In the Network Infrastructure program, you'll build the hands-on skills that keep modern organizations connected. Working with the same routers, switches, cabling, and wireless equipment used in the field,you'll learn to design, install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot the networks that carry today's digital communications. Much of the program follows the official Cisco Networking Academy CCNA curriculum, and your coursework also prepares you for industry certifications from CompTIA and Cisco. Key skill areas include:
The OSI and TCP/IP models, how data moves across networks, and how the Internet works.
Configuring Cisco routers and switches, VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, spanning tree, EtherChannel, OSPF, NAT, and access control lists.
Designing and troubleshooting IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes.
DNS, DHCP, and other core services.
WLAN design, site surveys, radio-frequency fundamentals, and wireless security.
Firewalls, VPNs, AAA, cryptography, public key infrastructure, and threat mitigation.
Copper and fiber-optic standards, termination, and installation.
Transporting voice over IP networks and applying quality-of-service tools.
Administering Linux systems, running virtual machines, and core cloud concepts.
Windows Server administration and Active Directory.
Diagnostic tools, network monitoring, and issue resolution.
IT project management, technical documentation, teamwork, and career readiness.
Career Options
Graduates are prepared to step directly into the workforce in a wide range of information technology roles. Ivy Tech Network Infrastructure students have been hired by industry partners across Indiana, includingWintek, Harrison Steel, PEFCU, and Accent Consulting. As you gain experience and earn certifications, the program alsolays the groundwork for more advanced and specialized positions. Roles our graduates pursue include:
Network Technician
Network Support Specialist
Network Administrator
Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Systems Administrator
Data Center Technician
Network Installer
Fiber Optic Technician
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE TOOLKIT
Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in Network Infrastructure.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Affiliated Partners
Network Infrastructure is an important part of keeping businesses and people's everyday lives moving given our reliance on technology. To make sure our students are as successful as possible, Ivy Tech teaches on some of the most relevant systems in the industry, including:
Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
The Network Infrastructure Associate of Applied Science is a 60-credit degree that develops and refines knowledge and practical skills in the design, installation, configuration, and secure administration of digital networks. Built largely around the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA curriculum, it combines core networking coursework with study in security, wireless, virtualization, cloud, Linux, and enterprise systems, alongside general-education courses. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment across information technology, and the degree can also serve as a foundation for transfer to a four-year institution.
You may also choose to transfer to a four-year university following completion of your associate degree, which will make you eligible for higher-level positions and even higher pay. Please reach out to your transfer advocate if you're interested in learning more about one of our transfer partners for this program.
Time to Complete
Students must take 60 credit hours to graduate from the AAS in Network Infrastructure program. This typically takes four semesters to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AAS
A recommended path to the associate degree in Network Infrastructure is to complete one or more of the two certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level network infrastructure careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
AAS Network Infrastructure graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Network Infrastructure Technical Certificate is a 33-credit, career-focused credential covering the core skills needed to install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot networks. It includes the first courses of the Cisco CCNA curriculum (Networking I and II) along with foundational coursework in informatics, computing logic, Linux and virtualization, enterprise computing, and IT support. Credits earned in the certificate apply toward the Network Infrastructure AAS, making it a natural stepping stone for students who want to continue.
The Network Infrastructure Technical Certificate (TC) program can be completed in two semesters, or about one year.
FREE Through Next Level Jobs
The Network Infrastructure TC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free credential. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Network Infrastructure, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level network infrastructure careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 33 credit hours.
Short-Term Certificate
known as a Certificate (CT)
The Routing and Switching Certificate is a focused 16-credit credential built around the complete Cisco CCNA curriculum (Networking I, II, and III), plus a Cisco certification-preparation course and a networking elective. It focuses on configuring, securing, and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches and leads to certifications in the field, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
The Routing and Switching CT program can be completed in two semesters, or about one year.
FREE Through Next Level Jobs
Routing and Switching CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free credential. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Network Infrastructure, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level network infrastructure careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 16 credit hours.
If you're curious about how information actually travels, from the phone in your hand to a data center halfway around the world, and you like the idea of building and securing the systems that make it possible, Network Infrastructure could be a great fit. This field rewards people who enjoy hands-on technical work, methodical troubleshooting, and continuouslearning, since networking technology is always evolving. You don't need prior experience to start; you do need an interest in solving problems, attention to detail, and the patience to work through a challenge until the connection comes up. If that sounds like you, this program can take you from the fundamentals to job-ready skills and recognized industry certifications.
Careers in Network Infrastructure often involve:
Installing, configuring, andmaintaining routers, switches, and other network hardware.
Designing and documenting wired and wireless networks.
Setting up and troubleshooting IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, and network services.
Securing networks with firewalls, VPNs, access control lists, and monitoring tools.
Running andterminating copper and fiber-optic cabling.
Monitoring network performance and resolving outages and connectivity issues.
Supporting end users and collaborating with IT teams.
Keeping skills current and pursuing industry certifications.
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, network infrastructure may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
All Network Infrastructure students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following categories:
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Network Infrastructure Courses
Descriptions of Network Infrastructure courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Due to the hands-on nature of the material, Network Infrastructure courses are taught in person.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (463)308-2583
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (463)308-1602
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu (463)308-2608
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
