Network Security Administrator Certificate

Prepare for a growing career with Oakton College’s Network Security Administrator Certificate. This 25-credit program provides the technical skills to secure networks, protect systems, and respond to cyber threats.

Network security students are analytical, technical, curious and detail-oriented. Does this sound like you? The field calls for a strong foundation in ethics.

At Oakton, you’ll gain hands-on experience in Python programming, Linux systems, and networking essentials. You’ll explore threat analysis and mitigation, helping you prepare for industry-recognized certifications.

Network security is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. As a certified network administrator, you’ll be qualified for entry-level cybersecurity jobs, network administration, and IT support roles.

Hack into a career that is ever-changing and ever-important with Network Security.

Degrees and Certificates

Computer Networking and Systems

Enroll in our Computer Networking and Systems program, and gain the knowledge and techniques necessary to design, configure, install and secure Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
Learn More

Windows Server Administration Certificate

Windows Server Administration Certificate is a 16-credit-hour course with several Windows Server classes included.
Learn More

Windows Support Technician Certificate

Our Windows Support Technician Certificate can be earned in 16 credit hours.
Learn More

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate at Oakton College is your key to unlocking opportunities in networking and IT. This 13-credit program prepares you for success with a blend of flexibility, real-world skills, and career-focused learning.
Learn More

What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

A professor teaches class at Oakton College.

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Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

An Oakton College student smiles while using a computer.
As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

Get Started at Oakton
Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience. 

In addition to classroom learning, students receive support from our panel of expert advisors.

Reza Dai, Chair
Distinguished Professor, Electronics, Local Area Networks (CISCO), and Mathematics
Chair, Computer Networking and Systems
B.S.E.E, Oregon State University
M.S. Oregon State University
M.S. Purdue University
M.S.E. Purdue University
rdai@oakton.edu
847.376.7778
Office: P111, Skokie

Clarence Sistrunk
Associate Professor
BPS Roosevelt University
M.S. Ed. Chicago State University
csistrun@oakton.edu
847.376.7649
Office: P220, Skokie

Meet our part time faculty

Casimer Bialobrzewski
Lecturer
MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
B.S.E.E. Illinois Institute of Technology
cbialobr@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Des Plaines

Charles Garrett
Lecturer
B.S.C.E. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.S.I.T. Northwestern University
cgarrett@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office:B206, Des Plaines

Adnan Memon
Lecturer
MCSA, MCSE, MCT, CCNA, CCNP
B.S.C.S. University of Karachi
M.S.C.S. University of Karachi 
amemon@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office:B206, Des Plaines

Adil Mufti
Lecturer
MCSE, CCNP, CHFI, CCEA, CCSE +, MCT, ACE, FNCNE
M.S. Cybersecurity Depaul University
M.B.A. Lake Forest Graduate School of Management 
amufti@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office:B206, Des Plaines

Samir Patel
Lecturer
V5 R2/1 Series Systems Admin, CCNA, ITIL
A.A.S. Oakton College
B.A. University of Illinois, Chicago
sapatel@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office:B206, Des Plaines

Lawrence Tomczyk
Lecturer
CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, MCP, CNE
B.A. De Paul University
B.S. Northwestern University
M.S. Northwestern University
larry@northwestern.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Des Plaines

Mitch Brandt
Consultant
Tanelorn Information Systems

Shane Daniels
Sr. Systems Architect
Wheels Inc

Chuck Garrett
President
Lead Dog Systems

Asif Hussain
Network Engineering Manager
Sears Holdings Corporation

Brian Matzelle
Senior Manager, US Academic Business Development
CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Assn)

Richard McElman
Director, Global Engineering and Architecture
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Jeff Nyquist
Director, Infrastructure
Wheels Inc

Chris Powell
Director of Engineering, Computer Science & Business
Niles West HS

Kevin Thompson
Threat Analyst
FireEye

Ray Trygstad
Industry Professor of Information Technology and Management
Associate Chair, Department of Information Technology and Management
Illinois Institute of Technology

William H Wolfe II
Cisco Academy Instructor Trainer
Moraine Valley Community College


Ex-Officio Members:

Reza Dai
Chair, CNS Department
Oakton College

Clarence Sistrunk
Associate Professor, CNS/CIS
Oakton College

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