Network and Systems Administration

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration program provides students with a solid, hands-on skill set of computer, networking, and internetworking systems technology principles and desktop support. Students gain an understanding of the interaction between microcomputer software and hardware, network and internetworking operating systems software and hardware, local area network administration and management, the use of troubleshooting techniques, troubleshooting hardware and software tools, as well as interpersonal/customer service skills. Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific information technology areas based on their interests and professional goals and leading to industry recognized certifications through an embedded Certificate of Completion (CCL) including, but not limited to, Desktop (Desktop Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Computer System Configuration and Support, Network, Computer System Configuration and Support, Security, Computer System Configuration and Support, Linux), Cisco (Cisco Network CCNA, Cisco Network CCNP, Cisco Network CCNA Security), Linux (Red Hat Linux Engineer, Linux Associate, Red Hat Linux Administrator, Linux System Administration), Microsoft (Microsoft System Administration, Microsoft Desktop Associate), and VMware (VMware Network Administrator, VMware Foundations, VMware System Administrator). Graduates may pursue employment in a variety of information technology environments and/or transfer to a university.

Details

Field of Interest
Computer and Information Technology
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Network and Systems Administration (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3189
Total credits required
61-74
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Courses within any of the following prefixes must be taken within five (5) years prior to completion of the program to be applied toward this award: BPC, CIS, CLD, CNT, ITS, and MST.

Students may receive credit for courses within the program based on current industry certifications.

This program replaces:
AAS/3013 Linux Networking Administration
AAS/3095 Information Technology: Cisco Networking
AAS/3096 Information Technology: Network Server
AAS/3208 Networking System Administration
AAS/3312 Computer and Networking Technology
AAS/3778 Microsoft Networking Technology
AAS/3794 Network Administration
AAS/3816 Networking Technology: Cisco

What You'll Learn
  • Update hardware and software as needed to maintain fully functional systems.
  • Apply knowledge of operating systems to manage system hardware, security protocols, and software technologies.
  • Design, maintain, and revise systems to meet desired specifications.
  • Manage administrative access and user security policies within systems.
  • Organize and prioritize workload to ensure successful completion of projects.
  • Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision-making and actions.
  • Continuously adapt to an ever-changing technical environment.
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors and abide by norms and conventions appropriate to the field.
  • Apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving to configure and troubleshoot systems to ensure proper operation.
  • Utilize effective written and oral communication with multiple stakeholders in formal and informal settings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work with others individually and as a team.
  • Create and maintain proper documentation of design, implementation, validation, workflow processes, troubleshooting, and revisions of systems.
  • Maintain, update, and monitor networks and computer systems using automation and scripting.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

$153,060

Computer Network Architects

$118,810

Computer Network Support Specialists

$62,540

Computer Systems Analysts

$98,470

Computer User Support Specialists

$55,190

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

$39,070

Information Security Analysts

$108,640

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

$87,900

There are additional career opportunities associated with this degree that do not have occupational data available for Arizona at this time. These occupations are listed below:

  • Computer Operators

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Note: You will have to select one of the options below to view available course sequences.

Full-time Sequence

To view course sequences, select one of the pathway map options above.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Part-time Sequence

To view course sequences, select one of the pathway map options above.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits

Restricted Electives

Students are to select enough Restricted Elective credits to meet a minimum of 60 credits not used to satisfy Required Courses or selected area of emphasis within the Required Courses. Consult with an Academic, Program, or Faculty Advisor to pick courses that align with your career goals

 

Cisco Electives

CNT140AB Introduction to Networks 4
CNT150AB Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials 4
CNT160AB Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation 4
CNT171 CCNA Exam Prep 1
CNT200 CCNP ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing 4
 
CNT202 Cisco Secure Firewall Appliance Configuration 4 OR
CNT205 Cisco Certified Network Associate Security 4
 
CNT206 Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless 4
 

Linux Electives

CIS238DL Linux System Administration 3 OR
CIS238RH Red Hat System Administration II 3
 
CIS239DL Linux Shell Scripting 3
 
CIS240DL Linux Network Administration 3 OR
CIS240RH Red Hat Systems Administration III 3
 
CIS275DL Linux Capstone 3
 

Microsoft Electives

MST+++++ Any MST Microsoft Technology course
CIS121AB Microsoft Command Line Operations 1
CIS121AH Microsoft PowerShell/Command Line Operations 3
 

Security Electives

CIS270 Essentials of Network and Information Security 3
CIS271DB Information Security Essentials 3
CIS272DB Information Security Principles 3
ITS110 Information Security Fundamentals 3
 

VMware Electives

CIS189 Virtualization and IT Solutions for Digital Businesses 3
CIS197 VMware ESXI Server Enterprise 3
CIS198 VMware vSphere: Optimize and Scale 3
CIS200 VMware NSX: Install, Configure, Manage 3
 

Other Information Technology Electives

BPC171 Recycling Used Computer Technology 1-3
CIS111 Ethics in Information Technology 3
CIS124AA Project Management Software: Level I 1
CIS124BA Project Management Software: Level II 1
CIS156 Python Programming: Level I 3
CIS190 Introduction to Networking 3
CIS224 Project Management Microsoft Project for Windows 3
CIS240 Local Area Network Planning and Design 3
CIS250 Management of Information Systems 3
CIS266 Network Integration Capstone 4
CIS290++ Computer Information Systems Internship 1-3
CIS296++ Cooperative Education 2-3
CIS298++ Special Projects 1-3
ITS120 Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues 3
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=16453219).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration