Program Overview
The Network Administration and Engineering program prepares students to work as Systems Administrators in a tier-3 capacity, which involves directly working with clients to resolve more complex issues that are unable to be resolved by tier-1 (Help desk) and tier-2 (PC / User support) personnel. In addition, program graduates are also prepared to manage IT infrastructures for area business and do so on-site or remotely.
Students will learn:
- Basic PC hardware and operating systems
- Microsoft Office
- Databases
- Server operating systems
- Computer networking.
- Advanced IT technologies including virtualization, email systems, server management, project management, SQL, IT security, and more!
Students will also complete an internship to gain valuable work experience prior to graduation.
Hands-on Learning Experiences
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Data Center: Learn to build and maintain industry-standard networks, including how to secure the network, protect against hacking attacks, and how to recover from an attack. Gain experience with the latest Microsoft desktop, server, Exchange, and SQL server platforms.
- Internship: Gain 192 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.
Certifications
In the information technology industry certifications are a must. Hawkeye is recognized as a Cisco Regional Academy and a VMware IT Academy. You may receive the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA, and VMware certifications.
Why Pursue a Career in Information Technology?
Information Technology (IT) is something that every company needs in order to compete in the world today. This program has a tremendous reputation with employers around the state for preparing students very well to enter the IT workforce. Placement in the IT field averages 85% within 90 days for new graduates seeking work.
Transfer Information
This program is geared towards students wishing to complete two years of education and enter the workforce. For students wishing to continue education, this program has articulation agreements with Upper Iowa University as well as a transfer relationship with the University of Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Network Administration and Engineering AAS degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.
Our transfer agreement with Upper Iowa University allows you to transfer your Network Administration and Engineering coursework to Upper Iowa University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.