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) 24-25

    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 $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    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
    • 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 Preference Policy

      Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until May 1, 2024:

      1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
      2. Non-District State Residents
      3. Out-of-State Residents

    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