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Computer Network Technology

Build your career in technology and networking with a Computer Network Technology Associate of Applied Science degree from Arapahoe Community College.

ACC Computer Networking Technology students working on a group project in a classroom at the Sturm Collaboration Campus at Castle Rock.

You can work in the computer networking field and help keep hackers and viruses from accessing the information we hold valuable. Learn to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks ranging from small to large scale. Our Computer Network Technology (CNT) AAS degrees have 2 different areas to choose from: General Networking, and Network Security.

Our courses are designed with the needs of businesses in mind. You will gain practical skills with software and hardware needed for many facets of network infrastructure. Our instructors teach technical aspects, along with big-picture overviews of how all the pieces fit together. Our alumni have passed their CompTia A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, and Linux+ industry certification exams.

ACC Admissions
Admissions
admissions [at] arapahoe.edu
Wendy Muench
Faculty / Department Chair
Computer Networking Technology
wendy.muench [at] arapahoe.edu

What You'll Learn

Our computer networking technology program is designed to teach you the skills you need to begin your career once you graduate. What you learn in class are the concepts, principles, and tools that employers want their employees to have. Whichever Computer Network Technology AAS degree you decide on, you can be confident that you'll be able to: 

  • Understand networking principles
  • Apply hardware concepts
  • Apply Windows server concepts
  • Use project management software

CIP 110901 (4GNC)

The Computer Network Technology program prepares individuals for jobs in the computer networking field. Students in this program gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, software and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have the needed background to prepare to take one or more of the following exams: Network+; Security+; MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist); Security +; or CISCO CCNA.

Program Requirements

Elective Courses (18 credit hours)

Choose any combination of elective courses from CNG, CSC, and/or CWB

Total: 60 Credit Hours

NOTE: Students interested in taking one of the certification exams need to meet with a Computer Network Technology Advisor to choose the correct sequence of classes. Please call 303.797.5252 for more information.

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.

  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 110901 (4A2C)

The Computer Network Technology program prepares individuals for jobs in the computer networking field. Students in this program gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, software and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have the needed background to prepare to take one or more of the following exams: Network+; Security+; Server+; CYSA+; Cloud+.

Program Requirements

Network Security Concentration (18 credit hours)
  • Choose any 2 electives from CIS, CNG, CSC, or CWB
Total: 60 credit hours

NOTE: Students interested in taking one of the certification exams need to meet with a Computer Network Technology Advisor to choose the correct sequence of classes. Please call 303.797.5252 for more information.

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 110901 (4NCC)

This certificate is specifically designed to prepare students as entry-level networking professionals. Students are encouraged to take the associated industry certification exams.

Program Requirements

Total: 18 Credit Hours

NOTE: Students interested in taking one of the certification exams need to meet with a Computer Network Technology Advisor to choose the correct sequence of classes. Please call 303.797.5252 for more information.

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 111006 (4CTC)

The Computer Technician program prepares individuals for entry-level jobs in the personal computer industry involving the installation, upgrading and servicing of personal computer systems and computer networks. Three common examples of positions in which a graduate of this program might be employed are retail computer store technician, field service technician for a computer/network systems reseller and in-house computer/network technician for a large company.

Students in this program gain extensive experience with computer hardware, software and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is prepared to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam, the competency standard for service technicians in the computer industry.

Program Requirements

Major Courses (27 credit hours)
Note(s):

*Students may substitute any of the following courses for CIS 1018: CIS 1035, CIS 1061, CIS 1045 and CIS 1055.
**Students may substitute the following course for CNG 2011: CIS 128

Total: 27 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.

Job Opportunities in Computer Network Technology

Computer Networking Concentrations

We offer several areas of concentration in our Computer Network Technology program to allow you to focus your studies on what is important to you and your career.

CISCO

CISCO networking technicians and administrators design, build, maintain and troubleshoot the ever increasingly complex networking systems that are the backbone of all types of communication.

General Networking

The Computer Network Technology program will prepare you for jobs in the computer networking field. You’ll gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, software, and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be prepared to take one or more of the following exams: Network+; Security+; MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist); Security +; or CISCO CCNA.

Network Security

In addition to fundamental IT skills, our Network Security concentration will allow you to focus on building secure infrastructure and networks and essential troubleshooting skills. You will learn common attacks, cryptography, recovery, and more.

Systems Administration

The Computer Network Technology program will prepare you for jobs in the computer networking field. You will gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, software, and networks. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be prepared to take one or more of the following exams: Network+; Security+; MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist); Security +; or CISCO CCNA.

CIS 2087 Internships

Get on-the-job experience through internships with business in the community. Use your skills, learn how to use them in the field, and build relationships to help you find a career after you graduate!