Computer Networking Degree

The computer networking degree program at South Suburban College enables students to learn the design, implementation, and management of computer systems, peripherals, and associated software in a networking setting to help maximize efficiency and productivity. Students who graduate from the computer networking degree program may choose career paths as network specialists, including engineers and managers. Courses include operating systems and applications, design and analysis, networking theory and solutions, types of networks, and network management and control. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer computer networking degrees.

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South Suburban College (SSC)

3535 West Foster, Chicago, IL

South Suburban College, located in South Holland, was founded in 1927 and was originally known as Thornton Junior College. The school was established as part of Thornton Township High School, located in Harvey. The school became an independent institution in 1965 through the Community College Act, establishing its own district and expanding its role and services, resulting in a name change to Thornton Community College four years later to reflect the school's new offerings. The school moved to its permanent home in 1972, and changed its name once more in 1988 to the current, as its better describes the location of the school.

Academics

Students may enroll in either career training or academic transfer programs, allowing students to pursue the track that best reflects the needs and interests of the individual student. Career training programs allow students to develop the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce in a given field as professionals. Students in such a program will have a mix of theoretical and practical course, and will learn to apply techniques and methods in a real world setting through controlled environments. Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree, and allowing individuals to seek employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer is accomplished by completing the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to complete the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree. Students may ease the transfer process by applying to a public Illinois University, which has agreements in place with the school guaranteeing admission if certain academic requirements are met. Students looking to transfer to private or out of state schools should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum for transfer that best meets the needs of the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Graphic Design
• Nursing
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Any student interested in enrollment at South Suburban College may do so if they meet the minimum requirements for admission, complete and submit an application, and pay all associated fees and tuition. Students should also supply test scores and transcripts, if one or both is unavailable students may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. New students are asked to participate in orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus as well as to meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum, program enrollment and goals.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine a student's financial needs and aid program eligibility, both of which are considered when constructing an aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year, and students may be chosen at random to supply additional information to be compared to the FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.

Students Enrolled in the Computer Networking Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. South Suburban College offers a less than one year certificate program in computer networking.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Informatics Nurse Specialists

Description

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Information Security Analysts

Description

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.

Computer Network Architects

Description

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.

Computer Network Support Specialists

Description

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.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).