Network Administration and Engineering

A Future-Forward Career

Computer networks keep our world connected and running. As a network administrator, you build, secure, and repair those networks. You can identify and solve complex issues to ensure IT infrastructure runs smoothly.

Apply at Hawkeye Today

Choose Your Network Administration Pathway

background
  • Cisco networking
  • Linux system administration
  • Windows server
  • Workplace communication
  • Introduction to Database
  • A+ Certification prep

Explore the Computer Networking Technician Diploma option

  • Cisco networking
  • Linux system administration
  • Windows server
  • Workplace communication
  • Introduction to Database
  • A+ Certification prep
  • Microsoft Azure fundamentals
  • Virtual machines
  • SQL database
  • Project management

Explore the Network Administration & Engineering AAS degree option

Program Overview

You will graduate with skills in and experience with:

  • Basic PC hardware and operating systems
  • Microsoft Office
  • Databases
  • Server operating systems
  • Computer networking.
  • Advanced IT technologies including virtualization
  • Email systems
  • Server management
  • Project management
  • SQL
  • IT security

In Hawkeye’s data center, you build and maintain industry-standard networks, secure the network, protect against hacking attacks, and recover from attacks.

You get experience with the latest Microsoft desktop, server, Exchange, and SQL server platforms.

Gain 192 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.

Certifications are essential in the IT field. Hawkeye is a Cisco Regional Academy and VMware IT Academy. You can earn Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA, and VMware certifications.

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

These are just a few of the companies that hire Network Administration and Engineering graduates:

  • ACES, Cedar Falls, IA
  • BerganKDV, Waterloo, IA
  • CBE Group, Cedar Falls, IA
  • CDW, Minneapolis, MN
  • Cedar Falls Utilities, Cedar Falls, IA
  • John Deere, Waterloo, IA
  • EO Johnson Business Technologies, Cedar Falls, IA
  • The VGM Group, Waterloo, IA

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway to UNI's Technology Management program. Check out UNI’s transfer guide to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with an academic advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer

The Hawkeye Difference

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Admission Requirements

To enroll this program, you’ll need to meet the minimum score requirements.

  ALEKS ACCUPLACER Next Generation ACCUPLACER Classic COMPASS ACT GPA
Math 14 255 Arithmetic
246 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
63 Arithmetic
56 Elementary Algebra
39 Pre-Algebra 16  
Literacy   239 Reading or
240 Writing
58 Reading or
64 Sentence Skills
69 Reading or
41 Writing
16 Reading or
16 English
2.25

You can take the ALEKS Placement Assessment online. If you prefer, you can take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation or ACT at Hawkeye. While ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS aren’t offered anymore, you can still use your scores from those tests if you took them before for program admission.

If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements, you can take success courses instead. Talk to your academic advisor to help you find the right courses to get started.

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Last Names A–L

Brittany Warren
Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4014 ext.1086
Email Brittany Warren

Last Names M–Z

Honey Lynn
Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4014 ext.1083
Email Honey Lynn

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Todd Bengen
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 114
319-296-2329 ext.1124
Email Todd Bengen

Last Names N–Z

Chad Dean
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 106
319-296-2329 ext.1707
Email Chad Dean