Bachelor in Network and System Administration/Administrator (Bachelor's)

At Whatcom Community College, tuition is Based on full-time enrollment, costs will average approximately $2,700 per quarter for Washington state residents, including tuition, books, fees, and supplies..

This programme prepares students for roles in IT networking and cybersecurity with a focus on cloud computing, industrial control systems, mobile technologies, and web development. It is designed around national standards from the NSA, NICE, and the Department of Labor. Students engage in hands-on learning through simulated cyber defense competitions and a student-run help desk. The degree is the only one of its kind in the northwest corner of Washington state.

Focus areas include cloud computing, industrial control systems (SCADA), mobile technologies, web development, network security, cyber defense.

The programme requires 90 credits, distributed across core coursework, embedded certificates, and practical training aligned with national cybersecurity frameworks.

Graduates enter roles as network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, systems administrators, and IT support specialists in public and private sector organizations.

Applicants must have completed an associate degree or equivalent with a minimum 2.0 GPA in program-specific courses. Prerequisites include basic math and composition placement or equivalent credits. Required documents include official transcripts and a completed application.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically four quarters per year. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes.

Students can live on campus in Cedar Hall, which offers suites and community space for studying, meetings, and socializing. The residence hall accommodates 230 students. Campus life also includes in-person and virtual tours, appointment support through Navigate 360, civic engagement through the ASWCC Civic Engagement Leadership Team, and job, internship, and pathway exploration resources. International Programs provides a welcoming environment and support for international students working toward their academic goals.

Academic options span Arts & Communication, Business, Culture & Society, Education & Public Services, Exploration, Healthcare & Social Services, Information Technology & Computer Science, Science, Engineering & Math, and Transitional Learning. The college also offers Running Start, allowing eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits tuition-free alongside or instead of high school classes. Students can request information about programs, admissions, events, and catalogs, or contact an admissions counselor.

Whatcom Community College is in Bellingham, Washington. International students should connect with International Programs for support related to their studies and use the college's information services to learn about admissions and available programs. Campus tours can be taken in person or virtually, while Navigate 360 helps students schedule appointments with staff and resolve holds on their student accounts from a phone. Cedar Hall gives students an on-campus housing option with shared spaces for study and social connection.