Computer networking is one of the best fields to enter in today’s modern era. Almost everyone comes into contact with networking technology in their day-to-day lives, and there is a wide range of job roles and opportunities in the field. The field requires good technical skills and knowledge and networking certificates are a great way to gain this expertise and pursue a career in networking and IT systems.
The best networking certificate program will vary for each person. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as whether you need an undergraduate or graduate certificate and the type of career path you plan to pursue. In this article, we cover everything you would need to know to find the best networking college certificate for you.
What Is a Networking Certificate College Program?
A networking college certificate program prepares students for careers in computer network services, especially for businesses in the IT sector. The program provides hands-on instruction on the installation and operation of computer networks. Students also learn to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks and network security.
What’s the Difference Between a College Networking Certificate and Professional Certification in Networking?
Students earn a college networking certificate after completing an educational program to indicate their general academic knowledge and experience in the field. Professional certification, on the other hand, is an indicator of industrial competence. It’s commonly granted to in-field professionals upon passing a technical assessment designed to meet updated industry standards.
Both are of great use to individuals who wish to start networking careers. However, the key difference between a college certificate and a professional certification in networking is that the former is a substitute for degree coursework whereas a certification is focused training that helps professionals either progress in their existing careers or learn new skills that can improve their overall career potential.
Networking College Certificate vs Networking Certification: Key Differences
| Networking Certificate | Networking Certification |
|---|---|
| Provided by academic institutions | Provided by private organizations that set industry standards |
| Indicates educational knowledge-base | Indicates competence matched with industry standards |
| Requires completion of academic program | Requires passing of an examination |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Networking Certificate at College?
It takes up to 18 months to get a networking certificate at college, depending on the program and the student’s pace of learning. Some programs may require more courses and credit hours than others and will take longer to complete. Among the faster programs, however, students on average complete their certificate program in six months.
Best Networking Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Networking | $350 per credit |
| Davenport University | Networking Technology Certificate | $885 per credit |
| DeVry University | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Networking Essentials | $514 per credit |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Undergraduate Certificate in Network and System Administration | $930 per credit |
| Indiana University Southeast | Undergraduate Certificate in Network Technology | $242 per credit (in state) |
| Liberty University | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Networking | $390 per credit |
| Regent University | Certificate of Undergraduate Studies in CISCO Networking | $395 per credit |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Networking | $312 per credit (in state) |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Certificate Program in Networking and Security | $380 per credit |
| Washington Technical Institute | Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Networking | $67 per credit |
Best Undergraduate Networking Certificate Programs: Explained
The right networking certificates will ensure that you get sufficient technical knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the networking field. With that said, the right school and certificate program will be different for everyone depending on their needs and goals. Below, we go into more detail about each school and program on our list.
Networking College Certificate Program vs Networking Associate Degree
To decide between a certificate vs associate degree in networking, you have to consider your professional goals as well as factors like time and budget. A certificate may be better if you wish to get practical skills cheaply and as quickly as possible. In contrast, an associate degree would be better if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a well-rounded, foundational education.
To help you understand which one is right for you, below is a list of some important factors that vary between a networking college certificate program and a networking associate degree.
- Length of time to complete. Certificates have a shorter time commitment than associate degrees. An associate degree can take up to two years to finish, but you can usually complete an undergraduate certificate within a year.
- Types of courses. The courses in certificate programs tend to be more focused on practical and technical skills.
- Although associate degree programs do offer technical knowledge and training, their format also emphasizes theory and foundational concepts.
- Scope of studies. Associate degree programs in networking cover a wider range of topics than certificate programs, as they also mandate general education courses. In contrast, networking certificate program courses allow you to focus solely on the topic you’re studying: networking.
- Cost. Courses generally cost the same amount per credit, whether they are for a certificate or an associate degree. However, associate degree programs usually cost more because their curricula include more courses and therefore have more credits to pay for.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Networking Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate networking certificate is worth it because it helps you build essential skills that prepare you to pursue new job opportunities faster. A networking college certificate doesn’t qualify you for a job the way a networking associate degree or higher would, but it does help speed up the process. On top of the faster entry into the workforce, you can also minimize expenses by transferring credits when you take a four-year degree course.
Best Networking Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks | $1,908 per credit |
| Colorado State University | Graduate Certificate in Computer Systems Engineering | $719 – $730 per credit |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Certificate in Networking and Communications | $1,646 per credit |
| Iowa State University | Computer Networking Graduate Certificate Online | $564 per credit (in state) |
| Michigan Technological University | Network and Communication Systems Graduate Certificate | $1,343 per credit |
| Towson University | Networking Technologies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | $642 per credit (in state) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing and Networking | $514 per credit (in state) |
| University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | Computer Networks & Distributed Systems Graduate Certificate | $683 per credit (in state) |
| Wichita State University | Computer Networking Graduate Certificate | $308 per credit (in state) |
| Wright State University | Wireless Communication and Networking Graduate Certificate | $7,149 per year (in state) |
Best Graduate Networking Certificate Programs Explained
Once you’re at the point where you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you could look into getting a graduate networking certificate. Like undergraduate certificates, each program covers network concepts focusing on different areas. We go into more detail about each school and program below.
Networking Graduate Certificate Program vs Networking Master’s Degree
While both graduate certificate programs and master’s degree programs can be taken after a bachelor’s degree, they can be very different in their scopes. Graduate certificate programs focus on equipping the students with skills in a specific subject, while master’s degree programs tend to have a wider coverage of topics.
However, they are both similarly suited to equip the student with specialized skills in their area of interest. Below are three major differences between a networking graduate certificate and a master’s degree program.
- Length of the program. The graduate certificate program’s length is typically less than a master’s degree program. A master’s degree program usually takes one or two years, depending on the university, while it can take less than a year to complete a graduate certificate program.
- Focus of the courses. Graduate networking certificate programs focus on enhancing industry-specific skills in a niche area of networking. Master’s degree programs focus on strategically building your overall skills and knowledge in the industry and a few specialization topics.
- Cost. Graduate certificates tend to have fewer courses and credit hours than master’s degrees and thus cost less. Master’s degree programs also have a higher per-credit tuition rate than most certificates on account of the faculty reputation and research opportunities that they offer the students.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Networking Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate networking certificate is worth it because it contributes toward your higher education and your tech career without requiring a large financial investment from your end. It is especially beneficial if you are pursuing a career in IT or core networking systems.
Networking Certificate Program Coursework
The courses included in a networking certificate program can vary between schools and sometimes even certificate levels, depending on the specializations being offered. There are, however, some important courses you will find in most programs. Find out details about five of these common courses below.
Computer Networks
This course focuses on teaching students the various concepts, protocols, and tools involved in networking. Topics include network applications, medium access control, physical layers for wired and wireless systems, data link layers, routing and switching, and routing protocols.
Wireless Networking
Wireless networking courses go further in-depth about the various layers of wireless communications, including wireless local area networks (LANs), Bluetooth, mobile IP and multicast, and the fundamentals of other communication technology concepts and devices.
Network Security
Network security courses cover advanced topics relating to network security practices, issues, and solutions. Here, students learn about threat management and network security capabilities like access control on wire-line and wireless devices, firewalls, and Deep Packet inspections.
Network Essentials
These courses discuss core concepts in the architecture and operations of various devices such as routers and switches and their behaviors in small to large network systems. Students learn about the basic functionality of networking devices and even progress to developing wide area network (WAN) system models.
Network Design and Management
These courses cover various networking technologies and data transmission techniques following a Fault, Configuration, Administration, Performance, and Security management (FCAPS) model. Students also learn about identity management, Services Oriented Architecture Management, including network management issues and how to solve them.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Networking Certificate from College?
With a networking college certificate, you can either pursue higher education or develop more specialized skills in your field that match your career goals. Doing this can help you get higher-ranking jobs and progress further along your chosen career path.
Best Networking Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | $159,010 |
| Network Engineer | $120,520 |
| Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Network Consultant | $80,600 |
| Telecommunications Specialist | $60,370 |
Best Networking Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
If you’re unsure about how to apply for a networking job, a networking certificate is a great way to familiarize yourself with the industry before fully committing to it. Your certificate also helps you improve your skillset and your job opportunities by giving you thorough training and adding more credentials to your resume respectively.
But just having a certificate isn’t enough. You should also be well-informed about your prospects and know which roles are better suited for your skills. Below, we go into detail about some of the best networking certificate jobs that you can aim for.
Should I Also Get a Networking Certification?
Yes, you should also get a networking certification as it can prove your capacity to match up to various industry standards on top of completing education in the IT field. However, to successfully pursue a growing career, it’s important to follow up your certification with higher levels of training and education to prove your mastery to potential employers.
Best Networking Certifications
- Cisco CCNP. The CCNP Data Center certification proves the holder’s skills in data systems and solutions. Networking professionals who wish to attain this certification must take one core exam and one concentration exam in their chosen field.
- Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA). The CWNA certification offered by the Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP) organization certifies that the holder has a solid understanding of the fundamentals of wireless technology. Those who wish to attain this certification must pass a single CWNA certification exam with a score of 70 percent or higher.
- Cisco CCIE. The CCIE certification by Cisco is an advanced certification that is held in high regard in the industry. Those who wish to attain it must pass two exams, one qualifying exam and one hands-on lab exam. Getting this certification proves the holder’s mastery in various components of networking as well as its technologies.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Networking Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for networking is worth it because it opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities. Networking jobs are both lucrative and secure, with a job outlook that is continuously growing. A college certificate helps you develop a strong fundamental basis and can give you a headstart in this competitive industry.
Networking Certificates FAQ
Yes, a graduate networking certificate is enough to land you a decent high-paying job. For instance, a graduate certificate can qualify you to work as a telecommunications specialist, where you can earn an average of $60,370 per year. Over time, you can build on this credential to get even higher wages and salaries with a master’s degree.
The CCNA is not enough to land an entry to a mid-level networking career but is a good place to enter the IT industry. You may, however, opt for positions such as network technician, network administrator, and network analyst for a start.
You can get a certification any time, as long as you feel you have the right skill and mindset for it. Typically, a graduate degree will offer you the most value after a graduate certificate. However, if you want a faster, more-specialized curriculum, you can always choose to pursue a second graduate certificate in the subject of your choice.
The CompTIA’s Network+ certification proves that you have the skills to troubleshoot, configure and manage wired and wireless networks. It indicates a strong understanding of emerging technologies such as cloud and virtualization technologies on a professional level and is beneficial in landing higher-paying jobs such as a network engineer or a systems analyst.
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