The IT-Cybersecurity and Network Administration program provides students with the skills required to maintain a secure IT system along with the expertise to design, install, and manage the integrity of a computer network infrastructure. Equipment and technology used in this program includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, anomaly identification systems, physical server computing, cloud computing, and associated physical security technologies. Students will work with business class systems such as Microsoft, Linux, and Mac OS. Extensive hands-on, real-world, experiences with real equipment are provided to gain the immense knowledge required to accurately configure and secure network systems.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    Students entering the IT-Cybersecurity and Network Administration program should:

    • Be a digital native and have a curiosity for technology.
    • Have an eye for detail and possess an analytical and creative mind.
    • Like to solve problems and be challenged.
    • Enjoy working independently and in teams.

    Program Basics

    • Associate degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in August and January.
    • Modified plan available.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,932
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $10,305
    Books and Supplies $1,463
    Personal Expenses $3,065
    Transportation $4,103
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $700
    Loan Fees $85
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $24,653
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $12,327

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
      • Admissions Preference Policy
      Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.

    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

      Helpful Academic Background

      • Oral and written communication skills
      • Keyboarding
      • Computer applications and concepts

      Program Fees

      • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
      • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
      • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
    • Outcomes

    • Program Outcomes

      At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

      • Identify security strategies
      • Implement secure infrastructures
      • Conduct security testing
      • Analyze security data
      • Mitigate risk
      • Develop security documentation
    • Career Opportunities

    • Graduates are prepared for positions in a wide variety of organizations and businesses. Opportunities for employment exist in accounting firms, banks, schools, hospitals, insurance companies, manufacturing firms, and government agencies as:

      • Network and Computer Systems Administrators
      • IT Support Specialist
      • System Administrator
      • Information Security Analyst
      • Information Security Engineer
      • Network Systems Administrator
      • Network Security Technician
      • Penetration Testers
      • Digital Forensics Analysts

      Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

    • Transfers
    • Prior Learning

    • Credit for Prior Learning

      Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

      Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

      For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

      At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

      IT - Cybersecurity Specialist Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

      Course # Course Title
      Challenge Exam
      (Demonstration)
      Challenge Exam
      (Standard)
      CLEP
      Credential
      Portfolio
      10-103-106Beginning Microsoft ExcelYes
      Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
      10-103-118Intermediate Microsoft ExcelYes
      Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
      10-150-121VMWare VCP EssentialsYes
      VMWare Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCA6-DCV)
      10-150-126Premises Cabling TechnicianYes
      FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
      10-151-102Cybersecurity EssentialsYes
      + Cisco Networking and Security (10-151-103) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
      10-151-103Cisco Networking and SecurityYes
      + Cybersecurity Essentials (10-151-102) Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
      10-151-104Linux Administration and SecurityYes
      LPI LPIC-1 101 exam (need 102 exam for LPIC 1 Certification)
      10-151-107Cybersecurity OperationsYes
      Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS)
      10-151-110Network Defense & ForensicsYes
      CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
      10-620-156Fiber Optic Cabling TechnicianYes
      FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
      10-801-136English Composition 1Yes
      CLEP Test - College Composition
      10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal CommunicationYes
      10-809-195EconomicsYes
      CLEP Test - Principles of Macroeconomics