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Hello, I've just moved to St. Mary's, GA, which is close to Jacksonville, FL. I have no IT experience, but I'm looking to get a 2-year Associates from a school in Jacksonville. I do not know which schools are best, but I am leaning toward FSCJ. I also do not know which would be more beneficial: an IT degree or Networking degree. Thank you for listening & please respond, it's very important to me.

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Building on ’s move near Jacksonville and the quick pointers from and , the most useful next step is not picking a name off a list but using a short checklist to match a program to real career outcomes.

If starting with no IT experience, a broader associate-level IT program gives the widest set of entry options (help desk, desktop support, basic system administration, scripting and introductory security). A networking-focused program goes deeper into routing, switching, VLANs and network troubleshooting and fits someone who already knows they want network engineering. Compare typical graduate roles against local job ads to see which path matches demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has occupation and outlook details for support roles and network/system administrators (Computer Support Specialists, Network and Computer Systems Administrators).

When evaluating programs, insist on these basics: regular hands-on lab time, current lab equipment or virtual labs, visible internship/co-op or employer partnership data, clear course syllabi, opportunities for vendor or vendor-neutral certifications, evening/online scheduling if needed, and regional accreditation (verify with the regional accreditor). Regional accreditation demonstrates accepted academic standards; for schools in this region, check the regional commission’s listings (SACSCOC).

Practical next steps: start earning short, industry-recognized certifications while you study (CompTIA A+ for absolute beginners, then Network+ or Security+; vendor certs like Cisco’s track if you choose networking). Visit programs, ask to see placement rates and sample course sequencing, and compare costs and transfer options to four-year schools. Avoid programs that won’t show placement data or accreditation — that’s a red flag.

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Member Avatar for JhonMoney

Hello, I've just moved to St. Mary's, GA, which is close to Jacksonville, FL. I have no IT experience, but I'm looking to get a 2-year Associates from a school in Jacksonville. I do not know which schools are best, but I am leaning toward FSCJ. I also do not know which would be more beneficial: an IT degree or Networking degree. Thank you for listening & please respond, it's very important to me.

I know only Florida Gulf Cost University at Jacksonville.

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