West Virginia's Network Systems Administration pathway prepares students for careers managing organization networks and systems. Every organization requires skilled network administrators for IT infrastructure.
Students learn network design, system administration, troubleshooting, and security. Practical experience includes managing actual networks and systems in school environments.
Graduates work as network administrators, system administrators, or IT support specialists. Many pursue advanced certifications like Cisco CCNA. Career advancement leads to network architect and IT management roles.
Network Systems Administration at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's network administration standards prepare students for IT infrastructure roles. The framework covers networking fundamentals, systems administration, and troubleshooting.
Curriculum includes networking fundamentals, Windows and Linux systems, network security, and troubleshooting. Assessment includes certification exams (Network+, CCNA) and practical system administration projects.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Network Fundamentals |
| Windows Server Administration |
| Advanced Networking and Security |
| Network Design and Cisco Routing |
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 Support Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $58,830 - $98,700
Adjusted for cost of living: $65,534
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,830 - $98,700
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,798
Systems Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,830 - $98,700
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,798
Network Architect
ExperiencedSalary range: $84,220 - $132,420
Adjusted for cost of living: $115,128
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with IT departments, managed service providers, and technology firms throughout West Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West Virginia
Cybersecurity Systems Technology
West Virginia's Cybersecurity Systems Technology pathway prepares students for careers protecting organizations from cyber threats. Growing cybersecurity demand creates strong career opportunities and often-higher salaries. Students learn network security, threat detection, encryption, and security protocols. Hands-on labs include setting up secure systems and identifying vulnerabilities. Graduates work as cybersecurity technicians, security analysts, or IT security specialists. Advanced roles include security architects and chief information security officers. Certifications like Security+ and CISSP support career advancement.
Information TechnologyInformation Technology
West Virginia's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout West Virginia increasingly depend on reliable technology infrastructure—from healthcare systems to education to manufacturing operations—skilled IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors throughout the Mountain State. The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking protocols and infrastructure, cybersecurity basics, database fundamentals, cloud computing introduction, and IT customer service. Students develop both technical troubleshooting skills and professional communication abilities essential for effective IT support roles. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs where students configure systems, diagnose problems, manage networks, and implement technology solutions mirroring real-world IT environments in West Virginia organizations. West Virginia's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications demonstrating technical competence and enhancing employability. The pathway benefits from West Virginia's commitment to expanding technology education and broadband infrastructure throughout the state. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, and junior network administrator roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology or computer science degree programs at West Virginia universities.
Information TechnologySoftware Development
West Virginia's Software Development pathway develops programming and application development skills. Strong demand for software developers and growing remote work opportunities support career growth. Students learn programming languages (Python, JavaScript, C++), software design, databases, and version control. Hands-on projects include developing functional applications. Graduates work as software developers, junior programmers, or application developers. Many continue to computer science programs at WVU or Marshall. Advanced skills and portfolio projects support remote work opportunities.
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