Network Administration and Security

Thomas Gallagher, Program Director

Network Administrator has become a common job title across all career fields. The Network Administration and Security concentration provides students with a background in network administration for supporting users and computing in a networked environment. Coursework in network operating systems, server administration, routers, switches, security, and IP telephony are all embedded in the Network Administration and Security concentration.

The University of Montana is a Cisco Networking Academy, IBM Academic Alliance, & a CompTIA Authorized Academy, and a member of the Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance. Opportunities exist for professional certification from Cisco (CCNA, CCENT, CCVA), Microsoft and Comp TIA (A+, Network+ and Security+).

Students entering the program should be prepared with basic computing skills (keyboarding, word processing, file management, and Internet applications) and adequate preparation in mathematics (completion of M 090 or equivalent placement scores). Underprepared students should allocate an additional semester to the suggested four semester sequence. 

Associate of Applied Science - Information Technology; Network Admin and Security Option

Missoula College

Catalog Year: 2016-2017

Degree Specific Credits: 60

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Information Technology Core Courses

Rule: All courses are required

Note: Completion of IT core courses fulfills requirements for CAS in computer support.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description BGEN 105S - Introduction to Business
Offered every term. Nature of business enterprise; role of business in society; problems confronting business management; career opportunities in business. Open to non-business majors and business majors of freshman or sophomore standing only. Business majors are advised to register for the course their freshman year. Credit allowed for only one of BGEN 105S, MIS 100S, IS 100S, BADM 100S and BUS 103S.
 3 Credits
Show Description CSCI 105 - Computer Fluency
Offered autumn and spring. Introduces the skills and concepts of information technology, both from practical and a more theoretical point of view. During lectures and interactive computer labs, students will explore a wide range of digital and information technologies, including common PC applications, networking, databases, privacy, and security. Credit not allowed for both CSCI 105 and CRT 111 and CS 111.
 3 Credits
Show Description CSCI 110 - Programming - VB I
Offered autumn and spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. An introduction to object-oriented programming using an even-driven paradigm. Basic concepts of control structures, data handling, documentation, and error control. Fundamentals of algorithm design and structured software development.
 3 Credits
Show Description CSCI 172 - Intro to Computer Modeling
Offered autumn and spring. Problem solving and data modeling using computer productivity software. Emphasis using spreadsheets and database for data analysis. Credit not allowed for CSCI 172, CRT 172, and CS 172.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 150 - CCNA 1: Exploration
Offered autumn and spring. M 090 or ALEKS score >2 recommended prior to taking course. Introduction to networking field including terminology; protocols; local-area and wide-area networks; the OSI model; topologies; IP addressing; cabling and cabling tools; routers and router programming. Ethernet and network standards; and wireless technologies.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 165 - OS Commands and Scripts
Offered spring. Introduction to operating system concepts through the use of contemporary software. Emphasizes file system management, networking, installation, maintenance, management, and disaster recovery practices using both the command interpreter and graphical user interface.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 210 - Network OS - Desktop
Offered autumn. Prereq., ITS 150. In-depth study of a secure, multi-user, client-based network operating system. Topics include installation, administration of resources, performance, network services, and security.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 280 - Computer Repair & Maint.
Offered autumn. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 150. In-depth study of personal computer hardware. Focus on field replaceable components. Topics include: storage devices, processors, system boards, memory, ports, cabling, power supplies, multimedia devices, printers, and troubleshooting.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 289 - Professional Certification
(R-4) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Review objectives of an information technology industry-based professional certification. Certification objectives, preparation strategies, and exam strategies included. Course can be repeated for different industry-based professional certifications.
 1 Credits
Show Description WRIT 101 - College Writing I
UM: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of passing score on writing diagnostic examination, referral by WRIT 095 instructor-SAT writing score at or above 440, MUSWA at or above 3.5, SAT/ACT essay score at or above 7, or ACT Combined English/Writing score at or above 18. Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Credit not allowed for both WRIT 101 and COM 101. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit). MC: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of appropriate SAT/ACT essay, English/Writing, writing section scores, appropriate MUSWA scores, or proof of passing scores on Writing Placement Exam). Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 28 Total Credits Required

Mathematics

Rule: Any Mathematics course level 115 or higher

Network Administration and Security Option Requirements

Rule: All courses are required

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description COMX 111A - Intro to Public Speaking
Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.
 3 Credits
Show Description CSCI 215E - Social & Ethical Issues in CS
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., WRIT 101. Exploration of ethical issues in the field of computing. Skills needed to identify and analyze various ethical concerns. Standard ethical concepts and theories, methods of ethical analysis. Strong emphasis on practical application of the ethical process.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 152 - CCNA 2: Exploration
Offered fall. Prereq., ITS 150. Covers router theory and technologies including configurations, IOS software management, routine protocol configuration, TCP/IP, access-lists and introduction to LAN switching.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 212 - Network OS - Server Admin
Offered autumn. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 210. Server technologies commonly used in local area networking. Topics include installation, administration, storage, application services, network services, security, reliability, and availability.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 214 - Network OS - Infrastructure
Offered fall. Prereq., ITS 212. Principles and implementation of enterprise networking services. Topics include Protocol Binding, DNS, DHCP, WINS, Remote Access, IP Routing, IP Security, Network Address Translation, and Certificate Services.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 222 - Enterprise Security
Offered spring. Prereq./Co-req, ITS 214. Examination of general information technology security concepts. Topics include access control, authentication, attack methods, remote access, web security, wireless networks, cryptography, internal infrastructure security, and external attacks. Security procedures, organizational policies, risk management and disaster recovery addressed.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 250 - CCNA 3: Exploration
Offered spring (first half). Prereq., ITS 152. Covers router configurations including advanced IP addressing techniques, variable length subnet masking, intermediate routing protocols, Ethernet switching, virtual LANs, spanning-tree protocol, and VLAN trucking protocol.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 252 - CCNA 4: Exploration
Offered (second half). Prereq., ITS 152. Project-based course in wide-area networking including advanced IP addressing techniques, network address translation, port address translation, DHCP, WAN technology and terminology, PPP, ISDN, DDR, Frame Relay, network management, and introduction to optical networking.
 3 Credits
Show Description ITS 298 - Internship/Cooperative Educati
Offered autumn and spring. Not open to non-majors. On-the-job training in positions requiring information technology competencies. This experience increases students' skills, prepares them for initial employment, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism. Students work a minimum of six hours each week at an approved site and attend a weekly one-hour seminar.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 29 Total Credits Required

Security Course Requirement

Rule: One course required

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description ITS 271 - Securing Desktop/Mobile Dev.
Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to successfully secure end-user devices, including desktop and laptop systems, tablets, cellular phones, and other portable computing equipment. Building on existing knowledge and skills in the areas of server management, network management, and security, students will gain mastery-level knowledge of security issues and best practices. Course content covers client/server exposures and protections (authentication options, packet signing and encryption of network traffic, appropriate implementation of permissions and rights); malware threats and treatments; transmission choices and precautions (wired, wireless, remote desktop access, virtual private networking (VPN)); cloud computing considerations; and corporate mobile device best practices. Hardening of the operating system and application software is also covered. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
4 Credits
Show Description ITS 273 - Securing Networks
Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to secure servers and business information. Building on existing knowledge and skills in the areas of server management, network management, and security, students will gain mastery-level knowledge of security issues and best practices. Students will examine and apply hardening techniques to operating systems and infrastructure-based applications. Strategies to ensure business continuity and data security are emphasized, including policy, data preservation, disaster preparedness, and disaster recovery. Legal guidelines and requirements, both domestic and international, are examined in the context of responsible and ethical computer use. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for the Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
 4 Credits
Show Description ITS 275 - Border/Perimeter Network Sec
Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to successfully secure computer networks at the public/private interface. Material focuses on hardware- and software-based techniques to prevent and monitor unauthorized or malicious access to corporate networks and servers. Building on existing knowledge of border and perimeter security, students will develop and implement best practices guidelines for boundary-related devices and software. Students will establish baseline assessments of network security from public access points and identify known and/or potential security vulnerabilities. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for the Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
 4 Credits
Show Description ITS 277 - Software Assurance and File Sy
Course provides advanced technical information and relevant skills to methodically secure software, including operating systems, custom application software, and commercially-available packages. Students will classify application software (including, but not limited to customer-facing, employee/partner, mobile/endpoint, database, and cloud-based), and perform risk analyses and common weakness assessments against these programs. Students will research various commercial, professional, and governmental security organizations and create a personalized repository of security-related checklists, toolkits, reference material, and resources. Students will investigate low-level file system structures such as master file tables, allocation tables, free space tables, file table entries, and metadata fields. Using common file signatures and checksums, students will verify internal content against external and metadata indicators. Students will examine ‘hidden’ disk space areas, including file, volume, and/or partition slack. Course content will focus on business-focused security practices to prepare students for Security+, CISSP, and Security Pro industry certifications. Prerequisite Skills: Course builds upon established skills in security, server management, and network management. Students should be working as a network manager or have completed appropriate skills-based coursework using MS Server 2008/2012 & Mware.
4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 4 Total Credits Required