Is an associates degree Network admin & security program the right entry-level path?

My community college offer a Computer Operations: Network Administration & Security A.A.S. option. These are the required classes that are offered as part of the associate degree program.

Math, Engineering & Computer Science: 22 credits

Comparative Operating Systems: MAC 230

UNIX Network Operating Systems: MAC 232

Windows Network Operating Systems: MAC 233

Network and Systems Security: MAC 245

Advanced Network and Systems Security: MAC 246

Computer Repair and Network Maintenance: MAC 293

Select one of the following courses:

Advanced UNIX Administration: MAC 252

Advanced Windows NT Administration: MAC 253

Is this a good degree to take for someone that has no prior experience but with passion for computers that wants to get into the I.T. field?

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Comments

phaneuf1

An associate's degree is a good beginning. You'll probably be able to find a helpdesk job in a call centre and start a bachelor at wgu.

sd13

Would WGU accept most or all of my credits? Do you think going to 4-year college for a computer science degree be a better option?

techie2012

I received my A.A.S in Net Admin while I was working a tech/helpdesk job for a medium sized company. I also was working on certs while there and after I got my CCNA nailed a job as a network engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co. While here I am doing WGU. They took all of my credits that applied to my degree im going for in IT: Sec and with all of the transfers, I have about 7 courses to do. I would definitely advise it. If you do decide to go, friend me and you can use me as a reference.

sd13

That is great to hear. I will definitely look into to it. Thank you!

snokerpoker

I think it would be a great start. You'd be able to land a helpdesk job and then possibly start WGU.

phaneuf1

snokerpoker wrote: »

I think it would be a great start. You'd be able to land a helpdesk job and then possibly start WGU.

This is the best path isn't it? You gain experience while going to school. Best of both world IMO

ImTheKing

I might be a bit biased here, but I think an AAS is a great option.

When I started my AAS in Network Technology, I had already been involved in the hosting industry for years (and PC repair before that). The community college offered three different tracks to choose from after gen ed requirements: Windows, Cisco, and Linux. I don't care much for Windows, and although Cisco is a good skill to have, I can't imagine myself working solely as a network administrator. Although I already had extensive Linux experience, I figured rounding my self off with an AAS couldn't hurt and would give me something to fall back on. Sure enough, it's proved to be useful.

I had no problem finding a job as a Systems Administrator with an AAS. In fairness, I had [self-employed/contractor] experience and references to go with it, but there's no shortage of Jr. Admin jobs as far as I can see (whether it's systems, network, desktop, or whatever may peak your interest).

I've considered transferring to the University of Arizona and getting my BS in their two year transfer program, but I think I'll take it easy for while.

sd13

Would this be program be a better option for me than an A.S. in Computer Science? Many of the classes in the CS program involve math and theory. The A.A.S. in Computer operations: Network admin & security offers mostly hands-on classes. They also have a Programming & systems AAS option.

NinjaBoy

sd13 wrote: »

Would this be program be a better option for me than an A.S. in Computer Science? Many of the classes in the CS program involve math and theory. The A.A.S. in Computer operations: Network admin & security offers mostly hands-on classes. They also have a Programming & systems AAS option.

The "better option" is what suits you more. For example, when I was doing my degree I wasn't interested in networks, servers, support, etc... So I did a Bachelor of Science in Computing (this was specialising in Software Engineering), however I ended up working with networks, servers, telecoms, etc in the Support field.

In my experience, for the most part, it's the end bit of paper you end up with eg AA/AS (FdSc and FdA in the UK), BS (BSc in the UK), BA, PGCert/PGDip/Masters and the vocational and professional equivalents (rather than the field of IT/Computer Science/Computing that you studied) from a reputable college or University that really matters.

ImTheKing

sd13 wrote: »

Would this be program be a better option for me than an A.S. in Computer Science? Many of the classes in the CS program involve math and theory. The A.A.S. in Computer operations: Network admin & security offers mostly hands-on classes. They also have a Programming & systems AAS option.

Unless theory, math, and programming is of interest to you, I think you'd have a better time with the AAS.