Top Online Network Administration Degree Programs and Industry Salary 2023/2024

Earning a Network administration degree online can help prepare you for an in-demand job in the world of computers and technology

Network administrators are professionals who make sure that organizations’ computer networks are fast, reliable, secure, and modern. Getting an online bachelor’s degree in network administration could help you develop the skills you’ll need for employment in an information or computing company.

This tech-based program could also help you qualify for work in an IT department of a healthcare, education, or finance organization.

Network Administration Degrees Online

Degrees in computer network management can lead to a range of careers in the exciting field of information technology.

If you’re interested in network administration careers helping an organization succeed through effective computer systems and streamlined data processing, then this network administration major might be a good fit for you.

In a computer network administration program, you’ll typically study topics like:

• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• Database structure
• Computer information systems
• Information technology management
• Networking fundamentals
• Network troubleshooting
• Operating systems
• Project management
• Systems analysis
• Web servers

In a computer networking and security program, you’re likely to have both lecture classes and lab courses. The lab components of your studies can provide opportunities to try out the concepts that you’ve been learning.

You may also complete a network administration major capstone project to wrap up your time in the program. For this type of project, you might identify a technology issue and develop a plan for addressing it.

Industry certifications can go hand in hand with a degree in computing. Many bachelors degree programs include courses that are designed to prepare you for select certification exams.

Some graduates enter network administration careers such as network support specialists or network administrators. Others become information security analysts or network architects. In addition, experience could eventually lead to promotions. Computer and information technology managers head up teams of IT professionals.

Common Bachelor’s in Network Administration Concentrations

You can gain specialized knowledge in one particular aspect of the network administration field by pursuing a concentration for your college degree.

• Analytics. If you’re interested in using your networking skills for data collection, organization, and analysis of emerging technologies, this concentration can help you prepare with courses on modeling and quality assurance.
• Business and Entrepreneurship. For those with the goal of working in innovative business settings or even running their own companies, studying entrepreneurship can provide a strong foundation.
• Computer Security. Networks have to be secure, so this concentration can equip you to guard information, prevent attacks on your system, and respond when a threat arises.
• Project Leadership. With classes on risk management and team communication, this concentration can help you develop valuable management skills and teach you how to oversee network projects from conception through implementation and evaluation.
• Software Development and Analysis. You can take classes that teach you how to design software that runs on your network and how to administer tests to ensure that it functions properly.

Concentration options vary from one school to the next, so your college may have other specializations not listed here.

Network and System Administration Careers & Salaries

Professionals who hold degrees in the field often work as network or computer systems administrators. Their responsibilities can include building, maintaining, and troubleshooting organizations’ networking systems.

Many network administrators work for companies in the computer systems design business. Others find work in the education, finance, business, or information sectors.

Working as a computer network support specialist or a computer support specialist is a common entry-level job for recent graduates. These professionals handle simple troubleshooting and maintenance tasks related to helping to optimize network performance. Network support specialists often report to network administrators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computers and information technology pay a median annual salary of $91,250.

The skills you can learn in a network administration degree program are also applicable to a variety of other technology jobs. Related careers in this field include programmer, software tester, web developer, computer support specialist, and help-desk technician.

Some employers may prefer candidates with industry certifications. Network professionals with experience may eventually become managers. A Computer or information systems manager may oversee just the networking tasks in an organization or all of the technology-related activities.

Because security is a key part of network administration, working as a computer security analyst could be another potential job for a professional with networking expertise. Other graduates find work as network architects, planning and constructing computer networks and helping to optimize network performance.

Network Admin Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses

An online computer networking degree, whether it’s an online network security degree or an online cloud computing degree, typically consists of about 120 credit hours’ worth of classes. Here are examples of classes you may encounter in your program:

• Analysis of Systems: During this class, you’ll learn to analyze complex computer information systems and produce communication pieces that explain the analyses.
• Communication for Technical Careers: You’ll develop your technical writing skills in this course so that you can learn to deliver information to a variety of audiences.
• Database Concepts: You can learn to design database systems interfaces and to program in structured query language to configure database management systems. This may lead to work as a database administrator.
• Network Hardware Concepts: The focus of this course will be on computer hardware components that are commonly included in business systems.
• Introduction to Networking: Early in your college program, you’ll take a class that covers the basics of the  field, such as networking fundamentals and local area networks.
• Linux Administration: This class will prepare you to work with a Linux operating system and to use it in professional settings.
• Online Security: Cloud computing requires thorough network security, and this class will teach you about those safety protocols.
• Operating Systems Troubleshooting: You’ll learn things to try when computer operating systems aren’t functioning properly so that your organization won’t suffer from costly downtime.
• Programming Fundamentals: In one or more programming classes, you’ll study concepts that apply to all programming languages. You may also become fluent in Python or another language.
• Wireless Networks: This is a lab course that will introduce you to the design of wireless networks and teach you to troubleshoot issues.

Curricula can vary from one school to the next, and the concentration you choose in your online programs can also influence your course lineup.

How to Choose an Online Network Administration Degree Program

Online network administration studies come in a variety of formats, so it’s strategic to do some digging to find the one that’s best for your learning goals. Here are some factors to consider as you research programs:

• Certifications. Many colleges have classes to prepare you for industry certifications, so you can take a look at what credentials you can earn by the end of a particular program.
• Course schedule. Some schools offer year-round classes, and others stick to two semesters. Also, a college may allow you to log in at set times or only during specific class hours.
• Internship. You may want to consider whether a college can help you secure a relevant internship in your local area and whether you can earn college credit for the experience.
• Lab experiences. Colleges that include lab classes give you opportunities to put your classroom lessons into practice during hands-on exercises, for example, in configuring database management systems or computer operating systems.

Other factors to consider include a school’s accreditation status and the cost of tuition.

Admissions Requirements

Online computer network operations and security programs may accept applications throughout the year. Applying for a school often requires submitting materials like the ones listed below:

• High school transcripts or GED certificate
• Interview with a member of the admissions team
• Resume or details about professional experience or military service
• SAT or ACT scores (not required at all colleges)

There’s typically a form to fill out as well, and there may also be an application fee. Admissions requirements will vary, though, from school to school.

Accreditation

You can start your college studies off on the right foot by choosing a regionally accredited college. The only way for a college to become regionally accredited is for it to demonstrate that it consistently provides students a great education.

Regional accreditation is a sign that a college meets academic standards. Colleges and employers know the value of accreditation. Studying at an accredited school can also be important for securing financial assistance, transferring credits, enrolling in graduate programs, and finding employment.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition assistance comes in many forms, and this may help you afford the cost of a college education if you qualify.

Government aid is popular with many prospective students. To learn about your qualifications for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your federal financial aid program may include grants and loans, and the state you live in may also offer similar programs.

Scholarships can be helpful for many students, too. The computer network administration program at your school may offer scholarship funds for some students, and private scholarship awards may be an option as well. Some employers pay partial college costs for their employees.

Network Administration Professional Organizations

These professional associations exist to provide support, education, networking opportunities, and industry advocacy for people in the field of computers and information technology.

• Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
• Network and Systems Professionals Association (NaSPA)
• League of Professional System Administrators (LOPSA)

Benefits vary from group to group, but your membership fee may include access to online archives, professional discounts, print or digital magazines, and job boards. Some organizations also have in-person chapter meetings and annual conferences.

What Can You Do with a Network Administrator Degree?

Holding a degree in computer network management or administration could prepare you for a variety of jobs in computing and information technology.

Some graduates get started as network support specialists, taking care of the maintenance and troubleshooting of local area networks and other organizations’ network needs. They may later advance to positions as network administrators or as an information systems manager. Those jobs usually include higher levels of responsibility.

Computer systems analyst is another role that a graduate may pursue. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that analysts often work for organizations involved in computer systems design, finance, or information. Government agencies employ analysts, too.

How Much Does a Network Administrator Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for network support specialists often range from $40,620 to $110,450. The median salary for support specialists in the telecommunications sector is $74,220 per year.

The average network professional earns between $52,830 and $134,970 annually. The highest salaries are in the finance and insurance industry. Those jobs pay a median of $89,910 per year.

A Computer and information systems manager is likely to earn between $90,430 and $208,000 annually. Salaries are often highest in the information sector. Computer managers who work in the information industry earn a median salary of $166,770.

What Qualifications Do Network Administrators Need?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is the most common qualification for getting hired into this profession. Some employers do hire candidates with professional experience or associate degrees instead.

A bachelors degree in network administration is a strategic option for students who have this career goal in mind. Others may want to major in information technology, computer science, or computer engineering.

Network administrators may also need to have certifications that relate to their organizations’ systems. Microsoft, CompTIA, and Cisco offer some of the most common certification programs in this field.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Networking Administration Degree?

A bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years to complete. You might be able to get your degree in less time than that, though. Some online information technology degree programs may rely on year-round, accelerated terms instead of traditional 16 week semesters. That format can help students shave several months or even a year off of their studies.

Some online computer network administration programs are designed for those who already have an associate degree in the field or several years of professional experience. If you meet the qualifications, you may be able to complete one of these programs in 1 to 2 years.

What’s the Difference Between a Network Engineer vs. Network Administrator?

For a career related to computer networks, you can consider becoming a network engineer or a network administrator.

Some professionals move into network engineering roles after working as network administrators for a while. Others return to school and earn a masters in computer networking  or a masters in cloud computing in order to move into higher roles in the industry.

What’s the Difference Between a System Administrator vs. Network Administrator?

As far as job titles go, they may seem pretty similar, but there are differences between these two roles.

In small companies, the same person may be in charge of both network and computer systems duties.

Is a Network Administration Degree Worth It?

Yes, a network administration degree is worth it for many students. Careers in the field include network support specialist, computer network administrator, and computer systems manager. Such jobs are common in a variety of industries, including computer services, business, education, and finance.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for network administrators are expected to grow at a 4% rate over the next decade. Likewise, support specialists should see an 8% increase in their field.

The projected 10% job growth for computer management jobs may mean that network administration graduates will have more opportunities for advancement (Bureau of Labor Statistics).f

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