Associate in Applied Science - Network Design and Administration

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

The Machinist/CNC Technology program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing industry. The first year of the program will focus on skills used in a modern machine shop: machine shop math, blueprint reading, and conventional machine tool theory and lab. The last year offers advanced conventional machining and specialized training in CNC theory with introduction to CAD/CAM and procedures in quality control.

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher before proceeding to the next quarter.

Learning Outcomes

• Operate a variety of CNC machines.
• Set up tooling for CNC machining operations.
• Perform quality control functions to ensure part compliance with required specification.
• Interpret blueprints.
• Possess knowledge of their role as an employee and factors that are critical to the company’s success.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program in any of the first five quarters.

Students interested in receiving special training in Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training and Education Network) may substitute specialized courses specifically catering to Toyota T-TEN option. Entrance into the program requires an interview with and permission of the instructor. Continuation within the course program requires permission of the instructor. Students must complete each AUTO course with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand basic shop operation and safety principles.
• Diagnose mechanical malfunctions and performance problems and make necessary repairs.
• Operate precision automotive diagnostic and repair equipment.
• Interpret repair manuals and computer-based programs dealing with specifications and repair procedures.
• Understand the importance of good public relations with customers, employers, and fellow employees.
• Work with minimum supervision for or with a journeyman technician.
• Skillfully use tools and equipment.

The software development program trains students in current web and desktop application development using diverse industry technologies. Software development is an evolving field of study requiring continuing education and the ability to adapt to constant change. Graduates from this program acquire problem solving skills, are encouraged to work independently and as a team, and be ethical in all interactions.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn programming concepts and techniques that enable students to be a lifetime learner as technology evolves.
• Understand and implement cost effective and efficient web sites.
• Understand how to properly create, store, and retrieve data from a normalized database.
• Solve problems while developing software or web sites.
• Communicate with clients while developing software or web sites.
• Demonstrate responsibility for meeting deadlines and addressing client needs.
• Understand how technology relates and impacts society.
• Design, develop, deploy and maintain software and web development projects specified by a client.
• Demonstrate professionalism and flexibility.
• Develop research skills and techniques.

The Greenhouse and Nursery Management program provides students with knowledge and practice in plant production.  Graduates of the program are experienced in topics including plant propagation, pest and disease management, greenhouse management, floral design, plant identification, and business management. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off. It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the concepts of floral design and management to a commercial florist business.
• Apply growing and maintenance practices to greenhouse and container grown stock during the course of the year.
• Identify and be able to care for the major indoor plants used in interiorscaping.
• Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

The objective of this program is to permit the student maximum flexibility in designing a two-year program of study in business. The student may specialize in a particular area of business such as marketing, management, project management or entrepreneurship; or select courses that provide a general exposure to several areas of business.

The AAS in Business curriculum serves the student by offering modalities for most every course within the degree path for student convenience.

All students graduating from this program must have a minimum grade of 2.0 on each of the Management, Accounting, Economics, and Business required courses. Students must also have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average on all required courses in the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the nature of operations, ownership, marketing, business environmental factors, ethics, human resources, finances, regulations, research methodology, and decision-making processes of business.
• Understand realistic mathematical problems relating to the various segments of today's business world.
• Use desk-top calculators efficiently and demonstrate computer user skills including Internet applications.
• Understand the theory of occupation behavior, the basis of human motivation, cultural diversity, organizational structure, and the leader/manager's role in developing a sound behavioral climate in the business organization.
• Communicate effectively--verbal and written--in order to function in the world of work.
• Emphasize skills in one or more areas of business as well as possess "generalist" skills.
• Participate in a supervised volunteer community service experience.
• Understand international business concepts.

Approved courses in both airframe and powerplant mechanics are offered to meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements. General aircraft courses offered the first two quarters are prerequisites to both the airframe and powerplant phase of the program. Students receive a well-rounded education in general aircraft mechanics the first two quarters of the program. Third- and fourth-quarter course offerings include both lecture and lab courses in airframe repair, and fifth- and sixth-quarter offerings include lecture and lab courses in powerplant repair. Courses to satisfy the requirements for an AAS degree will be by arrangement.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the FAA examination for both the Airframe and Powerplant licenses. A minimum of 1,900 attendance hours is required to take these exams.

Learning Outcomes

• Qualified to take the FAA general, airframe, and powerplant tests.
• Able to perform the duties of a beginning certified mechanic with entry level skills in the repair, maintenance, inspection and overhaul of airframe and of aircraft powerplants, including electrical systems, sheet metal, welding, hydraulic systems, rigging and assembly, wood, fabric and finishes, propellers, ignition systems, lubrication systems, and general overhaul procedures.
• Able to use tools, equipment, methods, and procedures in repair, maintenance, and inspection of aircraft and powerplants.
• Able to meet the requirements for an AAS degree from Spokane Community College.

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is conditionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Student may remain in the main program which is forestry based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
• Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
• Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
• Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
• Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
• Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
• Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
• Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
• Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
• Parks maintenance and equipment.
• Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
• Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
• Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
• Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
• Write technical reports and give presentations.

The Network Design and Administration program prepares students as local- and wide-area network administrators. Successful completion of the program provides students with the essential skills of network administration including network design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting, utilizing a variety of network operating systems, and hardware platforms and protocols. These include but are not limited to Microsoft, Cisco and Linux/UNIX. Upon completion, students have covered objectives leading toward professional certification. Effective oral and written communications are emphasized throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Install and configure servers, workstations, routers, switches, network cabling and wireless devices.
• Show knowledge of network topologies, protocols and technologies.
• Analyze and troubleshoot a network and its peripherals.
• Perform administrative tasks on a network.
• Establish communications between similar and dissimilar networking systems.
• Monitor network performance.
• Show a strong working knowledge of network security policies and procedures.
• Develop research skills and techniques.

The Business Software Specialist degree is a two-year program with classes offered online or on-campus. This program combines training in information processing systems and office administration to give students the diversified training and background needed to hold positions of responsibility in business offices. Upon completion students will be prepared for administrative positions that require advanced spreadsheet, database, presentation, and project management software. This program provides students with one or more of the following additional areas: basic computer hardware troubleshooting, online collaboration, MOS certification, or basic network administration.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook software.
• Handle multiple deadlines and priorities in an office setting.
• Think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems, and make decisions.
• Handle a variety of internal and external business forms and understand their purpose.
• Compile and analyze data, prepare concise reports and presentations, use information processing technology and software.
• Demonstrate organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Exhibit management initiative, dependability, and flexibility; follow directions; and take pride in quality work.
• Appreciate the scope of business operations and economics systems.
• Organize and plan office work and exercise leadership skills that make the employee a successful member of a dynamic team.
• Operate a variety of business machines, including computers, copy machines and scanners, transcribing equipment, facsimiles, printers, telephones, and calculating machines.
• Acquire a technical overview of office information systems, basic computer hardware, and network administration.

This regionally respected American Bar Association (ABA) approved program consists of basic and specialty legal courses designed to prepare students for employment in the legal services field. The program offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paralegal Studies, and Paralegal Certificate.

The AAS in Paralegal Studies is awarded after completion of 90-98 credits of required coursework. If full class loads are taken each quarter, the program requires 6-7 quarters to complete. The supervised legal work experience required for graduation or the internship must be approved by the program director. A grade of 2.0 or higher in each class (including prerequisites) is required for both the AAS degree and the certificate.

Students may enroll in the certificate program instead of the AAS program if the student is in the process of or has completed an Associate in Arts degree (AA), a bachelor's degree, or advanced degree from an accredited college and/or university.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of law and legal procedures through legal research, writing, document drafting, analysis of facts, interviewing and investigation.
• Develop skills in civil and criminal pretrial and trial practice, real estate, business, family law, commercial transactions and litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, intellectual property, estate planning, probate and other specialty areas.
• Develop technological and organizational skills, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, assessing and prioritizing work; managing time; creating and maintaining databases; and using standard forms and checklists.
• Develop understanding of rules of professional and ethical conduct, competence, professionalism and client service.