Nov 05, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Networking and Security Certificate


The purpose of this Networking and Security Certificate program is to provide our students the necessary courses and skills so that they can earn an IT industry certification credential.  Having that industry credential increases the likelihood that our students will land an entry level job in the IT Networking and Information Security field.  IT industry credentials that are well-known industry wide this program will prepare our students include the following; Comp TIA A+, Comp TIA Network+, Comp TIA Security+, Cisco CCENT, Cisco CCNA,  Cisco Wireless, and RedHat Linux CSA/CE certifications. 

The first semester courses in this certificate program build a solid foundation in PC Hardware and Software, entry level networking, Python Programming, and Operating Systems and Systems Administration activities. The second semester goes much deeper in the areas of Cisco networking, both for small business networks as well as enterprise class networks, strategies, and processes. Students will also gain detailed knowledge in Information Security., security threats, mitigation strategies, and “Best Practices” for Information Security practitioners, Additionally, Linux technologies are in wide use in industry, and two courses in the program provide a deep understanding of Linux systems configuration, administration, troubleshooting, networking and Linux Security. 

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Total Credits: 12


Semester 1 Advising Note

  • Part-time students should take CIT-162 CISCO Networking I  first because it is a pre-or co-requisite for many classes in this certificate.
  • CIT-182  is the equivalent to Cisco’s IT Essentials, preparing students for the CompTIA A+ certification;
  • CIT-162  is the equivalent to Cisco’s CCNA Course 1;
  • CIT-268  prepares students for Red Hat Certified System Administrator certification exam

Total Credits: 16


Semester 2 Advising Note

  • CIT-167  is the equivalent to Cisco’s CCNA Course 2;
  • CIT-262  prepares students for the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) or equivalent certification;
  • CIT-279  prepares students for CompTIA Network+ certification exam;
  • CIT-267  is the equivalent to Cisco’s CCNA Course 3;
  • CIT-270  prepares students for the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exam
  • Students are prepared to take Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) exam upon completion of CIT-162 , CIT-167 , and CIT-267 .

Upon Completion of This Certificate Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • Use inquiry to identify technical issues and implement solutions.
  • Communicate with audiences of all levels of technical ability.
  • Collaborate with diverse teams in high-tech environments.
  • Understand career trajectory for Networking and Security and know how to access additional training or education to further their careers.
  • Prepare for industry-recognized credentialing exams
  • Troubleshoot, repair, update, and build a complete PC computer system
  • Build, analyze, troubleshoot, computer networks
  • Create, test, analyze, debug, and successfully develop Python programs to solve problems in Networking and Information Security
  • Build, install, and provide system administration duties for both desktop and server class computers
  • Demonstrate deep understanding of Cisco network technology and systems.including wireless systems
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of Information Security threats, countermeasures, mitigation strategies, and “Best Practices” for Information Security practitioners in today’s environment.

Career Outlook


The Networking and Security Certificate prepares students with knowledge and skills required for entry and associate level network operations positions. Earning industry recognized credentials by successfully completing credentialing exams will make students stronger candidates for a broad range of network operations positions including Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Computer Network Support Specialists, and Information Security Engineers. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor reported the following median wages for positions in the Greater Boston Area for the following positions: Computer Network Support Specialist ($89,870), Information Security Engineers ($99,640), and Network and Computer Systems Administrator ($100,670).

Explore Career Options