Network Technology and Security

A.A.S.

The 60-credit Network Technology and Security A.A.S. degree program prepares you for a rewarding career in the dynamic field of computer networking and security. The tremendous, ongoing expansion of the internet, wide area networks (WANs), and local area networks (LANs) require the expertise of IT professionals with the broad knowledge and skills needed to design, manage, secure, and troubleshoot sophisticated information storage, retrieval, and presentation systems.

Coursework explains the workings of networks and systems from desktop and mobile devices to cloud servers that could be located anywhere in the world. We designed the curriculum to encompass many of the same competencies covered by several recognized IT industry certifications:

CompTIA’s A+
Cisco’s CCNA
CCNP
CyberOps Associate
Microsoft’s Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

As you work toward graduation, you will gain the knowledge and skills universally recognized as crucial for employment in the IT field.

As a student in this A.A.S. degree program, you will complete the Network Technology and Security Curriculum (44 credits) and the General Education Curriculum (16 credits) for a credit total of 60.

Important Note: Many courses in Information Technology & Careers ( ITC) degree programs have prerequisites that limit the maximum number of technical courses you can take in any one semester.

To ensure your timely graduation, appropriate course loads, and the correct mix of technical and liberal arts courses, you are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor, counselor, and/or ITC faculty member to determine a degree plan before registering for classes.

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

Information Technology Careers Program Planning Guide

2023-2024 Required Courses

Network Technology and Security Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
ITC 2000	PC Hardware and Software (A+)	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer technician. Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 1108 or completion of both ENG 0099 and READ 0093/0094 with a grade of C or higher. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
ITC 2100	IT Career Success Skills and Strategies	2
Course Outline Credits: 2 Prepares information technology (IT) students to enter the IT job market or successfully transition into a new career in the IT field. Students will learn effective IT job search skills as well as strategies that will serve to enhance their IT careers once they have obtained employment. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2189	Information Technology Careers Internship	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Provides 192 hours of supervised work experience in the IT field utilizing and extending the IT and business skills learned in information technology courses. The experience is intended to result in new learning and increased capabilities for the intern and the completion of authentic work for the sponsoring organization. Interns are required to abide by all policies governing employees and meet expectations of regular employment. Internships should be paid positions in most circumstances. Approval by faculty supervisor and a successful interview/job offer are required before registering. Contact the faculty internship supervisor to receive additional information about this class including a handbook which details the course and process. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
ITC 2300	Information Technology Services and Applications	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Introduces current technologies and network applications commonly supported and used by information technology professionals above and beyond basic infrastructure or servers, operating systems, and network devices. Explains the fundamental concepts behind and basic hands-on lab experience of at least three technologies such as virtualization, cloud computing, network programmability, VoIP/collaboration, security monitoring, or mobile/BYOD device management which are transforming the IT landscape. Prerequisites: CNT 2520 Routing Protocols and Concepts (CCNA 2) ITC 2515 Introduction to Networks and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 1/2) ITC 2516 Intro to Networks and Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA1/2) ITC 2520 Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA 2) ITC 2530 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation ITC 2536 Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Intro to Cisco Network Sec Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
ITC 2410	Windows Client Administration	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Learn how to support and configure Windows 10 desktops in an enterprise environment. Students will develop skills that include learning how to install, customize, and update the Windows 10 operating system. Key concepts include managing storage, files, and devices as well as how to configure network connectivity for Windows 10. Students will also learn how to secure the Windows 10 OS and protect data on the device. Finally, students will learn how to manage and troubleshoot Windows 10. This class helps prepare you for the Microsoft MD-100 industry exam. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2430	Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to install and configure basic Windows Server technologies in a hybrid environment. Topics include Windows Server installation, configuration, Azure integration, PowerShell, Hyper-V, Active Directory, file and folder sharing, group policy, and data storage/syncing. Students will also configure and manage network and remote access technologies including DNS, DHCP, VPNs, Remote Desktop, and Azure networking. This course helps prepare students for the Microsoft AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure professional certification exam. Prerequisites: CIS 1400 Windows Operating Systems Fundamentals ITC 1400 IT Fundamentals Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2480	Administering Linux Servers	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Learn about the installation, configuration and maintenance of Linux systems with an emphasis on server administration. A major focus of this course is learning the Linux command line interface for system administration tasks including basic scripting. Other topics involve providing network services such as containers, routing, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, and web servers to network clients. This course assumes you have basic familiarity with the Linux command line. It is strongly recommended you have completed ITC 1480 or a free online self-study Linux Essentials course to ensure your comfort with basic Linux usage before taking this course, contact the instructor or department before registering for details. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2516	Intro to Networks and Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA1/2)	6
Course Outline Credits: 6 Introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks as well as the implementation of basic enterprise routing, switching, and wireless technologies. The fundamentals of IP addressing, Ethernet, router, switch, and wireless configuration are practiced through hands-on lab work. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with VLANs, Spanning-Tree, EtherChannel, Wireless LANs, DHCP, SLAAC, static IP routes, and first-hop redundancy protocols. Course Note: The prerequisite for this course can be waived upon proof of passing an IT fundamentals examination administered by the department. Contact the instructor or department for more information. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
ITC 2536	Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Intro to Cisco Network Sec	6
Course Outline Credits: 6 Explores the architecture, components, operations, and security required for large, complex networks, including wide area network (WAN) technologies, and the fundamentals of cryptographic systems. This includes the ability to configure the OSPF routing protocol, access control lists, NAT, firewalls, and VPNs. The course emphasizes network security concepts and introduces network virtualization and automation. Students learn how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices, understand how application programming interfaces (API) and configuration management tools enable network automation, and how to provide for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and network systems. This course completes the coursework preparation for the CCNA certification exam and provides additional network security content. Prerequisites: CNT 2510 Network Fundamentals (CCNA 1) ITC 2510 Introduction to Networks (CCNA1) ITC 2515 Introduction to Networks and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 1/2) ITC 2516 Intro to Networks and Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA1/2) ITC 2520 Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA 2) Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2611	Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (CCNP 1)	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Explores the core technologies of an enterprise network. Focuses on implementing core enterprise network technologies including dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, layer 2, 3, and wireless infrastructure, network assurance, security and automation. This is the first of two courses preparing students for the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise certification. Prerequisites: CNT 2530 LAN Switching and Wireless (CCNA 3) ITC 2530 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation ITC 2535 Scaling and Connecting Networks (CCNA 3/4) ITC 2536 Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Intro to Cisco Network Sec Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
ITC 2621	Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (CCNP 2)	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Explores the implementation and troubleshooting of advanced routing technologies and services. These include: extensive routing protocol troubleshooting, VPN services including DMVPN, infrastructure security troubleshooting, infrastructure services, and infrastructure automation. This course is designed to prepare students for the Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) CCNP exam and is the second in a series of two courses preparing for the CCNP Enterprise certification. Prerequisites: ITC 2536 Enterprise Networking, Security, Automation, and Intro to Cisco Network Sec ITC 2611 Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (CCNP 1) Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2810	Cisco CyberOps Associate	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills used by security analysts working on a Security Operations Centers (SOC) team. These teams keep a vigilant eye on security systems, protecting their organizations by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats and events. This course is designed to prepare you for the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate industry certification exam. Prerequisites: CNT 2300 PC Hardware and Software (A+) ITC 1480 Linux Essentials ITC 2000 PC Hardware and Software (A+) Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
ITC 2900	Information Technology Careers Capstone	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Provides students an opportunity to work with an inside or outside organization in a team environment on a course-long project. Focuses on concepts of problem identification, brainstorming, design, problem solving, teamwork, creativity and evaluation. Present findings in oral and written formats to faculty and industry representatives. This course integrates knowledge and skills attained throughout the Information Technology Careers programs and should be taken your final Spring semester Prerequisites: ITC 2430 Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure ITC 2480 Administering Linux Servers ITC 2516 Intro to Networks and Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (CCNA1/2) Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
Total Credits in Network Technology and Security Curriculum		44

General Education Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
ENG 1108	Writing And Research Skills	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
COMM 1100 COMM 1110 COMM 2230 COMM 2240	Interpersonal Communication OR Public Speaking OR Small Group Communication OR Intercultural Communication	3
Interpersonal Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07 Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Public Speaking Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Small Group Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Intercultural Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08 Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) ‡ OR General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) with lab ‡	3
General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5) ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6) ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in General Education Curriculum		16

Total Credits:

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.