Network Administration is among the fastest growing fields in today's global society.
Major Details
In the Network & System Administration program at Minnesota State College Southeast, you will learn to meet the challenges of an ever-changing computer-networking environment. Demand for network administrators is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks.
At Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, students are trained in designing, planning, implementing and managing network systems with an emphasis on a "hands-on" applied approach to learning. The hands-on approach stressed throughout the program adds a dimension necessary to acquire practical troubleshooting skills to function efficiently in this complex computer field.
The Network & System Administration Associate of Applied Science degree includes 15 credits of general college education in communications, math, and liberal arts and 45 credits of technical coursework. Students complete a capstone project in their final semester of study.
Hands-on experience covers Windows Workstation, Windows Server, Cisco Networking, Linux Operating Systems, Server Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and more.
Critical skills in security, dealing with threats, and countermeasures are also taught, so upon graduation, you will be ready to begin a career as a professional in this high paying, in-demand occupation.
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Courses
1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
NWAT1601
Windows Workstation I
This course will explore the MS workstation networking client. The students will learn how to plan, install and configure a MS workstation in a single and multi-domain environment. Emphasis will be placed on the managing, monitoring and optimizing of network resources. Basic troubleshooting techniques will be discussed as it relates to the Microsoft networking environment. The use of diagnostic and monitoring software will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
NWAT1602
Windows Workstation II
This course will explore the Microsoft Workstation desktop operating system environment. Students will learn how to plan, install, and configure a Microsoft workstation in a standalone and domain environment. Various system management topics will be discussed including system utilities, managing disks, file systems, users, and security. Troubleshooting techniques will be discussed as they relate to Microsoft networking environment. (Prerequisite: NWAT1601) (1 credits: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
NWAT1607
IT Fundamentals
Students will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot PC computer equipment, mobile devices, and various peripherals. A variety of hardware, software, and cybersecurity methods will be covered such as taking a computer apart, motherboards, processors, memory, power, storage devices, I/O devices, introduction to networks, supporting mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing, and customer support. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA A+ industry certification and students will be prepared to take the exam upon completion of this course. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1641
Networking Fundamentals
This course will provide students with the technical skills necessary to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot networks that businesses rely on. Students will gain experience with networking fundamentals, network implementations, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA Network+ industry certification. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1649
Windows Server I
This course will provide students with an introduction to the Microsoft Windows Server operating system and basic administration tasks. Students will gain experience with key features including active directory, creating and managing user accounts, printing, installing a network operating system, performance monitoring, and backups. (Prerequisite: NWAT1601, NWAT1602) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT1650
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Students will gain experience with attacks, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, design, implementation, operations, incident response, and risk compliance. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA Security+ industry certification and students will be prepared to take the exam upon completion of this course. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2100
Cisco Networking I
Begin preparing for a networking career with this introduction to how networks operate. This course introduces network architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements. You get a chance to build a simple local area network (LAN), develop a working knowledge of IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and you will perform basic configurations for routers and switches. This is one of three CCNA courses that will help you prepare for the Cisco CCNA certification. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2110
Cloud Computing
This course introduces students to the skills they need to deploy and automate secure cloud environments that support the high availability of business systems and data. You will learn important concepts including cloud architecture & design, cloud security, cloud deployment, operations & support, and troubleshooting. This curriculum is aligned with CompTIA Cloud+ industry certification and helps students prepare for the exam upon completion of this course. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2125
Server Virtualization
This course introduces students to the skills they need to deploy and manage virtual server environments that can be used to create IT environments that are flexible, scalable, and highly available to support the needs of today's business systems. Students will get hands on experience with various server virtualization products including VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V. (Prerequisite: NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2200
Cisco Networking II
This course is the second course in the CCNA curriculum and focuses on switching technologies and router operations that support small to medium sized business networks. It includes wireless local area networks and security concepts. Students learn key switching and routing concepts. They can perform basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identify and mitigate LAN security threats, and configure a secure and basic WLAN. (Prerequisite: NWAT2100) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2300
Cisco Networking III
This course is the third course in the CCNA curriculum. This course describes the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks. This course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. It also introduces software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Students gain skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks and learn to identify and protect against cybersecurity threats. They are introduced to network management tools and learn key concepts of software-defined networking, including controller-based architectures and how application programming interfaces (APIs) enable network automation. (Prerequisite: NWAT2200) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2669
Windows Server II
This course prepares students for more advanced Microsoft Windows Server operating system administration experience. Students will gain experience with key features including advanced TCP/IP configuration, DNS, DHCP, remote access, network policies, and other advanced networking solutions. (Prerequisites: NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2673
Linux Operating Systems
This course will provide students with an introduction to the Linux operating system and basic administration tasks so they can manage everything from cars and smartphones to servers and supercomputers as a vast number of everyday technology runs on the Linux operating system. Students will gain experience with key features including hardware & software configuration, system operation & maintenance, security, troubleshooting, and automation. This course aligns with CompTIA Linux+ industry certification and will help prepare students to take the exam after completing the course. (Prerequisites: NWAT1601, NWAT1602) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2676
Wireless Communications
This course provides a survey of techniques and procedures followed in the development of business computer information systems. Topics include structured approaches to needs assessment, specification, design, system development, documentation development and implementation of new systems. Students will be introduced to various CASE tools and their uses in system analysis and design. The student will use these tools to plan and create systems based on different network scenarios. (Prerequisites: NWAT1641, NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2684
Windows Server & Desktop Security
This course prepares students to manage a Microsoft Windows network in the enterprise. Students will gain experience with key features including Active Directory, configuring group policies, domain controllers, certificate services, and other advanced active directory concepts. (Prerequisites: NWAT1649) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
NWAT2950
Network & Server Administration Capstone
This course provides students with skills that will prepare them for a rewarding career in the IT field. Topics covered will be advanced troubleshooting lab projects, industry certifications, and job searching skills. Upon completion of this course a student will have an actionable plan to begin job searching and obtaining industry certifications. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 60 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $12,537 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $830 |
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| Estimated Total: | $13,367 |
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Career Opportunities
- Network Administration Assistant
- Microsoft Network Administrator
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Internet Network Assistant
- Network Administrator Assistant
- Certified Netware Administrator
- Hardware and Software Technicians
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Networking & System Administration program graduates will be able to:
- Analyze, plan for and support operating system maintenance.
- Evaluate, identify and implement appropriate security standards.
- Acquire technical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level employment in the information and technology fields.
- Design, build and manage PC networks in a multi-vendor OS environment. (Microsoft, Novell or Unix etc.)
- Configure and implement routers and switches to operate in a typical LAN/WAN environment.
- Perform TCP/IP skills in using and configuring network protocols.
- Identifying, implementing and configuring security best practices.
Highlights
- Curriculum is designed to be "hands-on"
- Fast growing, challenging field
- Flexible online courses ideal for working adults
- Cisco Certified and Microsoft Certified
Instructors
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Benjamin Adank
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Ben Adank is a full-time faculty member in the Cyber Information & Security and Network Systems & Administration programs. He taught as an adjunct and part time instructor in both areas from 2011-2020. As an industry expert at Itechra, a full service IT consulting company based in Winona, Ben brings a wealth of experience to his role at the college.
Ben holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Bemidji State University and an associate degree in Information Technology from Western Technical College. He volunteers in the community as an elected official in Milton, WI; a founding board member of the Cochrane Fountain Youth Athletic Association; and as a Winona Chamber of Commerce board member.