Network Operations and Systems Security Associate of Applied Technology Degree / Associate in Applied Science – T Degree
The NOSS program prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of entry- to mid-level positions including, but not limited to, help desk, network system administration, and cybersecurity. Our instructors prepare students for careers involving the protection of information on computers and networks against unauthorized access or modification of information and the denial of service to authorized users. Includes those security measures, both physical and virtual, necessary to detect, document, and counter such threats. Curriculum content includes basic and advanced computer and networking skills, physical and virtual security processes, and procedures, and introduction to security management, planning, and recovery.
The NOSS AAT/AAS-T program focuses primarily on the technical and problem-solving skills associated with PC and network management and cyber-security implementation but adds hands-on experience building computer and network systems. Additional skills include administration, configuration, and security for Cisco, Linux, and Microsoft products. Our focus also includes ethical hacking and prevention, assessing the security needs of computer networking systems, and developing safeguard solutions for computer and information-system infrastructures and countermeasures.
The AAT or AAS-T degree is earned by completing the technical program requirements and general education requirements, including courses that meet the capstone project, diversity, and computer literacy requirements. The program includes preparing students for the CompTIA A+, Security+, Linux+, Cloud+, Cisco CCNA, and Information Technology Specialist certifications. and internship work experience.
Employers include business and industrial firms, financial institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, software developers, health providers, and Internet service providers. Innovations in computer technology continue to rapidly change and expand the computer security field. Therefore, the following courses of study may be subject to change to offer students training based on current industry standards.
Program Length
This program is approximately six quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Program Outcomes
• Troubleshoot computers, software, and networks in order to provide quality service to end users.
• Design a local area network and wide area network that incorporates the fundamentals of network addressing.
• Implement systems security for organizational information systems.
• Apply principles of cybersecurity in order to defend against cybersecurity threats.
• Administer server operating systems in a variety of stand-alone and enterprise network environments.
• Use virtualization and cloud management tools to centralize the management of multiple virtual servers.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
Before completion of the first quarter, a student must provide documentation of a background check with the Washington State Patrol.
Program Course List
NOSS Program Option: See list below
AAT Degree Requirements
| | Technical Course Requirements | 79 |
| | AAT General Education Requirements | 18 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 97 |
AAT Degree General Education Requirements: See list below
AAS-T Degree Requirements
| | Technical Course Requirements | 79 |
| | AAS-T General Education Requirements | 23 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 102 |
AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements: See list below.
General Degree Requirements
In addition to the program course requirements, students must also complete the general education requirements for the degree they seek to obtain. The two-degree options in this program are the Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) or the Associate in Applied Science-T (AAS-T). The different requirements for each degree are listed below:
Network Operations & Systems Security AAT Degree General Education Requirements (18 credits):
Network Operations & Systems Security AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements (23 credits):
All AAS-T degrees must have a minimum of 20 credits of transferable general education. These credits replace the academic courses required for the AAT degree. Required credits include:
5 credits in communication:
5 credits in quantitative reasoning:
5 credits in a social science that meets the diversity requirement:
5 credits in social science, humanities, or science;
Choose one from the following:
3 credits in College Success: