Computer networking courses at Globe University/Minnesota School of Business provide students with training that prepares them for careers as network managers and administrators and other positions in the information technology arena.
Our class sizes are small, our instructors have impressive resumes, and our computer labs are equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software. Several courses prepare students for networking certification exams. Every aspect of computer networking classes at GU/MSB is focused on helping students achieve their professional goals.
Computer Networking Courses
NT105 Fundamentals of Computer Technology (4 Credits)
This course provides a foundation in computer technology, demonstrating how computers can be used to produce meaningful information and introducing the largest computer network in the world, the Internet. Students learn the basics of software development, networking, databases, the World Wide Web, security and ethics.
NT116 A+ Essentials (4 Credits)
Topics include installing, maintaining, supporting, troubleshooting and securing operating systems. This course prepares students for the A+ Essentials Exam from CompTIA (http://www.comptia.org/). Students are encouraged to take the test during the course or shortly after completing it, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT105
NT125 Network Communications (4 Credits)
This course presents a foundation in technical and data communications. Topics include data transmission, communication equipment, network architectures, topologies, connectivity and communication.
NT211 Network + (4 Credits)
The course covers networking concepts, including careers, network topologies, transmission media, protocols, services and security. Students discuss examples of networking issues from a professional's perspective and prepare for the Network+ certification exam from CompTIA (http://www.comptia.org/). They are encouraged to take the test after completing the course, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT105, AND NT125
NT216 Principles of Linux (4 Credits)
This course presents the Linux operating system in a network environment, through text-based study and hands-on exercises. Topics include essentials of installing, configuring, maintaining, administering and troubleshooting the system.
Prerequisites: NT125
NT225 Windows Client Operating System (4 Credits)
Students learn how to install, configure, and administer the Windows client operating system, set up and troubleshoot software, monitor system resources and configure hardware devices and drivers.
Prerequisites: IT135 OR NT105 OR NT125
NT230 Maintenance and Repair (4 Credits)
Students learn how to maintain and repair personal computer hardware. Topics include basic terms, concepts and functions of system modules, proper procedures for installing and configuring components and peripheral devices, and researching and choosing components. The course prepares students for the A+ Core Hardware certification exam 220-602 from CompTIA (http://www.comptia.org/). Students are encouraged to take this test after completing the course, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT116, AND NT105
NT240 Professional Help Desk Support (4 Credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of help desk technology and support skills. Topics include the organization of help desks, the processes involved in call handling and problem management, and common help desk and support tools. Using a help desk application, students perform tasks such as logging, tracking and escalating calls, and learn how to resolve problems using a knowledge base. Students analyze the personal and self-management skills needed to succeed as a team player in a help desk environment.
Prerequisites: NT105
NT242 Data and Networks (4 Credits)
In this course, students are introduced to foundational data, abstraction, and networking topics, with important attention given to the OSI model and the TCP/IP suite. Students describe the organization of a network, the networking equipment, how data is transmitted, and how data is encoded and decoded. Students experiment by planning their own simple networks and exploring their own local network and the Internet.
Prerequisites: IT135 OR NT105
NT248 Windows Server Operating System (4 Credits)
Students learn how to set up and support the Windows 2003 Server operating system, installing, administering and troubleshooting the system in hands-on class exercises. This course prepares students for Microsoft Exam 70-290 - a core requirement on the Windows 2003 MCSE track. Students are encouraged to take this test after the course is completed, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT225
NT251 Security + (4 Credits)
Students examine network security concepts and techniques and theoretical concepts unique to the security field. They practice securing computer workstations and work group computer resources from hacker attacks. Where possible, this course adopts a practical, hands-on approach to networking security techniques and their workplace applications. In addition to network strategies, this course explores advanced network techniques and problem-solving strategies. This course prepares students for the Security + exam.
Prerequisites: NT248
NT253 Wireless Network Administration (4 Credits)
This course covers the basics of wireless LAN administration, covering radio frequencies, spread spectrum technology, wireless LAN infrastructure, the application of wireless technologies to the lower two layers of the OSI model, what wireless security is and who regulates the wireless world. This course prepares students for the CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) exam PW0-100. Students are encouraged to take this test during the course or shortly after completing it, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT211, AND NT248
NT256 Advanced Linux and Open Source Tools (4 Credits)
This course discusses the various branches of Linux and appropriate uses for each. It covers advanced topics, including working in an open source environment, differences in major Linux distributions, web and mail services, file and network security and the role of Linux in distributed/ heterogeneous environments.
Prerequisites: NT216, AND NT248
NT272 Network Administration and Security (4 Credits)
In this course, students explore network administration issues including network security, troubleshooting problems, information assurance, documentation, network management, hardware and software upgrades, providing services, and soft skills.
Prerequisites: NT211 OR NT242
NT299 Network Support Specialist Internship (6 Credits)
Students apply skills, knowledge and abilities acquired in their coursework in actual networking environments. Internship placements are with local companies that have established network environments.
Prerequisites: DB100, AND NT225, AND SD100, AND SD110
NT305 Networking Applications Level III (6 Credits)
This course provides students with advanced skills required to plan and maintain server network infrastructures. NT305 focuses on planning, optimizing and troubleshooting network infrastructure strategies, and is appropriate for students planning careers as system engineers.
Prerequisites: DB100, AND NT125, AND NT225, AND SD100, AND SD110
NT320 Cisco Routers (4 Credits)
This course examines the role of routers in an internetwork and how to create such a network. The course prepares students for CCNA exam 640-802. Students are encouraged to take the test after completing the course, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT211, AND NT116
NT322 Network Implementation Technologies (4 Credits)
Students learn about networking hardware and software including network device operating systems. Topics include routing and switching, network traffic, best practices, policies and procedures for designing, implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting an enterprise network.
Prerequisites: NT272
NT330 Windows Network Architecture (4 Credits)
Students learn how to configure and set up different aspects of a Windows 2003 network, manage shared resources, manage data storage and properly configure permissions. They work with certain aspects of network infrastructures, including routing, DHCP, DNS, WINS and TCP/IP tools and utilities. The course also covers certificate services, IP security and basics of Active Directory such as Group Policies, Users, Groups and replication. The course prepares students for various Microsoft Infrastructure and Environment exams.
Prerequisites: NT248
NT340 Management of Information Systems (4 Credits)
This course introduces management of an information technology (IT) function within an organization. Topics include strategic management, information security, operations management, adapting to rapidly advancing technology, human resources, asset protection, planning for change, data resources, e-business activities, networks and management techniques.
Prerequisites: NT105, AND MG100 OR SC100, AND CM121
NT400 Windows Directory Services (4 Credits)
Students install, configure, manage and troubleshoot Windows 2003 Active Directory components, learning to manage, monitor, and optimize the desktop environment by using Group Policy. This course prepares students for Microsoft Exam 70-294. Students are encouraged to take this test after completing the course, but are not required to do so as part of the course.
Prerequisites: NT248, AND NT330
NT420 MS Exchange Server (4 Credits)
This course introduces large-scale enterprise Microsoft Exchange Server design and prepares students for Microsoft certification exam 70-284. Students are encouraged to take the test after completing the program, but are not required to do so.
Prerequisites: NT400
NT452 Windows Active Directory Design (4 Credits)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design a Microsoft Windows® 2003 directory services infrastructure in an enterprise network. Strategies are presented to assist the student in identifying the information technology needs of an organization, and then designing an Active Directory™ structure that meets those needs.
Prerequisites: NT400
Computer networking training, college programs leading to professional success
Computer networking courses at Globe University/Minnesota School of Business are core requirements of the following degree programs:
- Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology
- Associate in Programming and Game Development
If you have any questions or would like to tour a campus, please contact us. A college representative will be happy to help you evaluate networking classes and IT programs in light of your personal goals. If you decide to enroll, the representative will walk you through the entire admission and registration process.

Master's Degrees
Globe University and Minnesota School of Business are members of the Globe Education Network. Other member colleges include Utah Career College, Institute of Production and Recording, Minnesota School of Cosmetology, and the Duluth Business University. Globe Education Network also provides academic support and manages a wealth of shared resources for the benefit of students. Through consortium agreements approved by member schools' accrediting bodies, students are able to earn credit for classes taken at member schools.
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business is accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, master of science degrees, bachelor of science degrees, associate in applied science degrees, diplomas and certificates.