Technical Diploma
School of Business
Downtown Milwaukee Campus
Also offered entirely online
Program Code: 31-150-2

For Information: 414-297-MATC

Overview — Prepare for a career in designing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and implementing security on computers, computer networks and network operating systems. Through hands-on activities, you will set up and configure network operating systems and network equipment such as servers, PCs, switches and routers, and work with emerging technologies such as machine virtualization.

The program also prepares you for many industry-sought certifications including the VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV), Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) - Windows 7, MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

Keys to your success include keeping up with the latest technologies, having strong problem-solving skills, and having the ability to work alone and with others in training and troubleshooting capacities.

Online and Accelerated Options — The courses in this diploma can be taken in a traditional face-to-face format, in an accelerated online format or in an accelerated face-to-face format. For information about the accelerated options, refer to http://www.matc.edu/business/accelerated/it-network-specialist.cfm

Career Outlook — This program will prepare you to obtain an entry-level information technology position with possibilities for advancement. Employment opportunities are expected to grow dramatically including positions for network administrators, network specialists, network technicians and desktop support specialists.

Added Career Value —  After earning this diploma, the credits can be applied toward completing the IT Network Specialist associate degree.

Program Learning Outcomes — Employers will expect graduates  to: 

• Implement and manage network security
  
• Install and upgrade network/server hardware, software and operating systems
  
• Support, monitor and maintain computers and computer networks
  
• Control network access using firewalls, ACLs and VLANs
  
• Implement methods to increase network performance
  
• Troubleshoot and resolve network problems
  
• Work with emerging technologies such as machine virtualization, wireless networking and VoIP
  
• Develop technical documentation
  
• Concentrate on detailed projects for long periods of time
  
• Solve problems individually and in a team environment

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
  
• One year of high school-level algebra or one semester of college-level algebra
  
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment

Possible Careers:
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Desktop Support Specialist
IT Field Technician
Junior Network Administrator
Junior Network Engineer/Analyst/Specialist
Network Specialist
Network Technician
VMware System Administrator


Related Programs:
IT Computer Support Specialist
IT Information Systems Security Specialist
IT Network Specialist
IT Network Specialist - Accelerated
Digital Forensics Analyst

Start Dates: August/January

Curriculum effective 2014-15.

‡ Prerequisite required.  

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

For course descriptions, class times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.

Page updated April 2014.