COMPUTER NETWORKING GRADS ARE IN DEMAND

Career projection outlooks have stated that computer networking professionals will be in high demand for many years to come. Strangely enough, there are very few U.S. universities and colleges that offer a 4-year degree in computer networking, especially one that provides students with hands-on experience with a variety of hardware and software.

"We created the computer networking degree a few years ago in response to a national demand for IT professionals with networking skills," explained Thomas Boger, Chairman of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science. "Our grads are reaping the benefits, as they are finding challenging, well-paying jobs."

The B.S. Computer Networking degree is indeed very unique. Students work directly in multiple environments, including Linux, Novell and Windows platforms. The courses and labs provide students with hands-on experience installing and configuring networking hardware devices and operating systems.

While enrolled in the degree, students have the advantage of taking courses at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This international experience exposes students not only to more experts in the field, but also to a broader range of hardware, software, and networking topics.

"In addition to the degree, employers in the networking field today are looking for industry certifications, hands-on training, and work experience," says Mark Terwilliger, associate professor in computer science. "The LSSU Computer Networking degree provides all of those things."

Many of the courses in the computer networking curriculum help prepare students for the industry-standard certifications that employers are looking for. These include certifications such as Cisco, CompTIA, Novell, and Microsoft. The degree also requires a full year internship or co-operative as a capstone experience.

Recent graduates from the program have been finding jobs in a variety of settings. The degree is intended to prepare students for work as a network administrator, web analyst/designer/programmer, system administrator, or help desk/support specialist.

To learn more about the LSSU Computer Networking degree, contact Mark Terwilliger at 635-2058 or mterwilliger@lssu.edu. LSSU also offers 2-year degrees in Internet/Network Specialist and Computer Science, as well as 4-year degrees in Computer Science, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Computer Information Systems, and Computer Science-Secondary Teaching.