Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity

 

EARLY COLLEGE CAREER ACADEMY

What is Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity?

Information technology is the development, maintenance, or use of systems — especially computer systems, software and networks — for storing, retrieving and sending information. Computer networking is the process of electronically linking two or more computing devices to exchange information through data connections.

Information technology and computer networking has changed the lifestyle of people all over the world: 

  • Everyone uses a computing device — a smartphone, tablet or computer.
  • People can work from anywhere in the world. 
  • Companies can conduct video conferences, sharing ideas, software, and expertise from various locations simultaneously without losing time and money to travel.
  • Information on any subject is available at the click of a mouse.

With the fast-paced, changing landscape of technology and communications, there is a downside -- hackers. Hackers routinely try to break into personal and company networks; ransomware, identity theft, data loss/manipulation, denial of service attacks are a few of the attacks used. As a result, trained computer networking specialists are being called upon more and more to protect individual, companies and government information through constantly changing security processes. 


Employment Outlook

Projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment in Computer Networking will continue to grow up to 8 percent between now and 2022. Approximately 42,000 new networking positions will be hired for across all types of industries in the U.S. and abroad. 

The ever-increasing use of network technology, combined with the complexity of that technology means that trained specialists will be walking into a growing field that promises to continue to provide challenges and demands for many years to come.

For more information related to Career Opportunities, visit CareerZone and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics


Program Overview

This two-year program is based on the IT Essentials and CCNA Routing and Switching curricula provided by the Cisco Networking Academy. Topics and skills covered involve assembling, disassembling, and repairing computers; troubleshooting hardware and software; designing, installing, and maintaining wired and wireless computer systems; configuring switches and routers; designing network infrastructure; troubleshooting network design and installation; customer service and technical support.

By the end of the program students will have had the following experiences and opportunities:

  • complete a cornerstone project. Students complete the program with a comprehensive project involving technology purchase recommendations and network design.
  • participate in real world projects and industry challenges. Just as is done in the real world, students will often work in teams to design and develop novel solutions to class projects and industry challenges that are mentored by the program’s business partners.
  • work with industry professionals. The program enjoys strong ties with industry partners who host students in a variety of job shadowing experiences, classroom projects with partners on specialized assignments, and guest lecture in our classes, which result in lasting relationships and future employment opportunities.
  • use cutting edge technology.  The IT Computer Networking students are provided with a laptop. The state-of-the-art learning lab contains the following equipment: PCs; laptops; hand tools for assembly/disassembly, repairs and cable production; network cables and cable testing equipment; Cisco switches and routers
  • earn internationally recognized certifications.  Students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized CISCO and CompTIA certifications.
  • earn up to 28 college credits.

The ECCA Program Catalog contains the names and descriptions of the courses in the IT: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity program, as well as a Plan of Study.


Opportunities and Next Steps

1. Stay at SUNY Adirondack and complete degrees in IT: Computer Networking AAS or Cybersecurity AAS.
2. Transfer to another two or four-year college. Transfer Counseling available
3. Join the workforce. Career and job search assistance is available! 

 

 

Contact Us

To learn more about the Early College Career Academy program, contact:
adkecca@sunyacc.edu