Network and System Administration

Launch Your IT Career with Expertise in Network Design and System Security

Student working on server

Program Overview

Interested in a career at the forefront of technology? The Network and System Administration program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your entry into the world of digital infrastructure. This program equips you with the expertise to manage and maintain the vital networks and systems upon which modern businesses rely. You will delve into topics such as network design, system security, and data management, gaining skills in high demand across various industries.

Our hands-on approach ensures you gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. You will work with the latest technology and software, preparing you for the challenges of a rapidly-evolving digital landscape. Whether you are looking to start a new career or advance in the field of Information Technology (IT), this program offers the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Advanced Technical Certificate

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Students working on wiring to servers in lab

Learning Opportunities

  • Network Mastery: Learn the intricacies of network design and management, becoming proficient in modern networking technologies.
  • Security Skills: Develop a deep understanding of system security and data protection, crucial for safeguarding digital information.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience with cutting-edge software and hardware used in network and system administration.
  • Problem-Solving Techniques: Hone your skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving, essential for maintaining reliable digital systems.
  • Certification Preparation: Ready yourself for important industry certifications valued by employers including CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Administering Windows Server, and Certiport IT Specialist in Networking, Databases, and Cybersecurity.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Network and System Administration – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Network and System Administration – Advanced Technical Certificate

Network and System Administration – Intermediate Technical Certificate

Network and System Administrator working on servers

Career Opportunities

  • Software Developers

    Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

    30

    Annual Openings*

    $46.11

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $95,909

    Annual Median Salary

    50.97%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

    Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings. Excludes “Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers” (49-9052).

    26

    Annual Openings*

    $27.52

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $57,242

    Annual Median Salary

    28%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    22

    Annual Openings*

    $35.66

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,173

    Annual Median Salary

    35.75%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators

    Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. Excludes “Information Security Analysts” (15-1212), “Computer Network Support Specialists” (15-1231), and “Computer User Support Specialists” (15-1232).

    22

    Annual Openings*

    $36.02

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,922

    Annual Median Salary

    22.45%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer and Information Systems Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Excludes “Computer Occupations” (15-1211 through 15-1299).

    17

    Annual Openings*

    $49.32

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $102,586

    Annual Median Salary

    44.06%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Information Security Analysts

    Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Excludes “Computer Network Architects” (15-1241).

    13

    Annual Openings*

    $47.21

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $98,197

    Annual Median Salary

    43.72%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Network Support Specialists

    Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Excludes “Computer Network Architects” (15-1241) and “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

    12

    Annual Openings*

    $23.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,171

    Annual Median Salary

    32.63%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Network Architects

    Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Excludes “Information Security Analysts” (15-1212), “Computer Network Support Specialists” (15-1231), and “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

    10

    Annual Openings*

    $38.36

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $79,789

    Annual Median Salary

    25.7%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Programmers

    Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $30.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $62,712

    Annual Median Salary

    2.09%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Database Administrators

    Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. Excludes “Information Security Analysts” (15-1212) and “Database Architects” (15-1243).

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $36.26

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $75,421

    Annual Median Salary

    30.73%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Database Architects

    Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. Excludes “Database Administrators” (15-1242).

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $62.83

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $130,686

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $62.54

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $130,083

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Network and System Administration as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Business Professionals of America

College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related career fields.

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SkillsUSA

College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.

News

Work-Based Learning Center is proud to host a Technology Job Fair on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Ada County Center Pintail Building.

Read more about Explore Exciting Opportunities at Technology Job Fair

Allied Business Solutions donates $5,000 to empower Information Technology students at CWI.

Read more about Donation Empowers Information Technology Students

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to Students

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals

Prepare for a career in the field of information technology with hands-on learning utilizing current technologies in real-world scenarios.

Read more about Networking Technology Programs Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.

Read more about Education Sparks Future

Congratulations to Mindy Young, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for April 2019.

Read more about Faculty of Distinction—April 2019

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

Ada County Center hosts Super Smash Bros Wii U Tournament and Party with prizes, food and fun

Read more about First Annual CTE Super Smash Bros Smashfest

CWI earned 32 top-five finishes at the 2016 Idaho Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference.

Read more about CWI Students Score Big at BPA Competition
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