Computer Network Administration
Solve problems and oversee function and maintenance in organizations, security firms, government, and more with your Computer Network Administration degree. Your diligence for efficiency, attention to detail, and persistence through challenges is rewarded and recognized at St. Ambrose.
SAU also offers majors in Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Our graduates work at Bandag Inc., Command Business Systems, Equistar Chemical, Deere & Company, MA Ford Manufacturing, and many others.
Ambrose Advantages
- Hands-on Learning and Internships
- Answer Real-World Challenges in Capstone Project
- Student-Focused Faculty
Our faculty keep pace with the ever-changing world of technology and work beside you so you gain the industry knowledge that matters today and the skills and tools that will matter tomorrow. Small classes encourage curiosity and questioning. Real experience in the workplace makes you job-ready in this continually growing and evolving industry.
Read our fact sheet on Computer Network Administration (pdf)
More Information on the Computer Network Administration Program
Delve into the wide-ranging world of Computer Network Administration with a curriculum that supplies both the intricate understanding of the IT world and the critical business communication and management skills needed to succeed in it. Courses include programming, networks and data communications, legal and ethical issues, forensics, computer and network security, technical writing, business communication, and management. You will complete a capstone project working with SAU's IT department in our modern server room.
Our internship program offers quality, experiential learning with workplace partners invested in your success. SAU students have worked side-by-side with network and technology experts at a number of regional and national corporations, including the National Security Administration, Google, Deere & Company, Arconic (formerly Alcoa), and Genesis Health Systems.
In addition, we offer majors in Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Many of our students choose to continue their education at SAU. Our Master of Science in Information Technology Management prepares IT professionals to effectively analyze, create, and manage information systems that meet the needs of your organization.
All of our programs are strengthened by our CIS Alumni Advisory Council. These alumni are successful, working IT professionals and industry leaders from across the U.S. They are invested in the university and care about our students. Their job on the council is to offer input and feedback on our curriculum and give advice on industry trends, which ensures your education is relevant and strong.
Computer network administration professionals may work as network administrators, systems administrators, network engineers, or systems integration senior technicians.
- Tim Yara '18 is an enterprise systems engineer for SAP, a leading global software company. "SAU offers outstanding majors that are specifically driven to the technology field," Tim said. "Within the industry, you will be using the skills you learn in the courses. That's what helped me get where I am today, working for the leading software company in the world."
- David Bloom '08 is a software engineer at Apple, Inc., and previously has worked for Cue and Google. As an undergraduate at St. Ambrose, he found himself searching for glitches in programming, and one discovery led to an internship at Google, which ultimately led to a job. He also interned overseas at Opera, one of the oldest internet browser services in Norway.
- Liz (Toye) Trilikis '99 is a digital platform manager in the Caterpillar Global Services division and for the past 7 years has been a leader in Caterpillar's eCommerce Division, chiefly responsible for a global Commerce platform & Order Management system.
- Mitch Myers '86, a vice president of customer success at BMC Software in Plano, Texas, is confident the computer science and business classes at SAU helped him "learn how to learn. It was less about specific skills such as programming and more about learning how to think about business and strategies."
Kevin Lillis, PhD, Chair and Professor
Gary Monnard, PhD, Professor
Travis Eygabroad, Assistant Professor
Degree Requirements
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
All CIS majors/minors must pass CSCI 140 and CSCI 270 with a C or better.
View Computer Network Administration course and descriptions in the online course catalog
Required (21 credits):
CSCI 140 Foundations of Computer Science
CSCI 185 Script Programming
CSCI 270 Networks and Data Communications
CSCI 365 TCP/IP Fundamentals
CSCI 435 Legal and Ethical Issues in Computing
CSCI 470 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communication
CSCI 475 Capstone Seminar
Choose 5 (15 credits):
CSCI 250 Introduction to Cybersecurity
CSCI 281 Discrete Structures
CSCI 375 Network Forensics
CSCI 415 Computer and Network Security
CSCI 425 Computer Forensics
CSCI 450 Network Operating System Topics (may be repeated with different topic)
CSCI 480 Topics in Computer Science
CSCI 490 Independent Study in Computer Science
CSCI 499 Internship in Computer Science (1-3 credits)
Communication Component – Choose two (6 credits):
COMM 306 Group Dynamics and Methods
COMM 326 Communication and Technology
COMM 327 Organizational Communication
ENGL 218 Technical Writing
ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
Exit Survey
During the last semester before graduation, Computer Network Administration majors are required to complete a CIS Department Undergraduate Exit Survey.
CIS Department majors/minors must pass CSCI 140 and CSCI 270 with a C or better.
9 credits from:
CSCI 140 Foundations of Computer Science
CSCI 185 Script Programming
CSCI 270 Networks and Data Communications
2 courses selected from:
CSCI 365 TCP/IP Fundamentals
CSCI 450 Network Operating System Topics
CSCI 470 Advanced Computer Networks and Data Communication
Communication Component (2 courses selected from):
COMM 306 Group Dynamics and Methods
COMM 326 Communication and Technology
COMM 327 Organizational Communication
WI-ENGL 218 Technical Writing
WI-ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship
Pell-eligible Iowa residents, learn more here
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Faith Learning Justice Campus Ministry Scholarships: $2,000 per year
Recognition of involvement in church and community service and interest in strengthening faith and growing as a leader in campus ministry
Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
You must file a FAFSA to qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Kelly Burns
BA in Computer Network Administration,Modern Woodmen of America, Supervisor of Systems Administration,Class of 2013
You can't argue the value of an education based in the liberal arts, no matter which Computer Information Sciences program you pursue. It enriches your experience on campus and in the world – now and in the future – and most importantly, you gain those especially important "soft skills" employers crave in new hires and those they repeatedly promote, like Kelly.
Contact
Kevin Lillis, PhD, Chairperson
Computer and Information Sciences
Ambrose Hall 423
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6429
LillisKevinM@sau.edu