Network and Systems Administration
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration program provides students with a solid, hands-on skill set of computer, networking, and internetworking systems technology principles and desktop support. Students gain an understanding of the interaction between microcomputer software and hardware, network and internetworking operating systems software and hardware, local area network administration and management, the use of troubleshooting techniques, troubleshooting hardware and software tools, as well as interpersonal/customer service skills. Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific information technology areas based on their interests and professional goals and leading to industry recognized certifications through an embedded Certificate of Completion (CCL) including, but not limited to, Desktop (Desktop Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Network, Computer System Configuration and Support, Security, Computer System Configuration and Support, Linux), Cisco (Cisco Network CCNA, Cisco Network CCNP, Cisco Network CCNA Security), Linux (Red Hat Linux Engineer, Linux Associate, Red Hat Linux Administrator, Linux System Administration), Microsoft (Microsoft System Administration, Microsoft Desktop Associate), and VMware (VMware Network Administrator, VMware Foundations, VMware System Administrator). Graduates may pursue employment in a variety of information technology environments and/or transfer to a university.
Details
Field of Interest
Computer and Information Technology
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Network and Systems Administration (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3189
Total credits required
61-74
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Courses within any of the following prefixes must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award: BPC, CIS, CLD, CNT, ITS, and MST.
Students may receive credit for courses within the program based on current industry certifications.
This program replaces:
AAS/3013 Linux Networking Administration
AAS/3095 Information Technology: Cisco Networking
AAS/3096 Information Technology: Network Server
AAS/3208 Networking System Administration
AAS/3312 Computer and Networking Technology
AAS/3778 Microsoft Networking Technology
AAS/3794 Network Administration
AAS/3816 Networking Technology: Cisco
What You'll Learn
- Update hardware and software as needed to maintain fully functional systems. (BPC170, BPC270, BPC274, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, BPC171, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120)
- Apply knowledge of operating systems to manage system hardware, security protocols, and software technologies. (BPC270, BPC274, CIS102DA, CIS121AB, CIS121AH, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS293, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CIS266, CIS270, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS272DB, CIS275DL, CNT202, CNT205, ITS110, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120)
- Design, maintain, and revise systems to meet desired specifications. (BPC170, BPC270, BPC274, CIS121AB, CIS121AH, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS293, CIS294, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CIS266, CIS270, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS272DB, CIS275DL, CNT140AB, CNT150AB, CNT160AB, CNT202, CNT205, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, ITS110, BPC171, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120)
- Manage administrative access and user security policies within systems. (BPC270, BPC274, CIS121AH, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS190, CIS293, CIS294, CIS2295, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CIS266, CIS270, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS272DB, CIS275DL, CNT150AB, CNT202, CNT205, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, ITS110, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120, BPC171, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++)
- Organize and prioritize workload to ensure successful completion of projects. (CIS102DA, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS224, CIS250, CIS266, CIS275DL, CIS290++, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, [FYC])
- Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision-making and actions. (CIS102DA, CIS105, CIS111, CIS250, CIS270, CIS272DB, CNT202, CNT205, ITS110, BPC171, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, ITS120, CRE101, [HU], [SB])
- Continuously adapt to an ever-changing technical environment. (BPC170, BPC270, BPC274, CIS102DA, CIS105, CIS111, CIS121AH, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS156, CIS190, CIS293, CIS294, CIS295, CIS224, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CIS250, CIS266, CIS270, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS272DB, CIS275DL, CIS290++, CNT150AB, CNT160AB, CNT202, CNT205, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, ITS110, ITS120, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120)
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and abide by norms and conventions appropriate to the field. (CIS102DA, CIS105, CIS111, CIS250, CIS270, CIS272DB, CIS290++, CNT202, CNT205, CNT171, ITS110, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, ITS120, CRE101, [HU], [SB])
- Apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving to configure and troubleshoot systems to ensure proper operation. (BPC170, BPC270, BPC274, CIS102DA, CIS105, CIS121AH, CIS126DL, CIS126RH, CIS156, CIS190, CIS293, CIS294, CIS295, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CIS266, CIS270, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS272DB, CIS275DL, CIS290++, CNT150AB, CNT160AB, CNT202, CNT205, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, ITS110, MST160, CLD110, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, CRE101, [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Utilize effective written and oral communication with multiple stakeholders in formal and informal settings. (CIS102DA, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS224, CIS250, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, CRE101, (COM), [FYC])
- Demonstrate the ability to work with others individually and as a team. (CIS102DA, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS224, CIS250, CIS290++, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, CRE101, (COM), [SB])
- Create and maintain proper documentation of design, implementation, validation, workflow processes, troubleshooting, and revisions of systems. (BPC274, CIS102DA, CIS121AH, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS156, CIS224, CIS239DL, CIS240, CIS250, CIS266, CIS275DL, CIS290++, CNT140AB, CNT150AB, CNT160AB, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, BPC171, CIS296++, CIS298++, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120, CRE101, [FYC], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Maintain, update, and monitor networks and computer systems using automation and scripting. (BPC274, CIS121AB, CIS121AH, CIS156, CIS238DL, CIS238RH, CIS239DL, CIS240DL, CIS240RH, CNT240, CNT240AA, CNT240AB, CNT250, CNT250AA, CNT250AB, CIS271DL, CIS271RH, CIS290++, CIS296++, CIS298++, CIS266, CIS275DL, MST160, MST260, CLD110, CLD120)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 31-46 | |
| BPC170 | A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support | 3 |
| BPC270 | A+ Exam Prep: Operating System Configuration and Support | 3 |
| CIS102DA | Customer User Support | 3 |
| CIS105 | Survey of Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS126DL | Linux Operating System (3) OR | |
| CIS126RH | Red Hat System Administration I (3) | 3 |
| CIS190 | Introduction to Networking (3) OR | |
| CNT140AB | Introduction to Networks (4) | 3-4 |
| (CNT140AB | is required for students on the Cisco specialization) | |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
| Students must also select from one of the following specializations based on their career goals. | ||
| Specialization 1: Cisco System Administration (CCNA) and Security | ||
| CNT150AB | Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials | 4 |
| CNT160AB | Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 4 |
| CNT202 | Cisco Secure Firewall Appliance Configuration (4) OR | |
| CNT205 | Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (4) | 4 |
| Specialization 2: Cisco System Administration (CCNP) | ||
| CNT150AB | Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials | 4 |
| CNT160AB | Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 4 |
| CNT240 | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Core (8) OR | |
| CNT240AA | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Core I (4) AND | |
| CNT240AB | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Core II (4) | 8 |
| CNT250 | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (8) OR | |
| CNT250AA | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services I (4) AND | |
| CNT250AB | Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services II (4) | 8 |
| Specialization 3: Linux System Administration | ||
| CIS238DL | Linux System Administration | 3 |
| CIS239DL | Linux Shell Scripting | 3 |
| CIS240DL | Linux Network Administration | 3 |
| CIS271DL | Linux Security | 3 |
| CIS275DL | Linux Capstone | 3 |
| Specialization 4: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Administration | ||
| CIS238RH | Red Hat System Administration II | 3 |
| CIS239DL | Linux Shell Scripting | 3 |
| CIS240RH | Red Hat System Administration III | 3 |
| CIS271RH | Red Hat System Administration IV | 3 |
| CIS275DL | Linux Capstone | 3 |
| Specialization 5: Cloud System Administration | ||
| BPC274 | Advanced Server Computer Maintenance: Server+ Prep | 3 |
| CIS121AH | Microsoft PowerShell/Command Line Operations | 3 |
| CIS239DL | Linux Shell Scripting | 3 |
| MST160 | Azure Administrator (4) OR | |
| CLD110 | Amazon Web Services Cloud Foundations (3) | 3-4 |
| MST260 | Microsoft Azure Cloud Development and Operations (3) OR | |
| CLD120 | Amazon Web Services Cloud Architect Associate (3) | 3 |
| Specialization 6: VMware Network Administrator | ||
| CIS293 | VMware ESXI Server Enterprise | 4 |
| CIS294 | VMware vSphere Operate, Scale and Secure | 4 |
| CIS295 | VMware NSX: Install, Configure, Manage | 4 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 0-8 | |
| Students must select enough Restricted Elective credits to meet the minimum total program credits. Students may not select the same courses used to satisfy Required Courses or specializations within the Required Courses. Consult with an Academic, Program, or Faculty Advisor to pick courses that align with your career goals. | ||
| Cisco Electives | ||
| CNT140AB | Introduction to Networks | 4 |
| CNT150AB | Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials | 4 |
| CNT160AB | Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation | 4 |
| CNT171 | CCNA Exam Prep | 1 |
| CNT202 | Cisco Secure Firewall Appliance Configuration (4) OR | |
| CNT205 | Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (4) | 4 |
| CNT206 | Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless | 4 |
| Linux Electives | ||
| CIS238DL | Linux System Administration (3) OR | |
| CIS238RH | Red Hat System Administration II (3) | 3 |
| CIS239DL | Linux Shell Scripting | 3 |
| CIS240DL | Linux Network Administration (3) OR | |
| CIS240RH | Red Hat System Administration III (3) | 3 |
| CIS275DL | Linux Capstone | 3 |
| Microsoft Electives | ||
| MST+++++ | Any MST Microsoft Technology course | |
| CIS121AB | Microsoft Command Line Operations | 1 |
| CIS121AH | Microsoft PowerShell/Command Line Operations | 3 |
| Security Electives | ||
| CIS270 | Essentials of Network and Information Security | 3 |
| ITS110 | Information Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| VMware Electives | ||
| CIS293 | VMware ESXI Server Enterprise | 4 |
| CIS294 | VMware vSphere Operate, Scale and Secure | 4 |
| CIS295 | VMware NSX: Install, Configure, Manage | 4 |
| Other Information Technology Electives | ||
| BPC171 | Recycling Used Computer Technology | 1-3 |
| CIS111 | Ethics in Information Technology | 3 |
| CIS124AA | Project Management Software: Level I | 1 |
| CIS124BA | Project Management Software: Level II | 1 |
| CIS156 | Python Programming: Level I | 3 |
| CIS190 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| CIS224 | Project Management Microsoft Project for Windows | 3 |
| CIS240 | Local Area Network Planning and Design | 3 |
| CIS250 | Management of Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS266 | Network Integration Capstone | 4 |
| CIS290++ | Computer Information Systems Internship | 1-3 |
| CIS296++ | Cooperative Education | 2-3 |
| CIS298++ | Special Projects | 1-3 |
| ITS120 | Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues | 3 |
| General Education Requirement | Credits: 22-28 | |
| General Education Core | Credits: 12-18 | |
| First-Year Composition | Credits: 6 | |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | |
| AND | ||
| ENG102 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG108 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) OR | |
| ENG111 | Technical and Professional Writing (3) | 6 |
| (ENG111 | does not count as an ENG Transfer option) | |
| Oral Communication | Credits: 3 | |
| COM100 | Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR | |
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication (3) OR | |
| COM225 | Public Speaking (3) OR | |
| COM230 | Small Group Communication (3) | 3 |
| COM225 | is recommended for students transferring to Northern Arizona University. | |
| Critical Reading | Credits: 0-3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR | |
| Equivalent as indicated by assessment | 0-3 | |
| Mathematics | Credits: 3-6 | |
| MAT140 | College Mathematics (5) OR | |
| MAT141 | College Mathematics (4) OR | |
| MAT142 | College Mathematics (3) OR | |
| MAT145 | College Mathematics with Review (5) OR | |
| MAT146 | College Mathematics with Review (6) OR | |
| Equivalent or higher level mathematics course in the Mathematical Applications area. | 3-6 | |
| General Education Distribution | Credits: 10 | |
| Humanities and Fine Arts | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Humanities, Arts and Design area. | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Social-Behavioral Sciences area. | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | Credits: 4 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Natural Sciences area. | 4 | |
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.