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What is Computer Networking?

A computer networking degree is the process related to information and data being exchanged within a network or between computer systems.  The shared resources of a network provide ready access to resources and information between authorized users to efficiently communicate and transact business.

Specialists in computer networking are responsible for the connectivity between computers often, though not limited to, business settings for the purposes of creating shared databases, ease of network activity, and the development of private internal systems to protect data and projects while allowing access to authorized persons. Individuals interested in this field are required to have a strong understanding of computers and network systems, including the software and hardware necessary to maintain such systems.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$104,240

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

64.45%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

157,070

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Computer Networking Degree

Hallmark University - Technology Campus (formerly known as Hallmark College of Technology - Hallmark College of Aeronautics) operates as a four-year career college, which offers a rewarding education for its students. Hallmark is a private, non-profit university offering Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degrees in a variety of subjects which are directly tailored to the needs of industry. Hallmark has degree offerings in Business, Information Technology, Aeronautics, Medical Assisting, and Nursing. All of our programs our governed by an advisory board comprised of representation from companies that both define these industries and hire our graduates. Our advisory board updates us of their current and future needs from an employee so we can alter our programs to ensure our graduates are tailored to the needs of the industry. Students can choose from several areas of study, including:

  • Mechanic and Repair Technology
  • Health and Clinical Professions
  • Computer and Information Sciences
  • Business and Marketing Studies
  • Engineering Technology
Over a thousand students have attended and received a degree in the last few years with a graduation rate of around 59%. Hallmark University of Technology - Hallmark University of Aeronautics offers more than ten different programs available to students, including degrees as high as a Bachelor's degree. Some of the more popular programs being offered:
  • Avionics Maintenance Technology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Computer Networking
  • Medical Insurance Coding
  • Business Administration
To help support students, Hallmark University of Technology - Hallmark College of Aeronautics may offer student services like:
  • Online course work available
  • Night and weekend classes available
  • Remedial instructional courses
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Employment search assistance
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the education provided by Hallmark College of Technology - Hallmark College of Aeronautics for over twenty-seven straight years. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about admissions information, tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

78.53

Tuition

$38,320 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a private research institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. UPenn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered earlier to the U.S. Announcement of Independence.

UPenn offers a degree in degree in Computer Networking and Social Systems Engineering (NETS), which is an academic track supervised by Penn Engineering. This program cultivates the future's network engineers with a strong background in network systems and markets. This program's breadth lies around the following subjects: networked and cloud services, data science, the theory of network and dynamics, economic and networked markets, and technology and society. NETS faculty are experts within the field, and their proficiency goes beyond the discipline. This program seeks students with an excellent academic record, entrepreneurial determination, and an immediate technology approach.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private research institution founded in 1876. The institution was named after the American businessman and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. According to the U.S. News and World Reports, the institution's graduate programs in nursing, public health, biomedical engineering, medicine, and education are well-thought-out among the nation's finest.

Johns Hopkins University offers a full-time and on-campus degree in Computer Science under the university's Whiting School of Engineering. This program comprises a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, but students are free to choose their track. This program covers big data, computational biology, computing, data security, natural language processing, robotics, systems, and networking, and some are directed towards software engineering. The Computing Accreditation of ABET accredits JHU's Computer Science Degree; thus, students in the program must take computer science, mathematics, basic sciences, humanities, social sciences, and writing courses also required to take electives.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Situated in the middle of Los Angeles, California, the University of California is one of the world's top-tier research institutions founded by Robert M. Widney in 1880. USC is mostly selective on its admissions, with an acceptance rate of 11%. USC ranks 24tth in the 2021 edition of Best National Universities.

The USC Computer Science Department offers a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Networking. Computer Science Students will experience a comprehensive education within the field of discipline. With its excellent research in the areas of artificial intelligence, computer vision, systems, and theory, USC's B.S. in Computer Science program is an ABET-accredited program. Furthermore, USC offers a Master's Degree in Computer Networks, with no examination required for the curriculum. This degree prepares students in the fields of computer communications, networks, and distributed processing.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Established as the Carnegie Technical Schools in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU is renowned for its to-notch interdisciplinary programs. Moreover, CMU ranks among the 30 Best National Universities in the 2021 edition ranking by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The Computer Science program at Carnegie offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. The Bachelor of Science track integrates a solid grounding in computer science courses with another area through a required minor subject. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Arts track is an interdisciplinary program that most likely has the same courses as the B.S. degree have, but the B.A. track takes classes from the College of Fine Arts. Computer Science students at Carnegie experience rigorous classwork in Networking, Data Analysis, Principles of Computing, Computing Programming, Data Structures, and more.

For additional details, interested students may check the department’s website.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Established in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Northeastern is selective on its admissions, with an acceptance rate of 18%. Northeastern University ranks among the Best National Universities across the nation, according to U.S. News and World Reports.

Northeastern University's Computer Networking degree offers two tracks within the discipline, a Bachelor of Science degree, which highlights the field's technicalities, and a Bachelor of Arts, which is more likely the same as the B.S. degree permitting for extra mobility in electives. Students who take the Bachelor of Science Degree track will experience rigorous education on the fundamentals of program design, software development, computer organization, systems and networks, theories of computation, advanced algorithms and data, and principles of languages. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Arts degree shares the same curriculum as the B.S. But with slightly less Computer Science requisites to consent students to learn a foreign language and have a vast option of electives. Both tracks integrate a classroom experience driven by a field-leading faculty and grounded in professional application with adequate hands-on research and experiential learning chances.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

New York University (NYU) is a private research institution located in New York City founded in 1831. The U.S. News and World Reports rank NYU 30th in the Best National Universities. NYU is selective in its admissions, with an acceptance rate of 16%.

NYU's Computer Networking Degree program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge, not just in technology but also in finance, law, and medicine. Students in this degree program will learn about computer science, computer graphics, computer security, computer systems, databases, software verification, and more. Furthermore, NYU Computer Science students are provided with options for studying the degree; they may choose to get a Computer Science major, a joint major, accelerated masters, C.S. minor, joint minor, specialty minor, or a double degree. NYU Computer Science students participate in a wide range of research, instructive, and business activities. After graduation, they have joined several premiere companies within New York or across the nation.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Boston University (B.U.) is a non-secluded and private university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university was first established in 1839 by the Methodists, with its primary campus located in Newbury, Vermont, before moving to Boston in 1867.

B.U. offers a two-year Accelerated Degree Completion Program (ADCP). This program develops a respected experience and specialized skills in the field of computer science. Students enrolled in this program are expected to gain advanced knowledge on Java programming language, database management or computer networking, operating systems, and computer architecture, and much more. The program's full and organized course of learning makes it conceivable to a total of two years. Also, B.U. offers a Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks.

Interested students may take a look at the program's website to acquire additional information.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Baton Rouge School of Computers is a 2-year private career school dedicated to providing a solid education for students located in and around Baton Rouge. Last year over forty students were awarded degrees with about 98% of those who start the program continue it to completion. Baton Rouge School of Computers has several great programs to choose from. Below is a list of the more popular programs being offered:

  • Computer Networking
  • Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
  • Web and Multimedia Management

The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see admissions information, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$16,504 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Irvine, California, the University of California is a public research university founded in 1965. The institution uses a quarter-based academic schedule. The institution ranks among the best universities across the nation, with its most selective admissions at a 27% acceptance rate.

UCI's Computer Networking degree is a globally-recognized program that offers a world-class research atmosphere that goes well with discipline ranges. This program provides comprehensive learning about algorithms and complexity, computer architecture and design, computer graphics, networks and distributed systems, and more. Computer Science majors will experience extensive coursework provided by the faculty distinctive in its own field and specialization. Also, UCI offers graduate degrees in Computer Science.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1870, the Stevens Institute of Technology is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is one of the most seasoned mechanical colleges within the United States and was the primary college in America exclusively devoted to mechanical engineering.

Stevens Institute of Technology offers a Master's Degree in Computer Networking and Communication Management Services. With classes available on-campus and online, this inter-disciplinary program teaches network engineers and other technologies about the ideas on how networks aid businesses. Students in this program will learn the breadth of business information networks, broadband networking, and more.  

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Located in Syracuse, New York, Syracuse University is a private institution founded in 1870. Syracuse comprises 13 schools and colleges with 200 customizable majors and 100 minors, and online degrees and certificates.

Syracuse University offers a degree in Computer Networking to produce innovative thinkers with the crafts to plan, execute, and assess computer systems, examine problems and recommend solutions, and discuss computer and internet security. Computer Science students will have extensive coursework in artificial intelligence, computer network and security, data science, mobile application programming, computer graphics, programming languages, and more. To empower the students, they will encounter cooperative education and internship programs to hone their professional skills. The ABET Computing Accreditation Commission accredits Syracuse Computer Science.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Institutionalized in 1821 by an act of the United States Congress, the George Washington University is a private institution in Washington, D.C. GWU has three campuses in Foggy Bottom, the Virginia Science and Technology, and Mount Vernon Campus. Moreover, GWU comprises ten schools and colleges. GWU ranks among the Best National Universities in the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports.

At George Washington University, the Department of Computer Science, under the School of Engineering and Applied Science, offers a degree in Networking and Mobile Computing. This program, students will study about the network system and how it affects mobility. Moreover, learning areas revolve around internetworking concepts, Wireless LAN, Mobile ad hoc and sensor networks, and more.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

One of the nation's most distinguished comprehensive institutions, the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, is state-run public research in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh offers a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and various programs you can choose from to hone students' skills and pursue one's passion. The Pittsburgh Campus serves as the flagship campus of the University of Pittsburgh Educational System. The

degree in Computer Networking at the University of Pittsburgh comprises eight required courses and five elective courses. Students enrolled in the program will learn about networking, computer algorithms, architecture, databases, graphics, artificial intelligence, and others. Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh's computer science majors have a solid grounding in mathematics since mathematics courses are embedded in its curriculum. Before graduation, students will experience internship programs to apply their knowledge, experience realistic situations, and provide them with solutions. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research institution. The Twin Cities campus is the flagship site of the University of Minnesota System. Ranked by the U.S. News and World Reports, UMN is among the Best National Universities in the United States.

UMN Twin Cities Computer Networking major provides insights into the theoretical foundations and application of computer science. Undergraduates learn about hardware, software, and theoretical aspects of computing and its application in business, engineering, science, and more. Moreover, the program takes pride in its innovative research renowned worldwide; its research lies around the topics of networks, systems, and security; architecture compilers; data mining, databases, and geographical information systems; robotics and artificial intelligence; and more. At the University of Minnesota, they offer a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts track in its Computer Science degree. The U.S. News and World Reports rank UMN Two Cities Computer Science program 29th. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Founded in 1887, the North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public state-run research institution. N.C. State U is known as the largest four-year college in North Carolina. N.C. State U is more selective in its admissions with a 45% acceptance rate. Besides, the state university ranks among the Best National Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports.

At North Carolina State University at Raleigh, the Computer Networking Department offers several degrees and programs within the discipline's scope, including the Masters of Science in Computer Networking. This program is a joint effort between Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments under the College of Engineering and the College of Management. This program offers a wide range of technical sequences in computer networking and optional management courses. Moreover, the Master of Science in Computer Networking may be earned through either M.S. with a thesis or M.S. without a thesis.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center helps prepare adults with the skills they need to be successful in life. The center is located in Sacramento, California. Adult Education has been part of the Sacramento City Unified School District’s public education program since 1872. Attending classes is convenient since they are offered any times. GED classes are offered through the adult education center.

Instruction is free and open to individuals 18 and older who qualify. Check out the school’s website to learn more.

The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center offers classes for individuals wanting to learn English. The program teaches reading, listening, and speaking.

Career technical training is offered at the Adult Education Center. Courses are offered in the following areas: Administrative Assistant, Automotive Body Repair, Nursing Assistant, Court Reporting, GED Preparation & Testing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Medical Assisting, Optometric Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Vocational Nursing (VN).

Programs are also offered through the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center for people with disabilities. The goal is to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by increase the individual’s sense of independence. Part of the aim is to help individual achieve their potential. The goal of the program is to work on life skills and improve independency. Classes are offered on independent living, employment exploration, leisure time, and socialization.

Parenting classes are also offered. The program teaches how to handle children. One subject that the course deals with is the power struggle between siblings. The program also covers family literacy.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$7,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Immokalee Technical Center, located in Immokalee, Florida, is a technical college that offers a variety of vocational certificates to their students. They also offer the opportunity for adults to earn their GED, as well as various opportunities for students to participate in programs that have business store fronts.

Immokalee Technical Center offers students the opportunity to earn vocational certificates in medical billing, digital media, early childhood education, cosmetology, nurses assisting, architectural drafting, accounting, and many more.

iTECH offers the unique opportunity for students to earn their vocational certificate by working in one of many institution-owned and operated storefronts. iTECH owns a cyber café, a restaurant, a medical office, an automotive center, and a cosmetology center. This opportunity lets students earn their certificates in a fun, hands-on setting while learning more about customer service, retail work, and real life jobs.

Immokalee Technical Center also offers a state-of-the-art GED program that assists adults in obtaining a high school degree equivalent, while getting them ready to begin college or technical school. Florida state certified teachers help prepare adults to take the GED exam and walk them through the testing process, as well.

iTECH is a fully accredited technical center in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Federal Pell grants are extended to those students who apply and qualify. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify.

If you are interested in applying at Immokalee Technical Center, or if you would like to learn more about the many programs of study offered there, click here to access their official website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,391 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Intellitec College - Grand Junction is a 2-year private institution that offers career oriented education for its students located in and around Grand Junction. Over the past several years Intellitec College - Grand Junction has awarded degrees to more than 828 students with a graduation rate of about 57%. Intellitec College - Grand Junction offers several programs to choose from. Listed below are the programs with more popularity among students:

  • Automotive Technician
  • Business Office Administrative & Accounting
  • Cosmetologist
  • Dental Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Refrigeration & HVAC
To help students and alumni succeed, Intellitec College - Grand Junction may provide student services including:
  • Remedial instructional courses
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Helping students find work after graduation
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, please visit www.intellitec.edu .

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,899 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).

Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Valley College - Martinsburg is a 2-year private school dedicated to providing a solid education for students in Martinsburg and surrounding areas. Over the previous several years Valley College - Martinsburg has granted degrees to more than ninety students with a graduation rate of around 68%. Valley College, Martinsburg offers several programs to choose from. Some of the more popular programs being offered:

  • Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services
  • Business Administration

To help support students, Valley College - Martinsburg may offer services like:

  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Employment search assistance

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has accredited the instruction & training provided by Valley College - Martinsburg for over seventeen straight years. To see more and get consumer disclosures, please visit vct.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,575 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Lincoln Tech - Your future. Now! Lincoln Tech helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Their in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today's tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Lincoln's Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degree programs are designed to accelerate your entry into the job market by offering a shorter length of training. Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation. Let us forward your information to Lincoln College of Technology so they can contact you about their programs. Lincoln Tech campuses are accredited by either the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), depending on campus location. Programs vary by campus.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$22,852 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers an outstanding education. Job specific courses are offered as well as academic courses. The institute is located in sunny Naples, Florida. Tuition runs from $3,500 to $9,000 depending on the program of study, which is lower than most schools that offer technical training. The center was started in 1974 and originally offered 13 programs to over 300 students. The school’s name was changed in 1988 to the James Lorenzo Walker Vocational Technical Center. James Walker played a key role in establishing the school. Finally, the name of the school was altered to the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. The institute is fully accredited. Individuals looking for career training have a lot of options at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. Courses are offered in Accounting Operations, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision and Repairing and Refinishing, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Child Care Center Operations, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, surgical technology, Cosmetology, nails specialty, Drafting, multimedia design, ELCATE, Facial Specialist, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers many outstanding services. Child care is offered as well as help for students with disabilities. Career counseling, tutoring, test accommodations, and help with state exams is available for individuals with disabilities. Job placement is offered and helps employers and students connect with each other. The advisor works with instructors to offer employment opportunities that meet the needs of the students. The schools employment advisor helps with job placement, but job placement cannot be guaranteed.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,242 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Chipley, Florida is a small town of only 3,592 people. An interesting fact about the town is that it was once known as “Orange”, but it was renamed in the late 1880s for a railroad magnate who lived in the northern Florida area. As a small town in Florida, residents are used to very little distractions and the less than bustling life in their rural home.

The Washington - Holmes Technical Center has an enrollment of 506, and of 2012, the tuition was $3,310. It’s small size plays to its advantage, and many of its students laud the small town atmosphere and the ability to work one on one with instructors and get the kind of first hand advice that they wouldn’t be able to get at a bigger institution or technical center. There a number of quality programs that students who are enrolled can choose from—including the following:

  • Emergency Medical Tech
  • Phlebotomy
  • Practical Nursing
  • Graphic Communications
  • Interior Décor Fabrication
  • Automotive
  • Beauty Services
  • Law Enforcement

Students are admitted into Washington - Holmes Technical Center based on their own academic performance in high school in addition to an admissions interview and an entrance exam. For those living in north Florida looking for a cheap option to go to school, it’s a great choice.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Illinois Institute of Technology offers an assortment of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and career goals. IIT operates as a private institution in Chicago, IL with an annual enrollment of almost 7,800.

The top rated Computer Networking degree can be found within IIT's computer science department.  At IIT, comuter networking is a Minor degree program that provides extensive courses in operating systems, data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and assembly language programming. The program prepares the students to respond to real-world problems by providing cutting-edge solutions. Furthermore, students are also taught to work in teams so they improve their team leadership skills. The Minor in Computer Networking at IIT is a 16-credit-hour program.

Acceptance Rate

60.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

List of Network Administration Degree Programs

A variety of online and on-site degrees are available in computer networking from accredited colleges and universities. Online degree program details are listed below by school, or you can simply learn more about the degrees by requesting additional information from top colleges offering computer network. We have detailed out business administration degree programs from certificate of completion programs through masters degrees in computer networking to help you understand your options during your college decision making process.

Computer Network Online Certificate

Certificate programs in computer networking online or in class will be found in two forms: graduate and undergraduate. The graduate certificate programs in computer networking are designed for professionals in the field to gain additional knowledge and skills to remain competitive, upskill, and/or prepare for a job transition of some nature. On the other hand, an undergraduate certificate in computer network was created for beginners to learn about the foundational elements of the field. Online certificate programs in computer networking can last a few weeks up to two-years depending on the type of certificate and the number of courses taken at a given time.

Online Associate Degrees in Computer Networking

An online network administration associate degree in computer networking can be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) depending on the design of the schools program. Associate degrees are 2-year programs that combine liberal arts classes such as English, communications, and philosophy with core computer curricula to provide students with a set of holistic thinking skills. Core classes will help students understand and apply computing concepts in systems design, information flow, and network configuration.

Computer Networking Bachelor Degree

The online bachelor degrees in computer networking can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). The university online bachelor degree is a 4-year program balancing general education courses with core computer networking classes. Core classes in computer networking bachelor level may include technical writing, information technology, computer programming, computer network systems, information technology security, information resource management, networking fundamentals, router & switch configuration, client/server technology, cloud computing, enterprise risk management, systems analysis, and operating systems.

Master's Network Administration Programs

Masters degree programs in computer networking are 1-2 year programs designed for working professionals or graduate students familiar with the theories and concepts in computer networking. At the graduate level, students will typically be asked to select an area of specialization that can include system design, system analysis, information security, network configuration, network management, network flow optimization, network configuration, or network control. The area of concentration will determine the classes you will take throughout the balance of your graduate level network administration programs and help guide you through your thesis project.

Computer Network College Requirements

Individuals may pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree when considering an education in the field of computer network. Education in other computer related fields may also be pursued, although a targeted education may prove more beneficial if individuals are specifically pursuing computer networking as a career. Check with your school for financial aid programs and the overall in-state program cost. Individuals will be exposed to various software, hardware, computer languages, coding, as well as pertinent education in science and mathematics.

A curriculum may include:

  • System Performance
  • Coding and Language
  • Network Hardware
  • Troubleshooting and Service
  • Network Software

Schools that have modern facilities are often preferable for individuals wishing to seek study in the field of computers. Schools known for their investment and upgrading of hardware and software have a vested interest in maintaining a current and relevant curriculum. Additionally, schools that offer certification in relevant software or hardware may also be desirable, particularly for those students seeking associate degrees and faster employment.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Computer Networking

Employment in this field is expected to increase over the next decade as the need for setup and maintenance of computer systems becomes more and more commonplace. Individuals will generally seek employment within a given company or as an employee for a company that specializes in networking services. Some individuals may choose to work as freelance or independent contractors, often taking on the need of smaller businesses.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Computer Networking Degree?

The type of job you will get after graduating from an accredited college or university with a network administration degree will depend on a number of factors.  Things driving your compensation will be job type, work experience, geographic location, job demand, organization type, and your effort.  In an attempt to help prospective students, understand the job market, we have assembled a short list of related jobs to provide a baseline of what you may be able to expect.  The jobs selected are a computer network architect, computer systems administrator, database administrator, and a computer systems engineer.

Computer Network Architect

A computer network architect is responsible for designing, planning, testing, and building a variety of data communication networks including intranets, local area networks, and wide area networks.  The annual median income for a computer network architect is $101,210 with the top 10% making $158,590 a year.  The outlook for computer network architects is robust with a 9% growth expected in the industry translating to some 12,700 new jobs created in the coming decade.  A computer network architect can be synonymous with the following job titles depending on the organization: Network Analyst, Systems Analyst, System Programmer, Telecommunications Analyst, Systems Engineer, Network Consultant, Network Engineer, Network Manager, Networking Systems & Distributed Systems Engineer, and Telecommunications Engineer.

Computer Systems Administrator

A computer systems administrator configures, installs, and maintains the network systems or segments of a network’s computing system environment.  Responsibilities can include network access for authorized users, data backups, troubleshooting, replacing devices, and overall maintenance of hardware, systems software, application software, and related configurations.  The median annual income for a computer systems administrator is $79,700 with an expected job growth of 8% over the coming decade resulting in 79,400 job openings during that time.

Database Administrator (DBA)

A database administrator plies knowledge of database management systems to the testing, planning, and implementation of computer databases.  In certain organizations, a database administrator may also champion the role of an information security specialist to ensure data has the proper safeguards in place.  The mean annual income of a database administrator is $87,130 with a projected 11% growth rate which will add 13,400 jobs to the sector in the coming decade.  A Database Administrator may also be known as: Data Architect, System Administrator, Database Administration Manager, Database Programmer, Information Systems Manager, Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Database Developer, and Management Information Systems (MIS) Director.

Computer System Engineer

Computer systems engineers work to solve multifaceted network issues, system administration issues, and network applications that can include the operability, stability, scale, security, and portability of a system’s architecture.   The annual median income for a computer system engineer is $86,510 with a steady job growth anticipated over the coming decade with an estimated 37,700 job openings during that timeframe.

Additional Information in Computer Networking

Organizations such as the Network Professionals Association work to provide individuals in this field resources to read regarding standards for systems and employment, noting advancements and changes in order to better serve the field as a whole. For additional information on a future in Computer Networking, check out our Guide for Computer Systems Analyst and Web Programmer Professionson our blog.

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