Power Up Your Career as a Network Security Engineer
The network security engineering programs at STLCC provide you with the skills to design, implement, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise networks. Gain hands-on experience working with servers, routers, switches, and security tools to help protect important networks and data. Once you graduate, you'll have the knowledge and resources to excel in certification exams and entry-level IT jobs, setting you on a clear path to a rewarding career in technology.
What is Network Security Engineering at St. Louis Community College?
Network security engineering involves the design, implementation and management of computer networks. Network engineers create and maintain these communication systems, ensuring efficient and secure connectivity for organizations and users across local and wide area networks.
STLCC offers two programs to start your career in network security engineering:
- Associate of applied science (AAS): includes general education and technical training, ideal for long-term career growth or transferring to a bachelor’s degree.
- Certificate of proficiency (CP): shorter, focused program for quickly gaining hands-on network security skills and certifications, best for fast entry into the workforce or upskilling.
The National Security Agency and the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity have designated STLCC as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. This means that STLCC has robust network security programs that meet the national training standards.
What Can You Do with a Network Security Engineering Degree?
Graduates can pursue roles such as network technician, network support specialist or junior network engineer. Professionals in network security commonly work within IT departments or for organizations requiring network infrastructure management.
The network security engineering AAS and CP programs prepare you to take industry certification examinations to advance your career. Graduates can take exams for badges and certifications from Cisco, CompTIA and more:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA®)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS®)
- Cisco CCST Networking (lifetime certification)
- Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (lifetime certification)
- CompTIA A+®
- Linux Professional Institute Certifications LPIC
- Network+®
- Security+®
- Cloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK®)
When you take the Cisco Networking Academy coursework, you become a member of the Cisco online community, with access to online resources that include job postings, free seminars and more.
Network Security Engineering Programs
- Degrees offered: Associate in applied science, certificate of proficiency
- Location: Forest Park
- AAS hours to complete: 60
- CP hours to complete: 36
- Program contact name: Will Hocker
- Program contact email: whocker@stlcc.edu
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Network Security Engineering Programs

Stackable Credentials
When you pursue STLCC's network engineering AAS, many of your credits will transfer to any of a number of certificate programs, allowing you to build your skills in multiple areas simultaneously and making you a qualified job candidate in many fields.

Get Hands-On Training with Tech Academy
STLCC's Tech Academy jump-starts tech careers in cybersecurity, software development and network engineering through the support of advisors and faculty coaches. Participants in the program qualify for free laptops with software, free industry certification exams, paid internships and more.

Earn College Credit While in High School
Earn up to 60 hours of college credit while in high school with dual credit and dual enrollment. Pay one-sixth the price for classes you'd be taking at a four-year university.

Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Because this program is specifically designed for working students, evening and Saturday classes are available. Some courses are online, while others involve intensive, classroom-based, hands-on skill development.
STLCC. What's your reason?