Program Description
Cybersecurity Certificate Curriculum
Network Administration Certificate Curriculum
Information Technology AAS Curriculum
The Information Technology and Cybersecurity programs at ACC are designed for students seeking hands-on, practical training in today’s in-demand IT systems. Whether you’re starting your IT career or building advanced technical skills, ACC offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes, modern labs, and industry-aligned coursework.
Students learn to design, manage, secure, and troubleshoot computer networks using the same tools and platforms found in the industry. A video uplink system connects remote students for flexible learning.
ACC offers three Information Technology and Cybersecurity program options: a one-year vocational certificate in cybersecurity, a one-year vocational certificate in network administration, and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in information technology. Each choice provides you with knowledge and practical skills for the field.
Program Options
Cybersecurity Certificate
This accelerated program prepares students for entry-level cybersecurity. Students learn to identify and remediate security issues while building foundational computer systems and programming skills.
Network Administration Certificate
The Network Administration Certificate provides a strong entry point into information technology. This program focuses on practical, job-ready skills and prepares students to support and maintain computer systems.
Students develop:
- Helpdesk and technical support skills
- LAN maintenance and administration knowledge
- Problem-solving and communication skills through real-world scenarios
- Experience using simulations, case studies, and process mapping
This certificate offers a well-rounded foundation for IT infrastructure roles and can also serve as a stepping stone into the associate degree program.
Information Technology AAS Degree
Turn your interest in technology into a career! ACC’s Information Technology program gives you hands-on experience with the tools and systems businesses use every day.
Whether you want to work in cybersecurity, network administration, technical support, or another IT field, this program provides the practical skills employers are looking for.
Students gain hands-on experience in:
- Network administration and management
- Information security and ethical hacking
- Virtualization and cloud technologies
- Project management
- Scripting
This program is ideal for students who want deeper technical expertise and broader opportunities across IT and cybersecurity environments.
Preparation
Before starting any program at ACC, a student’s academic background, assessment scores, or testing results are reviewed to determine the right courses to take. Review classes are also available to prepare students to meet the academic requirements of these programs.
Career Options
With computer technology becoming more sophisticated, businesses and industries of all types and sizes need employees who have the professional skills and technical background to work with computer networks and explain complex systems to others.
Employment of security analysts is expected to grow 29% through 2034. Businesses continue to need skilled cybersecurity and network professionals to secure systems and support evolving technologies.
As businesses focus on enhancing cybersecurity, they will need security analysts to secure technologies from outside threats and hackers. Increased use of artificial intelligence and e-commerce has increased the need for enhanced security, contributing to the projected employment growth of these workers.
Applicants with a strong technical background and who are up-to-date on the latest technology will have the best job prospects. Your hourly wage will depend on the size, type, and location of your employer, as well as your skill and experience level. In 2024, the median hourly wage was $60.05 for information security analysts and $46.54 for network and computer systems administrators.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh (visited June 9, 2026).
Hands-On Learning Environment
You’ll learn in our modern Lafarge-Alpena Plant Computer Center with seven state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with a variety of information technology hardware and software resources. A video uplink system connects students from our Oscoda campus, and computer stations are designed to accommodate both hands-on and theory styles of learning.
Industry Tools & Technologies
Throughout the program, students work with widely used platforms and systems, including:
- Windows and Linux operating systems
- Cisco IOS networking
- Microsoft Azure
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- PowerShell and scripting tools
These experiences help students become comfortable with professional-level technology before entering the workforce.
Certification
The curriculum for these programs meets the instruction criteria of various software and hardware vendors. Courses also give students experience with in-demand platforms including Windows, Linux, Cisco IOS, Azure, AWS, and PowerShell. ACC is a member of AWS Academy, Cisco Networking Academy, and CompTIA Academic Partner programs, giving students discounts on many certification tests. Testing services are provided on campus for many certifications.
Student Resources & Added Value
Students enrolled in the Information Technology & Cybersecurity programs receive access to valuable learning resources, including:
- Azure for Students, allowing access to professional software and technical tools
- Downloadable, full-version software for practice outside the classroom
- Resources available for the duration of program enrollment
These tools allow students to continue building skills beyond scheduled class time.
Contact the Information Technology & Cybersecurity Program
Kyle Zarske
Instructor
BTC 109D
zarskek@alpenacc.edu
989.358.7290