Program Description
Certificate Curriculum
AAS Curriculum
The Network Administration and Cybersecurity programs at Alpena Community College are designed for students who want 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 how to design, manage, secure, and troubleshoot computer networks while gaining experience with the same tools and platforms used by professionals in the field.
ACC offers two Network Administration & Cyber Security program options: a one-year vocational certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Either choice provides you with a solid base of knowledge and practical skills necessary for working with computer network systems.
Program Options
Certificate
The Network Administration Certificate provides a strong entry point into information technology. This program focuses on practical, job-ready skills and prepares students for roles that 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.
AAS Degree
The AAS degree expands on the certificate foundation and prepares students for more advanced network administration and cybersecurity responsibilities.
Students gain hands-on experience in:
-
Network administration and management
-
Information security and ethical hacking
-
Virtualization and cloud technologies
-
Project management and 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
Your job as a network administrator is to plan, install and maintain networks. You will perform basic PC repair, manage security, install and configure applications and databases, and support network users. You will learn to use a variety of diagnostic and software tools to accomplish these tasks.
There are great career opportunities for network administrators. With computer technology becoming more and more sophisticated, businesses and industries of all types and sizes are recognizing the need for employees who have the professional skills and technical background to work with computer networks and translate these complex systems into understandable terms for the rest of the staff.
Employment of computer support specialists is expected to grow 10% through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, while the employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow 5% for the same time period. Growth in these fields will be highest at companies that provide cloud computing technology. Growth is also expected in the healthcare industry as their use of technology increases.
Regarding cybersecurity, employment of security analysts is expected to grow 29% through 2034, much faster than average. While employment of network and computer systems administrators will not grow as fast for the same time period, skilled professionals will still be needed in these vital areas of technology.
As businesses focus on enhancing cybersecurity, they will need security analysts to secure technologies from outside threats or hacks. Increased use of artificial intelligence and the rise of e-commerce have increased the need for enhanced security, contributing to the projected employment growth of these workers over the decade.
Applicants with a strong technical background and who are up to date on the latest technology will have the best job prospects. Your average hourly wage will depend on the size, type, and location of your employer, as well as your skill and experience level. In 2018, the median hourly wage was $26.33 for computer support specialists and $40.15 for network and computer systems administrators.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018-19 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh (visited July 20, 2020).
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 the certificate and AAS programs meets the instruction criteria of various software and hardware vendors. Testing services are provided on campus for many network administration certifications, including CompTIA, A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft MCP, Microsoft MCSA and Cisco CCENT.
Student Resources & Added Value
Students enrolled in the Network Administration & 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 Network Administration & Cyber Security Program
Kyle Zarske
Instructor
CTR 110E
zarskek@alpenacc.edu
989.358.7290