Network Admin and Cyber Security - AAS

The perfect balance of information technology and management and operational skills.

SCC's Information Technology Management program is tailored to address today's tech landscape.

This program puts you on solid ground for success in a number of tech jobs.

Program location

Available in West Burlington Not available in Keokuk Not available online

Skills you'll learn

  • Installing, configuring, and maintaining a server and Network Infrastructure
  • Managing and troubleshooting hardware devices, such as routers, switches, workstations, and laptops
  • Implementing access controls and authentication mechanisms Identifying and mitigating common security threats

Students also have the opportunity to take certification testing for industry accepted certifications.

Key classes

  • Linux Operating System
  • Virtualization/Cloud Operations
  • Windows Server
  • System Security
Computer Club students show off their awards

Flex your skills

SCC students who participate in the Computer Club get the opportunity to travel across the state and nation for the Business Professionals of America conference to compete against students from other colleges every year.... and we usually rock the awards.

Learn the skills in class, then show them off at the conference!

What you can do after finishing this program

Simple list of career options here. Need to see a few to know if we start with a sentence and then go with a bullet list.

  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • IT Specialist

Last-Dollar Scholarship

Last-Dollar Scholarship

If you're an Iowan, you may be eligible to earn this degree tuition-free.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

Contact Us

West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu

Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu

Schedule an Appointment

The Networking Administration and Cybersecurity program offers hands-on experience with installation, maintenance and administration of PC networks. Students will spend time working on security principles and router, switch and firewall configuration. The program offers the latest equipment and software, plus experience with Microsoft and Linux operating systems. Students will leave with the skills and knowledge industry requires.

During the second semester, students will take NET-101 IT Fundamentals, where they have the opportunity to earn CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification.

The IT Technician Diploma is awarded after successful completion of the second semester.

Students will also take NET-153 Advanced Networking during the second year, which includes the CIW Network Technology Associates exam. The CIW NTA certificate is awarded after successful completion of this exam.

*Diploma can be earned one time.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Information Technology Programs Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
NET-277 IT Foundations 2
NET-142 Network Essentials 3
CIS-125 Introduction to Programming Logic with Language 3
NET-442 Linux Operating System 3
ENG-105 Composition I 3
Take 1 of 2 courses
MAT-702 Introduction to Math Applications 3
MAT-772 Applied Math (online) 3
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
NET-276 IT Applications 2
CIS-504 Structured Systems Analysis 3
NET-261 Virtualization/Cloud Operations 3
NET-637 Network Intrusion Investigation 3
NET-314 Windows Server 4
Take 1 of 2 courses
HUM-287 Leadership Development Studies 3
SOC-114 Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 3
TOTAL CREDITS 18

Fall Semester II Course Title Credit
CFR-100 Introduction to Computer Forensics 3
NET-627 System Security 2
NET-716 Database Administration/Service Application 3
Take course totaling 2 credits
WBL-110 Employability Skills 1-3
Take 1 of 2 courses
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology 3
SOC-110 Introduction to Sociology 3
TOTAL CREDITS 13

Spring Semester II Course Title Credit
CIS-810 Emerging Technologies Seminar 1
NET-153 Advanced Networking 4
NET-717 Email Applications 3
NET-820 Network Internship 4
SPC-112 Public Speaking 3
TOTAL CREDITS 15

NET-277 - IT Foundations

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of personal computer components
and their functions in a desktop system; a knowledge of computer data storage and retrieval; and skills in classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing, upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security. This course also gives students the ability to recommend appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance, and
troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system; strategies for identifying, preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental or human accidents in
technological environments. The course prepares student for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam, which will be taken at the end of the semester.

NET-142 - Network Essentials

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the local area networking information in Microsoft courses on workstations and networking. This course provides students with the information needed to build a foundation in current networking technology for local area networks, wide area networks and the Internet.

CIS-125 - Introduction to Programming Logic with Language

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Introduction to computer programming with structured program development and module designs emphasized. Write programs related to several areas, including input/output, numerical computation, iteration, recursion, data manipulation and interactive procedures.

NET-442 - Linux Operating System

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course will cover the essentials of installing, configuring, maintaining, administering and troubleshooting the Linux operating system.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

MAT-772 - Applied Math (online)

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course covers all fundamental arithmetic concepts and more routine algebraic operations. Arithmetic concepts are fractions, percentages, graphing, decimals, ratios, word problems, metrics, areas and volumes. Algebraic work includes solving simpler equations, proportions and formula rearrangement. Appropriate CPT score on math assessment or prerequisite course.

NET-276 - IT Applications

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course introduces skills in identifying operating systems and their configurations and in
implementing security principles across devices and networks. Students will also gain skills in troubleshooting software, security, and malware issues, and in implementing basic operational procedures in documentation, change management, compliance, and communication. The course will introduce basic disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, scripting basics, and remote access technology solutions. The course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification exam, which will be taken at the end of the semester.

CIS-504 - Structured Systems Analysis

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course will provide theory and practice in the complete process of systems analysis and design and the steps involved.  Actual systems analysis and design lab practices will measure the student's understanding as well as provide an opportunity to apply concepts in project management. Prerequisites: ENG-105 or with instructor approval, NET-276, NET-142, NET-442 and CIS-125.

NET-261 - Virtualization/Cloud Operations

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course prepares students to be able to implement, manage, and troubleshoot virtualization concepts used for desktops and servers. Students will learn to develop, manage, and maintain cloud services as well as the cloud operation concepts of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. This course also leads students to have the skills necessary to pass the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam. Prerequisites: NET-142 and NET-442.

NET-637 - Network Intrusion Investigation

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course enables students to use penetration-testing tools and techniques that ethical hackers and security testers utilize to protect computer networks. Skills and techniques include footprinting, social engineering, port scanning, numeration and cryptography will be covered. This course incorporates a lab component in which students practice skills designed to secure network connections and prevent attacks. Prerequisites: ENG-105, NET-142, and NET-442.

NET-314 - Windows Server

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

Windows Server covers the issues of setting up a client/server environment using Windows Server software. The course begins with file server basics. Determining the cost of a network and choosing appropriate network hardware are included. Students will receive hands-on experience in preparing client computers, installing Windows Server software and setting up a complete client/server environment. They will learn how to configure a domain environment with DNS/DHCP, and remote access.  Prerequisites: NET-142 and NET-276.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

CFR-100 - Introduction to Computer Forensics

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course deals with the preservation, identification, extraction, documentation and interpretation of computer data. Special computer skills and tools will be introduced. Legal concerns and ethical conduct will be emphasized. Knowledge in Linux OS and report writing required. Prerequisites: ENG-105 or Instructor Approval, NET-142, NET-314, NET-442 and NET-637.

NET-627 - System Security

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course will provide students with practical knowledge needed for strong information security for an organization's daily operations. Students will have hands-on learning on handling day-to-day operations to secure an organization's data. Prerequisite: ENG-105 and NET-637, or Instructor Approval.

WBL-110 - Employability Skills

Lecture: 1-3

Credit: 1-3

This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment. Prerequisite: WBL-150 is recommended.

NET-716 - Database Administration/Service Application

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Database Administration/Service Application will provide the student with experience installing, configuring, maintaining and administering SQL Server and SharePoint. The key concepts of Structured Query Language are studied, including the basic structure of relational databases, how to read and write simple and complex SQL statements and advanced data manipulation techniques.

PSY-111 - Introduction to Psychology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology.

SOC-110 - Introduction to Sociology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns.

CIS-810 - Emerging Technologies Seminar

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course will provide the student with the skills to research, evaluate and make recommendations about new products and emerging technologies. Students will explore and research changing technologies and will make professional presentations of their findings. Prerequisites: CIS-504, CFR-100, NET-101, NET-310, NET-627 and NET-637.

NET-153 - Advanced Networking

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

This course will allow the student to take knowledge from previous networking courses and apply it in a hands-on environment. The Microsoft network operation system will be emphasized.  The student will also receive exposures to other advanced technologies.  These technologies may include:  switch/router configuration, computer forensics, computer ethics and cryptography.  It will also assist the students for preparing and taking the CompTIA Network +exam.  Prerequisites: NET-276, NET-277, NET-142, NET-261 and NET-314.

NET-717 - Email Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course will provide the student with experience installing, configuring, maintaining and administering Exchange Server, as well as, an Exchange hybrid environment, where part of the mailboxes can be hosted in the cloud. Prerequisite: NET-314.

NET-820 - Network Internship

On Job Training: 16

Credit: 4

This course is designed to provide the Network Administration & Cyber Security student with a practical experience in information technology prior to completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree. The internship is supervised by the program coordinator and should be taken during the student's last spring or fall semester on campus. Prerequisites: CIS-504, CFR-100, NET-101, NET-310, NET-627 and NET-637.

SPC-112 - Public Speaking

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.

Brenda Wamsley - Associate Professor - Information Technology

Email: bwamsley@scciowa.edu
Diploma, Indian Hills Community College
AAS, Southeastern Community College
BGS, Western Illinois University
MS, Western Governors University