Networking Specialist

Networking professionals help organizations keep their computers and networks running securely and play a critical role for most businesses given the abundance of technology used in everyday tasks.

Overview

Networking professionals help organizations keep their computers and networks running securely and play a critical role for most businesses given the abundance of technology used in everyday tasks. 

Throughout these programs, students gain valuable skills as they learn how to assemble a personal computer from parts, work with various operating systems, terminate and test network cabling and manage network devices, work with security technologies, draft security policies, and learn of systems development methodologies utilized in project management. 

Programs in the Networking department can be completed between 2 – 5 semesters. 

Features

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Job Stability & Security

Developing secure digital networks and protecting them is important for any company that utilizes this technology for its employees or services. 

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Little or No Cost to You

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Tuition & Fees Icon
Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $1007 per credit hour, total costs for Networking Specialist department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $2,262.00 – $8,255.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $2,300.00

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

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Advancement Opportunities

By gaining experience and specialized certifications, networking specialists can seamlessly advance to higher positions in a variety of industries. 

Graduates of the Networking Specialist degree program are prepared for performing many different types of jobs. Graduates can find employment in the areas of computer hardware and software sales, installation and repair, computer networking, system design and analysis, security, troubleshooting, and software and technical support. 

 

Locations

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589
Sandersville Campus (North)
1189 Deepstep Road
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone: (478) 553-2050

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

Admissions Process

 

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its required minimum scores. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 16 years of age.

 

Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog 

Need More Info?

 

  • For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor: 
    • 478-553-2078 (Sandersville) 
    • 478-274-7774 (Dublin) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

Learning Format

Students can enter a Networking Specialist program any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait. 

Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology. 

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On Campus

These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.

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Blended

Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.

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Online Asynchronous

These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.

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Synchronous Technology

OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.

Flexible Schedule

We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.

Apply Today

Paying for College

At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.   

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. 

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
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$
841
M
Georgia awarded over $841 million in scholarships in AY23
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65.2
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship in AY23
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$
6.6
M
OFTC students received over $6.6 million in financial assistance in AY23
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93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY23

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Networking Specialist department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $2,262.00 – $8,255.00 
  • Books & Supplies*: $2,300.00

*Visit the  OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year. 

Career Outlook

Employment Opportunities

Network specialists manage networks and ensure they function efficiently by collecting performance data, monitoring its security, troubleshooting issues, anticipating problems, and performing routine maintenance. The Networking field offers the potential for strong professional growth and financial compensation. 

BLS.GOV

Network or Computer Support Specialist 

  • 2023 Median Annual Pay: $60,810 
  • Job Outlook: 5% growth through 2032

What does this mean to you? Networking specialists can expect a promising future with knowledge of their field. These positions boast a nice salary and offer many opportunities for advancement and to work in a variety of industries.

Learn More
99.9
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY22)
87.8
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY22)
48.7
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY23)

Program Benefits

 Job Titles

 

  • Computer network support specialists 
  • Computer hardware and software sales 
  • Installation and repair technician 
  • System design and analysis 
  • Security 
  • Troubleshooting  
  • Software and technical support 

 

Skills Learned

 

  • Test and evaluate existing network systems 
  • Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly 
  • Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems 

Diverse Settings

 

  • Computer systems design and related services 
  • Telecommunications 
  • Finance and insurance 
  • Management of companies and enterprises 
  • Data processing, hosting, and related services 

Leadership Testimonials

“The Networking Specialist program is a great way to jump-start your career in information technology. Our curriculum is designed around industry-recognized competency exams such as CompTIA’s A+, Security+ and Network+ exams. Whether attending classes online or in person, students are tasked with completing virtual labs that help to ensure students are prepared for performing at a high level as a new hire within the industry.” 

Brandon McNeal
OFTC Networking Instructor