St. Charles Community College Network Security

General Information

Programs

The job market is strong for IT workers, according to the Department of Labor. Employment opportunities are expected to increase much faster than the average. See the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

Cisco Networking Academy - Security

St. Charles Community College has partnered with Cisco Systems to work together to train IT professionals – teaching students the skills necessary to program routers and switches, design, implement, and troubleshoot enterprise networks, to keep those networks secure. You'll learn the fundamentals in our state-of-the-art lab by working on real equipment.

There has never been a greater need for network professionals trained in security. Companies, governments, and organizations must guard against hackers, outsiders, and even disgruntled employees who threaten their information security, integrity, and daily business operations.

Network Security I is an introduction to network security using the router IOS and the PIX Firewall Appliance. The class combines hands-on experience with a Web-based curriculum. Students learn to design and implement security solutions to reduce vulnerability and risks of revenue loss. Network Security II is a continuation of Network Security I.

Classes in Network Security combine hands-on lab work with online curriculum. Learn how to guard your network against hackers, outsiders, and even disgruntled employees who threaten information security, integrity, and daily business operations.

Training consists of two 16-week classes. You must complete CCNA training or hold a current CCNA certification to take Security classes.

Prerequisite classes are often recommended. However, we accept transfer credits, work experience, or certain industry certifications in lieu of the prerequisite classes.

Getting Started

 

Unless you've already taken CPT 115 and CPT 106, you'll need to come by to discuss a waiver of prerequisites. Many times a waiver is granted. Just drop Mike an email at mfuszner@stchas.edu to set up a time to stop by. You'll have a chance to talk about your background and experience, goals, take a brief tour, and prepare to sign-up for classes if it's the right thing for you.

Sufficient enrollment is required to run a class. Classes meet once per week. In addition, students need to spend additional time in the Cisco lab outside of class. Training consists of presentations, online learning, and hands-on lab exercises where students apply what they learn in class while working on actual networks. Evening classes usually meet from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. All classes are lab-intensive. Our Cisco lab is equipped with routers, switches, and PIX firewalls to allow students real hands-on training.

Students should plan on five to ten hours per week in class, several additional hours in the Cisco lab outside of class, several hours outside of class reviewing the online curriculum, and completing any labs not finished within class outside of class. The open Cisco lab is available one or two evenings during the week in addition to Saturday mornings. Students may choose when to come in to use the open lab and how often based on their needs. Some students may need to spend less time on campus than others. Some students have equipment at home or on their job that may be used to work on labs off campus.

Some classes fill up quickly. Students register on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is suggested that you register as soon as registration opens up each semester. Spring registration usually begins in late October; Fall registration usually begins in early April.

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