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Network Administration and Engineering

Learn to design, layout, setup, and maintain every aspect of a computer network. You’ll train in Hawkeye’s state-of-the-art data center, where you learn to build a network, secure the network, and restore the network after an outage.

Courses Careers Admissions Requirements Advisor & Program Contacts All Programs >>

Program Overview

The Network Administration and Engineering program prepares you to design, layout, setup, and maintain information technology networks and equipment. You will gain knowledge and skills in:

  • Computer hardware
  • Operating systems
  • Server configuration and administration
  • Network management
  • Database and mail servers
  • Project management
  • Routers and switches
  • Wireless networks
  • Virtual machines
  • VPN solutions
  • Network security

Hands-on Learning Experiences

  • 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), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), CompTIA, and VMware certifications.

Transfer Information

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Network Administration and Engineering coursework to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Faculty Spotlight

Todd Bengen

"There's a strong need for IT professionals. If you complete your degree, acquire an internship to gain valuable on the job experience, and earn a certification—there's a job with your name on it."

Each year students in the IT programs organize an alumni event that includes fundraising for IT Scholarships. Make your gift today!

Video Overview

Advantages of the Network Administration and Engineering Program at Hawkeye Community College

Graduates and instructors discuss the advantages of the Network Administration and Engineering program at Hawkeye Community College.

See More Videos

Courses

Core Courses

  • CISCO Networking
  • Introduction to Database
  • Routing and Switching Essentials
  • Windows Server
  • Linux System Administration
  • CCNA Routing and Switching: Scaling Networks
  • Virtual Machines
  • Advanced Server Configuration
  • Windows Exchange Server
  • Fundamentals of Network Security
  • Project Management
  • CCNA Routing and Switching: Connecting Networks
  • SQL Database
  • Experiential Learning
  • Internship
  • Electives: Choose from a variety of electives to meet your career and transfer needs and interests.

Program Details

Award: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Required number of credits: 68
Program Start: Fall

View Suggested Sequence of Study & Course Cost

Careers

Positions

Our graduates can be employed in many careers, including:

  • Network administrator
  • Network technician
  • LAN/WAN engineer
  • LAN/WAN administrator
  • Help desk technician

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Computer Network Support Specialists $36,700 $54,100 $62,800
Computer User Support Specialists $31,200 $47,000 $55,000

Source: 2018 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
ACES Cedar Falls, IA
BerganKDV Waterloo, IA
CBE Group Cedar Falls, IA
CDW Minneapolis, MN
Cedar Falls Utilities Cedar Falls, IA
John Deere Waterloo, IA
EO Johnson Business Technologies Cedar Falls, IA
The VGM Group Waterloo, IA

Explore local data on wages, employment, job postings, and more!

Admissions Requirements

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Complete Hawkeye's online admissions application to apply and be considered for the Network Administration and Engineering program.

  2. Request to have your transcripts sent to the Admissions office.

Step #2: Basic Skill Competencies

In order to be eligible for the Network Administration and Engineering, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or complete required success courses. Success course credits do not apply towards graduation or the AAS degree.

In order to be eligible for the Network Administration and Engineering program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a "C" grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ACT ACCUPLACER COMPASS ACCUPLACER Next Generation
16 Reading 58 Reading 69 Reading 239 Reading
16 English 64 Sentence Skills 41 Writing 240 Writing
16 Math 63 Arithmetic 39 Pre-Algebra 255 Arithmetic
246 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics

Step #3: Program Acceptance

Applicants meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria are eligible for acceptance.

Applicants not meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Contact Us
Admissions Email us 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Student Success Specialist Val Peterson Email me 319-296-2329 ext.1083 Black Hawk Hall 261
Program Advisor Todd Bengen Email me 319-296-2329 ext.1124 Black Hawk Hall 114
Program Advisor Chad Dean Email me 319-296-2329 ext.1707 Black Hawk Hall 106
Administrative Assistant Cindi Clark Email me 319-296-4021 Black Hawk Hall 101
Dean Dave Grunklee Email me 319-296-4042 Butler Hall 131A
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