Online Network Administration Degrees: What You Need To Know

Network administration professionals are responsible for developing and improving network performance in order to enable first-rate communication and maximum productivity for companies. With a network administration degree, you can work in a wide range of settings, from the largest corporations to top government agencies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2019 salary for network administrators was a very attractive $83,510. Furthermore, approximately 18,200 jobs are expected to open up in network administration in the coming years. 

Though a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for a high-paying job, securing a master’s degree will qualify you for even better ones. If you have a passion for information technology, you will find a variety of great opportunities in this flourishing field.

In this essential guide, we’ll cover the best degree programs and resources you’ll require to work in this prestigious field.

Types of Network Administration Degrees

There are four types of network administration degrees: an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate. We’ll cover everything from the best programs to courses and career paths involved in each one, so read on.

Network Administration Associate Degree

An associate degree program in network administration takes around two years to complete and contains about 60 credit hours. This is the right path for anyone looking for entry-level employment in network administration. An associate degree in this field will enable you to immediately start working in several settings, though it may not lead to very high-paying jobs.

Network Administration Associate Degree Coursework 

Here are some courses you can expect to take during an associate degree program:

• Introduction to Information Systems Security
• Fundamentals of Scripting and Databases
• Introduction to WAN Technology
• Foundations in Computer System Administration

Best Network Administration Associate Degree Programs

We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your Associate Degree in Network Administration:

• Dakota State University (Madison, SD)
• University of Toledo (Toledo, OH)
• Lake Superior College (Duluth, MN)
• Santa Fe College (Gainesville, FL)
• Seminole State College of Florida (Sanford, FL)

Network Administration Associate Degree Career Paths

• Computer Repair Technician

Duties: These professionals install, configure, and repair computer systems, and also provide basic software and networking support. 

2020 Median Salary: $60,150

Job Growth (2018-2028): 10% (faster than average)

• Wireless Network Specialist

Duties: These specialists provide assistance and oversight for all wireless information systems, including computers and telecommunications.

2020 Median Salary: $53,580

Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)

• Help Desk Technician

Duties: Help desk technicians identify, research and resolve routine technical problems regarding most computer systems.

2020 Median Salary: $45,006

Job Growth (2018-2028): 10% (faster than average)

In essence, an associate degree prepares students for entry-level positions and fosters professional development. It is often considered a good choice to pursue a bachelor’s degree next, which we’ll now discuss.

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree program in network administration takes around four years to complete and usually contains 120 to 130 credit hours. This is a good option for anyone looking for high-paying entry-level employment in network administration. A bachelor’s degree in this field will enable you to immediately start working in an even larger array of settings than an associate degree. Though some people choose to pursue a master’s degree afterwards, a bachelor’s degree will still open prospective students to excellent employment opportunities.

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Coursework 

Here are some courses you can expect to take during this degree program:

• Programming for Network Administration
• Database Operations
• Project Management
• Mobile Business Application Development
• Foundations of Cybersecurity

Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs

We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration:

• Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH)
• Champlain College (Burlington, VT)
• California Baptist University (Riverside, CA)
• Southern Nazarene University (Bethany, OK)
• Dakota State University (Madison, SD)

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Career Paths

• Network Administrator

Duties: These professionals are responsible for the daily administration of a network environment and the maintenance system software.

2020 Median Salary: $92,203

Job Growth (2018-2028): 5% (as fast as average)

• Network Engineer

Duties: These engineers protect data, software, and hardware by planning and coordinating network security measures.

2020 Median Salary: $87,863

Job Growth (2018-2028): 7% (faster than average)

• Security Analyst

Duties: This professional performs network security assessments and risk analysis, and installs appropriate security products for various network platforms.

2020 Median Salary: $87,485

Job Growth (2018-2028): 32% (much faster than average)

To summarize, a bachelor’s degree in this field allows students to pursue several high-paying careers as network and computer system administrators. However, pursuing a master’s degree is also a great option, which we’ll now discuss.

Network Administration Master’s Degree

A master’s degree program in network administration takes about two years to complete. Typically containing 120 to 130 credit hours, this degree is a good move for anyone looking for executive or managerial positions in network administration. 

You will be sought after to fill very prestigious, high-paying and important roles as the head of many different organizations. Most master’s programs are entered by working professionals who possess a bachelor’s degree, so you will need several hands-on years of experience before applying.

Network Administration Master’s Degree Coursework 

Master’s degrees in network administration typically include courses like:

• Principles of Information Security and Privacy
• Network Security
• Protocols and Techniques for Data Networks
• Telecommunications Practicum
• Analytical Network and System Administration

Best Network Administration Master’s Degree Programs

We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your Master’s Degree in Network Administration:

• Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
• Florida International University (Miami, FL)
• Kettering University (Flint, MI)
• Northeastern University (Boston, MA)
• Pace University (New York City, NY)

Network Administration Master’s Degree Career Paths

• Network Administrator

Duties: These professionals are responsible for the daily administration of a network environment and the maintenance of system software.

2020 Median Salary: $92,203

Job Growth (2018-2028): 9% (faster than average)

• Chief Information Officer

Duties: A network engineering director is responsible for all aspects of an organization’s network systems including software and hardware.

2020 Median Salary: $122,790

Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)

• Network Operations Manager

Duties: Network operations managers establish guidelines and ensure the effective use of computers, servers, and technical services.

2020 Median Salary: $115,300

Job Growth (2018-2028): 8% (faster than average)

In short, a master’s degree in this field allows baccalaureate holders to advance their careers even further by pursuing prestigious executive positions. However, network administrators sometimes pursue doctoral degrees next, which we’ll now discuss.

Network Administration Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree program in network administration takes around three to four years of advanced study to complete after earning your master’s degree. Typically containing 60 to 120 credit hours, this is considered a difficult move financially, emotionally, and mentally. However, if you want to work in network systems policy or want to teach network systems administration, then this may be a good choice for you.

Network Administration Doctoral Degree Coursework

Doctoral degrees in network administration typically include courses like:

• Scholarly Communication for Technology Leaders 
• Computer Networks & Mobile Computing
• Databases & Business Intelligence
• Principles of Cybersecurity
• Managing Risk, Security, & Privacy in Information Systems

Best Network Administration Doctoral Degree Programs

We found these to be the best online programs for you to easily get your network administration PhD:

• Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ)
• Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
• Northcentral University (San Diego, CA)

Network Administration Doctoral Degree Career Paths

• Computer and Information Research Scientists

Duties: These computer scientists focus their work and research on specific areas (such as algorithm and data structure development).

2020 Median Salary: $112,288

Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (faster than average)

• Professor of Computer Science

Duties: These professors develop, design, and teach curriculums in the area of computer and information sciences.

2020 Median Salary: $115,233

Job Growth (2018-2028): 11% (much faster than average)

• Network / Systems Administration Specialist

Duties: This specialist installs, configures and maintains system software, and is responsible for the daily administration of a network environment.

2020 Median Salary: $112,600

Job Growth (2018-2028): 5% (as fast as average)

In sum, a doctoral degree is not pursued unless master’s degree holders wish to secure a job in research or teaching. 

We will now discuss some final notes that you should consider before choosing a program.

What to Know Before Enrolling in a Network Administration Degree Program 

Today’s technology has influenced several aspects of our lives, especially education as more and more students turn toward online programs to earn their degrees. 

An online degree is often more convenient and less expensive to earn than a degree earned through the traditional college route. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning seems to be the only feasible way to continue education.

Before enrolling in an online degree program, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, you should try to pursue an affordable program that doesn’t require arbitrary fees, such as graduation or assessment fees. You should also make sure you are well-equipped with the resources you’ll need to earn your degree in network administration.

Furthermore, you should research whether your program is asynchronous or not. A self-paced course is preferred by some because you do not have to worry about deadlines. This is especially convenient if you have financial or personal obligations such as a part-time job or a dependent that you have to take care of.

It is also important to make sure your program is accredited so you don’t face issues later regarding credit transfers. You can do so by visiting school websites, checking program reviews, or by contacting schools directly for further information.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which program is right for you. Is your program properly accredited? Do you simply want an associate degree or do you want a master’s degree? 

Lastly, below are some helpful answers to questions you may have about network administration degrees as part of your ongoing program research.

Conclusion: FAQs About Network Administration Degree Programs

●       Are there any financial aid opportunities available to me?

Yes, each university listed above offers financial aid and scholarship packages with adequate information on how to achieve them. Furthermore, we think that this website will help you find sufficient financial aid information.

●       Are there any internships I can take to boost my experience in the field?

Here are some relevant listings for internships and even full-time jobs you can secure in order to enhance your work experience.

●       Are there any other resources available that will help me get my degree?

Here is a website that offers resources and news related to network administration degrees. Here is another website that will enhance your knowledge and networking capacity in this field.