Network Systems Department
Computer Network Engineering Technology (CNET)
In this program emphasis is placed on design, installation, and support of an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. Graduates of the program provide dayto- day, on-site administrative support for a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, schools, government agencies, and large corporations. They maintain and troubleshoot network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. They are responsible for gathering data to identify customer needs and then using the information to identify, interpret, and evaluate system and network equirements. They also plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures, as well as implement Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and deploy emerging technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP) business communication systems.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Install, maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, and upgrade computer network hardware and software
- Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures, such as firewalls and VPNs
- Support local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN)
- Pursue industry certifications, such as the Cisco CCNA and the Comp TIA Network+ certifications
- Possess the following outcomes upon graduation:
Outcome 1: The student will be able to communicate as individuals, as well as function effectively on teams, by applying oral and written skills.
Outcome 2: The student will have an awareness of their responsibilities in the Computer Network Engineering Technology field, recognizing the need for continual learning to remain well-prepared to face contemporary professional, social, and global challenges in a diverse society.
Outcome 3: The student will demonstrate an appropriate mastery of fundamental knowledge and tools, including, micro-controller applications, networking design, setup of networking equipment, network troubleshooting and repair, network security and technological processes inherent to their specific field of study.
Outcome 4: The students will demonstrate the knowledge of the importance of quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
Outcome 5: The student will demonstrate an ability to identify, analyze, and creatively solve technical and design problems.
Outcome 6: The student will be able to apply fundamental knowledge along with current techniques and skills to conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret and apply results to improve processes.
Representative Job Titles for Graduates
Computer Engineering Technician
Field Service Technician
Network Administrator
Network Designer
Network Technician
Articulation Agreements /Strong Transfer History
Franklin University (online degree program)
Miami University
Northern Kentucky University
University of Cincinnati (College of Applied Science)
Representative Co-op Employers
General Cable
The Kroger Co.
The Matrix Company
Premier Manufacturing Support Services Inc.
University of Cincinnati
Co-op Salary Projections
$11–$14/hour
Employment Outlook
At Cincinnati State, graduate placement rate is 97 percent. The U.S. Department of Labor expects faster than average growth in the job market for computer networking specialists. Due to the need to provide robust, secure networks and support remote access and integrated voice and data services, employment in the computer network engineering field is expected to increase every year.
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
$28,000–$36,000 annually
Related Cincinnati State Programs and Certificates
Network Administration Technology
Computer Network Engineering Technology curriculum
Network Administration Technology (NETAD)
Students in the Network Administration Technology program at Cincinnati State learn to plan, implement, analyze, and administer local, metropolitan, and wide area networks. They develop expertise in using network operating systems, security systems, network hardware, and messaging tools. Cincinnati State graduates are proficient with server setup and configuration, server administration, network security measures, messaging, network wiring, and network help desk operations.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Communicate facilities management
- Address security issues
- Install and maintain LANs, MANs, and WANs
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Pursue industry certifications, such as MCSE, Security+, and Network+
Representative Job Titles for Graduates
Computer Support Specialist
Network Technician
Network Administrator
Network Security Administrator
Network Specialist
Articulation Agreements/Strong Transfer History
University of Cincinnati (College of Applied Science)
University of Toledo
Wilmington College
Representative Co-op Employers
Cast-Fab Technologies
General Electric
General Tool Company
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Hillman Group, Inc.
University of Cincinnati
Co-op Salary Projections
$11–$14/hour
Employment Outlook
The demand for networking systems and the need to integrate new technologies continue to drive the strong job market for network consultants and administrators. Employment of computer support specialists and network specialists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Employers of network support specialists and administrators range from startup companies to established industry leaders.
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
$35,000–$40,000 annually
Related Cincinnati State Programs and Certificates
Computer Network Engineering Technology
PC Support and Administration Technology
Network Administration Technology curriculum
Computer Repair Certificate (CPTR)
The Computer Repair certificate is designed to allow graduates to pursue a career in personal computer servicing and upgrading. It is designed to enable a student to enter the workforce full-time in one year or less.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Work in PC repair, software installation and upgrading, hardware upgrades, and networking
Credentialing
Most graduates elect to take the A+ certification exam
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
$30,000 annually
Related Cincinnati State Programs and Certificates
Electronics Engineering Technology
Software Engineering Technology
