IT-Systems Administration Specialist
Associate Degree
63 Credits | 2 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland, New Richmond*, Rice Lake, Superior*
Full program available at the Ashland and Rice Lake campuses.
*First-year courses are held in-person at the New Richmond and Superior campuses. After the first year, you can choose to complete the remaining coursework online or attend in-person classes at the Ashland or Rice Lake campuses.
Career Cluster: Information Technology
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Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
As an information technology professional, you will work with exciting new technologies to implement, maintain, and secure servers, computer systems, and networks. IT professionals are in demand and you can typically expect to enjoy generous compensation packages while working in climate-controlled office environments.
Program Overview
The first year of the IT-Systems Administration Specialist program provides you with a foundation in computer systems along with strong networking skills. These skills will allow you to support and manage computer systems and the networks connecting them.
The second year of the program focuses on server administration, database administration, virtualization and cloud computing concepts. Students learn how to securely install, configure and manage servers in a virtualized environment. The curriculum provides skills to help prepare students for the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+ and Server+ certifications.
Program Outcomes
IT-Systems Administration Specialist graduates will be able to:
- Support server operations
- Manage virtualization technologies
- Manage client operating systems
- Manage services in a cloud environment
- Develop scripts for IT automation
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
As an IT-Systems Administration student you will learn by using the same technologies used by professionals in the field. You will be working on current equipment from industry leaders including Dell, IBM, and Lenovo virtualization servers, Cisco networking equipment, and EMC storage arrays.
Free access to industry software.
Use industry-leading technology.
Learn by doing.
Academics
The program is available at all four campuses. Full program available via On Site or Hybrid instruction at the Ashland or Rice Lake campus. First-year courses are held in-person at the New Richmond and Superior campuses. After the first year, you can choose to complete the remaining coursework online or attend in-person classes at the Ashland or Rice Lake campuses.
Career Pathways
Earn a Network Technician technical diploma upon completion of the first year of the program. After graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology-Systems Administration Specialist, take an additional year and earn a double major as an Information Technology-Cybersecurity Specialist.
Industry Partnerships
As a student, you'll have access to industry-leading software, hardware and curriculum for reduced or no cost through Northwood Tech's membership in the Amazon AWS Academy, VMware IT Academy, Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance, Cisco Networking Academy, and CompTIA Authorized Academy.
Certifications
Prepare yourself for in-demand industry certifications. Most courses in IT-Systems Administration program align with popular certifications such as VMware Certified Profession (VCP), AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, and Server+.
Required Courses
Program specific subjects include virtualization, cloud computing, database administration and storage components. The required courses also include networking concepts, Linux and LAN administration.
Featured IT-Systems Administration Specialist Courses
IT-Systems Administration Specialist is Part of a Career Pathway
As an IT-Systems Administration Specialist student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
This technical diploma is embedded in the IT - Systems Administration Specialist program.
IT - Network Technician
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
IT-Systems Administration Specialist
63 Credits | 2 Years
$10,500
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech IT-Systems Administration Specialist Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn an IT-Network Technician technical diploma and an IT-Systems Administration Specialist associate degree.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Cisco Networking Academy Partner
Cisco Networking Academy partners closely with educational institutions and instructors to develop and deliver a curriculum that gives students the digital, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills they need to get a job, earn a promotion, or start a business of their own. Students do more than gain technical mastery, they come away prepared to drive innovation and help companies meet the challenges of digital transformation. 70% of those who complete advanced courses obtain new or better jobs, take on increased responsibility, or earn higher pay.
AWS Academy Partner
AWS Cloud computing curricula for higher education institutions to prepare students for industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
