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Network and System Administration
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Overview
Are you looking to gain skills necessary to be a network administrator? Our Network and System Administration program will equip you with the ability to manage Microsoft Windows networks, configure routers and switches, and troubleshoot PC computing hardware and software. Program curriculum is designed to provide you not only with an Associate of Applied Science degree, but also with the knowledge you need to earn industry-recognized certifications, including Microsoft and CompTIA.
The Network and System Administration class is limited to 20 students, so make sure you Apply and Register early. Spaces fill fast! Get your spot by starting today:
Mission
The mission of the Network and System Administration program is to provide students with a rich learning environment that encourages students to explore the fundamental aspects of computer networking, Windows server installation and administration, and network virtualization. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue employment as a networking and server professional or pursue additional advanced certifications.
Why This Program
Information technologies have a significant presence in all areas of business today. The Network and System Administration program is designed to provide a solid foundation in networking skills, and addresses the need for IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of network operating systems. Students install, configure, and manage small to medium sized networks in a virtualized environment. This allows students to practice theoretical networking concepts by completing practice hands-on lab assignments. This prepares our graduates for an exciting future in the IT industry. The Network and Systems Administration program prepares students for industry certifications which validate technical skills to employers.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Demonstrate the knowledge needed to earn industry-recognized certifications, including Microsoft, and CompTIA
- Gain advanced, market relevant skills that employers recognize and respect
- Utilize skills necessary to be a network administrator
- Manage Microsoft and Linux operating systems within a client-server environment
- Configure industry standard routers and switch
- Troubleshoot PC computing hardware and software
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
Partnerships and internships.
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.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Network and System Administration - Associate of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
Network and System Administration - Advanced Technical Certificate
2
YEARSATC
Network and System Administration - Intermediate Technical Certificate
1
YEARITC
Network and System Administration: Cloud Computing - Specialized Certificate
1
YEARSC
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.
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
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Network Support Specialists
Through the Network and System Administration program, students will gain the skills necessary to be a network administrator, with the ability to manage Microsoft networks, configure Cisco routers and switches, and troubleshoot PC computing hardware and software. Curriculum is developed to requirements of industry certification tests including Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA
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.

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

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

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.
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