Computer Networking

Why Computer Networking?

The Associate in Applied Science - Computer Network Technology degree provides hands-on training in PC and networking technologies. Students learn to install and configure popular computer components, operating systems, network cabling, network devices, and network security. Students choose a specialization in Cisco or Cybersecurity. Depending on elective choices, students may focus on Linux or Windows operating systems or on routing and switching using Cisco equipment.

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as network administrator, PC/network technician, help desk technician, or computer operator, and may be prepared to take industry-standard certification exams, including CCNA, CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Network+.

Program Details

Computer Networking

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degree Requirements
View Degree Requirements
Certificates
View Certificates

Program Highlights

Career Pathways

  • Network Technician
  • Help Desk Technician/Specialist
  • IT Support Analyst 
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • CS technician
  • CS support specialist
  • Security Analyst
  • Network Engineer
  • Security Analyst
  • SD-WAN Engineer
  • Technical Support Engineer
  • Junior Network Administrator  

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Motorola
  • Country Financial
  • Growmark
  • Caterpillar
  • State of Illinois
  • University of Illinois
  • Unit 5 school system
  • Heartland Community College
  • Intel Systems
  • TEK Systems
  • Discover 

Special Program Information

As a part of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Computer Networking Technology, you are required to select an emphasis option and complete a certificate. You can choose from: Computer Networking CISCO Academy or Computer Networking Cyber Security.

An Associate of Applied Science is designed to give you practical, hands-on instruction in to prepare you to directly enter the workforce in a specific field. These programs are not generally transferable for a Bachelor's degree.

This degree includes a required internship. You are required to do a 1 credit hour internship that equals 75 work hours and the internship can be paid or unpaid. Resources are provided on campus that can help with the internship search process like the Career Center.  

Average Class Size

20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person during the evening and online
  • Classes are 8 and 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are required

Completion Time 

  • 24 months - 4 semesters 
  • 60 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
Apply Now Request Info Faculty Directory

Degree Requirements

Associate in Applied Science - Computer Networking

60 Credit Hours

General Education Requirements
Course Hours

ENGL 101 - Critical Reading & Writing or ENGL 105 - Writing for Industry

*ENGL 105 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3
COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication or BTEC 115 - Business Communications

3

Humanities or Social & Behavioral Science - Any one IAI Humanities or IAI Social & Behavioral Science course

3

Mathematics - Any college-level Mathematics course or TMAT 103 - Technical Mathematics

*TMAT 103 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3-4

Life or Physical Science - Any one IAI Life Science or IAI Physical Science course

3-4

Total Credit Hours

15-17
Computer Networking Core Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 136 - Excel Level I

1
CTEC 156 - Word Level I

1
BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1
NETW 140 - Introduction to Network Scripting & Programming

3
NETW 150 - Workstation Operating Systems

3
NETW 151 - PC Hardware Maintenance & Repair

3
NETW 160 - Introduction to Networking

3
TECH 299 - Internship in Technology

1

Emphasis Options - Choose one emphasis option to complete requirements: 

29

Total Credit Hours

45

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Request Info

Emphasis Option Certificates

Computer Networking CISCO Academy Certificate

The Computer Networking CISCO Academy Certificate provides a basic understanding of networking, routers and switches, as well as fundamental knowledge of LAN and WAN operation. Students will gain experience in cabling, routing, IP addressing, routing protocols, and network troubleshooting. This certificate aligns with Cisco Certified Networking Certification exam objectives and is designed to strengthen overall industry knowledge. Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in the field. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science – Computer Networking Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • Network Engineer 
  • Security Analyst 
  • SD-WAN Engineer 
  • Technical Support Engineer 
  • Junior Network Administrator

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Motorola
  • Country Financial
  • Growmark
  • Caterpillar
  • State of Illinois
  • University of Illinois
  • Unit 5 school system
  • Heartland Community College
  • Intel Systems
  • TEK Systems
  • Discover 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Computer Networking CISCO Academy Certificate
  • Computer Networking Support Specialist Certificate

Completers will be prepared to take these exams:

  • CompTIA Security+ Exam
  • CompTIA Network+ Exam
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam 

Special Program Information

This degree includes a required internship. You are required to do a 1 credit hour internship that equals 75 work hours and the internship can be paid or unpaid. Resources are provided on campus that can help with the internship search process like the Career Center.  

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person during the evening and online
  • Classes are 8 weeks and 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 25 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

BTEC 115 - Business Communications or COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication

3

BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1
NETW 131 - Introduction to Networks

3
NETW 132 - Switching, Routing & Wireless Essentials

3

NETW 133 - Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation

3

NETW 134 - Networking Capstone and Boot Camp

2

NETW 150 - Workstation Operating Systems

3

NETW 151 - PC Hardware Maintenance and Repair

3

NETW 160 - Introduction to Networking

3

TECH 299 - Intership in Technology

1

Total Credit Hours

25

Request Computer Networking CISCO Academy Info

Computer Networking Cyber Security Certificate

The Cybersecurity Certificate provides a basic understanding of core cybersecurity concepts and practices, including threat detection, analysis, and incident response. Students gain foundational skills needed to monitor and respond to cybercrime, cyberespionage, insider threats, and advanced persistent threats. Students will also learn about regulatory requirements and other cybersecurity issues affecting organizations. Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in the field, such as Security Analyst or Incident Responder. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science - Computer Networking Technology. 

Career Pathways 

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • CS technician
  • CS support specialist
  • Security Analyst 

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Motorola
  • Country Financial
  • Growmark
  • Caterpillar
  • State of Illinois
  • University of Illinois
  • Unit 5 school system
  • Heartland Community College
  • Intel Systems
  • TEK Systems
  • Discover 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Computer Networking Cybersecurity Certificate 

Completers will be prepared to take these exams:

  • CompTIA Security+ Exam
  • CompTIA Network+ Exam
  • Certified Information Security Manager
  • Certified Ethical Hacker

Special Program Information

This degree includes a required internship. You are required to do a 1 credit hour internship that equals 75 work hours and the internship can be paid or unpaid. Resources are provided on campus that can help with the internship search process like the Career Center.

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person during the evening and online
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Literacy placement is required 

Completion Time

  • 2 years 
  • 4 semesters 
  • 26 credit hours
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

BTEC 115 - Business Communications or COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication

3

BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1

NETW 140 - Introduction to Network Scripting and Programming

3

NETW 150 - Workstation Operating Systems

3

NETW 160 - Introduction to Networking

3

NETW 167 - Windows Server Administration

3

NETW 170 - Networking Security Fundamentals

3

NETW 182 - Linux Administration

3

NETW 184 - Cyber Ops

3

TECH 299 - Internship in Technology

1

Total Credit Hours

26

Request Cyber Security Info

Non Emphasis Certificates

Computer Networking Support Specialist Certificate

The Computer Networking Support Specialist Certificate focuses on practical and technical skills for managing, supporting, and maintaining network hardware and software. Students gain foundational skills to troubleshoot technical issues, support users, and maintain basic network security in organizational environments. The certificate provides a foundation for career advancement through on-the-job experience and preparation for industry credentials. Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in the field, such as Network Technician or Help Desk Specialist. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Computer Networking Cisco Academy Certificate and the Associate in Applied Science - Computer Networking Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • Network Technician
  • Help Desk Technician/Specialist
  • IT Support Analyst  

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Motorola
  • Country Financial
  • Growmark
  • Caterpillar
  • State of Illinois
  • University of Illinois
  • Unit 5 school system
  • Heartland Community College
  • Intel Systems
  • TEK Systems
  • Discover 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Computer Networking Support Specialist Certificate

Completers will be prepared to take these exams:

  • CompTIA Security+ Exam
  • CompTIA Network+ Exam

Special Program Information

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here.  

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person during the evening and online
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 6 months - 1 semester
  • 13 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

BTEC 115 - Business Communications or COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication

3

BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1

NETW 150 - Workstation Operating Systems

3

NETW 151 - PC Hardware Maintenance and Repair

3

NETW 160 - Introduction to Networking

3

Total Credit Hours

13

Request Computer Networking Support Specialist Info

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

  • $0

    Application Fee

  • 70+

    Programs of Study

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education Division

SCB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8860
Fax: 309-268-7963
Email: jess.washington@heartland.edu

 

Career & Technical Education Contacts

Jess Washington 

Program Assistant – Career & Technical Education Division
Email: Jess.Washington@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8871

Career & Technical Education Leadership

Adam Campbell

Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2410

Kortney Watts

Associate Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2409