Network Engineer Program
Network Engineer Program at CALC
A career as a network engineer doesn’t strictly require a college degree. Employers hire candidates with associate or bachelor degrees, technical diplomas, or strong certification and lab experience. CALC’s Network Engineer pathway combines core networking fundamentals (routing, switching, TCP/IP), hands-on lab practice, and industry-aligned certification prep (CompTIA Network+, CCNA-ready content) so graduates leave job-ready for roles configuring and supporting modern enterprise networks.
What Does a Network Engineer Do?
A network engineer designs, configures, implements and maintains computer networks. This includes choosing the right hardware and software, designing the physical and logical layout of the LANs and WANs. A network engineer will configure all the network devices and install security such as firewalls. Once a network is in place a network engineer will maintain the network, monitor the network, troubleshoot any issues and optimize the network.
How do I become a Network Engineer?
A possible career pathway may include
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- Learn computer fundamentals with CompTIA A+.
- Learn networking fundamentals with CompTIA Network+ and use the practice labs to get hands-on experience.
- Pass the CompTIA Network+ exam.
- First career step may be a network technician role or a help desk support role.
- Earn additional vendor specific certifications such as Cisco CCNA and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
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How do I find the right Network Engineer program?
- Look for programs with strong theory and practical hands-on labs.
- Look for programs that include non-vendor specific courses to give you a strong background such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.
- The program should include vendor specific courses such as Cisco CCNA and/or AWS or Microsoft Azure.
- Find programs that provide career support services.
What Qualifications do I need to be a network engineer?
- Technical knowledge of network topology, hardware and software, TCP/IP, and routing and switching.
- Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA.
- Practical experience
- Ability and desire to keep up on latest technology
- Problem solving and good analytical skills.
Network Engineer Program Courses
Core Office Administration Components
- Word Basic
- Access Basic
- Career Development
Core Information Technology Components
- IT Fundamentals
- Computer Support and Maintenance
- Network
- Server
- Web Foundation
- Cloud
- ITIL Foundations
- Modern Desktop or Network Infrastructure
- Linux
- Security
“Employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software.”
At CALC, our Network Engineer program will help prepare you to become proficient in information technology systems. From hardware basics to computer networking, you’ll learn about certain software, management, maintenance and support essentials while gaining hands-on experience using the latest hardware. In addition, the courses of study will help prepare you for a selection of professional Microsoft®, Cisco®, CompTIA®, LPI®, and AXELOS® industry certifications, such as CompTIA® IT Fundamentals, CompTIA® A+, CompTIA® Network+, CompTIA® Security+, CCNA®, ITIL v4 Foundations®, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Certified Cloud Practitioner. Although these certifications may not be required for future employment as a Network Engineer, they do signify a certain level of expertise desirable to employers.
Available at All CALC Campus Locations
- Alton, IL
- O’Fallon, IL
So if you’re ready to launch an exciting career in the growing IT field with our Network Engineer program, then Contact Us for more information.