Course Overview!

The Undergraduate Certificate in Communications and Networking is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in computer network management and related fields. The program provides a strong foundation in designing, installing, configuring, and maintaining computer networks. The curriculum emphasizes both hardware and software aspects of networking, covering topics such as hardware architecture, communications systems, routing protocols, network security, and wireless technologies. The program's objective is to equip graduates with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, providing a pathway for further studies or direct entry to the workforce.

Course Structure

The certificate program requires a minimum of 15 units. Six units are dedicated to required courses, including CIS 4100 (Hardware and Software Architecture) and either CIS 4840 (Communications Systems) or TECH 4210 (Internetworking Technology). The remaining 9 units consist of elective courses chosen from a list of options offered by the Department of Information Systems. These electives provide flexibility to tailor the program to individual interests and career goals, with options including courses on routing, switching, wide area networks, wireless communications, network security, and additional information security topics. Students must meet with an advisor for approval of any elective courses not listed in the program's elective course choices.