| What is a Networking Specialist? |
The Networking Specialist program is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in the development and maintenance of computer networks. Program graduates are to be competent in the general areas of humanities or fine arts, social or behavioral sciences, and natural sciences or mathematics, as well as in designing, implementing, securing and troubleshooting network computers within an organization. Gwinnett Tech’s Networking Specialist program is a portal to any digital working environment. Program graduates receive a Networking Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree. |
| Length of Program |
5 semesters minimum. |
| Semester Program Begins |
Fall, spring, and summer semester. |
| Application Process |
Applicants to the Networking Specialist program must meet all Admission requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee. Individuals apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu and submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required. |
| Program Prerequisites |
Degree level proficiency required to take degree level General Education courses.
Diploma level proficiency required to take CIST technical courses. Please refer to course descriptions in the online catalog for specific prerequisites. |
| Program Deadlines |
You may enter in the fall, spring, or summer semester. |
| Program Costs and Requirements |
Tuition and books |
| For more information, contact: |
Oenia Odums, program director, OOdums@GwinnettTech.edu, 678-226-6629. |
| For admission and enrollment, contact: |
Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email CISTeam@GwinnettTech.edu. |
Quick Facts
|
| (This data was compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) |
| 2017 Median pay |
$35,000 - $52,160 |
| Entry level education |
Associate degree |
| Number of jobs, 2017 |
766,900 |
| Job growth, 2017-2024 |
12% |
Nature of the Work
Computer Networking Specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.
Work Environment
Most computer Networking Specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, many support specialists must be available 24 hours a day. As a result, many support specialists must work nights or weekends.
Employment
Employment of computer Networking Specialists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software.
Earnings
The median annual wage for computer Networking Specialists was $49,390 in May 2016.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Information Security Analysts, on the Internet
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (visited September 25, 2017).
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