Corporate and nonprofit businesses alike rely heavily on computer networks and systems to connect employees and customers. These systems increase productivity and improve security, allowing people across the country - or across continents - to share data and resources quickly and effectively. Those with the necessary skills to design, implement, maintain, manage, and secure computer networks and systems will enjoy strong job prospects.

Oakton offers a wide array of courses for novice and experienced students alike. These courses provide the knowledge and techniques necessary to design and install Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Courses include networking essentials as well as "vendor specific" training, to help students prepare for industry-sponsored certification exams.

Oakton certificates prepare students for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), and CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA). Students also may pursue industry-sponsored training and qualification, including CISCO CCNA, Microsoft Windows Support Technician, Novell CNA and CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certificates. These certificates are based on an extensive and broad knowledge of contemporary networking technologies.

The Network Security Specialist and Network Security Administrator certificates prepare students to identify and secure computer networks and systems from unauthorized activity. Students learn how to enforce appropriate security measures to protect computer networks from hacker activity, including Windows, CISCO, UNIZ=X and Linux systems in various settings.

Oakton is approved by the Microsoft IT Academy to use the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOCs), and by the CISCO Networking Academy to use official CISCI curriculum. Classes are taught by experienced faculty in state-of-the-art computer labs using current networking software.

Coordinator: Bridget Archer, (847) 635-1967. Email: barcher@oakton.edu.