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School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

Computer Systems and Networks

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks

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$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
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About This Program

The computer systems and networks undergraduate certificate from American Public University (APU) teaches you how to configure, install, manage, and administer basic network infrastructures through various computer networking classes. You will also amplify your experience in building, repairing, and troubleshooting networks, PCs, and peripherals.

Computer systems and networking classes are taught online by IT leaders in government agencies and private industry, giving you the opportunity to learn from highly experienced instructors with considerable expertise in the field. Also, several courses in this certificate align with the requirements for CompTIA A+® or CompTIA Network+® certification.

CompTIA A+®/CompTIA Network+® certification is a registered trademark of Computing Technology Industry Association, Inc. 

NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

What You Will Do

  1. Appraise the impact of computer systems and networks on global commerce and analyze the related societal, legal, and economic issues
  2. Evaluate CPU architectures, motherboard organization, local area networks (LAN) configuration, and monitoring/managing Windows® client operating systems processes
  3. Appraise memory subsystems and bus architectures in computer systems
  4. Understand how to analyze the formatting, protocols, and latency of storage subsystems and notebook computer architecture

Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$350 | $250*
$315**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5161

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This course is a study of computer systems, computer organization, computer subsystems, and operating systems. This course examines CPUs, motherboards, basic input/output systems, memory subsystems, bus structures, expansion cards, ports, connectivity, interfaces, data storage subsystems, and multimedia interface devices. This course also evaluates computer monitoring, computer systems management, operating systems, networking, and security. This course covers the CompTIA A+® Certification Essentials curriculum. CompTIA A+® is a registered trademark of the Computing Technology Industry Association, Inc.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session
03/31/25 - 08/29/25 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 Summer 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5163

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This course is a study of the evolution, the concepts, and the principles of local, distributed and enterprise networking. This course examines Network design, topologies, architecture, media, interface cards, protocols, problem resolution, communications, administration, operations, and resources. It introduces the student to the concepts of wireless networking, and web-based networks. This course also explores the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and the Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Packet (TCP/IP) reference models. This course also examines internetworking servers, and hardware and operating systems maintenance.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session
03/31/25 - 08/29/25 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 Summer 2025 Session D 8 Week session
04/28/25 - 10/03/25 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 Fall 2025 Session B 8 Week session
05/26/25 - 10/31/25 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 Fall 2025 Session I 8 Week session
06/30/25 - 11/28/25 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 Fall 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4008

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This course is an advanced study of computer systems with a focus on operating systems, system administration, networking and security. Design, configuration techniques and troubleshooting skills techniques are covered utilizing a variety of hardware scenarios including: processor design, CPU architecture, number systems used in computing, storage subsystems, and memory subsystems, This course also examines the OSI model, networking, security, performance management, and capacity planning. This course covers the CompTIA A+® Certification curriculum. (Prerequisite: ISSC321) CompTIA A+® is a registered trademark of the Computing Technology Industry Association, Inc.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session
03/31/25 - 08/29/25 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 Summer 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4010

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This course is a technical study of the hardware systems and architectures in a computer system; it appraises expansion cards, storage subsystems, IO interface subsystems, operating system, Local Area Networking (LAN), Internet connectivity, and security. This course also examines the processes for analyzing problems and for synthesizing solutions related to computer hardware systems.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4671

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This course offers a framework for learning the latest developments and trends in ad-hoc wireless and mobile communications. The course provides a complete coverage of the wireless ad-hoc networks: principles, protocols and applications. The course will look at the characteristics and operations of contemporary ad-hoc wireless network technologies. Students will study the impact of wireless transmission and user mobility with an emphasis on the design and management of ad-hoc wireless mobile systems. Students must have access to MS Visio software. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. This course meets the topical requirements of the DoD Directive 8570.1M Information Assurance Management (IAM) Technical I category.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session
03/31/25 - 08/29/25 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 Summer 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3349

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This course allows the student to obtain the knowledge required to analyze and mitigate threats in the organizational network environment. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of both computer and network security, from the wetware (human), software, and hardware perspectives. The "wetware" component will deal with identification of potential risk situations, establishing policies for avoidance, recovery, and prosecution, and proactive measures to reduce causal factors for security breaches in an organization. The "software" perspective will examine types of inappropriate software activity, as well as asset protection issues (recognizing software assets). This component will also address software tools available to assist in reducing administrative costs due to both malicious and accidental loss. The "hardware" component will address hardware approaches to protecting assets, as well as hardware techniques used to compromise assets. Specific technologies discussed include firewalls, symmetric key encryption, public key encryption, digital certificates, and cryptographic systems (SSL/TLS, VPNs, and Kerberos).
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session
02/24/25 - 08/01/25 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 Summer 2025 Session I 8 Week session
03/31/25 - 08/29/25 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 Summer 2025 Session D 8 Week session
04/28/25 - 10/03/25 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 Fall 2025 Session B 8 Week session
05/26/25 - 10/31/25 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 Fall 2025 Session I 8 Week session
06/30/25 - 11/28/25 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 Fall 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Aug 4
Register by Aug 1
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Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Software and/or lab equipment required for some courses in this program must be purchased at the student’s expense, and are not included in the university book grant. Expenses may depend on courses chosen for electives and concentration requirements. Estimated costs can be found at https://apus.libguides.com/bookstore. 

 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.