Odessa College Computer Networking & Information Technologies

The Computer Science Department at Odessa College

Computer Networking
& Information Technologies

Looking for a career or career advancement in the computer networking industry? Odessa College’s new computer networking and information technology program will prepare you. Students completing the CNIT degree and receiving Novell or Microsoft certification will be prepared for jobs supporting computer users in business and industry.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently predicted that the information technology field will account for 80% of new jobs in the next ten years. Many employers are seeking or requiring industry certification as a prerequisite to employment. With an associate degree CNIT certification, you will be prepared for a wide range of careers in a number of industries.

Associate of Applied Science

Certification: Microsoft and Novell

Microsoft

Your education toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in CNIT can be applied toward gaining Microsoft certification. Microsoft offers five different certifications-engineer, developer, professional, professional with a specialty in Internet technology plan security, and trainer-each with different requirements. Your Odessa College CNIT department chair will assist you in determining which certification will best meet your career goals.

Novell

Your education toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in CNIT can be applied toward gaining certification as a Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) or a Certified Novell CNE. When you complete courses in CNIT and successfully complete the Novell testing process, Novell will award you certification. CNA’s are responsible for the day-to-day operation of a network. Network administrators typically add and delete users, back up the server, load applications and maintain security. The CNE program certifies technicians to provide support for NetWare networks, including system installations, configuration and maintenance.

Level I or Level II Certification

You may choose to get a Level I or Level II certification in either Microsoft or Novell without completing the associate degree. Level I certification consists of 33 credit hours and Level II requires completion of 51 credit hours.

Why should I get certified?

If you’re a computer technical professional, or want to be one, Novell and Microsoft certifications are recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence in your field. Certification shows employers you have what it takes to meet the industry’s demands. To provide you with training on the latest state of the art technology, OC opened its new computer-networking lab in the Spring of ’99.

For information on the CNIT program and how to register, call the computer science department, (915) 335-6436.