Program Overview

IT Network Systems Administration Associate Degree

Program Overview

The IT Network Systems Administration associate degree program at Madison College prepares students for a career in network systems administration. The program provides hands-on training in installing, configuring, managing, and maintaining IT infrastructure. Students learn to support an organization's technical needs, with a focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Associate Degree Program Goals

The program goals include:

• Installing, configuring, and managing servers in a virtual environment
• Promoting servers to be domain controllers, creating and managing resources in Active Directory, using Group Policy, and configuring DNS and DHCP
• Writing scripts and managing and automating on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure

What Skills Do I Need?

Successful network systems administrators possess:

• Critical thinking skills
• Even-temperedness
• Self-motivation
• Flexibility
• Good communication skills

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

Classes are held in lab environments, providing hands-on experience. Students use Madison College's state-of-the-art online lab environment to simulate real-world infrastructures. The lab is available 24/7 from any computer with an internet connection.

Core Classes

Core classes teach technical skills in:

• First Year:
  • Windows and Linux operating systems
  • Cisco networking
  • Cloud systems
• Second Year:
  • Python and PowerShell scripting
  • Documentation
  • Automation

Final Semester Internship

Students complete an internship with an industry partner or a project, providing real-world experience.

Flexible Course Offerings

Students can attend full or part-time. Core classes are offered online or during the day at the Madison Truax campus.

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Exploration of Information Technology (1 credit)
• Intro to Cisco Networking (3 credits)
• IT Security Awareness (1 credit)
• Enterprise Client (3 credits)
• AI Fundamentals (1 credit)
• Written Communication (3 credits)
• Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)

Second Semester

• Cisco Networking 2 (3 credits)
• Windows Server 1 (3 credits)
• Linux Server 1 (3 credits)
• Introduction to Cloud Computing (3 credits)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

Third Semester

• Job Search Preparation (1 credit)
• Cisco Networking 3 (3 credits)
• Python Scripting (3 credits)
• Infrastructure Automation (3 credits)
• Technology Implementation (3 credits)
• Math of Finance (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• Advanced Technology Implementation (3 credits)
• Network Systems Administration Internship (3 credits)
• Virtualization Technology (3 credits)
• Contemporary American Society (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Recommended Electives

• Linux Server 2 (3 credits)
• Azure Administration (3 credits)
• AWS Administration (3 credits)

Admission

To Apply

Apply to Madison College through the online application.

Application Dates

• Fall 2025: Application open, deadline August 31, 2025
• Spring 2026: Application open, deadline January 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

• Admission Application
• Education Completion: Official transcripts indicating high school completion, GED/HSED completion, or college transcript showing completion of an associate degree or higher, or at least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0

Career Outcomes

Network Systems Administration Program Outcomes

After completing the program, students will be able to:

• Manage and support client operating systems, server operating systems, and virtualization technologies
• Design, implement, and support computer networks, services in a cloud environment, and scripts for IT automation
• Develop technical documentation for management and colleagues
• Manage IT hardware and software
• Solve problems individually and in a team environment
• Troubleshoot all aspects of corporate IT infrastructure systems

Network Systems Administration Careers

Graduates are ready for professional entry-level positions such as:

• Systems Administration
• Network Administration
• Technical Support Services
• Data Center Management
• Virtualization Administration

Related Programs

• IT-Desktop Support Technician
• IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist
• IT-Cyber Compliance Specialist
• IT-Cybersecurity Specialist
• IT-Data and Analytics Specialist