IT - Network Specialist

60 Credit Associate Degree

The IT-Network Specialist Program prepares learners to support the critical IT infrastructure that modern businesses need to function. This program is designed for learners who enjoy technology, experimenting and learning, are detail-oriented, and desire to help businesses and people succeed. Learners gain hands on experience installing, configuring and managing various technologies and devices from leading vendors like Microsoft, VMWare, and Cisco. The program helps to prepare the graduate to test for certifications such as Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate), Cisco CCNA Security, Cisco CCNA Voice, CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Linux +, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) exams. Potential occupations include: Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Network Technician, VoIP Technician, Computer Support Specialist and Help Desk Technician; and with experience Computer System Analyst, Network and Systems Engineer, and Computer Network Architect.

Approximate Cost

$12,855
Tuition: $10619 , Books: $2236

Starting Salary

$40,160
Average, based on the annual Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
Wausau
60-70 %
Antigo
60-70 %
Medford
60-70 %
Phillips
60-70 %
Spencer
60-70 %
Wittenberg
40-50 %
Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Troubleshoot network systems
  • Develop technical documentation
  • Implement network security components
  • Implement server operating systems
  • Implement client systems
  • Implement computer networks

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Network and Systems Engineer
  • VoIP Technician
  • Network Technician
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Courses

The IT - Network Specialist Associate Degree is a 60 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION SECURITY 2.00
NETWORK ADMINISTRATION 1 3.00
FUNDAMENTALS OF IT SYSTEMS 3.00
MATH & LOGIC 3.00
THINK CRITICALLY & CREATIVELY 3.00

Second Term

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION 2 3.00
COMMAND-LINE SHELLS AND SHELL SCRIPTING 3.00
CISCO 1 - NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS 1 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00
ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3.00
SPEECH 3.00

Third Term

ENTERPRISE VIRTUAL SERVERS 3.00
CISCO 2 - NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS 2 3.00
UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS 3.00
NETWORK OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 3.00
TECHNICAL REPORTING 3.00

Fourth Term

NETWORK SECURITY 3.00
NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING 3.00
CISCO 3 - NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS 3 3.00
CISCO 4 - NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS 4 3.00
IT CAREER SKILLS 1.00
IT INTERNSHIP 1.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Transfer Information

The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.

School Name Degree Name
Rasmussen College Accelerated Information Security
Rasmussen College Accelerated Data Analytics
Rasmussen College Accelerated Information Technology Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Computer Science
Bellevue University Online Information and Media Technology
Colorado State University-Global Campus B.S. in Information Technology
Lakeland University Specialized Administration
Lakeland University Computer Science
Minnesota State University-Moorhead B.S. in Operations Management
Siena Heights University Bachelor of Applied Science
University of Phoenix B.S. in Information Technology/Networking Development
UW Milwaukee B.S. in Information Science and Technology (BSIST)
UW Stevens Point Computer Information Systems-Networking and Information Assurance
UW Stout Computer Networking and Information Technology
Viterbo University B.B.A. in Management Information Systems
Western Governors University B.S. in Data Management/Data Analytics
Western Governors University B.S. in Security
Western Governors University B.S. in Network Administration
Western Governors University B.S. in Information Technology
Western Governors University B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee is required. Pay at the time you apply or bypass to pay in person within a week of applying.

Apply Now

Then, submit one of the following

Documentation can be sent via email to admissions@ntc.edu, via mail, addressed to: Northcentral Technical College, ATTN: Admissions, 1000 W. Campus Drive, Wausau, WI 54401, or delivered in person to any NTC campus.

  • High school transcript indicating a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. Contact the high school you attended if you do not have a copy of your transcript.
  • ACT composite score of 18 or above. Request an ACT College Report from ACT or contact the high school you graduated from if you do not have a copy on hand.
  • Accuplacer scores of 47 or above in math, 74 or above in reading, and 79 or above in sentence skills. If you did not take the Accuplacer at NTC, contact the college at which you took it to obtain a copy of your scores.
  • College transcript indicating a cumulative GPA of 2.5 over a minimum of 12 credits, earned at a single college.

If you do not meet any one of the above criteria, don’t worry, complete the application anyway and we will contact you to discuss your options.

What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.