CNA101 - Introduction to Computer Hardware

This course focuses on the components of personal computers. Topics include: processors, motherboards, memory, storage, tools and test equipment. This course has a high degree of hands-on activities including upgrading and troubleshooting. Students will work with lab computers as test machines. This course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) exam.

Credits: 4


CNA102 - Certification Review I

This course provides students with opportunity and access to certification review and practice testing materials. Students will participate in focused preparation for industry certification exam, building test-taking techniques and specialized content review.

Credits: 1


CNA103 - Certification Review II

This course provides students with opportunity and access to certification review and practice testing materials. Students will participate in focused preparation for industry certification exam, building test-taking techniques and specialized content review.

Credits: 1


CNA105 - IT Foundations

This survey course provides an introduction to fundamental IT concepts, including networking.  Topics include IT concepts and terminology, and an overview of: hardware, networking, software development, database fundamentals and security fundamentals.  Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have a broad understanding of IT topics needed in today’s technology-based workforce.

Credits: 4


CNA106 - Introduction to Computer Software

This course covers theoretical concepts and practical applications of all computers. A number of major operating systems are covered. General topics include: installation, configuration, system management, security, maintenance and troubleshooting. Students will work with lab computers as test machines. This course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1002) exam.

Credits: 3


CNA112 - Operating Systems

Prerequisite: CNA101 or CNA106

This course provides students with an understanding of server installation, server roles, Active Directory, server management and troubleshooting. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004) exam.

Credits: 3


CNA115 - Network Infrastructure

Prerequisite: CNA101 or CNA106

This course covers key concepts and practical applications that allow client-server networks to function. Topics include: LANs and WANs, the OSI model, wired and wireless networks, internet protocols and services, and command line troubleshooting. This course prepares students for the MTA Networking Fundamentals exam (98-366).  

Credits: 3


CNA204 -

This course provides an overview of cloud computing. The focus of this class includes Microsoft Cloud Services, Office 365 and Intune, and using and supporting cloud users. This course prepares students for the MTA Cloud Fundamentals exam (98-369). 

Credits: 3


CNA205 - Intermediate Networking

Prerequisite: CNA101 or CNA105

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with virtual LANs and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Credits: 3


CNA208 - Linux/UNIX

This course covers the alternatives to Microsoft’s current client and server operating systems (Linux and UNIX). Topics include using both Linux and UNIX as a workstation operating system and as a network operating system. The open source software business model is covered. This course is hands-on and lab computers running Linux are used to practice the concepts presented. 

Credits: 3


CNA210 - Network Administration I

Prerequisite:  CNA115

This course and CNA260 are the capstone courses of the program. Network administrator knowledge and responsibilities covered in this class include: topologies, the OSI model, Ethernet, internet protocols, IP addressing and IP routing. This course along with CNA260 prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007)

Credits: 3


CNA215 - LAN Design and Management

Prerequisite: CNA105

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in larger and more complex networks. Students learn how to configure routers and switches for advanced functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, and STP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement a WLAN in a small-to-medium network.

Credits: 3


CNA240 - Desktop Support

This course focuses on key support center processes and concepts to improve overall support operations as well as customer service and interpersonal skills that improve the customer experience. Topics include: Service Level Agreements, Root Cause Analysis, ITIL processes, Security and problem solving.

Credits: 3


CNA260 - Network Administration II

Prerequisites: CNA101 and CNA106

This course completes the students understanding of the roles of the Network Administrator. Topics include: Virtual LANs, wireless networking, access control, network threats, physical security, WANs, and software and hardware troubleshooting tools. This course helps prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). 

Credits: 3


CNA264 - Computer Security

This course covers the fundamentals of network security including security layers, authentication, authorization and accounting, security policies, and protecting the server and client. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ exam (SYO-501).

Credits: 3


CNA265 - Network Security Hardware

Prerequisite:  CNA264

In this experience-oriented course that employs industry-relevant instructional approaches, students will receive an in-depth, theoretical understanding of network security, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and support network security. Students will have significant hands-on interaction with IT equipment that prepares them for certification exams and career opportunities.

Credits: 4


CNA274 - Seminar & Internship Capstone

A supervised 90 hour, on-the-job work internship experience in a computer networked setting. The internship provides the student with the opportunity to apply skills learned during the program. As a second option, an approved research project may be completed in lieu of the internship. Seminars will be used to review the work/project experience and cover career preparation.

Credits: 3


CNA299 - Independent Study

Study of a more advanced nature based on previous computer network course work, developed and applied by individual students on a tutorial basis. Plans must be approved by the Director of the Program.

Credits: 3


CNA400 - Special Topics in Information Technology

Prerequisites: BU300 and MGT309

The study of emerging topics in information technology, with an emphasis on strategic management of events, incidents, threats, rapidly-changing technology, and current information technology management strategies. Each semester a topic, case study, or problem will be submitted to students. In collaboration with faculty members, students, as a team, will develop a hypothesis, conduct primary and secondary research, analyze and interpret research, and report their findings/recommendations.

Credits: 3