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Intent to Plan for a |
B.S. in Computer Networking |
Use this form to request authorization to plan a new
baccalaureate major, a new associate degree program, or a new graduate program.
The Executive Director or the Board may request additional information.
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UNIVERSITY: |
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DEGREE(S) AND TITLE OF PROGRAM: |
B.S. in Computer Networking |
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INTENDED DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: |
Fall 2008 |
University Approval
To the Board and the Executive Director: I certify that I have read this intent to plan, that I believe it to be accurate, and that it has been evaluated and approved as provided by university policy.
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President of the University |
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Date |
After approval by the President, a signed copy
of the proposal should be transmitted to the Executive Director. Only after Executive Director review should
the proposal be posted on the university web site and the Board staff and the
other universities notified of the URL.
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1. What
is the general nature of the proposed program? What is the expected demand
for graduates in |
Computer networking is a field which continues to develop and grow in importance. Interconnection between devices and information is at the heart of the application of technology. DSU has offered a Computer Networking minor for several years. A more specialized major, Computer and Network Security, is also offered at DSU. The proposed Computer Networking major takes a broader approach to networking. The degree will cover topics ranging from network protocols to the design and administration of systems and networks. Program graduates will have a strong background in computing, networking, and business and will be well prepared to manage the information technology infrastructure required to operate a modern business. Graduates typically assume jobs such as system administrators, technical support engineers, systems analysts, network analysts, network application developers, and technical consultants.
Each graduate will have a fundamental understanding of computer networking theory, Microsoft Windows-based networks, UNIX/Linux network operating systems, mission-critical applications such as electronic mail systems, and computer and network security. In addition, graduates will have a solid business core that enables them to effectively communicate with and support the various operational units within the organization.
The employment outlook is strong as companies continue to increase and update their network infrastructure while making it an integral part of their business operation.
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2. What
is the relationship of the proposed program to the University’s mission as
provided in |
This program falls within DSU’s mission because it is
a technology-based program. Currently,
we have strong undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Computer
Networking and Security. This undergraduate
degree program will complete the curriculum sequence by adding a degree program
with a stronger emphasis on networking.
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3. Are there any related programs in the
regental system? If there are related programs, why should the proposed
program be added? If there are no
related programs within the system, enter “None.” |
SDSMT: None
BHSU: None
NSU: None
SDSU: CSC with Computer Networking Emphasis
USD: None
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Are there related programs at public
colleges and universities in |
The list was complied by locating the Board of Regents Web site for each state, and then searching for programs using the keywords such as “computer network”. Based on the 4-year degree criterion, it would appear that the market is by no means saturated.
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5. Are
students expected to be new to the university or redirected from other
programs? How many majors are expected in the first years of the program? How
many graduates are expected? |
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It is anticipated that the enrollments will be split between students who are new to DSU and DSU students who are currently enrolled in related majors (computer science or computer networking and security). We anticipate 10 enrollments in the first year, with graduates within 4 years.
Some of the new students are likely to be graduates of technical programs offered by regional technical institutes. After the program proposal is approved, DSU intends to pursue articulation agreements with regional technical schools.
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6. Does
the university intend to seek authorization to deliver this entire program at
any off-campus locations? If yes,
enter location(s) and intended start date(s). Does the university intend to seek authorization to deliver this
entire program by distance technology? If yes, identify delivery method(s) and intended start date(s). |
The program will be developed as an on-campus program initially with the intention of offering it via distance within several years.
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Off-campus |
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Distance delivery |
Fall 2010 |
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7. What are the University’s plans for
obtaining the resources needed to implement the program? Indicate “yes”
or “no” in the columns below. |
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Development/Start-up |
Long-term Operation |
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Reallocate existing resources |
Yes |
Yes |
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Apply for external resources |
Yes |
Yes |
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Ask Board to seek new State resources |
No |
No |
Proposals will be submitted to key technology companies as well as granting agencies to develop additional funding and resources for the program. This will include requests for specialized training, equipment, and certifications that will be valuable in the development of this program.
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8. Curriculum
Example: Provide (as Appendix A) the curriculum of a similar program at
another college or university. The
Appendix should provide the required and elective courses in the program.
Catalog pages or web materials may be
used. Identify the college or
university and explain why the program may be used as one model when the
proposed program is developed. |
The proposed
Computer Networking degree was not modeled after a specific university’s
program. However, there are some
similarities to other programs. The following are representative examples from
the existing programs that were identified in sections 3 and 4.
“The Computer Networking
and Applications (CNA) Program is committed to the high quality preparation of
students for administering, designing, and analyzing data networks. The Computer Networking and Applications
Program offers students an introduction to the theoretical and practical
foundations of network design and administration with emphases in client/server
application programming, practical network design, statistics and data analysis
and web page design.” (Computer Networking and Applications –
This major is
offered through
“Current Microsoft and
Novell software systems are installed and explored by the students. This course
of study is designed to prepare students to work with the installation of new
systems, and the maintenance of existing Local-Area-Networks (LANs), looking at
both hardware and software issues. An emphasis is placed on the complete
system, including management of the system and the people and information
involved.” (Computer Science with Computer Networking Emphasis – SDSU)
This is a
specialization tied to the Computer Science major and is not a stand-alone
degree. Once again, this program lacks
the business core and specialized computer networking courses of our proposed
major. The program is tied to the
[1] This question addresses opportunities available
through Minnesota Reciprocity and the Western Undergraduate Exchange in
adjacent states. List only programs at the same degree level as the proposed
program. For example, if the proposed program is a baccalaureate major, then
list only related baccalaureate majors in the other states and do not include
associate or graduate programs.