A degree in Network Engineering prepares students to work in any Information Technology department as entry-level network administrators. Students will learn how to manage and configure key networking devices, including firewalls, routers, switches, etc. In addition to learning about specific networking devices, students will learn networking from a cybersecurity perspective to ensure that designs and configurations are built to key cybersecurity policies and best-practices. Upon completion, students will have had the opportunity to earn several IT industry certifications that can be added to their resume and will have many hands-on experiences to reference to demonstrate actual IT experience.
Career opportunities for a student with a degree in Network Engineering exist within entry level positions as a network administrator, or IT professional. Any entry-level back-office IT position should be within reach for graduates with this degree. Advancement opportunities increase with experience.
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
Religion Courses
REL, Two cornerstone religion courses (REL 200, REL 225, REL 250, or REL 275), 4 credits
REL, Two additional Religion Courses, 4 credits
Total Religion Courses Minimum Credit Hours 8
Program Required College Courses
BAP 115, Excel and Introduction to Technology, 1 credit
CAR 101, College Success, 1 credit
CAR 201, Career Success, 1 credit
IT Internship, CAR 299 or CAR 499, 1 credit
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
Total Program College-wide Courses Minimum Credit Hours 7
Program Core Courses
CS 105, Introduction to Programming, 3 credits
CS 115, Object-Oriented Programming, 3 credits
CS 160, Agile Project Management, 3 credits
CS 220, Web Programming, 3 credits
IT 125, Introduction to Information Technology, 3 credits
IT 143, Database Design and Analysis, 3 credits
IT 210, Linux Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 235, Windows Server Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 255, Networking Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 312, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 322, Penetration Testing, 3 credits
IT 350, Network Configuration and Design, 3 credits
IT 352, Advanced Networking, 3 credits
IT Elective, Choose one of the following: IT 280, IT 320, IT 325, IT 370, IT 429, IT 490, 3 credits
MAT, Elective Choose one of the following: MAT 110, MAT 111, MAT 112, MAT 213, MAT 237, 3 credits
Total Program Core Courses Minimum Credit Hours 45
Total Network Engineering (AAS) Degree Minimum Credit Hours 60
Recommended Sequence of Courses
*Individual student circumstances, such as the need for a smaller course load or the number of preparatory English or Math courses a student must take, may require additional semesters to complete the program. Please see your academic advisor for assistance.
First Semester
BAP 115, Excel and Introduction to Technology, 1 credit
CAR 101, College Success, 1 credit
CS 105, Introduction to Programming, 3 credit
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
IT 125, Introduction to Information Technology, 3 credits
**REL, Religion Requirements (see below), 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 13
Second Semester
CS 160, Agile Project Management, 3 credits
IT 143, Database Design and Analysis, 3 credits
IT 235, Windows Server Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 255, Networking Fundamentals, 3 credits
**REL, Religion Requirements (see below), 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 14
Third Semester
CS 115, Object-Oriented Programming, 3 credits
IT 210, Linux Fundamentals, 3 credits
IT 312, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, 3 credits
MAT Electives, Choose one of the following: MAT 110, MAT 111, MAT 112, MAT 213, MAT 237, 3 credits
**REL, Religion Requirements (see below), 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 14
Fourth Semester
CS 220, Web Programming, 3 credits
IT 322, Penetration Testing, 3 credits
IT 350, Network Configuration and Design, 3 credits
IT Elective, Choose one from current list (see below*), 3 credits
**REL, Religion Requirements (see below), 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 14
Fifth Semester
CAR 201, Career Success, 1 credit
IT Internship, Choose one: CAR 299 or CAR 499, 1 credit
IT 352, Advanced Networking, 3 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 5
Total Network Engineering (AAS) Degree Minimum Credit Hours 60
*IT Electives: Choose from the following list: IT 280, IT 320, IT 325, IT 370, IT 429, IT 490
Graduation Requirements
1. Minimum of 60 total semester credit hours as outlined
2. Grade of C or higher in all core courses
3. Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher
4. Two cornerstone religion courses, 2 additional elective religion courses