Computer Networking Minor

The Computer Networking minor is available for students who wish to develop a deeper understanding and practical skill sets in networking. Students selecting this Computer Networking minor will take 18 credit hours of programming, networking and computer applications courses.  

Student Learning Outcomes: 

  • Students will gain skills in programming, develop algorithms using top-down stepwise refinement including competencies in arrays, pointers, strings, classes, data abstraction, inheritance, composition and overloading.
  • Students will build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. The laboratory component will give the students hands-on experience configuring equipment needed to build a LAN.
  • Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality, will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPv2, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
  • Students configure routers and switches for advanced functionality with the ability to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, STP, and VTP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
  • Students acquire the skills needed to implement DHCP and DNS operations in a network and how to implement IPSec and virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network. 

About Academic Minors

Farmingdale State College students are invited to enhance their studies with an "Academic Minor." A minor is a cluster of thematically related courses drawn from one or more departments. In addition to department based minors (e.g. computer programming & info systems), interdisciplinary minors are also available (e.g. legal studies).

Academic minors are approved by the College-Wide Curriculum Committee and the Provost. Students must make application for an academic minor through the department offering the minor in conjunction with the Registrar's Office Specific course work must be determined in consultation with a faculty member in the department offering the minor. A statement of successful completion of the academic minor will appear on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

  • A minor is considered to be an optional supplement to a student's major program of study.
  • Completion of a minor is not a graduation requirement and is subject to the availability of the courses selected. However, if the requirements for a minor are not completed prior to certification of graduation in the major, it will be assumed that the minor has been dropped. Consequently, the student will only be certified for graduation in their primary major.
  • Only students in 4 year baccalaureate programs can apply for a minor.
  • A minor should consist of 15 to 21 credits.
  • At least 12 credits must be in courses at the 200 level or higher.
  • At least 9 credits must be residency credits.
  • Specific requirements for each minor are determined by the department granting the minor. 
  • Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their minor.  Some minors may require a higher GPA.
  • Students are prohibited from declaring a minor in the same discipline as their major (e.g. one cannot combine an applied math minor with an applied math major). Academic minors may not apply to all curricula.
  • Students are permitted to double-count courses.
  • Students are only permitted to take more than one minor with appropriate written approval of their department chair or curriculum Dean.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Computer Programming and Information Systems | David S. Gerstl | cpis@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2190

Fall 2025

Subject to revision

Required: credits
BCS 120 Fundamentals of Programming I 3
BCS 208 Introduction to Networks 3
BCS 209 Routing and Switching Essentials 3
BCS 320 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation 3
BCS 321 Connecting Networks 3
BCS 200 level or higher elective- with permission of the department chair 3
Printed on 12/6/25

2350 Broadhollow Road
Farmingdale, NY 11735-1021

934-420-2000

farmingdale.edu

BCS 120 Foundations of Computer Programming I

This course introduces the C++ Programming Language as a means of developing structured programs. Students will be taught to develop algorithms using top-down stepwise refinement. Students will be introduced to the concept of Object Oriented programming. In addition, students will get a thorough exposure to C++ syntax and debugging techniques. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for CSC 111

BCS 208 Introduction to Networks

This foundational course provides an in-depth exploration of the architectures, models, protocols, and essential networking components that facilitate communication between users, devices, applications, and data across modern computer networks, including the Internet. Emphasis is placed on both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing as well as Ethernet principles. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to construct simple Local Area Networks (LANs), configure routers and switches, and implement Internet Protocol (IP) addressing schemes. The laboratory component offers hands-on experience in configuring networking equipment essential for establishing LAN connectivity. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore status

BCS 209 Routing and Switching Essentials

Building on the foundational knowledge from BCS 208, this course focuses on switching technologies and router operations essential for small-to-medium business networks. Students will analyze the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a network environment. Practical applications include configuring and troubleshooting routers and switches, as well as addressing common connectivity challenges in IPv4 and IPv6 networks. The laboratory component reinforces theoretical concepts through hands-on configuration of routers, switches, and basic network connectivity. Prerequisite(s): BCS 208 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 320 Enterprise, Networking, Security & Automation

This advanced course explores enterprise networking architectures with an emphasis on design considerations, security protocols, and operational strategies within wide area networks (WANs). Students will gain proficiency in network security principles and be introduced to network virtualization and automation concepts. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in configuring, troubleshooting, and securing enterprise network devices while implementing virtualization and automation techniques. Prerequisite(s): BCS 209 with a C or higher.

BCS 321 Connecting Networks

This course discusses the Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. The course enables students to understand the selection criteria of network devices and WAN technologies to meet network requirements. Students learn how to configure and troubleshoot network devices and resolve common issues with data link protocols. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement IPSec and virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network. Prerequisite(s): BCS 209 with a grade of C or higher
Last Modified 4/30/25