PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a partnership between Cisco Systems, education, business, government, and community organizations around the world. The Networking Academy curriculum centers on teaching students to design, build, and maintain computer networks. The Program prepares students for the 21st Century workplace, while serving as a valuable model for e-learning.

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, IPX, Serial, AppleTalk, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

The CCNA curriculum at WLAC is structured for intermediate and advanced students. CCNA certification candidates are expected to have: at least one year of computer science course work completed, one year of hands-on experience using personal computers, and some exposure to networking operating systems, such as Windows 7, Windows Server 2012. In addition, candidates must meet all course prerequisites and enroll in CCNA courses in the predefined order.

CCNA courses (CS972 + CS974) are regular semester courses. As a result, for many students the CCNA curriculum can be completed in one academic year or two semesters. CCNA candidates can start the CCNA track any semester they wish and are not required to enter any degree programs. It is strongly advisable for high school students and non-college graduates to pursue an Associate of Arts degree concurrently.

F.A.Q. Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any special admission or fee requirements for the CCNA track?

There are no special admission or fee requirements for the CCNA track. The only prerequisite is CS901, which can be waived depending on your background.

Where can I find general information about the Cisco Academy?

For general academy information visit the Cisco Academy website: http://www.netacad.com

What program do you follow?

Our program follows the Routing and Switching curriculum: https://www.netacad.com/courses/ccna

Do classes need to be taken in a certain order?

The classes must be taken in the following order (not all classes are offered every semester):

1. CS972 (Currently Fall and Spring)
2. CS991 (Winter Lab)
3. CS974 (Currently Fall and Spring)
4. CS991 (Summer Lab)

When are classes offered?

Classes are offered during the evening and online.

How long does the CCNA training take?

The CCNA training program at West is currently one academic year or essentially two semesters; fall and spring. Students will find the pace demanding and challenging. A successful outcome will require a serious commitment.

What classes should I take to build my technical background?

To build your technical background, as a minimum, you should consider taking the following background courses, if necessary:

1. CS901 - Intro to Computers and Their Uses
2. CS934 - Operating Systems
3. CS916 - The A+ and Network + Lab

COURSE SEQUENCE

DEGREE & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
COMPUTER NETWORK & SECURITY MANAGEMENT (Major Code 0708.00)
30 General Education Units + 30 Units in Major
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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
COMPUTER NETWORK & SECURITY MANAGEMENT (Major Code 0708.00)
18 General Education Units + 12 Units of CSIT Courses + 30 Units in Major
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CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
COMPUTER NETWORK & SECURITY MANAGEMENT (Major Code 0708)
21 Units in Major + 9 Units of Electives
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CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
COMPUTER NETWORK MANAGEMENT (Major Code 0708.10 - Unique Program Code 16585)
17 Units in Major
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CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
COMPUTER NETWORK & INFORMATION SECURITY (Major Code 0708.01 - Unique Program Code 19585)
16 Units in Major
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FACULTY ADVISER

Anna Chiang (ChiangA@wlac.edu) & Marcus Butler (ButlerM@wlac.edu)