Network and System Administration

Network and System Administration

Maintain Computer Networks

Network and system administration is a fast-paced, challenging field that needs dedicated problem-solvers to maintain the computer networks that keep business moving.

Network and system administrators design, build, integrate, maintain and secure local area networks, design and support server systems and software, and provide end-user support for LAN-based applications.

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Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year. Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.

Graduates of the network and system administration program will be able to:

  1. Design, build, and troubleshoot an Internet capable network.
  2. Implement and deploy operating systems for servers and workstations.
  3. Apply legal concepts to the information technology industry.
  4. Exhibit accepted ethical practices pertaining to the IT Industry.
  5. Formulate a secure network environment.
  6. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
  7. Participate effectively as part of a team.

System Administration Diploma*

 

*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.

Hands-On Learning

Network and System Administration

As part of the Network and System Administration program, you’ll have a chance to apply the skills you learn in the classroom to the real world through extracurricular activities. Participate in the Cyber Defense Club or compete in events at a national level.

Kirkwood placed in the top 100 in the Spring 2023 National Cyber League (NCL) competition. The competition provides a virtual environment for students to both train and advance and their cybersecurity skills. 

Hear from the students who participated:

“By competing in events like this I am constantly learning and honing the kinds of skills that will make me an adept cybersecurity professional once I graduate. It has given me an avenue to implement much of the content that we have covered in classes.”
Ben Merz
Cedar Falls, Iowa

“I recently applied for an internship with a local cybersecurity firm and listed both the NCL Team and Individual events on my resume. I was asked about the skills that I used in NCL during my second-round interview with the company.”
Keegan Paisley
Solon, Iowa

Program Costs

Network and Systems Administration

School Year: 2024–25

Program Entry Semester: Fall

Fall Spring Fall Spring Total
Credit Hours per Semester 15 15 16 18 64
In-State Tuition $3,255 $3,255 $3,472 $3,906 $13,888
Technology Fee per Semester $50 $50 $50 $50 $200
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Conferences/Seminars $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) $695 $605 $185 $495 $1,980
Course/Section Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Laptop (required devices) $2,100 $0 $0 $0 $2,100
Testing Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Third Party Credentials $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Tool Sets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Uniforms $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Estimated Cost $6,100 $3,910 $3,707 $4,451 $18,168

 

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).

Fees and costs are subject to change.

To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.


Laptop Requirements

Students enrolled in this program must purchase or own a laptop to meet hardware specifications within the courses.

View Laptop Requirements

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What career could this lead to?

Explore Careers

Students in Kirkwood's Network & System Administration program are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA). With 45,000 members in more than 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru, BPA has the ability to enhance student participation in professional, civic, service and social endeavors.

BPA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.

Assist students in acquiring the latest tools to provide relevant content for knowledge in network system administration and desktop support.


Keegan Paisley

“I can confidently say that I would not have had this level of instruction elsewhere. Faculty care deeply for the program and it is reflected in their instruction, where they frequently comment on current events and how it ties directly into the material that is being taught.”

Keegan Paisley,
Solon, Iowa


Questions?

Business & Information Technology
203 Nielsen Hall
319-398-5416
business@kirkwood.edu