Jun 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Course Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Course Catalog

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Network Administration, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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The Network Administration program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of modern computer networking, emphasizing both practical skills and the foundational knowledge required for industry certifications. Through hands-on training and rigorous coursework, students gain expertise in network administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, and data management—key competencies in today’s technology-driven landscape. The program offers CISCO certification preparation, providing specialized courses tailored to align with CISCO certification requirements and help students excel in this globally recognized qualification. The ISA curriculum is structured to adapt to evolving industry standards, with a modular design that integrates core skills with certification-focused training. This adaptable framework ensures the program can seamlessly incorporate future certifications, allowing students to stay current with technological advancements and meet the dynamic needs of employers in IT and networking. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled professionals capable of managing complex information systems and supporting organizational IT infrastructures with confidence and proficiency.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Information Technology


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Minimum ALEKS placement score of 14, or minimum score of 15 on the ACT exam, or completion of MAT 045  with a grade of “C” or higher.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Network Administration, AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 68


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$201.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


CostsSemester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4Semester 5
Books (approximate)500775300400225
Supplies  55  30


Approximate total for program: $15,953**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Troubleshoot and repair computer system hardware and software problems.
  • Perform installation of computer systems.
  • Perform update modifications of existing systems.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and periodic performance checks.
  • Design, implement and/or administer networking systems.
  • Interact with professional people in the business computer field.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of electronics, physics, mathematics and programming.
  • Apply such knowledge to problems surrounding the operation, installation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of computer and network equipment.
  • Communicate with business people, computer operators and technicians about the safe operation, installation and modification of equipment.
  • Demonstrate ability to understand technical manuals and other literature to upgrade existing skills and learn new skills.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • May work irregular hours and be on 24-hour call for duty.
  • May work with a minimum of supervision.
  • Anticipated average starting salary $39,520 (2013-2014 Placement Report).

Program Competencies


  1. Evaluate new technology in IT systems, including virtualization, mobile, operating systems, and cloud systems
  2. Troubleshoot hardware and operating system problems
  3. Design network system installations
  4. Write computer programs in a high level programming language (Example: Bash, PowerShell, Python, Terraform, etc)
  5. Investigate network business and management software applications

Competencies revised date


FY2026

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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