Program Details
Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist)
Associate of Applied ScienceTidewater Community College
The A.A.S. Information Systems Technology: Specialization - Network Infrastructure Specialist program allows students to complete core information technology course requirements while learning to install and configure a network as well as optimize Wide Area Networks (WANs) through Internet access solutions. This program covers router configuration and switches, design and implementation of wireless solutions, and network security. Graduates may seek employment as network infrastructure administrators, specialists, analysts, or engineers. The courses in this program also prepare students for examinations leading to industry certifications as a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security).
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | TCC had 7 graduates in 2020-21, 3 graduates in 2019-20, 3 graduates in 2018-19, and 1 graduates in 2017-18 in the AAS program in Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist). |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation. |
Credit for Prior Learning | TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.
For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer.
https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Randolph-Macon College | Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology-Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information SystemsTech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Randolph-Macon College | Cybersecurity (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Cyber Security and Network Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology: Information Technology for Business | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology: Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology -Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Digital Design and Graphics | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Software Development Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST - Gaming and Mobile Application Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST Network Engineer - Cyber and Network Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Full Stack Developer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Network and Technical Support Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Programming | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Computer Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Washington University College of Professional Studies | BPS in Information Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Computer Science-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
University of Mary Washington | BS in CS/Geospatial Info Syst | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Information Sys | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Comp. Sci: Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Computer Science Major - BS (Cybersecurity Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Computer Science Major - BS (Full-Stack Software Development Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Information Techology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Data Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Software Engineering, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | A.S. in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Regent University | B.S. in Information Systems Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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15-1231.00 | Computer Network Support Specialists | Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
15-1212.00 | Information Security Analysts | Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1244.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1232.00 | Computer User Support Specialists | Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1242.00 | Database Administrators | Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
