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Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
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Limited to 16 students accepted every Fall semester. Don't delay, apply today!
Please contact One Stop Student Services for more details. Contact Us
Overview
The focus of the Cisco Networking and Security Technologies (CNST) program is for students to obtain the skills needed to earn a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) certification. However, students take courses that prepare them for other industry certifications, such as Cisco CyberOps Associates and Linux LPIC 1 and 2.
Mission
The Cisco Networking and Security Technologies program provides training and hands-on experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers as data communication specialists in the information technology profession.
Why This Program
Cisco is the industry leader in routing, switching, and wireless technologies. Many networking vendors model their equipment after Cisco, which allows the skills learned to easily transfer to any networking vendor’s equipment. This is one of the key reasons why employers recognize the value of Cisco training and certifications.
The Cisco Networking Academy system provides ongoing training and learning opportunities for students.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot Cisco routers, switches and related network equipment in a LAN or WAN environment
- Advanced network routing, switching, and wireless
- Fundamentals of cyber operations
- Linux operating system, scripting, and management
- Python programming for Cisco devices
- Virtualization
Clubs

The Esports Club at College of Western Idaho promotes competitive gaming and teamwork. Learn how to better yourself through perserverence and a willingness to grow while enhancing your educational experience at CWI.

College of Western Idaho's Gaming Club is for anyone who plays video games, board games, tabletop, or even card games! Join us as we build and establish the gaming community on campus and connect and build friendships with fellow gamers. Check...

College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training. Students join thousands from...
Additional Opportunities
Skills USA is a national competition that some of our students choose to participate in to reap the many benefits and growth through competition.
Cyber Defense Center
College of Western Idaho's Cyber Defense Center offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense.
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Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Advanced Technical Certificate
2
YEARSATC
Cisco Networking and Security Technologies – Basic Technical Certificate
1
YEARBTC
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The Admission Deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full Academic Calendar for more information.
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Keyboarding
- General computer skills
- Ability to learn
- Basic understanding of how computers work is helpful
- Good communication and writing skills are helpful
- Ability to troubleshoot complex problems is helpful
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Each class is limited to 16 students.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Technicians
- Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Engineer
The Cisco Networking and Security Technologies program can prepare you for a wide variety of roles. Students from this program have gone on to work as help desk technicians, network technicians, and network administrators at a large array of employers. We have former students working for city government, consulting firms, medical facilities, and Internet service providers among many other types of businesses.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Congratulations to Student Success Advisor, Jessica Chapple, named College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for January 2022.

Allied Business Solutions donates $5,000 to empower Information Technology students at CWI.

Prepare for a career in the field of information technology with hands-on learning utilizing current technologies in real-world scenarios.

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Ada County Center hosts Super Smash Bros Wii U Tournament and Party with prizes, food and fun

CWI students earned one gold medal, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place award at the Business Professionals of America National Conference.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management