Network Administrator
Network AdministratorCoursesLinks of InterestFaculty & StaffCoordinatorApply Now
About the Program
Students earning this degree will be prepared to pursue information technology and networking careers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial services, education, entertainment, and more. With an emphasis on practical experience, students learn the basics of routing, switching, wireless, troubleshooting, and other advanced technologies to prepare for the globally-recognized Cisco CCNA® certification, continued education, and for entry-level career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth and excellent job prospects for Network Administrators.
What will I learn?With an emphasis on practical experience, students learn the basics of routing, switching; managing firewalls and wireless networks, including Windows Server operating systems; how to add, manage, and troubleshoot various network enterprise services; and a familiarization with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Platform and Palo Alto Firewall configuration. |
What can I do with this course of study?This program prepares students to work for organizations that provide enterprise network services to clients as well as organizations that adopt Cisco and Windows solutions to manage their networks. In addition, this program prepares you for work as a systems administrator, network technician, and level 2 help desk specialist. Finally, this program prepares students to work as Linux administrators or manage Cisco routers, firewalls, and switches in the private and public sectors. |
What is special about this program?
Students who enroll in this program can earn their Network +, Security +, Linux+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Security certifications. Careers Available: The following titles are examples of careers associated with both the Network Administrator and Information Security & Assurance programs but not limited to:
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Network Installer
- Network Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Information Technology Specialist
- Data Security
- Computer Security
- Information Security Officer Specialist
Alamo Colleges Ready to Work ProgramConnecting you with training programs at the Alamo Colleges – and beyond. One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. The CHW certification and AAS in Community Health is approved by Ready to Work. Academic credit courses and accelerated Continuing Education (CE) course leading to certification and AAS are available. Academic students interested in SARTW funding their CHW education should contact Sandra Lopez, Coordinator of Student Success. Email: slopez92@alamo.edu Phone: 210-485-0302 |
The Alamo Colleges District is a proud partner of the City of San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program. |
Available Courses:
ITNW 1308 - Implementing and Supporting Client Operating Systems ITCC 1414 - CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks *** ITCC 1444 - CCNA 2: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials ENGL 1301 - Composition I ITNW 1425 - Fundamentals of Networking Technologies ITNW 1454 - Implementing and Supporting Servers ITSC 1316 - Linux Installation and Configuration Select 1 from the following: |
Select 1 from the following: Language, Philosophy & Culture (40) Core or Creative Arts (50) Core Select 1 from the following: Social and Behavioral Sciences (80) Core ITNW 2473 - Amazon Cloud Foundations ITSY 2430 - Intrusion Detection ITCC 2420 - CCNA 3: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation ITSY 1300 - Fundamentals of Information Security ITCC 2343 - Network Security ITSC 2325 - Advanced Linux ITNW 2264 - Practicum (or Field Experience) - Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Select 1 course from the Mathematics (20) Core |
About the Program Coordinator:
Matthew Burch
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that by integrating hands-on exercises and promoting a learn-by-doing approach, I aim to provide students with the practical experience necessary to master technological concepts. Furthermore, by empowering students to teach and mentor their peers, I foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective knowledge of the group. Through these principles, I strive to prepare my students not only to excel academically but also to become lifelong learners and effective communicators, equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in their careers and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Education
Associate of Applied Science – Computer Information Systems
St. Philips College 1992
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education - Computer Information Systems
Wayland Baptist University 1995
Master of Science – Cybersecurity
Western Governors University – currently enrolled
Northwest Vista College
Matthew began his teaching career as an adjunct professor at St. Philip’s College in 1995 teaching network engineering classes. In 2005, Matthew began teaching Cisco Academy, AWS Academy and cybersecurity courses at NVC as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time professor and Cybersecurity Program Coordinator for the college in 2023. Matthew holds several teaching certifications including Cisco Academy Authorized Instructor, AWS Academy Certified Educator, and AWS Authorized Instructor. Matthew’s professional career also spans several decades as a server administrator, network engineer, cloud architect, and information technology manager. His professional certifications include CISSP, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure #35240, CCIE Service Provider #35240, Cisco Certified Design Specialist, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, AWS Cloud Developer Associate, and Python Institute - PCEP.
Faculty and Staff
|