Pennsylvania's network technology pathway prepares students for careers in network administration and IT infrastructure. Pennsylvania's technology sector, from Philadelphia's innovation hub to Pittsburgh's growing tech presence, requires skilled network professionals. Students learn network fundamentals, routers, switches, cabling, network security, and troubleshooting while developing practical skills with networking equipment and configuration.
Network Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Pennsylvania's Network Technology standards emphasize network fundamentals, infrastructure setup, security, and troubleshooting. The framework requires competency with network devices, protocols, and configuration. Students must understand security principles and network maintenance.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Networking Fundamentals |
| Network Infrastructure and Design |
| Network Administration and Security |
| Advanced Networking Technologies |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $70,970 - $105,150
Network Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $70,970 - $105,150
Network Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $51,660 - $94,920
IT Infrastructure Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,970 - $61,150
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Work-based learning includes internships at IT departments, technology companies, managed service providers, and corporate IT operations.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Pennsylvania CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Pennsylvania Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Pennsylvania's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Pennsylvania standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Pennsylvania
Computer Information Systems
Pennsylvania's Computer Information Systems pathway prepares students for careers in network administration, cybersecurity, software development, and IT support. The program covers networking fundamentals, programming, database management, cloud computing, and information security through hands-on, project-based learning with enterprise-level technology. Students learn multiple programming languages, network configuration, cybersecurity principles, and IT troubleshooting while developing problem-solving and customer service skills essential for IT professionals. Pennsylvania's CTCs provide well-equipped computer labs and partnerships with local businesses for authentic IT service experiences. Pennsylvania's technology sector—particularly strong in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley—creates abundant IT career opportunities. The commonwealth has prioritized cybersecurity workforce development given the increasing threats to critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and business operations throughout Pennsylvania.
Information TechnologyCybersecurity Operations
Pennsylvania's cybersecurity operations pathway prepares students for careers protecting organizational information systems and data. Pennsylvania's growing cybersecurity needs across industries create strong demand for security professionals. Students learn security fundamentals, threat identification, incident response, encryption, access control, and security monitoring while developing practical skills with security tools and incident response procedures. The curriculum combines security theory with hands-on security operations training. Pennsylvania's career technical centers partner with IT security firms and organizations. Students work with security systems, developing competency in monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
Information TechnologyWeb Development
Pennsylvania's web development pathway prepares students for careers creating websites and web applications. Pennsylvania's digital economy requires skilled web developers across technology companies, agencies, and corporate organizations. Students learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and web application development while developing practical skills creating professional websites and interactive web applications. The curriculum emphasizes both front-end and back-end web development skills. Pennsylvania's career technical centers partner with web development agencies and technology companies. Students build real websites and applications, developing portfolios of professional work.
Information TechnologyReady to Build Network Technology Programs at Scale?
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