Waukesha County Technical College
IT - Network Specialist

IT - Network Specialist

Program Information

Degree Type

61-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-150-2

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August / January / June

How You'll Learn

Hybrid

Daytime

Evening

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Learn to secure networks and create and maintain computer systems essential for day-to-day business operations, ensuring network security and connectivity. Install and troubleshoot operating systems, configure routers and switches, and manage remote clients and devices. Explore cloud security, cost and core services, and understand and implement virtualization in an enterprise.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2022
  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2023

Spring 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

Summer 2023 Start

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2022
  • Application Deadline: June 5, 2023

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any laptop with at least i5 CPU, 16GB memory and 500GB disk space
  • 500GB SSD external hard drive

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you have excellent communication skills – both technical and non-technical -- enjoy interpreting data, are a logical thinker and detail oriented, a career as a network specialist might be right for you. Those who work in this field are tasked with monitoring network equipment, and maintaining, installing and configuring computer hardware and software.

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • IT Technician
  • Systems Administrator

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$65,000 – $100,000+ annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

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Program Courses
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Program PDF
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

Leverage current industry-standard tools including Microsoft Server, AWS Cloud, Virtualization, Cisco routers and switches with IOS, Linux OS Server and wireless equipment.

2

Earn two degrees in three years by combining IT - Network Specialist with one of these dual degree options:

CAE2Y Designation

WCTC is proud to be the first college in Wisconsin to earn - from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a joint program sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - the designation of Center of Academic Excellence-Two Year Education (CAE2Y).

National Security Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Similar Programs

Related Certificates

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

IT - Network Specialist Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Certificates
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Technical Diploma
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Associate Degree
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Associate Degree
  • IT - Network Specialist (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Carroll UniversityBS Information TechnologyUp to 64
UW-MilwaukeeBS Information Science & Technologyup to 62
UW-WhitewaterBS Cybersecurity - Cyber Operations EmphasisFull Program - Block Transfer
UW-WhitewaterBS Computer ScienceFull Program - Block Transfer
College Program Name Credit Awards
Bellevue UniversityAny Bachelors Degreeup to 60, tuition discount
Cardinal StritchAny Bachelor Degree in the College of Business and Management60+
Franklin UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing
Grand Canyon UniversityAny Bachelors10% tuition discount
Lakeland UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing, Credits Vary, 20% tuition discount
Mount Mary UniversityBachelor DegreeJunior Standing
Ottawa UniversityBachelor of Arts or Scienceup to 80, and 20%+ tuition discount for WCTC grads
UW-Green BayOrganizational Leadership - Bachelor of Applied StudiesBlock of 60 credits
UW-StoutBS Management (100% online)up to 60
UW-StoutBS Career, Technical Education & Training (100% online)up to 60
UW-StoutBS Information and Communication Technologiesup to 60
UW-WhitewaterBA Arts and Sciences60+
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeBachelor of Science in Business Management & Leadership50-70

 

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