Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Certificates of Achievement

The CET department offers many programs to prepare you for a career in the computer industry. Options are available to complete

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees,  "two-year degrees" which include general education requirements as well as courses in your field of specialization, and
• Certificates of Achievement (CA) which require completion of courses in your field of specialization.

In many cases, courses you take to fulfill degree requirements can also be used toward certificate requirements, so you can graduate with both a degree and a certificate. Pursuing only a Certificate of Achievement is a good idea if you already have a degree (regardless of field) or if you have computer industry experience, but are interested in obtaining new knowledge and skills. (The CSN Counselors and CET faculty members can help you decide which path will best meet your educational and career goals.)

The programs offered by the CET Department fall into three general categories: software, network technologies and engineering technology. The following list shows the specific areas that are available in the CET Department. Descriptions of each area and links to the specific requirements are presented further down on this page. Use the links in the list to "jump" to the details.

• Software
  • Computing and Information Technology (AAS)
  • Databases (CA)
  • Geographic Information Systems (CA)
  • Programming (CA)
  • User Support (CA)
• Network Technologies
  • Networking (CA)
  • Network Security (AAS)
  • InterNetworking (AAS & CA)
• Engineering Technology
  • Electronic Engineering Technology (AAS & CA)
  • Slot Repair (AAS & CA)
  • Telecommunications (AAS & CA)

(If these programs are not quite what you were looking for, computer-related courses and degrees are offered in other departments at the College of Southern Nevada. The Department of Business Administration offers an AAS degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Telecommunications/Networks. The Department of Media Technologies has programs in Animation, Computer Graphics Design, Digital Photography, Multimedia Authoring, and Web Design. The Department of Applied Technologies has a program in Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD). The Department of Accounting, Finance and Computer Office Technology has a program emphasizing the computer technology used by office professionals. Digital imaging courses (ART 243 and ART 244) and digital media (ART 245) are available in the Department of Fine Arts. The CSN Counselors can help you find the program that is right for you.)

Software

For more information about the following degree and certificates, contact Margaret Taylor at (702) 651-2631 or margaret.taylor@csn.edu.

Associate of Applied Science in Computing and Information Technology

This degree prepares you for employement in fields related primarily to computer software. Core courses cover the fundamentals of computer hardware (because you need to have a basic understanding of hardware, even if your primary focus is on software), operating systems, networks, computer security, programming, databases and web development. Electives allow you to delve more deeply into specific areas such as  networking, programming, databases, user support, Linux and Geographic Information Systems and can be used to fulfill requirements for a Certificate of Achievement.  Requirements.

Certificate of Achievement - Database Emphasis

This Certificate prepares you for jobs that require designing and developing database applications using popular database management programs such as Access, MySQL and Oracle. In addition, courses are offered in the design and the administration of stores of data.  Requirements. For more information, visit the Database Emphasis website.

Certificate of Achievement - GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Emphasis

GIS is computer software that allows you to incorporate locational data with other data related to activities, events and things. A GIS can then present data in the form of maps from which you can discern patterns and relationships. GIS software is used in many sectors of the economy: real estate, marketing, education, government, health and human services, natural resources, public safety, transportation, utilities, and more. The GIS Certificate will prepare you to use GIS software (ArcGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis. Job opportunities in GIS are to be found locally, with government, utilities, civil engineering firms and government contractors, as well nationally and internationally.  Requirements. 

Certificate of Achievement - Programming Emphasis

The Programming Certificate prepares you for jobs that require developing computer programs. Classes are offered in a variety of modern computer languages (Java, C, C++, and Visual Basic) and include the .NET platform. Opportunities are also available to develop web applications using (X)HTML, XML and scripting languages.  Requirements.  For more information visit the Programming Emphasis website.

Certificate of Achievement - User Support Emphasis

The User Support Certificate prepares you for a job providing technical support and training for computer users. Some of the required courses in the program prepare you for nationally recognized certifications: A+ certification and Micrsoft Office certifications in Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Classes are offered in classroom setting and on-line. All core classes and most elective courses are offered over the internet through Distance Education.  Requirements.  For more information, visit the User Support Website.

To top of page

Network Technologies

For more information about the following degrees and certificates, contact Tom Lisa at (702) 651-651-4798 or thomas.lisa@csn.edu.

Certificate of Achievement - Networking Emphasis

This Certificate prepares you for employment performing network administration and to take industry certification exams to obtain Microsoft MCP, Microsoft MCSA, Microsoft MCSE, Novell CNA or Novell CNE certification.  Requirements. 

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology - Network Security Emphasis

This degree prepares you for a job in network security and prepares you for certifications in networking, network security, network security management, electronics and digital circuits, and structured cabling.  Requirements.  

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology - InterNetworking Emphasis

This degree prepares you for a job in the computer networking  industry. Classes include networking, cabling, electronics and digital circuits, telecommunications, fiber optics and computer operating system. This program will help you prepare for Cisco Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam, Cisco Wireless Certification, Paunuit Installer Certification, National Association of Communications Contractors Fiber Optic certification and BICSI Level 1 Installer Registration Exam.  Requirements. 

To top of page

Engineering Technology

For more information about the following degrees and certificates, contact Joe Miller at (702) 651-651-4157 or joseph.miller@csn.edu.

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology

~ Accredited by ABET (Accredidation Board for Engineering and Technology) ~
This degree prepares you to assist in providing support for engineering functions or to function as an Electronics Technician. Classes include analog and digital circuit design, implementation and testing, fabrication techniques, fiber optics, telecommunications, and microprocessor programming and interface. Requirements.

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology - Slot Repair Emphasis

The Slot Repair degree prepares you to assist in the planning, design, troubleshooting and maintenance of various slot machines and related devices used in the Gaming Industry. Classes cover player tracking and slot management systems, gaming regulations, random number generators, opto-couplers, coin comparators, dollar bill validators, and more. Particular emphasis is given to electronics and to the microprocessors used in the various subsystems of the modern slot machine.  Requirements.  For more information, visit the Slot Repair website.

Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology - Telecommunications Emphasis

~ Accredited by ABET (Accredidation Board for Engineering and Technology) ~
This degree prepares you for jobs in the high-tech telecommunications industry. Classes cover telecommunications, electronics and digital circuits, data acquisition, microprocessor interface and programming and fiber optics.  Requirements.

To top of page

CET Department Webmaster: Kate Pulling
Page Updated: 9/6/2009