The United States Department of Labor expects network system and data communication analysts careers to increase 53% within the next eight years (CareerOneStop, 2010). The job of a network system and data communication analysts consists of integrating data communication within an organization. An analyst may have to install, repair, or troubleshoot internet connections, hardware or software installation, security safeguards, and other computer-related communication elements.
For students to learn how to become a network system and data communication analysts, they need to attend a college that will not only provide them the educational component but also access to the most up-to-date computer programs and networking processes. The network system and data communication analysts major can also be called
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Information Technology
There are over 700 colleges in the United States that offer some type of this major. Many colleges offer this major because today's society relies so heavily on computer and internet communication. The following are just some of the four year colleges offering network system and data communication analysts.
Alfred State College, New York
Alfred State College is part of the State University of New York, or SUNY, system. The college is unique in that it concentrates on application rather than strictly lecture-based teaching. The school boast of a 90% job placement rate within a career directly related to the major studied.
At Alfred students can choose to study within the Computer and Information Technology college for a system analysts education. Available majors within this department are the following majors:
- computer engineering technology
- computer information systems
- computer science
- information security and assurance
- information technology-applications software development
- information technology-network administration
- information technology-Web development
To be eligible for admission into any of the above majors, students need to complete algebra, geometry, and trigonometry and obtain either an SAT score of 1000 or ACT of 21. Once in the program, students need to obtain a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average to continue into the required internship.
Macon State College, Georgia
Macon State Colleges offers students a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, which integrates various aspects of network and data communication as well as network security, data recovery, and server architecture.
Admission to Macon State College can be tricky. The school does not post specific criteria for admission; however, their website points to two necssary criteria. The first is the applicant's ability to do college level work. This could include students taking Advanced Placement classes at high school or out performing the national tests like the SAT or ACT. Additionally, the college would like to see students of good moral character. Students need to demonstrate this by providing recommendations from teachers, coaches, or school administrators outling character.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Penn College offers eight different computer administrator-type majors for students. The major, Network Specialist Concentration, allows students to dabble in a variety of computer related areas. The major is outlined to specifically finished within eight semesters. Some aspects of the program include:
- CICSO
- Microsoft and Linux operating systems
- Webpage development
- Network Security
- Internetworking
Admission into Penn College depends on intended major. The college will determine admission based on a holistic view, which implies that each student's acceptance is based on a case-by-case determination. This determination is dependent on the student's desire to achieve.
Multiple programs and degree type exist for network system and data communication analysts; however, Bachelor degrees equip students with the training and background knowledge to tackle major computer issues within an organization. Students with Bachelor degrees will be able to not only solve computer-related issues, but also be able to supervise and direct employees.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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