Information Technology - Network Specialist

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/information-technology-network-specialist/

Program Number: 10-150-2
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac, most courses available at the West Bend campus.
This program is eligible for financial aid

Learn valuable skills to provide network support at businesses and organizations with the Information Technology - Network Specialist associate degree program from Moraine Park Technical College.

About the Program

The Information Technology – Network Specialist program prepares students to maintain security and integrity of a company’s network. Although the duties of a network specialist may vary depending on the organization, students in MPTC’s Information Technology - Network Specialist courses are prepared to provide a wide-range of network needs including network support, installation, administration and integration.

What You'll Learn

With instruction based on industry standards and certifications, students learn to implement computer networks and operating systems. A focus is placed on network security and troubleshooting. Integrated technologies are also a major component of this program. Courses in this program align with Checkpoint Secure Academy and help students prepare for the Comp TIA A+ certification and the Comp TIA Network+ certification. Students will earn the Google IT Support Certificate. Curriculum is aligned with industry recognized standards and prepares students for certification in IT security.

Coursework may be offered in a sequence and time frame to meet the needs of part-time and full-time students.

Earn Two Information Technology Degrees at Once!

With only 12 additional credits, students can earn both the Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only five terms (just under two and a half years). Interested students should follow the Dual Degree Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology - Technical Support Specialist program guide.

With an additional 21 credits, students can earn both the Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only five terms. Students should follow the Dual Degree Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist and Information Technology - Network Specialist program guide.

Earn Three Information Technology Degrees at Once (3-in-3)!

With an additional 30 credits, students can earn the Information Technology - Network Specialist, Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist and Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist Associate of Applied Science degrees in only six terms (three degrees within three years!). Students should follow the Triple Degree Information Technology - Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Technology - Network Specialist and Information Technology – Technical Support Specialist program guide.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
150-107 IT Fundamentals 1 3
150-108 IT Fundamentals 2 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
890-101 College 101 2
Mathematics Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
150-120 Microsoft Servers 3
150-122 Virtualization 3
154-113 Help Desk Concepts 3
154-116 Computer Software Support 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 3
150-130 IT Administration and Microsoft 365 Administrator 3
150-145 Active Directory/Group Policy Management 3
150-191 Principles of Information Security 3
154-117 Computer Hardware Support 3
801-197 Technical Reporting 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
150-110 Cloud Computing 3
150-115 Emerging Innovations in Technology 3
150-126 Internet of Things 3
150-141 Computer Network Installation 3
Behavioral Science Course 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits18
 Total Credits63

Program Outcomes

  • Implement computer networks.
  • Implement client systems.
  • Implement server operating systems.
  • Implement network security components.
  • Develop technical documentation.
  • Troubleshoot network systems.

Career Opportunities

  • Network Analyst
  • Network Administrator
  • Network Specialist
  • Network Manager
  • Network Integration Specialist

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$51,736