Cybersecurity and Networking Degree and Certificates

Cybersecurity and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree

Southwestern Illinois College’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity and Networking is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to obtain entry-level positions in the growing fields of cybersecurity and networking.

Network Associate Certificate

The Network Associate Certificate provides course work for a range of networking subjects to prepare the student for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam through Cisco Systems.

Individuals will gain hands-on experience with network equipment, including routers and switches, as part of their education. Four classes are required to achieve the Network Associate certificate from SWIC.

Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate

The Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate provides the skills needed to plan, implement, upgrade and monitor security measures to safeguard digital files and electronic infrastructure.

Students are prepared for several professional certification exams. Check more information.

Accelerated Degree Option

Anyone who has completed an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college may earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity and Networking on the accelerated degree track. This means “skipping over” general education courses, and maybe more courses, depending on your prior degree.


For more information, email the Program Coordinator, Carolin Brewer; if possible include your (unofficial) transcript to carolin.brewer@swic.edu.

Career Opportunities

  • Assistant Network Manager
  • Help Desk Specialist
  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Manager

For details about career opportunities, review the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additional information is available from SWIC Career Services.