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Networking Fundamentals Graduate Badge

Badge Image

A digital badge, or badge, is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. GVSU offers both credit and non-credit bearing badges as digital credentials. Credit-bearing badges include anywhere from 0.5 to 15 academic credits and may include additional noncredit criteria. Credit-bearing badges are also posted to the academic transcript.

Visit the program website for more information.


Program Overview

The School of Computing's networking fundamentals badge is not a degree or certificate. Completion of a bachelor's degree, and evidence of some programming skill is required for admission.

The badge covers the basic principles of wireless and wired networks, providing an introduction to networking protocols, protocol stacks, and specifically the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Students earning the badge will understand how the internet protocols (TCP/IP) permit communication between computers.

Why Earn a Digital Badge at Grand Valley?

  • Badges document knowledge, skills, and competencies you've gained through various learning and professional development opportunities.
  • Pursuing a badge, either in continuing education or while completing a degree, can enhance your education.
  • Digital badges can be displayed on social media, websites, and in emails.
  • Completing a badge is an opportunity for you to highlight particularly marketable and desirable skills to potential employers.
  • It is offered in convenient formats for you to choose from: online, face to face, or hybrid.
  • The class is flexible, focused, and small, so you will get the most out of the instruction.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Admissions

Completion of a Bachelor's degree, and evidence of object-oriented programming skill is required for admission. You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution. To start your application:

  • Visit gvsu.edu/admissions/graduate-application-24.htm
  • Select the graduate online application. If you are new to the Grand Valley admissions site, please create an account at this time.
  • Application type, select "to complete a Graduate Badge."
  • Select a badge from the drop-down list.
  • Choose your semester start date, and proceed with the rest of the application.
  • Contact the School of Computing and Information Systems at [email protected] and inform them of your intent to enroll in the badge program.

For current GVSU students:

  • Declare your badge via myBanner. Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate badge from the drop down list, and click Submit.
  • Speak with the appropriate badge coordinator to ensure criteria are being met. You will be able to track your progress toward the badge in myPath as well!
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the badge via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your badge has been verified, the badge will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. In addition, your digital badge will be posted on Credly.com.

Location & Format

The class is offered online, face to face, or a combination of online and in-seat.

Formats:

Coursework

The badge is a one-credit course:

  • CIS 511 - Networking Fundamentals

For More Information

School of Computing

Robert Adams, Ph.D.
C-2-100 Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2060

 

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