Quarter 1 focuses on introducing students to the Microsoft platform for network administration.  Students will be challenged to set up domain-based environments aimed at small businesses while building a foundation in automated administration using Windows PowerShell.  This quarter will also cover Microsoft Active Directory, aimed at expanding student knowledge to network administration for larger business enterprises.  Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Desktop Support Administration; Network Scripting Essentials; Active Directory and Network Infrastructure Administration; Application Infrastructure and Enterprise Administration

Quarter 2 focuses on introducing the students to the concepts of wireless technologies and security.  Student will learn wireless technologies and implementation, leaving them with the foundations for CWNA certification.  In project-based learning, students will explore LANs, WANs, and VLANs in the context of a typical commercial enterprise, constructed with Cisco IOS-based equipment.  Added into the mix is an understanding of common languages, best practice, and design decisions for CompTIA Security + certification.  Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Networking with Cisco Technologies; Wireless Technology Networks; Computing Security Architecture

Quarter 3 starts with an introduction to Linux, including usage and operation.  Upon this foundation, students will progress into an intermediate understanding of Linux, covering DNS, mail servers, DHCP, FTP, NFS and NIS.  It is at this intermediate level that students will be challenged to use Linux scripting in their networks.  In addition to Linux content, student will learn the basics of IT project management methodologies and application.  Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Linux Operating Systems; IT Project Management; Data Communication and Networks

Quarter 4 will focus on communications systems.  Students will learn how to set-up and configure Microsoft Exchange, while also learning Active Directory and basic network infrastructure.  Simultaneously, students will be introduced to the concepts of hardware virtualization, and challenged to design, implement, and maintain a full virtualization environment using OpenStack.   To complete their new skills, students will learn the foundations of the IT Information Library and its framework and methodology for IT/business integration.  Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Virtualization and Cloud Computing; ITIL Foundations; Enterprise Messaging and Collaboration Services

Quarter 5 starts to focus on issues of network security, building foundational knowledge.  Students will pursue advanced level Linux administration techniques, as well as integration between differing platforms.  Student will delve into recent versions of server software, including Apache, Samba, and MySQL.  This quarter also focuses on network monitoring and optimization, using industry standard tools.  An introduction to computer forensics is also made, discovering the rules of engagement, intrusion management, and privacy. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Advanced Network Systems; Computer Forensics for the First Responder; Network Optimized Monitoring

Quarter 6, the final quarter of the program is the culmination of everything the students have learned.  Students learn about encryption technology, including a conceptual knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, authentication, non-repudiation, and access control.  Students are also introduced to the concepts of ethical hacking, including malicious software, security attacks, OS vulnerabilities and network protection.  The quarter culminates in a capstone project, the scope of which challenges students to use their accumulated knowledge on a large-scale hypothetical industry standard project.

Courses Include: Encryption, Public Key Infrastructure Architecture and Administration; Hands-on Network Exploits, Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing; Industry Capstone Project