Program facts 
Prepare for a career in network administration with this 12-credit- hour certificate program. Get hands-on experience in Cisco, Linux, Microsoft and network security administration. The program prepares you to take Cisco CCENT, CompTIA, Linux+, Security+ and Microsoft MTA certification exams. You’ll also qualify for entry-level jobs as a network support specialist.
Take classes in Linux administration, Windows server administration, Cisco networking (CCENT) and IT security. All courses are taught by multidisciplinary faculty who are experts in their fields. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.
By completing additional coursework, you can earn the AAS degree in Information Technology (Network Administration specialization).
This 12 credit-hour certificate program provides students with experience in Cisco, Linux, Microsoft, and network security administration. These courses will help students prepare for Cisco CCENT, CompTIA, Linux+ and Security+, and Microsoft MTA certification exams, as well as qualify for entry-level jobs as network support specialists. Students must have CompTIA+ and Network+ certification or similar experience before specializing in network administration. See the IT Support Technician Certificate for entry-level courses.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| NET 240 | Linux Server Administration | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Linux Server Administration. Includes installation, configuration, and administration of a Linux Server environment. Covers user management, hardware and software configuration, and security as well as network services configuration. Includes creating simple shell scripts, booting into different run levels, controlling services, identifying processes, and virtual machines. Aligns to the CompTIA Linux+ Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| NET 260 | Windows Server Administration | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server Administration. Includes installation, configuration, administration, and security of a Windows Server environment. Learn to configure network services including DNS, DHCP, ADS, printing, and network routing. Implement and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure and manage storage and file services. Aligns to the Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| NET 270 | Cisco Networking | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Cisco networking, switches and routers. Includes network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, and management automation. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| NET 280 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a hands-on foundation of essential cybersecurity concepts, principles, trends, practices, technologies, and compliance. Includes topics related to threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, risk, emerging technologies, security architecture and design, identity, and access management, risk management, cryptography, and secure communications. Aligns to the CompTIA Security+ Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 or NET 122 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
For more information about networking and cybersecurity courses at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.
Please note: This course is not financial aid eligible.