Online Education (network Support Degree)

By Author: John Srob
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Associate of Applied Science in Computer Network Support

Network support specialists are typically prepared to perform system maintenance on computer networks, and also build them. Associate's degree programs may introduce students to network administration and microcomputers while preparing them for a number of career opportunities.

While enrolled in a 2-year program, a student can complete an internship with a mentor technician and hands-on experience. Classes could be taught in teams as well as in labs, and students may learn about hardware and software used in network support. An applicant must typically hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to enroll.

Course Topics

Network support studies may concentrate on installing telecommunications, network security and network cabling. Students could learn about operating systems such as Windows XP, Linux and Novell Network. Other course topics might include:

Electronics
Network implementation
Technical writing
Network design
Microcomputers
Web page design
Microsoft Exchange
...
... PC repair
Digital technology

Popular Career Options

The skills earned in these programs can be utilized in a variety of professional settings where computer networks are necessary for communication and transmitting information. Career options may include:

Computer software/hardware support technician
Network support technician junior administrator
Telecommunications and network cable installer

Continuing Education and Certification Information

After earning an associate's degree, a graduate can be prepared to become certified through a variety of product vendors, such as CompTIA, which could potentially aid with employment and advancement opportunities. In order to become certified, applicants must typically have adequate experience and pass an exam.

For advancement in the field, associate's degree holders could go on to pursue relevant bachelor's degrees in fields like computer information systems or computer science. Such a degree could qualify an individual for management positions, such as network or computer administrator. At the graduate level, master's degree programs in management information systems or computer science could similarly advance career prospects.
What Does a Network Support Associate's Degree Program Entail?
These programs can begin with introductions to PC network and support technologies. Your program can leave you with a sound and well-rounded understanding of network operating theory. You may also focus on coursework in customer service and communications skills. Advanced networking technologies, such as remote troubleshooting, may also be covered by this degree program. Your program may also help you critically examine advanced network software and support technologies vital to technical assistance, troubleshooting and computer maintenance.

If you are interested, you may also be able to find similar content by enrolling in network technology, network administration or computer information science programs.
What Courses Can I Expect?
A network support associate's degree program may require you to complete field-related courses in network technologies, help desk operation, personal computer repair, network security, network analysis, help desk infrastructure, Web programming, Microsoft Office applications and data structures. These programs also train you to work with several programming languages and different computer operating systems. You can also expect to complete general education courses in humanities, English composition, social and behavioral science, public speaking, mathematics, statistics and natural sciences.
Can I Complete My Program Online?
There aren't many programs specifically dedicated to network support. Since programs in this area are limited, there are also no schools offering distance education courses. Your program can develop hands-on skills in maintaining and repairing network systems. You may also learn how to work with Visual Basic, Java, C++ and Windows server programming code. These programs also develop familiarity with Cisco networks, UNIX, Linux and Microsoft Windows. Some programs provide resources for additional hands-on learning through internships.
What Can I Do With My Education?
Other than working with a network support help desk, some entry-level network administration careers may also be available to you. With your education, you might be eligible for a career as a network specialist, systems administrator, information technology specialist or local area network administrator. If you would like to increase your chances of finding a job, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that you may want to pursue a bachelor's degree education.

Earning an online degree has been the hottest rage in education and learning, plenty of undergraduates are looking out to take up some online trade courses. One of the reasons why this has become so popular over the years is because the web can offer so much transactions and information access in a short period of time, and if one can transact and negotiate using the internet then certainly it is no big surprise that it can be a lot simpler and much more inexpensive to study trade courses online that will enable people discover lucrative jobs and start new business ventures.

The online associate degree is a new undergraduate degree, which is made accessible by community colleges found on the web. Normally, it would require a student to take a two year course of study, and a 60 semester credit hours to fulfill completely compared to a degree course taken in a campus that would require 4 years to finish. An associate degree online made accessible for willing students falls mostly in the Applied Arts (A.A), others would include associate in applied sciences and associate in business administration.

Associate degree online is the diploma, which shows that the person has a broad foundation in education with special training and educational privileges in a specific body of knowledge. It qualifies a person for higher paying jobs in his field of interest and aids them in achieving their career goals. It is better to choose for an associate degree online course in Applied Science as a degree for the same is given much more preference than any other course in an applied degree.

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