Network Administration and Cyber Security

The Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security consists of 12 core IT courses and five general education courses. Students who have earned the ITSA plus the CSS and CSE advanced training certificates can add an associate degree with just a few more courses, rounding out their education with skills such as communication and business math.

Students learn to install, repair and maintain computer hardware, plan and configure advanced networks, understand network protocols, create and implement network security strategy, and stop and prevent external security attacks and threats. The school cannot guarantee that credits earned at MyComputerCareer will transfer to another institution.

All credits earned in any of MyComputerCareer's accredited programs transfer directly into the associate degree program, and the school says students who have completed its foundational programs may earn the degree at no additional cost: 72 credits previously earned in at least two certification programs transfer and qualify for the Alumni General Education Grant. The general education classes focus on practical skills, and the program asks students to set aside just two nights per week.

Students must meet with a member of the Admissions Team to be considered for acceptance, and MyComputerCareer determines acceptance into any program. For the Texas campuses, high school completion, a GED or equivalent, or a college degree is required, and proof of attainment must be supplied. The minimum age for enrollment is 17; applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's signature on the enrollment agreement as well as their own. Applicants also need a government-issued ID and must pass an internet speed test (2MB upload and download minimum).

Program entry. The catalog lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the prerequisite. The school's website describes the degree as available to students who have completed its ITSA, CSS and CSE programs, and says advanced programs including the Associate Degree have prerequisite requirements; contact an Admissions Advisor for details.

The degree is 1,665 clock hours (112.5 quarter credit hours) with an enrollment term of 85 to 119 weeks, which can be accelerated for students who have completed other MyComputerCareer programs. It is delivered resident, hybrid or fully online (Interactive Distance Learning). The associate degree class schedule is 6:30pm to 8:45pm Eastern time, with tutoring available 8:45pm to 9:40pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Program cost. Tuition is charged by term: $9,135.50 for each of terms one and two, $11,024 for each of terms three and four, and $2,485 for term five. The catalog lists a total program cost of $50,087, which also includes term curriculum charges ($2,726, $1,072, $2,435 and $650), $300 of general education software and a $100 registration fee, all non-refundable once the student starts. Students with 72 transferred credits from at least two certification programs qualify for the Alumni General Education Grant.

Federal aid. Being nationally accredited by ACCET allows MyComputerCareer to offer federal financial aid programs under Title IV, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans, to those who qualify.

Other funding. The school accepts GI Bill and other VA education benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, DoD SkillBridge and Military Tuition Assistance, and offers payment plans. Scholarships and grants are available, including the Scarlett Sunshine Scholarship, a full-tuition award for veterans or members of veteran families (applications open November 1 to December 31). Financial Aid Specialists help each student build a financial plan.

MyComputerCareer graduates work in roles such as help desk technician, IT support specialist, network administrator, systems administrator, cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, cloud administrator, network engineer and server administrator, across industries including government, healthcare and financial services. The school notes the associate degree adds to a resume and may prepare students for a bachelor's degree at another institution in the future.

Lifetime Career Services. MyComputerCareer provides lifetime career services to students and graduates of its vocational programs, including resume and cover letter preparation, interview preparation, job referrals, career counseling, application assistance and refresher courses. The Career Services team networks with employers across the country to assist students in their job search. The school cannot by law guarantee a job; background checks are a standard part of many employers' hiring processes.

Live, instructor-led classes. All classes are live and instructor-led, with video and offline self-study components. Online classes are live and interactive: students have real-time access to the lead instructor during class, plus mentoring instructors who provide personalized tutoring and support during and outside class hours. Most training uses interactive labs and software simulations to solve real-world problems.

Support while you study. Students have access to lead instructors, mentoring instructors for personalized tutoring, Student Success Coordinators, technical support for online students, study resources and practice labs, peer study groups and the Career Services team.

Equipment. Whether taking classes online or on campus, students need a laptop with a webcam and microphone and a reliable high-speed internet connection. Courses do not require textbooks; all course materials are available electronically.

Attendance and graduation. Students must complete 80% of the scheduled clock hours in each course. To graduate, a student must complete all credit hours in the program with a cumulative grade of 70% or higher (2.0 GPA), within 143% of the published program length. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion or Diploma, based on the program.