Is This Program for You?

Do you have strong analytical and technical skills? If the challenge of creating a computer network strategy, troubleshooting problems, and installing hardware and software appeals to you, this program may help make your career dreams a reality.

Students entering the IT-Network Specialist program should:

• Possess an analytical and creative ability.
• Like to solve problems and be persistent.
• Be able to think logically.
• Have good basic reading and math skills.
• Have good oral and written communication skills.

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.

Cost of Attendance (COA) 23-24

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.

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.

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 January 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

• Math skills
• 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.

Program Outcomes

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

• Implement computer networks
• Implement client systems
• Implement server operating systems
• Implement network security components
• Develop technical documentation
• Troubleshoot network systems
• Implement a database
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of office applications
• Implement a voice communications network

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 Administrator: Designs, implements, and maintains local area and wide-area computer networks needed for the efficient functioning of the firm
• Network Assistant: Assists the network administrator with all aspects of the firm's information network(s)
• Information Technology Support: Works directly with end users to maintain and troubleshoot information systems

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

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

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-103-106	Beginning Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-103-111	Beginning Microsoft Access
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-103-118	Intermediate Microsoft Excel
	Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
10-150-102	Cisco Networking
	Cisco CCNET Certification
10-150-103	Firewall/VPN
	Cisco CCNA Security (210-260 IINS)
10-150-115	Principles of Information Security
	CompTIA Security+
10-150-121	VMWare VCP Essentials
	VMWare Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCA6-DCV)
10-150-126	Premises Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
10-150-130	Linux Essentials
	LPI Linux Essentials
10-154-101	Comp TIA A+ Essentials
	CompTIA A+ Certified
10-154-106	Comp TIA A+ Practical Applications
	CompTIA A+ Certified
10-620-156	Fiber Optic Cabling Technician
	FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-801-196	Oral/Interpersonal Communication
10-801-197	Technical Reporting
10-809-195	Economics
	CLEP Test - Principles of Macroeconomics