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.
This program will be modified for the 2025-2026 academic year. For the revised required courses, please refer to the 2025-26 required courses document in the drop-down menu above. The required courses, including course descriptions, will be updated below on June 1, 2025 or will be available to view in the 2025-2026 catalog in Spring 2025.
Program Courses
10150111
|
UGRD
| 3
CRCisco CCNA 1 Introduction to Networks (ITN) covers networking architecture, structure, and functions. The course introduces IPv4 and IPv6 addressing structure and design, the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations, the OSI and TCP/IP models and associated protocols to set a strong networking foundation. Wireshark is used to examine protocols on the network. Students configure and troubleshoot routers (IOS), switches and clients for a basic network.
10150113
|
UGRD
| 3
CRCisco CCNA 2 Routing and Switching Essentials (RSE) covers the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure, device management, switch ports, security, VLANs, Static and Dynamic routing, DHCP (v4 and v6), NAT and ACLs on routers and switches. At the completion of this course student may achieve a discount voucher for the CCENT certification exam. PREREQUISITE: 10150111 Cisco CCNA 1 Introduction to Networks.
10150117
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course provides students with the fundamental technologies needed to administer a Windows domain. Students will learn how to manage domain resources including users, workstations, servers and shared folders using Active Directory, role management, Server Manager and RSAT. Students will learn how to secure these domain resources using Group Policy, NTFS and file share permissions. Students will also learn how to use the Domain Naming System (DNS), an integral part of Windows domain environments. PREREQUISITE: 10154149 Windows Operating Systems.
10150118
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course introduces students to some of the most important server roles for systems administrators. These roles will include DHCP, storage, and Hyper-V virtualization. Students will learn how to manage IP addresses on a network. They will learn how to create and secure file and block level storage. They will also learn how to create, manage and network virtual machines in a secure environment. PREREQUISITE: 10154149 Windows Operating Systems.
10150139
|
UGRD
| 2
CRThe IT Essentials and Security (ITES) course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, mobile devices, security and networking concepts, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. The latest release includes mobile devices, Linux, and client side virtualization, as well as expanded information about Microsoft Windows operating systems, security, networking, and troubleshooting. This course covers materials on the CompTia A+ certification exam.
10150170
|
UGRD
| 2
CRThis course introduces Python for network engineering. It begins with basic programming topics such as variables, lists, decisions, loops and I/O. Using this knowledge the course teaches students how to automate the configuration of networking equipment. This course also introduces the Internet of Things (IoT) and how to use Python to program IoT devices.
10152100
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course is a comprehensive introduction to database concepts. The interaction between software applications and databases will be discussed. Database terminology will be introduced. Students will learn how to manage, design, and construct relational databases. The first four weeks will focus on using Microsoft Access. The second four weeks will work with Microsoft SQL Server learning how to work with the SQL language to create tables, join tables, query data, write summary queries, insert, update, and delete data.
10154103
|
UGRD
| 3
CRIn this course the Linux operating system is examined in-depth with emphasis on features, capabilities, tools, and configurations including an introduction to network configurations. PREREQUISITE: 10154149 Windows Operating Systems
10154141
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course is an introduction to Enterprise virtualization using VMware vSphere, ESXi and vCenter. Students receive hands-on experience in the installation, configuration and management of VMware. This course also covers storage and networking concepts important to virtualization. This course fulfills the "VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage" requirement to take the VCP certification exam. PREREQUISITE: 10150113 Cisco CCNA 2 Routing and Switching Essentials.
10154144
|
UGRD
| 3
CREthical hacking students will scan, test and secure their own systems. Students in the lab environment will apply practical experience to implement essential security for systems. Studies will include how perimeter defenses are applied to their own networks. The processes of escalating privileges, Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus will be studied from an ethical and defense point of view to help secure resources in the information technology. PREREQUISITES: 10150117 Server Administration 1 and 10154103 Linux Operating Systems.
10154145
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course covers basic concepts of database administration including setting up and securing users, tuning operations, database security, and backups. This course also covers web server administration and web site deployment as well as basics of SharePoint administration. PREREQUISITES: 10150117 Server Administration 1 and 10152100 Database Concepts and SQL.
10154146
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course will examine how storage and virtualization technologies are making possible the enormous rise of cloud computing. The course will look at the impact that cloud computing is having on traditional datacenters. It will also discuss security and disaster recovery from a cloud computing perspective. PREREQUISITE: 10154141 VMware Certified Professional.
10154147
|
UGRD
| 2
CRThis course is the capstone work-based experience for the IT - Systems Administration Specialist program. Learners will design, develop, and perform a project either in an actual work experience or a simulated project. The project will be designed to utilize skills typical of a graduate in the field. Weekly simulated timesheets, job progress reports, and oral reports to management will be used to track project progress. Successful completion will require project documentation. PREREQUISITES: 10154141 VMware Certified Professional, 10150118 Server Administration 2, 10154103 Linux Operating Systems and 10154165 Introduction to System Center and COREQUISITE: 110154145 Database Administration
10154148
|
UGRD
| 1
CRProvides work experience in IT Field related to course work within the program. The experience should complement program courses to implement practical application of skills students obtain. By consent of instructor, a special project(s) may be substituted for the field experience. COREQUISITE: 10154147 Capstone Project
10154149
|
UGRD
| 3
CRA review of the most common command line operations and study of more advanced commands necessary to configure the Windows operating system for a variety of environments. Topics to be studied include creating directories, batch files, menus, custom configurations, file management, multitasking, windowing, security, and disk management utilities. There will be an introduction to usage, configuration, and tools of the Windows operating system.
10154165
|
UGRD
| 2
CRThis course will introduce Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Students will learn administrative procedures to set up a Configuration Manager environment, create and deploy applications and packages, manage software updates, deploy Windows operating systems, and perform basic reporting. PREREQUISITE: 10150117 Server Administration 1.
10154166
|
UGRD
| 3
CRScripting technologies are used to automate system management tasks and create system management utilities. Students will learn basic programming logic concepts to develop scripts. Windows PowerShell is utilized to administer and automate tasks in Microsoft network environments. PREREQUISITES: 10150117 Server Administration 1 and 10154103 Linux Operating Systems.
General Education Courses
10801136
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents. . This course focuses on writing-intensive practices and meets expectations of High Impact Practice courses. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
10809198
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
CHOOSE 1 OF THE 2 FOLLOWING COURSES:
10801196
|
UGRD
| 3
CRFocuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. This course focuses on writing-intensive practices and meets expectations of High Impact Practice courses. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
10801198
|
UGRD
| 3
CRExplores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, supporting evidence, delivery techniques, active listening, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, form the basis of the course. Includes informative, persuasive, and occasion speech presentations. Audience requirements to be determined by individual colleges. This course focuses on writing-intensive practices and meets expectations of High Impact Practice courses. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
CHOOSE 1 OF THE 3 FOLLOWING COURSES:
10804113
|
UGRD
| 3
CRTopics include: solving linear equations, graphing, percent, proportions, measurement systems, computational geometry, and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Mathematics 1A and College Technical Mathematics 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Mathematics 1.
10804123
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes. Emphasis is placed on the use of complex formulas for sinking funds and for present/future value and payments in both the accumulation and distribution phases of an annuity as well as to the development of formulas for business scenarios such as finding effective interest rates and finding the proceeds of a third-party discount.
10804133
|
UGRD
| 3
CRStudents will apply mathematical problem solving techniques. Topics will include symbolic logic, sets, algebra, Boolean algebra, and number bases.
CHOOSE 1 OF THE 3 FOLLOWING COURSES:
10809166
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
10809172
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. Students will complete a global awareness project. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
10809195
|
UGRD
| 3
CRThis course is designed to give an overview of how a market-oriented economic system operates, and it surveys the factors which influence national economic policy. Basic concepts and analyses are illustrated by reference to a variety of contemporary problems and public policy issues. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues. Students in this college transfer course will complete a scholarly research/academic assignment. NOTE: This course is recognized for general education transfer as part of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System/Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA).
Elective Courses
A three-credit elective is required for this program.
Total Credits: 63
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.
