Computer Networking
Computer Networking - AAS-T
Choose BTC’s Information Technology program to train for positions such as network technician, network specialist, network administrator, and network security administrator, or Local Area Network (LAN) technician. Learn how to manage computer networks, troubleshoot and repair computer systems, and design, install, and maintain LANs.
Graduates will find employment opportunities with computer support firms or with small-sized to large-sized companies that use computer networks, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, schools and universities, a range of corporations, and federal, state, and local government agencies.
Employment Information
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
80% BTC graduate placement rate1
$52,257 starting annual wage2$65,948 average annual wage2
$83,096 potential annual wage2
Estimated Program Costs
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
Students may begin this program Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer quarters.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 99
Quarter 1
IT 105 Using Network Computer Systems 3 CR IT 141 A+ Operating Systems 5 CR IT 112 A+ Hardware 5 CR General Education 5 CR Quarter 2
IT 106 IT Support Skills 3 CR IT 120 Command Line Interface & Scripting 5 CR IT 160 Network Technology I 5 CR General Education 5 CR Quarter 3
IT 107 Using Cloud Services 3 CR IT 161 Network Technology II 5 CR IT 142 Windows Desktop I 5 CR General Education 5 CR Quarter 4
IT 242 Windows Server I 5 CR IT 240 Linux Server Administration 5 CR General Education 5 CR Quarter 5
IT 210 Information Security 5 CR IT 250 Cloud & IOT Fundamentals 5 CR Specialty/Elective 5 CR Quarter 6
IT 270 Field-Based Experience 5 CR Specialty/Elective 5 CR Specialty/Elective 5 CR General Education Core Courses
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 CR OR ENGL& 102 English Composition II 5 CR CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications 5 CR OR PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 CR OR SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 CR MATH& 107 Math in Society 5 CR OR higher Choose 5 credits of Humanities, Social Science or Natural Science from approved transfer course list. 5 CR Program Specialty
CHOOSE ONE OF FIVE TRACKS: CLOUD COMPUTING, NETWORK MANAGEMENT, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, OR GENERALIST 15 CR Cloud Computing: IT 252 Amazon Cloud 5 CR IT 253 Microsoft Cloud 5 CR IT 254 Web Applications 5 CR Network Management: IT 241 Windows Desktop II 5 CR IT 243 Windows Server II 5 CR IT 260 Network Technology III 5 CR Computer Programming: IT 121 Introduction to Programming 5 CR CS& 131 Computer Science I C++ 5 CR CS 132 Computer Science II C++ 5 CR Health Information Technology: HT 180 Healthcare & Technology 5 CR HT 190 Health Information Management Systems 5 CR HT 200 Health Technology Professional 5 CR Generalist: Students may select any three classes from the Cloud Computing, Network Management, Programming or Health Information Technology tracks to complete the Generalist track.
Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Face-to-Face
Self-SupportProgram Outcomes
After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:
- Install, configure, and administer an advanced application server.
- Install, configure, and administer a Microsoft Windows Network.
- Design, develop, implement, and document a complex project.
- Design and implement a group project.
- Demonstrate industry competency in fundamental networking concepts used by computer networking professionals.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply technical and interpersonal knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Employment Outlook
The rapid expansion of the computer industry has generated a growing need for highly skilled workers to repair, network, and support these complex computer systems. Employment of computer network engineers is expected to increase much faster than average as technology becomes more sophisticated and organizations continue to adopt and integrate these technologies. This field requires networking specialists to continually learn new skills to keep pace with the rapidly changing industry.
The average annual income in this field is $87,485, with an earning potential of about $111,446 per year.*
Employment opportunities are available in medium to large businesses with computer networks, such as banks and other financial institutions, schools and universities, insurance companies, federal and state government, and other corporations. As smaller companies move to a client-server model, more opportunities for network specialists will soon become available. Potential positions include network technician, network specialist, network administrator, network security administrator, and LAN technician.
Faculty & Support
Mike Massey
Mike Massey graduated from Western Washington University, in 1985, with a combined Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science and Business Administration, and a minor in History. For the next 15 years he worked as a computer programmer (Dealer Information Systems), and as a database programmer, network administrator and IT Manager at Western Washington University (WWU). During that time he also obtained his commercial pilot license and float plane rating from Trinity Western University. Mike has been teaching Computer Networking at Bellingham Technical College since 2000. He is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at WWU.
