Employers rely on network professionals to design, maintain, and secure technology infrastructure that keeps businesses productive, connected, and efficient.

Why Consider IT-Network Specialist?

You're interested in analyzing, testing, and troubleshooting local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communication systems.
You welcome the challenge of staying current with technology and applying new knowledge on the job.
You want an in-demand career offering competitive wages and advancement opportunities in nearly every industry.
You enjoy collaborating with others to resolve IT issues.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

This program is offered through our flexible competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows you to accelerate your learning while receiving personalized coaching and support.
With frequent start dates, begin when it's convenient for you.
Because of our low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll get to know faculty and fellow students.
Learn from expert faculty with decades of IT work experience across a variety of industries.

What It Takes

Interest in technology, computers, and electronics
Ability to identify 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

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 fall/spring

Career Outlook

IT Network Specialist

Median Income: $67,151.00*

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. Excludes “Computer Network Architects” (15-1241) and “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

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. Excludes “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

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).

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the U.S. 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: $10,200.00
Book Cost: $126.00
Supply Cost: $0.00
Program Total: $10,326.00

Some of Lakeshore College's programs may reach enrollment capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. For more information, visit the High Demand Program Information page.

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.

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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.

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