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Focuses on the planning, managing and securing of sophisticated networks of linked computers, both within organizations and across the Internet.
For industry professionals, recent computer science graduates, as well as newcomers to the industry.
Career options include:
- Network Administrator
- Network Analyst
- Network Architect
- Network Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Network Manager
Program Requirements
4
Program
Core Courses
12 credits
+
4
Data Communications
Required Courses
12 credits
+
3
Data Communications
Elective Courses
9 credits
=
11
Program
Total Courses
33 credits
M.S. in Data Communications Required Courses
-
MSIN 640
Data Communications
- Introduces students to data communications and related terminology, including LAN/WAN network
components and their corresponding functions. Students learn how data flows throughout a network
and how "connections" and "communications" are achieved in various network configurations.
Students also develop an in-depth understanding of the functionality of the Internet and gain
knowledge of data communications networking technologies.
Prerequisite: Completion of required prerequisite courses (if applicable).
3 Credits -
MSIN 641
Advanced Data Communications and Internet Technologies
- This course covers critical design process issues, such as TCP/IP V4 subnetting and
supernetting, VLSM and CIDR, ipv6 addressing, name resolution (DNS), security issues as related
to TCP/IP communications (NAT and Firewalls), network management (SNMP), Directory Services
Protocol (LDAP), Storage Area Networking (SAN), and cloud computing. The contents of the course
are based on industry best practices, lessons learned, and practical knowledge obtained by the
instructor and other subject matter experts. This course will complement the basic knowledge
learned by students in some of these topics from earlier courses and prepares them for life as a
networking IT Architect or IT Specialist following graduation.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640 & MSIN 647
3 Credits -
MSIN 645
Network Security
- Key aspects of information security, from the basics to advanced cryptography, authentication,
secure Web and e-mail services, and emerging security standards. Students gain the knowledge and
skills needed to design a secure network infrastructure. They also learn how to model threats
and analyze security risks in order to meet business requirements for securing computers in a
networked environment. The course develops decision-making skills through simulation of
scenarios that may be encountered in real life; students learn how to collect information and
sort through the details in order to resolve given security requirements.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits -
MSIN 647
Computer Networking: Routing and Switching
- Uses a structured approach to explain how networks work, including the physical layer of
networking, computer hardware and transmission systems, network applications such as e-mail, the
domain name system (DNS), the World-Wide Web, and various forms of multimedia. It also
encompasses current network technologies including wireless networks, Bluetooth, video
conferencing, streaming video, and Voice-over IP (VoIP).
Pre-or Corequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits
Data Communications Elective Courses
-
MSIN 643
Advanced Topics in LAN
- This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to expand students' knowledge of setting up
enterprise networks, creating Windows Server based Active Directory forests, trees, and domains.
The primary focus will be on Active Directory design and configuration, administrative tools,
user and group administration, role of registry keys, backup and restore, environment variables,
file access management, use of group policy as a configuration tool, and to distribute software,
setup folder redirection, delegation and Microsoft Management Console, disk administration,
distributed file system, printer configuration, application support, infrastructure
components/setup and virtualization.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits -
MSIN 644
Wireless Networks
- Provides the background knowledge and practical skills needed to design, deploy, manage, and
troubleshoot wireless local area networks (WLANs). Starting with an overview of the technology
and architecture of WLANs, this course explains the services and advanced features that such
networks can provide. Students receive practical design guidance and deployment recommendations,
beginning with an overview of Ethernet technologies, 802.11 standards, and physical layer
technologies, and how to address challenges and solutions associated with security, mobility,
and Quality of Service (QoS). Radio frequency fundamentals and site-surveying methods are
reviewed in detail. A series of case studies that highlight WLAN design considerations in
various business environments help place all the concepts covered in the context of real-world
applications.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits -
MSIN 646
Network Architecture and Design
- A historical perspective and structured approach to the design of networks in today's
environments. The course presents both strengths and weaknesses of current technologies and
discusses methods of using these elements to produce workable solutions for emerging
communication needs. Beginning with how networks meet basic connectivity requirements, it
expands to how networks interconnect and how they are optimized to satisfy the needs of
applications layered upon them. Sample case studies may include current initiatives in VoIP and
Video over IP. A special focus on Internet optimization lends relevance to these discussions
with real-world engineering challenges.
Pre-or Corequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits -
MSIN 648
Virtualization Technologies
- Virtualization course covers virtualization technology basics, which includes; choosing best
hypervisor for implementation, setup, planning hardware and resource requirements, networking
design, testing and development, server consolidation, basic iSCSI storage setup, failover and
fault tolerance tests, VMware vMotion and vCenter, and Microsoft Application Virtualization with
AppV 4.6, with the following virtualization platforms: Microsoft Hyper-VR2 and VMware ESX (i).
Prerequisite: MSIN 645
3 Credits -
MSIN 652
Unix/Linux System Administration
- This course provides students with knowledge of standard and advanced techniques needed to set
up and maintain a UNIX/Linux environment. Focusing on aspects of configuring and managing an
Internet-based server with the Linux operating system. Students learn Linux software
configuration and installation, user management, security, and data integrity.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits -
MSIN 655
Advanced Computer Networking: High Performance Networks
- Performance concepts and issues regarding the TCP/IP protocol over wired, wireless, optical, and
satellite networks. Concepts covered include TCP/IP network performance evaluation methods,
network traffic management in routers and hosts, and implementations of the TCP/IP protocol
stack in hardware and software.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits -
MSIN 675
Professional Internship Experience
- The student will work in a professional environment, for a minimum of 480 hours over a period of
at least two semesters. Students may secure an internship independently or may work with the
GST Department of Career Services. Weekly
logs and examples of work are required for the successful completion of the internship, and are
reviewed by the Faculty Internship Coordinator, upon completion of the internship. The purpose
of the internship is to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen
field of expertise to complement their coursework. The Internship must be approved in
advance by the program chair.
Pre- or Corequisite: Permission of the Program Chair
3 Credits
Any Other Elective Approved by the Dean
M.S. in Data Communications Preparatory Courses
Students with insufficient background in computer science or information systems degree, will be required to complete some or all of these courses:
-
MSIN 411
Computer Concepts Tutorial
- The IT Essentials (ITE) curriculum emphasizes practical experience to help students develop
fundamental computer and career skills. ITE helps students prepare for entry-level career
opportunities in ICT and the CompTIA A+ certification. The course also provides a learning
pathway to Cisco CCNA.
1 Credit -
GCO 202
Networking Essentials
- Introduces networking concepts, principles and related terminology; presents real world examples
of basic networks; describes network hardware, media, design, components and their corresponding
functions; Introduces different network operating environments; and generates a basic
understanding of how "connection" and "communication" are achieved in a network. Networking
communications and protocols Architectures and Administration are also discussed. Some
networking technology is discussed in a very fundamental manner. This will also be a major step
in helping the student prepare Network+, MCTS, CCNA, and Security+.
3 Credits -
GCO 354
Local Area Network Concepts and Software (LAN)
- This course teaches students, through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, textbook exercises,
and classroom labs, the skills and knowledge necessary to help prepare them to take the
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Exam. It introduces the various tools for
administering and configuring Windows 8 including the Microsoft Management Console, Task
Scheduler, Control Panel, Device Manager, the registry editor, and a variety of wizards.
3 Credits -
GCO 355
Advanced Local Area Network Architectures and Software
- Introduces students to Microsoft Windows Server 2012 through lectures, demonstrations,
discussions, and hands-on labs. Students will install Windows Server 2012, DHCP, DNS, and
configure a secure Windows based LAN. It teaches students the skills and knowledge necessary to
manage, maintain, and secure a network based on the Microsoft Windows Server 2012.
3 Credits -
GCO 223
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
- This is the first course of the curriculum designed to provide students with classroom and
laboratory experience in current and emerging networking technology and teach the skills needed
to become network technicians, computer technicians, and help desk technicians.
The course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the CCNA curriculum.
3 Credits