Cisco Networking and Security Technologies

Master Networking and Security for a Career in an In-Demand Field

CWI students in a network lab looking at cables

Program Overview

Aspiring to excel in the ever-evolving world of networking? The Cisco Networking and Security Technologies program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers you in-depth training for future data communication specialties. Ideal for career paths like LAN specialist, system administrator, and network engineer, this program covers the installation, maintenance, repair, and design of various network types. You will gain hands-on experience with network operating systems, user administration, network security, and LAN design, in preparation for certifications like CCNA, CCNA: Cyber Ops Associate, Linux LPIC-1 and 2, and Python PCEP.

The program emphasizes the use of industry-leading Cisco Networking Academy Curriculum, realistic network simulations, and live physical equipment for lab exercises. This approach ensures when you graduate, you are well-prepared with the knowledge and technical skills required to excel in the IT profession. Partnerships with local companies provide opportunities for internships, enhancing the learning experience and opening doors to potential employment.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Advanced Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Close up of server equipment

Learning Opportunities

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Engage with Cisco's Networking Academy Curriculum for a comprehensive understanding of networking technologies.
  • Hands-On Technical Experience: Gain practical skills through simulations and lab exercises using real network equipment.
  • Certification Preparation: Prepare for industry certifications including CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), and Cisco CyberOps Associate.
  • Internship Opportunities: Utilize connections with local companies for internships, gaining real-world experience.
  • Career Readiness in IT: Equip yourself with the skills necessary for a range of Information Technology (IT) roles, including roles requiring Cisco-specific training.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Advanced Technical Certificate

Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Basic Technical Certificate

Woman looking at tablet next to server equipment

Career Opportunities

  • Project Management Specialists

    Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes “Management Occupations” (11-0000), “Logisticians” (13-1081), “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners” (13-1121), and “Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks” (43-5061).

    28

    Annual Openings*

    $36.96

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $76,877

    Annual Median Salary

    34.14%

    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 Systems Analysts

    Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

    18

    Annual Openings*

    $37.88

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $78,790

    Annual Median Salary

    30.14%

    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 Cisco Networking and Security Technologies as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Clubs

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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.

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