Network Administration and Engineering

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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.

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Choose Your Network Administration Pathway

Computer Networking Technician Diploma (9 months) You gain knowledge in Cisco networking, Linux system administration, and Windows servers, as well as workplace soft skills.

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

Explore the Computer Networking Technician Diploma option

Network Administration & Engineering AAS Degree (2 years) Expand your Cisco networking and Windows server knowledge, with experience in virtual machines, network security, SQL database, and project management. You also complete an internship.

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

Hands-On Learning Hawkeye's Data Center

Learn how to set up and keep networks running smoothly, including how to keep them safe from hackers and fix them if something goes wrong. You get hands-on experience with the latest Microsoft desktop, server, Exchange, and SQL server systems.

Graduate Spotlight Tyler Ramirez

As a first-generation college student, Tyler wasn’t ready to go too far from home. Luckily for him, an IT program with a stellar reputation was practically in his backyard.

Play Graduate Spotlight: Tyler Ramirez

Graduate Spotlight Joe Gordon

Joe Gordon came to Hawkeye because of the strong reputation of its IT programs. He soon found his own experience lived up to the hype.

Play A great career in Network Administration. Featuring Joe Gordon

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Meet Your Instructor: Todd Bengen

"There's a strong need for IT professionals. If you complete your degree, acquire an internship to gain valuable on the job experience, and earn a certification—there's a job with your name on it."

Meet Your Instructor: Chad Dean

“Information technology demands that you become a lifelong learner. That’s why I got into it, to join a profession that requires constant learning. I've seen people come in with little to no knowledge about the IT industry, but I’ve seen those same students work hard, graduate in two years, and get high-paying jobs. This is the reason I enjoy teaching."

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

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

Program Admission Requirements

Assessment Scores

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.

Program Acceptance

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.