Program Pre-Requisites:
To be successful in this program the following experience is required:
- A grade of C or better in programming or scripting language courses such as Java, C#, Python, Perl, Bash, Visual Basic, C, C++, as well as a data communications or a networking course.
- Data communications/networking, applicants may provide evidence of successful completion of the appropriate coursework and exam from Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP, or CompTIA Network+.
Or successful completion of Thomas College proficiency assessments that will be available online.
Programming and Scripting
Your knowledge should include:
- Master terms and understand the relevance of variables and data types, regular functions, classes, and working with input and output to files, and various input and output devices.
- Combine the elements above to do simple logical processes, automation, and data.
- The manipulation of data to allow sharing, summarizing, and reporting between sources
and uses of data. - Complete CS218 or CS225 at Thomas or equivalent courses at a University or Community College
or - Core Options – Choose one of the these four. Consider adding some of the training and tutorials to the books or to accommodate different learning styles:
– Zelle, J. M. (2017). Python programming: an introduction to computer science (3rd ed.). Portland, OR: Franklin, Beedle & Associates Inc. ISBN-13: 9781590282755
– Gaddis, T. (2015). Starting out with Java: from control structures through objects (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 978-0133957051
– Sierra, K., Bates, B. (2005). Head first Java, 2nd Edition. Cambridge, MA: O’Reilly Media. ISBN-13: 978-0596009205
– Complete Java Masterclass (https://www.udemy.com/java-the-complete-java-developer-course/) ($10 or up to $389 without using a special)
Paid Online Training course – helpful for practice and different learning styles.
- Lynda.com: Programming Foundations: Fundamentals (using JavaScript) (up to $30 per month)
- Udemy: Java Tutorial for Complete Beginners. ($10 per course)
A Combination of Free Online Tutorials – as helpful options for the textbooks.
Networking Prerequisites
Your knowledge should include:
- Master a working vocabulary in communications and networking terms and acronyms
- Be able to plan, analyze, and design data communication systems
- Integrate business needs into a network solution plan
- Understand the components, protocols, topologies, and system configurations involved
in data communications and networking - You should do some practical experimentation of the items listed above so that you do
not limit your insights to theoretical items.
Select one option that should allow you to acquire the knowledge:
- Complete CS345 at Thomas or equivalent courses at a University or Community College
- Complete certification such as Net+ from CompTIA or Cisco’s CCNA and CCNP
- Self-study the textbook used for CS345: Fundamentals of Communications and Networking, 2nd
ed. Authors Michael G. Solomon, David Kim, Jeffrey L. Carrell, Published by Jones and Bartlett
Learning. ISBN: 9781284060140 - Self-study the CompTIA study guide
- A MOOC course from Sandford
- Microsoft – you would need to cover a few, this is rather informal and can leave some
gaps: https://mva.microsoft.com/en-us/training-courses/networking-fundamentals-
8249?l=zcmNgKKy_1704984382 and https://mva.microsoft.com/en-US/trainingcourses/networking-fundamentals-academic-edition-12452?l=j8Xm7GLPB_3105192806
Please contact the Graduate and Professional Studies Office at 207-859-1155 when you are ready to take the assessment tests or email gps@thomas.edu.
