Cisco Networking Academy Program Expands to Wildwood Campus

Will Schulz has always had an interest in computers. At 19, he’s on a path at St. Louis Community College to earn an industry recognized IT credential.

Schulz enrolled in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) program at STLCC-Wildwood last fall. Once he completes the required 15 credit hours, he’ll be prepared to take the CCNA® certification test, which will position him to hold an entry-level IT job. 

For Schultz, this certification is only the beginning. He’s also pursuing an associate degree in network engineering. 

“I chose to start my college career at Wildwood because the campus is close to home and I can take classes in an area that interests me,” he said. “While I’m only in my first year of college, I feel confident that I’m gaining the knowledge I need to build a successful career.”

Schulz is just one example of a student who is leveraging STLCC’s program for career success. 

In fact, the College is an experienced partner of the Cisco Networking Academy and has been for nearly two decades. Over the years, more than 6,000 students have completed courses taught by STLCC faculty who bring both their knowledge of Cisco products and real-world, practical applications for networking technology to the classroom.

The program was initially offered at Forest Park. However, in 2020, the College began offering it at Wildwood in an effort to better serve the community. 

Will Hocker oversees the program for the College. With 15 licenses and certifications and more than 16 years of professional experience, he knows what skills employers want from graduates. 

“The CCNA® certification is highly sought-after because companies of all sizes need professionals with networking expertise to support their operations,” Hocker said. “STLCC’s program provides students with relevant computer and networking technology training, as well as entrepreneurial and digital problem-solving skills. This unique combination prepares them to land an IT job or excel in their current role.”

Program Details 

STLCC revised its CCNA® Certificate of Specialization program in 2020 to align with Cisco’s latest CCNA® exam (200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate). Students can complete the program in two semesters by following the College’s recommended academic plan. 

Topics range from computers and basic networking to complex enterprise and theoretical networking models. In each course, students learn technical concepts through a series of hands-on and simulated activities.

The program is comprised of three courses: 

• Cisco Networking Academy I: Introduction to Networks
  Fall 2022 – Wednesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. – 16-week class
• Cisco Networking Academy II: Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials
  Spring 2023 – Monday/Wednesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. – first 8 weeks
• Cisco Networking Academy III: Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation
  Spring 2023 – Monday/Wednesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. – second 8 weeks