Trying to find the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Network Administration? You’ve come to the right place. We have gathered all of the information you need about network administration bachelor’s degree programs, as well as the jobs and pay you can get after graduating.
Network administration is a high-paying career in the IT sector that offers a great chance for job stability. If you’re interested in pursuing one of the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Network Administration, check out this guide. It will introduce you to some of the best network administration bachelor’s degrees based on the quality of the curriculum and school reputation. Let’s take a look.
What Is Network Administration?
Network administration is an IT role that consists of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks. This occupation may also involve other tasks, such as designing solutions and planning strategies for possible updates in the system.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
The best colleges where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration are located all around the country, and often online. These colleges are accredited, offer useful curricular content, and train students to ultimately become network administration professionals.
What Schools Offer the Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Dakota State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Utah Valley University
- Yakima Valley College
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
The admissions requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration include a minimum education requirement, application process, and sometimes standardized testing. You may also need to provide letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay.
To meet the requirements for a Bachelor’s in Network Administration, you must have a high school diploma or a GED diploma. You’ll also have to pass the particular school’s application process, which typically includes a form and fee. Make sure to consult with an admissions representative to find out the specific requirements for your program.
Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- 2.0+ cumulative GPA
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completed application form and fee (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Resume and/or personal essay
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration
The best way to get a network administration bachelor’s degree is by preparing for your degree in high school or before enrolling. You may need knowledge of network systems and administrative practices beforehand, but it is typically not required.
Once enrolled in your program of choice, the best way to get a Bachelor’s in Network Administration is to study hard and maintain good grades. Most programs require you to have a certain cumulative GPA to be able to graduate, so planning ahead is key to getting this degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
You need 120 credits for a Bachelor’s in Network Administration. Most schools will stick to this number, but some may require more or less. If you choose a more specialized degree program or one that operates on a quarter schedule, you may have to complete upwards of 180 credits in order to graduate.
Network Administration Degree Requirements
- 40 to 60 general education credits
- 60 to 80 core education credits
- Lower-level courses such as Intro to Computers and Intro to Cyber Operations
- Higher-level courses such as Advanced Routing and Switching and Defensive Network Security
- Maintain “C” grades or higher in all required degree courses
Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | Bachelor of Science in Network and System Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Michigan Technological University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Network and System Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| New England Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| New York School of Career and Applied Studies | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and Engineering Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Networking and Security | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Utah Valley University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Network Administration and Security Emphasis | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Yakima Valley College | Bachelor of Applied Science in Networking: System Administration | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Network Administration: Top Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a network administration bachelor’s degree are located all around the country. These schools offer both in-person and online study options, some of which offer completely online degree programs.
If you are interested in enrolling in one of the top network administration bachelor’s programs, check out this list. The following list includes the best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration in the United States. We compiled this group of schools and programs based on their outcomes, curriculum, and opportunities. All the information was taken from each school’s website.
What Is a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration is an undergraduate college degree that teaches you the fundamentals of computer network operations. You will learn about operating systems, web development, and other computer science fundamentals.
Typically, a network administration bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree that can be completed either in-person or online via an educational institution. This can be completed faster in some programs, or even as part of an accelerated master’s degree.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
It is very important to have a bachelor’s degree in network administration. This degree provides crucial education and training for your future career and life goals. The main reasons why a network administration bachelor’s degree is so important include:
- Necessary education and training for future jobs
- Provides required education to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree
- Gives you a leg up on the competition without degrees when job hunting
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Network Administration?
You can get the following types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Network Administration:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The type of network administration bachelor’s degree you should get depends on your goals. For a general education, opt for a bachelor’s degree. If you want a more technical education, go for the BS. Finally, for a more cultured education, choose a BA.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Network Administration because it best prepares you for technical work. The difference between a Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and a Bachelor of Arts is that the BS will prepare you with more hands-on training, while the BA degree will focus on theories and conceptual learning.
A Bachelor of Science in Network Administration is better for getting you a job than a Bachelor of Arts because of the skills it teaches. Since you focus more on hands-on learning, you will be better prepared to join the workforce upon graduating.
What Is the Difference Between a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree and a Network Administration Certificate?
The main difference between a network administration bachelor’s degree and a certificate in network administration is the curriculum. Certificates in network administration don’t take as long to earn, so the curriculum tends to focus on just the basics or specializes in a few key skills. A degree, on the other hand, allows you to study both.
You should get a network administration bachelor’s degree instead of a certificate because you will gain a much more in-depth education. Not only will you earn fundamentals and specialized skills, but you will also study the history, theories, and important concepts of the field.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
A network administration bachelor’s degree costs an average of $28,775 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This includes both public and private institutions. This cost will be higher or lower depending on other factors, such as whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.
Financing options will vary depending on the institution. However, on average, you’ll see that most offer loans, financing plans, and scholarships. Some schools may even offer discounts for certain students. You can contact the admissions department of your chosen school to learn more about their financial aid opportunities.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration. This degree is usually comprised of 120 to 180 credits, 180 typically being quarter credits. The average full-time student will have no trouble completing this degree in four years.
For part-time students, you may need to add a year or two to your estimated completion time. On the other hand, accelerated learning options available at many institutions can shave off a year or two. Be sure to work closely with your academic advisor to find the ideal program length for your goals.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration is hard to get for many students. The reason a network administration bachelor’s degree is so hard to get is that it requires students to learn very complex and technical course material.
Why Should You Get a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration include:
- Teaches invaluable tech, cyber security, and business skills applicable to many fields of work
- Properly prepares you for a career in network administration, cyber security, or information technology
- Gives you the necessary education to pursue a higher-level degree
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Network Administration?
The required courses for a network administration bachelor’s degree include both lower and upper-level classes. You will take many introductory courses as well as more focused, specialized courses as you advance in your degree. Below is a Bachelor’s in Network Administration course list example.
Introduction to Programming
One of the network administration courses for a bachelor’s degree that you will likely take is Introduction to Programming. This course will take you through the basics of programming in various languages such as JavaScript and Python.
Networking Essentials
Another one of the required courses for a network administration bachelor’s degree is Networking Essentials. In Networking Essentials, you will study the basics of how to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain a network.
Fundamentals of Cyber Security
Fundamentals of Cyber Security is a common network administration bachelor’s degree course. This is a mid-level course that introduces students to cyber security. You will study the CIA Triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and how to apply this to cyber security policies.
Advanced Cyber Security
One of the upper-level courses required for a network administration bachelor’s degree is Advanced Cyber Security. This course builds on the Fundamentals of Cyber Security course, focusing on how to best protect networks and often including topics such as penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Data Communications
Another one of the upper-level classes required for a network administration major for a bachelor’s degree is Data Communications. In this course, you will study TCP and IP protocols, data links, and the characteristics of transmission media.
Continuing Education Paths for Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a network administration bachelor’s degree is toward a higher-level degree. Earning a master’s or doctoral network administration program will open up even more job opportunities, increase your salary, and give you as much network administration knowledge as possible.
Related Network Administration Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best network administration bachelor’s degrees have great faculty, flexibility, and good curricular content. To help decide how to choose a program, the list below details what you can expect from a network administration bachelor’s degree program.
Faculty Credentials
Faculty credentials are essentially proof of an instructor or professor’s expertise in the field. Finding a program with good faculty credentials ensures you will learn from someone with experience who can teach you the most useful skills.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Having a good student-to-faculty ratio allows you to experience more one-on-one learning. Many programs offer class sizes of 30+ students, so finding one with smaller class sizes is key. Since this type of degree covers so many complicated topics, being able to work directly with your professor is extremely helpful.
Flexibility
Many students have to work while they study, so finding a flexible program is crucial. Enrolling in an online program can work well, but there are also in-person programs with flexible scheduling options. Take some time to research both and determine which is best for you.
Curricular Content
One of the most important things to consider for any degree program is the curricular content. Finding a degree program with up-to-date textbooks and a regularly evaluated curriculum will ensure your education is consistent with modern market demands.
Cost
Even if you apply for financial aid, finding a program within your budget is huge to your educational experience. Take your time when researching programs to ensure you find all of the required fees, as well as the school’s financial aid options.
What Is the Most Affordable Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Network Administration are:
- Utah Valley University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Network Administration and Security Emphasis
- Dakota State University’s Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration
- Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Networking and Security
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Network and System Administration
- University of Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Salary and Job Outlook for Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
There are many network administration bachelor’s degree jobs you can get after graduating. In this section, we will go over the best jobs you can get, as well as the average Bachelor’s in Network Administration salary.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
It is relatively easy to get a job with a network administration bachelor’s degree. This is because most employers prefer candidates with degrees, so you will be the preferred choice. It is also an in-demand field, and there are plenty of jobs available to apply to.
What’s the Average Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration is $73,000, according to PayScale. This will grow exponentially as you gain experience and learn more specialized skills in your field.
The median salary for a network administrator is $80,600, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This can vary depending on your professional experience and technical skills. BLS estimates that the demand for network administrators is expected to grow five percent from 2020 to 2030.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a network administration bachelor’s degree pay well, offer great career experience, and will provide you with a sense of satisfaction. These career opportunities are in a variety of tech fields.
Network Administration Degree Jobs
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
Potential Careers With a Network Administration Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?
You can make between $57,000 and $160,000 per year with a Bachelor’s in Network Administration. The amount of money you make will largely depend on your exact job title, years of experience, and location.
As stated previously, the average salary for this degree is around $73,000. Even if you start out earning closer to $57,000, you can expect pay raises and salary increases as you progress in your work. If you are not satisfied with your pay, you could consider switching to one of the highest-paying jobs listed at the top of the table below.
Highest-Paying Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,110 |
| Systems Architect | $120,520 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Network Security Engineer | $92,352 |
| Network Administrator | $80,600 |
| Network Engineer | $76,431 |
| Network Consultant | $71,221 |
| Technical Support Specialist | $57,910 |
Best Jobs for Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for network administration bachelor’s degree grads are high-paying and satisfying. Below, we will go into detail about these jobs. You will learn about the average annual salaries, job outlook, number of jobs, and highest-paying states for each job.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s in Network Administration is worth it. You should obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration if you have critical thinking and problem-solving skills and are ready to dive into very technical classes. This degree will prepare you for work in various tech fields and help you earn a high salary.
This career might be complicated for those with zero technical knowledge, so prospective students may want to research the field and learn foundational skills before committing to a program.
Additional Reading About Network Administration
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Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, network administration can be extremely challenging if you don’t have any experience in IT or computer science. It requires hard work to gain the knowledge of network operating systems technology professionals need to excel in this field.
Yes, you can become a network administrator without a bachelor’s degree if you have the necessary skills and relevant experience. However, most employers prefer bachelor’s degree holders for a network administrator position, and this level of education will help you earn a higher annual wage.
To become a network administrator, you must have IT skills and experience working with networks. On top of your technical skills, you will need communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Yes, you can work as a network administrator from home. You can usually manage IT security from a remote location and might be able to set up and maintain cloud infrastructure from home as well.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
