Computer Networking & Information Security Major
Our Upside-Down Curriculum allows you to start taking your Computer Networking & Information Security degree program courses in your first semester.
Why Computer Networking & Information Security?
With governments, businesses, institutions, organizations and individuals increasingly relying on the data stored and supplied by digital technologies, job opportunities for those able to build, maintain and defend the networks that deliver this information are exploding.
Computer networks have become an integral part of life and work. We expect fast, reliable, secure connections to resources. Someone has to build and maintain this infrastructure, as well as ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal information and corporate records. This is the work of computer networking and information security professionals.
Why Computer Networking & Information Security at Champlain?
Among an elite group of four-year colleges and graduate-level universities, Champlain College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
The complexity of networking options and the severity of security challenges the world faces today require a background comprised of multiple courses from fundamentals to integrated topics. This program gives students an extensive grounding in traditional network and security protocols, as well as preparation for technologies such as wireless networking, VoIP, virtualization and others only now emerging.
Because of Champlain's extensive curriculum of networking courses and information assurance courses, including the hot field of cybersecurity, students in this program get extensive hands-on learning; they develop a strong enough skill set to be employable in the field by the end of their second year of study. Burlington offers great employment opportunities for students choosing this major, both during and after college.
The computer networking and information security field offers a world of exciting career possibilities as a system administrator, network engineer, information security representative, technical support specialist or systems analyst at museums, hospitals and school districts, and companies like Vermont Information Processing, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MITRE Corporation.
Ninety percent of the graduates from this major from the Class of 2010 have already secured employment in computer networking and security positions.
- Tailor your degree with a specialization or minor to create a highly marketable resume. Current specializations include CyberSecurity and Systems Administration. Minors include Communication, Computer & Digital Forensics, Game Programming, Global Studies, Managing Information Systems, Marketing and Web Development.
- Use hands-on lab opportunities to gain proficiency in server software installation, systems administration functions, networks and network services configurations, and LAN and WAN technology and protocols.
- Study security at all levels from desktop operating systems to cyberspace. Participate in a regional annual cyber defense competition.
- Broaden skills through additional networking/security electives. Available electives include wireless networking; virtualization; network programming; cyber defense; and exchange server.
- Acquire practical experience via part-time employment at local employers like Ben & Jerry's and Data Innovations, and internships with organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, MIT Lincoln Lab and the National Security Agency.
- Learn about the issues that affect enterprise information systems from professionals who manage, design and secure computer network environments.
- Get global perspectives by taking a semester abroad. The curriculum has been designed to enable you to study for a semester abroad at a Champlain campus in either Montreal, Canada, or Dublin, Ireland, or at anywhere in the world through our study abroad partners.
Ask a Question about our Computer Networking & Information Security Degree Program
Ask a question, and someone from our Admission team will put you in touch with the faculty or staff member who can best answer your questions.
Professional Writing work created by student Erin Gleeson