Secure a Career in Network Security Engineering
The network security engineering associate in applied science (AAS) program can provide you with a career pathway and stackable certificates, as well as industry-recognized credentials.
The program focuses on developing skills to design, implement, troubleshoot and secure enterprise networks. You'll gain expertise in various network components and technologies, including servers, cabling, switches, routers and security appliances.
The program provides hands-on training that prepares you for industry certification exams and entry-level positions in the IT networking field.
What is Network Security Engineering at St. Louis Community College?
A computer network is a communication system where two devices, such as a mobile phone and a server, connect with each other to share data and information.
Network security engineering involves the design, implementation and management of computer networks. Network engineers create and maintain these communication systems, ensuring efficient and secure connectivity for organizations and users across local and wide area networks.
The National Security Agency and the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity have designated STLCC as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. This means that STLCC has a robust network security program that meets the national training standards.
What Can You Do with a Network Security Engineering Associate Degree?
With a network security engineering associate degree, you can work as a network technician or support specialist. You'll configure, troubleshoot and maintain computer networks, ensuring smooth data flow and communication between devices.
Network security technicians typically find roles in IT departments or with companies in need of a network engineer. You can also help organizations protect their computer systems and networks from cyber threats and respond to security incidents.
This program prepares you to take the industry certification examinations to advance your network engineering career. Graduates can take exams for badges and certifications from Cisco, CompTIA and more.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA®)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS®)
- Cisco CCST Networking (lifetime certification)
- Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (lifetime certification)
- CompTIA A+®
- Linux Professional Institute Certifications LPIC
- Network+®
- Security+®
- Cloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK®)
When you take the Cisco Networking Academy coursework, you become a member of the Cisco online community, with access to online resources that include job postings, free seminars and more.
Network Security Engineering Programs
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations: Forest Park
- AAS hours to complete: 63
- CS hours to complete: 28
- Program contact name: Will Hocker
- Program contact email: whocker@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Please note that certification exam fees are outside of the cost of tuition, but are recommended to advance in the field. Students should work with enrollment services for options to pay for exam fees.
Student Testimonials
Cory Williams: Senior Network Operations Analyst for Mastercard
"The Cisco Networking Academy laid the foundation for my success by providing me with the tools needed to be successful. I was not only given the opportunity to be hands on with network equipment (routers, switches, access points, etc.), but was also provided with detailed lab environments that helped me hone my skills. I believe what sets the Cisco Network Academy apart from any other program is its accelerated program and its dedicated instructors. The Cisco Network Academy allows institutions to offer a very flexible schedule while delivering affordable courses. In my case, the College’s flexible schedule allowed me to attend class only on the weekends. This was extremely important especially since I have children and other work obligations throughout the week. This is why I am so grateful for the Cisco Networking Academy program and STLCC. I graduated from the Cisco Networking Academy in 2018 with a 3.0 GPA and my CCNA Certificate. Shortly after graduating, I successfully landed my first IT job.
"In September 2019, I started working for Express Scripts as a lead infrastructure engineer within an enterprise environment. I was responsible for insuring the availability and stability of network infrastructure devices. In April of 2022, I started a new position working for Mastercard as a senior network operations analyst. As a senior analyst for Mastercard, I provide oversight for network operations to the members of the engineering team. My recent success in IT is a direct result of my attending the Cisco Networking Academy at STLCC. I would like to thank my dedicated professors and staff running the Cisco Network Academy program. Your guidance and leadership have forever changed my life for the better! I started the CCNA journey in 2018 and it has led me to a successful career in the IT industry. I look forward to other prospective IT students taking this journey in the near future. I promise you will not regret it!"
Harold Lipson Jr.
"I am on my final year of college and only one semester away from graduating with my degree in information technology with emphasis in networking. I am so excited for this. Not only that, I have been working in IT ever since graduating from the Academy. Cisco Networking Academy has laid the groundwork and has given me not only the skills to be successful in an IT world but confidence to know that I will do well in my pursuit. I am so very grateful for the experience that STLCC has given me and hope the program continues to captivate bright young minds."
Related Programs
At STLCC, you can combine this degree with a number of certificates to enhance your career opportunities, including:
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Network Security Engineering Associate Program
Stackable Credentials
When you pursue STLCC's network engineering AAS, many of your credits will transfer to any of a number of certificate programs, allowing you to build your skills in multiple areas simultaneously and making you a qualified job candidate in many fields.
Get Hands-On Training with Tech Academy
STLCC's Tech Academy jump-starts tech careers in cybersecurity, software development and network engineering through the support of advisors and faculty coaches. Participants in the program qualify for free laptops with software, free industry certification exams, paid internships and more.
Earn College Credit While in High School
Earn up to 60 hours of college credit while in high school with dual credit and dual enrollment. Pay one-sixth the price for classes you'd be taking at a four-year university.
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Because this program is specifically designed for working students, evening and Saturday classes are available. Some courses are online, while others involve intensive, classroom-based, hands-on skill development.
STLCC. What's your reason?