B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering

Wisconsin's CAE in Cybersecurity Program of Study

The computer networking and infrastructure engineering industry is undergoing tremendous growth and presents multiple career opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. Develop the skills, experience and certifications to lead tomorrow’s tech landscape. UW-Stout Polytechnic's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering (CNIE) program provides the technical, communication, leadership and critical-thinking skills to design, implement, administer and secure local and wide-area computer networks.

Career-Focused Computer Networking Curriculum

Our IT industry-experienced faculty will challenge you with hands-on experience in our cutting-edge computer network laboratories. Classes in enterprise network infrastructure; server configuration and administration; ethical hacking, information and network security; virtualization; cybersecurity and cyber defense; Linux/Unix network administration and more, with embedded industry certification examinations, will prepare you for rewarding, high-paying careers as a:

Pursue the Concentration That Meets Your Career Goals

• Computer Science: Prepare for a broad range of tech careers with a strong foundation in software development, algorithms and computational theory.
• Cybersecurity: Delve deep into information security and learn to protect networks, data and systems from cyber threats.
• Project Management: Gain the skills needed to lead tech projects from start to finish by mastering the art of managing resources, timelines and teams.
• Interdisciplinary: Design your own concentration by combining elements of various disciplines to match your interests and career aspirations.

Transfer-Friendly Program

Our transfer-friendly program lets you bring in up to 60 transfer credits from prior coursework or professional experience. This means you can graduate faster without sacrificing the quality of your education. Learn more about our transfer pathways.

STEM OPT Extension Advantage for International Students

What Makes Computer Networking Unique at UW-Stout Polytechnic

• National Recognition & Excellence: UW-Stout Polytechnic is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), and our commitment to quality has earned us prestigious designations and accolades.
• Comprehensive Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Courses: Our curriculum spans a wide range of topics—from computer networking and server administration to cutting-edge areas like ethical hacking, penetration testing, AI and network programmability.
• Hands-On Applied Lab Experience: From day one, you'll be working in one-of-kind computer networking, cybersecurity and “hacking" labs to develop the knowledge and tools to excel in your career.
• Embedded Industry Certifications: Enhance your résumé with in-demand certifications such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Cisco CCNA & CCNP, Cyber Operations, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and more—all integrated into your coursework.
• 100% Job Placement: Within six months of graduation, our students secure positions in top national and local IT companies across the networking and cybersecurity industries and start earning salaries ranging from $67,000 to $120,000.

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering.

As a CNIE student, you will gain real-world experience in UW-Stout Polytechnic labs and through local, national and international internships as you design, implement and administer local and wide-area networks.

"UW-Stout offers applied degrees that train you hands-on for the career you want, which definitely worked out well for me. I was very interested in the small class sizes and the focus on getting started on your major right away."

~ Tanner Vass ('17)
Senior Manager, Technical Support
Verkada

Earn Credit for Prior Learning

Some required credits for this program can be earned through academic testing, portfolio submission, or a demonstration of competency. Learn more by reviewing the program-specific details on our Credit for Prior Learning page.

Industry-Experienced Faculty Instruction

Forget TA-taught classes and 200-person lectures. Building close relationships with our industry-experienced and academically accomplished computer networking and infrastructure engineering faculty will play a key role in your polytechnic education and your career. Learn more about your future instructors!

Meet the CNIE Faculty

Do More in Our CNIE Labs

As a B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering student, you'll have access to dedicated high-tech labs with collaborative work spaces, video monitors, and a data center with $1M worth of equipment, including sleek, black 7' racks of industry-standard servers and routers. With guidance from industry professionals, you'll learn to master networking and security issues in real time.

Embedded Industry Certifications

Certifications are a great way to show IT industry employers that you are up to date and knowledgeable on the current topics. Our program is a Cisco Certified Networking Academy and a Microsoft Certified IT Academy, and we are an authorized Pearson VUE and Thompson Prometric Testing Center. Courses are taught by faculty members who hold advanced IT industry credentials, and as a student, you have the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

• AWS Solution Architect Associate (AWS-SAA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Voice (CCNA-Voice)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Security (CCNA-Security)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Wireless (CCNA-Wireless)
• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

Professional Internships in Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering

Take your education into industry and earn while you learn through UW-Stout Polytechnic’s award-winning Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP) and other placements. Unlike traditional internships, our professional paid and unpaid credit-earning experiences connect you with leaders in your field, including national IT corporations, regional companies and local leaders, to ensure you’re set up for success long before you graduate. More than a third of Stout students accept positions after graduation with their internship employer.

Excellence in Computer Networking & Cyber Competitions

Our CNIE students consistently excel in both national and state competitions. They have earned 1st place in the national computer network design competition for six consecutive years and secured 1st place in the state Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) three years in a row. These achievements highlight the exceptional education and high caliber of students in our program.

Industry-Sponsored Capstones & Projects

Turn your knowledge and skills into a real-world impact that grows the economy while working closely with business, industry and other educational institutions. Past industry-project partners have included: 

Graduate Ready for Tomorrow's IT Networking Challenges 

Our graduates are hired by top organizations, including the National Security Agency (NSA), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Google, Apple, Cisco, Verkada, NAVWAR (Naval Information Warfare Systems Command), HBS, Menards, Target, Arista, and many other leading security and IT firms across the nation.