Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway
Is your student a natural problem solver with a knack for technology? Then a career in computer networking or cybersecurity might be a perfect fit!
Computer networking is an in-demand field with many entry points and opportunities for promotion. Many people enter the field as computer support specialists, troubleshooting network problems and sometimes staffing IT help desks—positions that often do not require a college degree. Some use this as a launchpad for an eventual career as a network and computer systems administrator or a computer network architect.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high—it typically takes companies 21 percent longer to fill cybersecurity roles. Cybersecurity professionals work in a variety of organizations, from the government to banks to tech companies. They investigate cybercrimes, protect sensitive national intelligence and military assets, and safeguard the privacy and security of company data, including employee and customer information, intellectual property, and proprietary information.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
At Stride Career Prep,* we offer a rigorous, project-based learning curriculum designed to hone students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. This curriculum is taught by experienced IT professionals and includes a foundation in computer science principles and two semesters of in-depth computer networking study.
Our Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes students take as part of the Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Note: Pathway courses are subject to change.
†New in fall 2022
††New in spring 2023
Get credentialed.
In a world where competition for jobs, pay increases, and academic success continues to increase, certifications provide a credible, third-party assessment of a student's skills and knowledge of a given subject. Students in this pathway can prepare to take these industry-recognized certification exams:**
Get ahead of the competition.
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working business professionals and entrepreneurs through Nepris.***
Find a school near you that offers the Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway.
Stride Career Prep programs with the Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway are available at tuition-free K12-powered public online schools in the following states:
FLORIDA
MINNESOTA
MISSOURI
Don’t see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in the Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like: Programming.
Occupational Spotlight
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Network and Computer System Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators install, manage, and support their employers' computer networks, hardware, and software. They make necessary upgrades or repairs, evaluate, and optimize network performance, manage user accounts and permissions, and train users.
2021 Median Salary
$80,600
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm.
Computer Network Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists (also known as technical support specialists) analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play an important role in the routine maintenance of their organization's networks, such as performing file backups on the network. They may also staff help desks that document and resolve users' IT-related issues.
2021 Median Salary
$57,910
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Certification, such as NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm.
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
2021 Median Salary
$120,520
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree or multiple years of experience in IT roles such as computer support specialist plus relevant certifications
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts research and recommend IT solutions to optimize their employers' business performance and then present the business case (including an analysis of the cost-effectiveness) for adopting different solutions to senior executives. Once approved, they then work with computer programmers and architects to purchase, install, build or customize selected IT solutions and deploy them effectively and efficiently.
2021 Median Salary
$99,270
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on April 19, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts safeguard their employers' IT systems by monitoring the organization's networks for security breaches and limiting the risk of unauthorized access and security breaches by performing security testing and installing firewalls, data encryption systems, and other security measures. They also document and assess any security breaches, develop and implement IT security standards and protocols, and train and assist staff with IT security issues.
2021 Median Salary
$102,600
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
FAQs
Can you get a job in computer networking without a college degree?
The first step on the computer networking career ladder is a job as a computer support specialist, and a college degree is not required for that role. However, it is helpful to have relevant certifications, such as the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification, and relevant coursework and experience.
The Networking Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway is excellent preparation for entering the workforce as a computer support specialist, and we help prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam. Membership in Business Professionals of America (BPA) is included in this tuition-free program.*** BPA sponsors competitions in computer networking; winning one of these competitions would certainly bolster any résumé!
Most network and computer systems administrators have college degrees, although some may enter the field without a degree after several years on the job in an entry-level IT position.
Computer network architects typically have bachelor's degrees, but some may enter the field through a combination of significant work experience and relevant industry certifications.
Computer systems analysts have bachelor's degrees.
How can you prepare for a career in computer networking while still in high school? What classes should you take?
While in high school, courses in computer science and networking are helpful, as well as working toward relevant industry certifications and participating in networking competitions.
Students in this pathway take computer science, computer literacy, and two semesters of networking. We also prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking certification exam and include membership to Business Professionals of America,*** which sponsors résumé-building networking competitions and offers opportunities for professional networking and scholarships.
Do you need a college degree to get a job in cybersecurity?
It is difficult to get a job in cybersecurity with only a high school diploma. At a minimum, to become a network and computer systems administrator, you would need to study and pass relevant industry exams. A bachelor's degree is necessary to get a job as an information security analyst.
That said, students who graduate from our Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway program may be able to go right into a job as a computer support specialist after graduation.
How can you prepare for a job in cybersecurity while still in high school? What classes should you take?
Classes in computer science, computer networking, and cybersecurity are helpful. In addition, you can compete in hackathons, participate in IT-related student clubs, and take relevant industry certification exams. And if possible, get an internship! While it may be challenging to secure an internship in cybersecurity while in high school, you may be able to secure an internship as a software tester, which is excellent preparation for a career in cybersecurity.
Those who enroll in our Network Systems & Cybersecurity Pathway study computer science and cybersecurity. We'll also prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam. Plus, a membership to Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading CTSO (career and technical student organization) for students pursuing careers in IT and business, is included in our tuition-free program.*** BPA's Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) allows students to develop and demonstrate their IT and other problem-solving skills at regional, state, and national conferences, including specific competitions dedicated to computer security, network design, systems administration, and network administration. BPA also offers students the ability to assume leadership positions and compete for scholarships.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. Some schools offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
