About this program
A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.
Career Opportunities
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Computer Science Professors
teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
$98680
Master's degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
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Computer Network Architects
design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
$119230
Master's degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
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LAN/WAN Support Specialists
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.
$71040
Bachelor's degree
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Computer Systems Analysts
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.
$99020
Bachelor's degree
Strong job growth
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IT Analysts
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.
$107580
Bachelor's degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
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IT Managers
plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
$161730
Bachelor's degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Related Majors
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
A program that prepares individuals to design and manage the construction of databases and related software programs and applications, including the linking of individual data sets to create complex searchable databases (warehousing) and the use of analytical search tools (mining). Includes instruction in database theory, logic, and semantics; operational and warehouse modeling; dimensionality; attributes and hierarchies; data definition; technical architecture; access and security design; integration; formatting and extraction; data delivery; index design; implementation problems; planning and budgeting; and client and networking issues.
Computer Graphics
A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
A program focusing on the principles of applied visual simulation technology and the application of quantitative analyses to human-computer interaction. Includes instruction in object-oriented programming, artificial intelligence, computer communications and networks, computer graphics, virtual worlds and simulation systems, probability, statistics, stochastic modeling, data analysis, human-performance evaluation, and human-behavior modeling.
Cloud Computing
A program that prepares individuals to design and implement enterprise software systems that rely on distributed computing and service-oriented architecture, including databases, web services, cloud computing, and mobile apps. Includes instruction in data management, distributed and cloud computing, enterprise software architecture, enterprise and cloud security, mobile systems and applications, server administration, and web development.
Network and System Administration/Administrator
A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures.
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management
A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. Includes instruction in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance, budgeting, and management.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation, auditing, and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system auditing and design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.
Computer Game Programming
A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games. Includes training in character and story development, computer programming, computer graphics, game design, game physics, human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and usability.
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster
A program that prepares individuals to develop and maintain web servers and the hosted web pages at one or a group of web sites, and to function as designated webmasters. Includes instruction in computer systems and networks, server installation and maintenance, web page design and editing, information resources management, web policy and procedures, Internet applications of information systems security, user interfacing and usability research, and relevant management and communications skills.
