
Information Technology-Networking
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Contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center
David C. Briegel Building, Room 1104
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
askanadvisor@swmich.edu
269-782-1303
Information Technology-Networking
Get started on the path to a high-wage, high-demand career in computer networking for half the cost.
Whether your interests lie in networking, computer security, or computer repair, the IT-Networking degree will provide you with the skills and credentials needed for employment in the field in just two years.
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About the IT-Networking Degree
Technology is the future. In our networking program, you鈥檒l explore the cutting-edge technology shaping our society today so that you graduate ready to improve the world with technological solutions of your own.
In this program, you鈥檒l first get an introduction to the field, learning the basics of computer hardware, maintenance, and repair networking. After you鈥檝e mastered those skills, you鈥檒l move on to in-depth studies of desktop infrastructure, wireless communication, installing and administering servers, network security, CISCO routers and switches, and more.
Along the way, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to pick up internationally-recognized certifications from CompTIA, CISCO, Microsoft, and more. You鈥檒l also gain invaluable business and professionalism skills such as project management, presentation, and business communication.
Finally, you鈥檒l put everything together and apply your know-how in an internship, where you鈥檒l solidify your skills and gain confidence and resume-worthy experience. You鈥檒l graduate fully prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and experience needed for success as a networking professional capable of advancing to management positions.
You can choose to specialize in network security or systems administration.
The Associate in Applied Science in Networking is a two-year degree designed to help you get entry-level work in a related field. It can also be adapted to transfer to a four-year school for a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Many of SMC鈥檚 courses transfer well to most universities.
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What You’ll Learn
View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology-Networking.
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What Can I Do With an Information Technology-Networking Degree?
Networking is how computers operate and communicate with one another. It's how you are able to send emails from one computer to another, view a company's web page, or stream music. Because technology pervades almost every area of our lives, IT professionals will also be in demand in the workforce.
Networking professionals install, configure, maintain, and fix computer systems and software. IT professionals have the unique opportunity of working in any industry. You can apply your skills to the philanthropic work of a non profit, a tech start-up or small business, a corporate organization, or anywhere else that relies on technology.
Jobs are usually high-paying and plentiful.
Careers and Salaries Career Option Salary Network Administrator: $95,360 Computer Systems Analyst: $103,800 Information Security Analyst: $120,360 Computer Network Architects: $129,840 Computer and Information System Managers: $169,510 2023 median pay. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Related Programs
Student Clubs
IT Club
IT Club members meet to discuss IT-related activities and concepts. Field trips have been taken to cities such as the Indianapolis gaming convention. All students who have an interest in IT are welcome to become members.
Gaming Club
Students are able to gather and compete with one another while playing popular online video games. Gaming club members can also contribute to eSports activities. All students who have an interest in IT are welcome to become members.

Barbara Wood Building
The Barbara Wood Building is home to all business, accounting, paralegal, and IT classes at SMC.