & Network Systems professionals provide technical assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software as well as perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. They may also plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Grads with IT & Network Systems training may find employment in a wide range of interesting and rewarding positions, including:
Database Analyst or Administrator
Information Technology Consultant
Information Security Specialist
Network Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Technician
and more!
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. The Information Technologies & Network Systems Occupational Associate Degree Program offered at Laurus College can help prepare graduates for a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to the list of careers that may be listed under the following SOC codes (for more information on a particular SOC code, visit www.onetonline.org).
SOC List
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
With so many professional opportunities available to people with the right qualifications, Laurus can prepare you for a career that will take you to that next level in life.
The best way to see if Laurus College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities by coming in to any of our campus locations, or we’re happy to set up a virtual tour with you. Book a Tour Now or Get more info.
You already have a life. We appreciate that!
If you’re juggling work and a family, you’re busy. Our unique learning model gives you greater freedom and flexibility to learn on your own schedule.
That means you’re in control of your learning experience. All you have to do is take that first important step. Pursuing training with Laurus for a profession in the IT world, with all our dedicated support from Day 1 till you land that dream job, will be a wise move.
Our career-focused program helps you gain an understanding of how computer networks and information systems work, while preparing you for potential employment in the IT and network service fields.
With a program led by industry professionals, Laurus helps motivated people get the skills, experience and ongoing support to pursue successful careers.
Meet the Information Technology Systems Management Faculty
Practical, Career-Focused Training that prepares you for an in-demand career.
Supportive Learning Environment where instructors care about your success.
Flexible Scheduling Options that include both day and evening classes.
Technology Included – Students attending classes in an Associate or Bachelor's Degree program are given the opportunity to receive hardware and software specific to audio production needed to complete their program.
Job Search Assistance through our Career Services Department, including resume & portfolio creation, interview preparation and live workshops.
* Program length when completed in normal time.
Get the Skills for the Rewarding Career You Want
Is a fulfilling career and a brighter future right for you? Get more info...
