Information Technology: Network Specialist Concentration
This major helps prepare students for a variety of careers related to network design, installation, and maintenance. Specifically, students will be proficient in the technical aspects of a network, including installation, maintenance, monitoring, resource management, user management, and performance issues; have working knowledge in common operating systems including installation, configuration, scripting, user and resource management, troubleshooting and the use of common system utilities; and they will be able to evaluate, analyze, design, manage, administer and troubleshoot networks.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for employment in the natural gas industry. Read more...
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: BNW – view in catalog
- School: Business & Computer Technologies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Special Purpose Labs
Our IT majors are supported by four special purpose computing labs (networking, IT security, GNU/Linux, and Mac OS), with advanced video cards and industry standard software packages. Our lab coordinator also maintains a Linux-based Apache Web server, an Oracle database server, and several GNU/Linux servers.
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Median annual wages of network and computer systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,690 and $84,110. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070.
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 48,760 | $36.19 | $75,280 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 23,950 | $35.06 | $72,920 |
| Wired Telecommunications Carriers | 16,080 | $34.55 | $71,870 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 14,290 | $30.02 | $62,440 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 13,920 | $28.81 | $59,920 |
*Statistics reported in May 2009
Performance Standards
Internship Recommendation
Read more about the recommended internship.
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all IT major courses CIT 160 and higher. Specifications
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store.
Clubs & Activities
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter
Gamers' Guild
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
