Purpose: The IST Networking Curriculum is designed to prepare students to design, maintain, install and secure network system infrastructures to include knowledge of operating systems, problem detection/resolution, fault tracking/management, and network operations.  A series of lecture and laboratory courses are included from the Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program, which will equip students with detailed instruction in network switching and routing and prepare them for the Cisco Certified Network Associate  (CCNA) certification.

This program has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence - Cyber Defense because the program provides students with the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities identified in the National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE) workforce Framework 2. 

Career Opportunities: This associate degree in IST Networking will offer students an opportunity to pursue positions as a Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Network Analyst, or Help Desk Technician. The Networking Program is designed to facilitate students in their preparation for the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at partnering four-year institutions or to enter directly into the workforce. 

Admission Requirements: All students will be required to demonstrate college readiness through transcript review or informed self-placement.  Based on this review students may request or be required to enroll in prerequisite or co-requisite math and/or English courses.

Program Requirements: The curriculum includes required technical courses Networking and general education courses. Technical/computer classes over five years old cannot be used as transfer credits. In addition, students who have been readmitted into the college must have computer courses that are over five years old re-evaluated.