Design, build and secure networks with our IT security degree
Bachelor of Science - Network Management and Security (120 credits minimum)
Learn to design, implement, maintain and secure complex computer networks with the bachelor of science in network management and security at Davenport University. With this computer networking degree, you’ll learn how to install, maintain and troubleshoot servers and network devices, including routers and switches to support both wired and wireless networks.
If you’re looking for degrees in IT that position you well for cybersecurity jobs, you’ll be making a wise choice with Davenport’s computer networking degree. You can take your cybersecurity degree courses in-seat at our campuses in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Midland.
As a registered Cisco Networking Academy, Davenport University is among the top schools for cybersecurity with cybersecurity degree courses aligned with the technology and skills you’ll need for cybersecurity jobs. You’ll learn from industry-experienced faculty who also train networking instructors throughout Michigan, Ohio and beyond through the Cisco Networking Academy. Through this partnership, Davenport also hosts the annual Great Lakes Cisco Academy Conference, handling everything from planning to presenting sessions on networking and cybersecurity topics.
What is a network security degree?
Network management and security is one of the degrees in IT that prepares you to protect corporations, small businesses, government agencies, public schools and individuals from computer viruses and cyberattacks. Through a computer networking degree, you’ll develop technical and risk-management expertise, along with strong business knowledge, so you can develop and implement a plan to keep out unwanted intruders in your cybersecurity job.
Through Davenport’s in-depth networking management and security degree, you’ll benefit from industry-experienced faculty and access to equipment that prepare you to manage the daily operations of any organization’s networking technology.
Explore courses for this cybersecurity degree at Davenport.
Build the expertise required to install, administer, upgrade and troubleshoot computer networks through your IT security degree courses at Davenport. You’ll also develop teambuilding, project management and leadership skills — all of which will be critical in your cybersecurity job.
As a registered Cisco Networking Academy, Davenport’s network security degree courses align with the technology and skills employers require. Cisco-specific courses provide in-depth, hands-on learning to develop and implement networking equipment and protocols for an organization and provide the foundation for more in-depth courses like Network Design and Virtualization. Davenport also incorporated changes into the computer networking degree based on Cisco’s updates to their CCNA and CCNP certification programs, including the new DevNet Associate certification.
After you complete your network security degree core courses at Davenport, you can choose one of three specialties: advanced Cisco networking, network security or server administration.
Foundations of Excellence |
33-34 Credits | |
---|---|---|
ACES100 or OPEN | Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective | 3 |
COMM120 | Presentation Techniques | 3 |
ENGL109 | Composition | 3 |
ENGL110 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
ENGL311 | Professional Writing | 3 |
MATH135/150/215 | College Algebra or Pre-Calculus or Calculus I | 3-4 |
SCI | Science Elective | 3 |
SOSC201 | Diversity in Society | 3 |
SOSC301 | Global & World Diversity | 3 |
STAT220 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
MATH120 | College Mathematics | 3 |
Foundations of Business |
(9-10) Credits | |
---|---|---|
ACCT200 or ACCT201 | Accounting Basics for Managers (recommended) or Accounting Foundations I | 3-4 |
BUSN210 | Professional Ethics | 3 |
MGMT211 | Management Foundations | 3 |
Foundations of Networking |
18 Credits | |
---|---|---|
BITS211 | Microcomp Appl Spreadsheet | 3 |
GPMT287 | Principles of Project Mgmt | 3 |
NETW101 | PC Operating Systems | 3 |
NETW141 | MS Client and Server OS | 3 |
NETW201 | PC Maintenance and Management | 3 |
NETW217 | UNIX Operating Systems | 3 |
Major |
48 Credits | |
---|---|---|
IAAS224 | Implementing Network Security | 3 |
IAAS240 | Cisco Cyber Operations | 3 |
IAAS245 | Disaster Recovery | 3 |
NETW151 | Cisco Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
NETW152 | Cisco Routing & Switching | 3 |
NETW241 | MS Implement Network Infrastr | 3 |
NETW251 | Cisco Enterprise Networking | 3 |
NETW253 | Cisco Network Programmability | 3 |
NETW325 or NETW326 | Wireless Networking and Security or IP Telephony | 3 |
NETW440 | Network Design & Management | 3 |
NETW490 or TECH489 | Networking Internship or Field Experience in Technology | 3 |
TECH497 | College of Technology Capstone | 3 |
Open Electives - Apply MATH125 Intermediate Algebra (3 cr) here if required. |
10-12 Credits |
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Choose one of the following specialty areas: |
(15-16) Credits |
---|
Advanced Cisco Networking Specialty [ACNS] |
(12) Credits | |
---|---|---|
NETW311 | Cisco Enterprise Core Network | 4 |
NETW312 | Cisco Network Security | 4 |
NETW412 | Cisco Network Troubleshooting | 4 |
Network Security Specialty [NWSS] |
(12) Credits | |
---|---|---|
IAAS321 | Securing the Infrastructure | 3 |
IAAS322 | Network Defense/Countermeasure | 3 |
IAAS481 | Info Security and Assurance | 3 |
IAAS482 | Vulnerability Assessment | 3 |
Server Administration Specialty [SADS] |
(12) Credits | |
---|---|---|
NETW235 | UNIX/Linux Server Admin | 3 |
NETW243 | MS Administer SQL Server | 3 |
NETW341 | MS Plan & Implement Active Dir | 3 |
NETW435 | Virtualization | 3 |
**Mathematics Minor (Optional) |
(23) Credits | |
---|---|---|
MATH205 | Applied Linear Algebra | 4 |
MATH215 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH216 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH250 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
MATH317 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH350 | Differential Equation/Modeling | 4 |
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Why pursue a network security degree at Davenport?
Through the computer networking degree program at Davenport, you’ll gain the hands-on skills to work with a variety of operating systems and networking equipment, such as routers, switches, firewalls and wireless. A registered Cisco Networking Academy, Davenport has been training instructors from tech centers and colleges to teach networking to their students for more than 20 years. As a student in this cybersecurity degree program, you’ll have access to internships, real-world projects and state-of-the-art equipment through classroom labs and virtual access through NetLab+. Through the network security degree, you’ll be well-equipped for any cybersecurity job that involves designing, building and securing complex networks.
Experience the Davenport difference:
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Instructor trainersLearn from industry-experienced IT security degree faculty who are instructor trainers through the Cisco Networking Academy. |
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NSF and DoD scholarshipsSee if you qualify for NSF SFS CyberCorps and DoD Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (CySP) to fund your cybersecurity degree. |
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Competition and eventsGet hands-on cyber defense experience through the Cyber Defense Organization, a community of security-focused individuals. |
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Credit for your certificationsEarn course credit for specific certifications you may hold, such as CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft certifications. |
Get started on your computer networking degree at Davenport
Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your network security degree at Davenport.
Talk to an admissions advisor
Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.
Apply now or request more information
Start on the road to a cybersecurity job with the IT security degree. Request more information or begin your application now.
Programs related to the IT security degree
About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.
Offering over 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.
Additional resources
Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses