NDSCS College Catalog

Computer and Network Support

Because we live in a computerized and networked society, computer and network support offers a world-wide job market with a variety of locations and environments. Computers and networks are used in all types of businesses, banks, accounting firms, hospitals, manufacturing companies, insurance companies, sales companies, etc. The placement record in this program has been excellent.

For students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university, please see the Computer Science or Management Information Systems Liberal Arts Transfer Curriculum Plans listed in the Liberal Arts section of this catalog.

Program purposes

  1. To provide students with the knowledge of computer and network training enabling them to configure and install systems.
  2. To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist management in the selection of computer hardware and software.
  3. To provide students with the knowledge of computer networks enabling them to configure and install them.
  4. To prepare students to pursue a third-year option in Web Design or Information Systems Security Technician (see additional program purposes listed under Web Design emphasis and Information Systems Security Technician Emphasis).

College facilities

NDSCS has many computer labs.  Each of these labs has current versions of software installed.

CIS students are required to purchase laptop computers. These laptops give students adequate computer access to complete projects and assignments given in class.

Instruction

The instructors of this program have both formal educational training and work experience in computer operations, computer maintenance, computer programming, Web design and information system security. Laboratory time is scheduled into each student’s program allowing them to receive individual attention and hands-on computer experience.

NOTE: This program requires the purchase of a notebook computer. The cost will be approximately $2,000 with several purchase or lease options available. For further information, call the Information Technology Department at (701) 671-2523.

Hardware Technician Certificate (9-month option)
Course Code Course Title Credits
ELEC 150 Introduction to Electronics 4
CIS 197 Internship 1
CIS 212 Microsoft Windows Operating System Client 3
CIS 218 Microcomputer Hardware I 3
CIS 219 Microcomputer Hardware II 3
CIS 220 Operating Systems (UNIX) 3
CIS 265 Cisco Networking 4
CIS 266 Cisco Routing, Config., and Troubleshooting 4
Related/General Education Courses
ENGL 110 College Composition I 3
FYE 101 First Year Experience 1
PHIL 210 Ethics 3
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS 32
Computer and Network Support (2-year option)
CIS 180 Creating Web Pages I 3
CIS 215 Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server Environment 4
CIS 216 Implementing a Microsoft Windows Network Infrastructure 4
CIS 267 Cisco Switching and LAN Topologies 4
CIS 268 Cisco Switching and Project Management 4
CIS 279 Security Awareness and Policy 1
Related/General Education Courses
CSCI 160 Computer Science I (JAVA) 4
Wellness elective(s) 2
MATH 102 Intermediate Algebra 3
English elective 3
Social and Behavioral Science, Humanities and History electives 2
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS 66

Students interested in a third-year option in Web Design or Information Systems Security Technician should refer to the Web Design/Web Developer or Information Systems Security Technician fact sheets.

Upon successful completion of the third-year option, students will also be awarded a certificate in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Web Design or a certificate in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Information Systems Security.

Admission requirements

The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Helpful courses to prepare for this curriculum are mathematics, keyboarding and any computer hardware classes.

Award

Upon successful completion of the Hardware Technician required courses, students will be awarded a Certificate in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Hardware Technician.

Upon successful completion of the Hardware Technician and the Computer and Network Support required courses, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Computer and Network Support.