Western Governors University

What you'll study

This programme covers the technical and practical foundations of modern networking and telecommunications, delivered through competency-based courses and applied projects. Core areas include network design and implementation, switching and routing, network security, wireless and mobile communications, voice over IP (VoIP), cloud networking and network management.

• Networking fundamentals: OSI and TCP/IP models, Ethernet, subnetting, IP addressing and basic routing concepts.
• Switching and routing: VLANs, ACLs, dynamic routing protocols and hands-on configuration of switches and routers.
• Network security: firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention, secure network design and basic incident response.
• Wireless and mobile networks: Wi‑Fi standards, design and optimisation, cellular basics and mobility considerations.
• Telecommunications systems: PSTN basics, VoIP technologies, SIP, QoS and unified communications concepts.
• Cloud and virtualisation: virtual networks, software‑defined networking concepts and how cloud providers integrate with enterprise networks.
• Network management and monitoring: SNMP, logging, performance monitoring, troubleshooting methodologies and network documentation.
• Professional practice: IT project management, legal/ethical issues in networking, and preparation for industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+/Security+ and vendor certifications.
• Capstone and applied projects: real-world projects that require students to design, configure and secure networks to demonstrate mastery of competencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent (for example, GED). Western Governors University evaluates prior college coursework and industry certifications for transfer credit, which can shorten time to degree. Typical admissions steps include an application, verification of prior education, a basic skills readiness assessment or documentation of prior learning, and an interview with an enrolment advisor. International applicants will need to meet English language proficiency requirements and provide equivalent academic documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in networking and telecommunications across public and private sectors. Common entry and mid‑level positions include:

• Network technician or support engineer
• Systems or network administrator
• Telecommunications technician or VoIP engineer
• Wireless network engineer
• Network analyst or operations centre technician
• Security analyst with a networking focus
• Infrastructure or cloud networking specialist

With experience and additional certifications, graduates may progress into senior engineering roles, network architecture, IT management or consultancy. The curriculum’s emphasis on industry-relevant skills and certification preparation helps align graduates with employer expectations in telecommunications and networking.

Why study at Western Governors University

WGU uses a competency-based, online model that lets motivated students progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of skills rather than following fixed semester schedules. The programme emphasises applied learning and prepares students for industry certifications alongside degree completion, increasing practical readiness for technical roles. Students benefit from personalised mentoring, flexible scheduling that suits working professionals, and a curriculum aligned with current industry tools and practices. WGU is regionally accredited and designs its IT programmes to map to employer needs in networking and telecommunications.