Employers seek computer networking expertise for enhancing infrastructure, which drives productivity and efficiency within their organizations.

Why Consider an IT-Network Specialist Degree?

You are interested in analyzing, testing, and troubleshooting local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks.
Keeping technically relevant so you can apply new knowledge to your job is a challenge you welcome.
You want an in-demand career offering high wages and opportunities for future advancement in almost any industry.
Collaborating with others to resolve IT issues is something you look forward to doing.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

Start in August or January.
Courses are offered in flexible online and in-person formats.
Learn from expert instructors with decades of IT work experience across a variety of industries.
Because of our low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get to know instructors and fellow students. • Smoothly transfer your degree to several university partners to complete a bachelor’s degree.

What It Takes

Interest in technology, computers and electronics
Ability to identify complex problems, develop options and implement solutions
Motivation to take on responsibilities and challenges
Willingness to stay well-informed about new technology
Ability to work well with and help others
Attention to detail

Career Area

Information Technology (IT)

Type

Associate Degree

Program Number

10-150-2

Availability

In-Person

Associate Degree
4 Terms
60 Credits
Financial Aid Eligible
Starts August / January

Career Outlook

IT Network Specialist

Median Income: $67,809.00*

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

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.

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

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.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.

Admissions and Enrollment Waitlist and Petition Flexible Learning Courses

Admission and First Semester Enrollment Steps

Submit online application
Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire
Complete Get Started at Lakeshore appointment
- Application Check-in
- College Orientation Overview
- 1st Time Program Registration

Submit high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores (optional, highly recommended). Official transcripts will be needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

Tuition Cost: $9,701.95
Book Cost: $458.00
Supply Cost: $0.00
Program Total: $10.159.95

Some of Lakeshore College’s programs may reach program capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will follow the Admissions Procedure to establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. In addition, some programs may offer a petition process outlined in their specific program handbook.

Designed to fit your life schedule, iFlex scheduling provides flexibility to attend courses through a blend of online and face-to-face, totally online, or flexing between these two modes on a weekly basis. Students will have identical learning components (assessments and lecture materials) whether sitting in the classroom or learning online.

Apply Now

Faculty Bios

Steve DiBona

My favorite thing about teaching is watching students develop the skills they need to become successful IT professionals.

Learn More About This Instructor

Nathan Taylor

There are so many awesome jobs out there and Lakeshore is a great way to get started or move up in your chosen profession. The resources and staff here are amazing.

Learn More About This Instructor