Program: IT - Networking Specialist Certificate - Prairie State College

Jun 19, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Catalog

This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions such as network administrator, network analyst, and network engineer. A computer networking specialist must have extensive knowledge of network connectivity, protocols, network security devices, and network media, including wireless or fiber optic, and common operating systems (Windows, Linux, and UNIX). Students will examine planning, installation, maintenance, repair, and design of local area networks. This program helps students prepare for the MCP, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Linux+ industry certifications.

Program Requirements

IT 101 IT Orientation 1 hr credit
IT 140 Introduction to Operating Systems 3 hrs transfer credit
IT 205 Ethics in Information Technology 2 hrs credit
IT 240 Linux Operating System 3 hrs credit
ITNET 160 Computer Repair 4 hrs transfer credit
ITNET 165 Introduction to Networking 3 hrs transfer credit
ITNET 250 Introduction to LAN Administration 3 hrs transfer credit
ITNET 260 Network Security Fundamentals 3 hrs credit

Program Total: 22 credits

Due to the rapid change of technology in IT fields, there is a five year time limit on applying courses with IT, ITAPP, ITNET, ITPRG, and ITWEB prefixes to this program. Information Technology will accept returning student courses that are 5-7 years old if the student received a grade of “A” or “B” for the course. If the student did not receive a grade of “A” or “B” for the course and the course is older than 5 years, the course will not be accepted for completion of any degree or program. Courses beyond 7 years, with any grade, will not be accepted for this program.