The Networking Technologies Career Studies Certificate (CSC) provides a practical, fast-track foundation in computer networking infrastructure. Designed for aspiring IT technicians and professionals seeking essential networking skills, this program covers local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), routing and switching fundamentals, network protocols, and basic network defense.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Program Major | Networking Technologies |
| Target Audience | Aspiring network technicians, IT support staff, and tech professionals upgrading skills |
| Stackable Pathway | Credits stack directly into MGCC's Computer & Networking Technology AAS |
| Program Head | Tamra Lipscomb — tlipscomb@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2896 |
What You Will Learn
This career-focused certificate delivers hands-on experience with industry-standard networking hardware and protocols:
- LAN & WAN Architecture: Understand physical and logical network topologies, ethernet standards, and wide area network connections.
- Routing & Switching Fundamentals: Configure and troubleshoot network routers, switches, VLANs, and IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6).
- Network Protocols & Services: Learn essential network communication protocols, including DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, and wireless networking.
- Basic Network Security: Implement access control, firewall fundamentals, and network troubleshooting techniques.
Career & Academic Pathways
This certificate opens doors to entry-level networking roles while building credit toward advanced IT credentials:
Potential Career Pathways:
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Field Service Technician
- IT Service Desk Specialist
Stackable Degree Pathway:
Every course completed in this CSC applies directly toward MGCC’s two-year Information Systems Technology: Computer & Networking Technology AAS Degree.
Curriculum & Course Plan
This practical certificate can be completed through targeted networking and computer technology modules.
👉 View the Networking Technologies CSC Course Requirements in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to build your foundation in computer networking? Contact our Program Head or Student Services:
Tamra Lipscomb — Program Head, Information Technology
Phone: (540) 863-2896 | Email: tlipscomb@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Warren Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)
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