Academics

Cisco Networking Specialist
In an age where we are constantly connected to social media, work computers, e-mail and even our cellphones, it is no wonder the importance of networking is constantly growing.
If you are computer savvy and want to learn a skill that is in high demand, then ICC has the program for you.
Cisco Aligned Courses
ICC’s Cisco networking courses are aligned to all Cisco certifications beginning with the Entry-level CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) and Associate-level CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certifications. Certification training for the Professional-level or Enterprise-level CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) that aims to further develop networking skills in core routing and switching are also available.
“I recommend the program to anyone that wants to pursue Information Technology (IT). I don’t believe there is a better program anywhere around, and for only two years and a relatively small tuition fee the program is the best learning experience for the cost I have found anywhere.” – Logan Winkler, former ICC student
ICC’s Cisco Networking Specialist program can lead to achieving highly-sought after Cisco certifications – an impressive addition to your resume, which can open the door to an exhilarating and opportunity-rich future.
Hands On
In order to get you ready for a career in networking you have to know more than just concepts. At ICC we understand this and that’s why we have one of the most state of the art learning labs to give you hands-on experience using physical enterprise-level equipment.
“I liked the hands-on training you get. It isn’t a three hour lecture, it is an overview and then off to the lab to apply the content on real devices.” – Chad Birchnell, former ICC student
Career Focused
The Cisco Networking Specialist program is designed to provide students with hands-on networking experience in enterprise-level networking that develops an advanced understanding of routing and switching technologies. Students will receive best in-class instruction from professors who have taught future employers.
“One of the greatest rewards for us is that our former students are now in positions to hire our current students.” – Kim Hawthorne, ICC CCNA, CCAI Professor
Demand for certified Cisco Networking Specialists is on the rise. According to the U.S. Labor Department, careers for network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow at a rate of 12 percent by 2022 and will see the highest growth at industries that provide cloud-computing technology.
Why Choose ICC’s Networking Academy?
- Hands-on labs using physical enterprise-level equipment.
- Access to extensive tools designed to help students reinforce complex concepts and configurations through simulation, visualization, and collaboration capabilities outside of the classroom.
- Real-world projects to develop relevant networking job skills.
- Hybrid-learning, utilizing an online curriculum and online assessments in addition to hands-on training.
- Career-focused and Certification aligned aimed at helping students prepare for entry-level networking opportunities.
So if you are looking for a career that is in high demand and will give you the skills needed to succeed in a connected world, start taking Cisco Certified Networking classes today!
Illinois Central College’s Cisco Networking program also includes:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) — Certificate (Certificate Program)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) — Certificate (Certificate Program)
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 62
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
Course | Name | Credit Hours |
ENGLISH * | 3 | |
COMMUNICATION * | 3 | |
SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
MATHEMATICS AND/OR LABORATORY SCIENCE * | 6 | |
HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS * | 3 |
Required Program Courses
Course | Name | Credit Hours |
CMCIS 147 | TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING  | 4 |
CMCIS 151 | NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS  | 4 |
CMCIS 152 | ROUTING AND SWITCHING ESSENTIALS  | 4 |
CMCIS 153 | SCALING NETWORKS  | 4 |
CMCIS 154 | WAN COMMUNICATION  | 4 |
CMCIS 156 or | CCNA VOICE ** or | 3 |
CMCIS 157 or | CCNA WIRELESS ** or | 3 |
CMCIS 170 | CCNA CYBERSECURITY ** | 3 |
CMCIS 158 | CCNA SECURITY  | 3 |
CMCIS 270 | CCNP ENTERPRISE: CORE  | 4 |
CMCIS 271 | CCNP ENTERPRISE: ADVANCED ROUTING  | 4 |
CMCIS 274 | CCNP TROUBLESHOOTING  | 4 |
CMNET 150 | COMPUTER HARDWARE - A+  | 3 |
CMNET 151 | OPERATING SYSTEMS - A+  | 3 |
* See specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
** See advisor for recommendations
Recommended Course Sequence
Semester | Courses |
Fall Semester 1 | CMCIS 151; CMCIS 152; CMNET 150; CMNET 151; Communication |
Spring Semester 1 | CMCIS 153; CMCIS 154; Laboratory Science/Mathematics; English |
Summer Semester | CMCIS 156 or CMCIS 157 |
Fall Semester 2 | CMCIS 147; CMCIS 270; Social Science; Laboratory Science/Mathematics |
Spring Semester 2 | CMCIS 271; CMCIS 274; CMCIS 158; CMCIS 170 (only if CMCIS 156 or CMCIS 157 not completed); Humanities/Fine Arts |
Program Contact Information
Business, Legal, and Information Systems
East Peoria Campus, Technology Center, Room 205
(309) 694-5558
Illinois Career Cluster
Information Technology
Career Pathway:
Network Systems
The mission of the Cisco Networking Specialist degree is to prepare students for employment in the networking field through education and training on real-world networking equipment by specializing in areas of cabling, network design, core routing and switching technologies, and security concepts, as well as telephony and wireless technologies. The program is aligned to several highly-sought after Cisco certifications including the CCNA and CCNP.
Career Pathway
Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.
Career Cluster:
Information Technology If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available Communication | Computer Hardware Infrastructure (CMNET 150) | English | Humanities | Lab Science/Mathematics | Network Fundamentals (CMCIS 151) | Operating System Environments (CMNET 151) | Routing & Switching Essentials (CMCIS 152) | Scaling Networks (CMCIS 153) | Social Science | WAN Communications (CMCIS 154) High School Diploma or GED Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Paying for College | Career Information:
Computer Network Architect
| Student Information Cisco Certified Network Associate
(16 credit hours) CCNA Computer Network Architects, Computer Network Support Specialists
$14-29/hr
Cisco Certified Network Professional
(15 credit hours) CCNP Computer Network Architects, Computer Network Support Specialists$14-29/hr
Cisco Networking Specialist(62 credit hours) CCNA, CCNP Computer Network Architects, Computer Network Support Specialists$14-29/hr There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs. There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs. Transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities. For additional transfer information, including information on transfer partnerships and transfer guides:
Pathway:
Network Systems
ICC Pathway: Cisco Networking
Early College
Point of Entry
Certificate of Completion
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
Certificate of Completion
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
OCCUPATION BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
CAREER CLUSTER BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
GENERAL BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS