The Network Associate Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as an entry-level network specialist, such as a network administrator or network associate. Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of information technology and digital communications technology at home and in the business environment.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

You will manage network services for effective network performance and design data storage solutions that meet the enterprises’ varied needs. You will support multiple industry standard operating systems and design, implement, and maintain LANs and WANs.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

2 Semesters

28 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Associate of Science

Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Enterprise Information Technology (IT) Option

The Computer Information Systems - Career - Enterprise Information Systems program is a career-based program which will prepare the student to work in a business information systems environment. The curriculum provides hands-on experience in application software, web development platforms, program development languages, and database design methodologies. The primary focus of this program is application software development in a business environment.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: NAC).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor about co-enrolling in CSET associate degree.
Windows Client Operating SystemsCSC 141F/S/SU4 
Networking TechnologiesCSC 234F/S/SU4Coreq: CSC 141
Telecommunications in BusinessCST 207F/S3Placement into college level English
UNIX Operating Systems ICST 245F/S/SU4Coreq: CSC 141
  Total15 

Semester 2

  • If seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board and to review industry certification requirements and opportunities.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Storage TechnologiesCSC 210S/SU3Placement into college level English
Internetworking Principles and ProtocolsCST 231F/S3Coreq: CSC 234
Network Infrastructure ManagementCST 235S3CSC 234, Coreq: CST 231
Routing TechnologiesCST 240S3Coreq: CST 231
Unified CommunicationsCST 253S1CSC 141, CSC 234, Coreq: CST 231
  Total13 
Total Credits Required:  28 

Program Goals:

The Network Associate Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as an entry-level network specialist, such as a network administrator or network associate. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of network systems and data communications analysts is expected to increase by 8% from 2014 to 2024, which is average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of IT and digital communications technology at home and in the business environment. A network associate has “the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks”, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.2

1www.bls.gov/ooh/

2www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certificat...

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the application of information technology to common business functions, including the implementation and use of basic end user software.
  • Demonstrate the fundamentals of telecommunications in a modern business environment, including management of voice, call centers, and Voice Over IP.
  • Analyze and apply operating systems concepts to implement and support multiple industry standard operating systems in enterprise networking environments.
  • Apply networking concepts to design, implement, and maintain LANs and WANs to support modern implementations, including internetworking and data convergence.
  • Design and implement basic and advanced routing utilizing the TCP/IP and other common networking protocols and utilities.
  • Define and manage network services for effective network performance.
  • Design data storage solutions that meet the enterprises’ varied needs, including fault tolerance and disaster recovery.
  • Troubleshoot computer networking infrastructures to resolve user problems.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students who pursue any of the industry certifications will incur additional expenses for testing fees.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 11.0901.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

  • The Network Associate Certificate offers extensive coursework, lecturing on theoretical information technology design, principles, and approaches and supplementing the lecture with practical hands-on application in QCC’s state-of-the-art CSET labs.
  • The Network Associate Certificate offers courses that teach material from several industry standard certifications including:
    • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA):
      • Network+ - CSC 234
      • Linux+ - CST 245
    • Microsoft’s 365 Certified Associate in the following topics:
      • Windows Desktop - CSC 141
    • Cisco’s Certified:
      • Network Administrator (CCNA) - CST 240
    • Storage Networking Industry Association and Dell:
      • SNIA Certified Storage Professional and Dell Associate - Information Storage and Management - CSC 210