Technology has advanced significantly and become a huge part of our lives in recent years. The demand for workers with information technology (IT) skills continues to increase daily. Getting one of the best PhDs in Network Engineering is an excellent way to become an expert in this growing field.
A network engineering PhD will put you at the top of the industry and open the door to higher salaries and career options. This article will give you information on how to get a PhD in Network Engineering and which PhD programs are the best for your educational path. You will also learn other important details like the highest-paying network engineering jobs and their salaries.
What Is a PhD in Network Engineering?
A PhD in Network Engineering is a postgraduate academic research degree earned after completing original research in a chosen specification. It is the highest academic achievement that prospective students can get, and it typically takes four to six years to complete, depending on different factors. This degree can set you up for a myriad of opportunities in the industry.
How to Get Into a Network Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to get into a network engineering PhD program are an online application, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, official or unofficial transcripts, statement of purpose, and a current resume/CV. These admission requirements are the standard for most programs.
Some programs may request only a select few of these admission requirements, while others may request all and even more. Some degrees require students to have a master’s degree before the PhD program, while others accept a bachelor’s degree in any relevant field of study.
PhD in Network Engineering Admission Requirements
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in relevant field
- GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose/personal essay/letter of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Current resume/CV
Network Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Network Engineering?
It is not very hard to get into a PhD program in network engineering, especially if you have a degree in a relevant technology field. Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Engineering or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or IT and good academic standing are more likely to get into a program. Some schools will also consider those with a degree in other fields.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Network Engineering: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | No |
| DePaul University | PhD in Computer and Information Sciences | No |
| Drexel University | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| Oregon State University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | No |
| Syracuse University | PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering | No |
| University of California-Berkeley | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | PhD in Computer and Information Science | No |
| University of Minnesota | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | PhD in Computer Science | No |
Best Universities for Network Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Network Engineering
The best universities for network engineering PhDs are Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, DePaul University, Drexel University, Oregon State University, Syracuse University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas, San Antonio.
If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in Network Engineering, these schools offer high-quality academic, research, and teaching experience. They offer broad and in-depth curricula and have experienced faculty to instill adequate knowledge and skills in students. Below is more information on each school and program.
Can You Get a PhD in Network Engineering Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Network Engineering online. Various schools offer standard quality PhD programs for students who prefer distance learning to reach their professional goals. This allows them to complete the program entirely from their homes, unless they have to occasionally visit the campus grounds. Some schools with online programs are listed below.
Best Online PhD Programs in Network Engineering
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Online PhD in Computer Science | N/A |
| Northcentral University | Online PhD in Computer Science | 40 months |
| University of the Cumberlands | Online PhD in Information Technology | N/A |
| University of North Dakota | Online PhD in Computer Science | N/A |
| University of Pennsylvania | Online PhD in Computer and Information Science | N/A |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Network Engineering?
It takes three to seven years to get a PhD in Network Engineering. The specific timeframe is dependent on various factors. Students joining a network engineering program directly after an undergraduate degree will take a minimum of five years to complete the program, while those joining after a master’s degree will take a minimum of three years.
A PhD in Network Engineering program takes this long to complete because students have to get through many phases before earning their degree. They have to complete their coursework and take multiple exams to test their preparedness before starting their research. The research is what takes the longest time as it has to be original, which requires a lot of effort and time.
Is a PhD in Network Engineering Hard?
No, a PhD in Network Engineering is not very hard. The process of earning a degree can be stressful for some, but those who are passionate about research and the technology field will find it easier. It will also be easier for those with extensive prior experience in network engineering or related fields as they already have a solid foundation of skills.
What makes a PhD difficult are the multiple examinations and the dissertation. After the exam, students have to work on their research alone. They will have the guidance of their advisor or supervisor, but the personal investment that goes into it cannot be shared. It is essential to be passionate about academia, research, and teaching before getting a PhD.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Network Engineering?
It costs an average of $19,792 a year to get a PhD in Network Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This amount is the total of all institutions, including private and public. The amount it costs to get a PhD in a public institution is an average of $12,171, while it costs $25,929 to earn a doctoral degree in a private institution.
Private institutions are divided into for-profit and nonprofit institutions, and the cost to attend them differs. Getting a PhD in a for-profit private institution is $14,208 on average, while the average price of a nonprofit institution is $27,776. The exact amount it will cost to earn the degree differs based on school, program, learning format, and duration.
How to Pay for a PhD in Network Engineering: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Network Engineering include graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, research fellowships, tuition waivers, scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.
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What Is the Difference Between a Network Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a network engineering master’s degree and a PhD is that a master’s degree signifies more specialized knowledge of the subject. A master’s degree is designed to give students more in-depth knowledge and skills in the field to prepare them for careers. In contrast, a PhD is designed to develop students’ research, academic, teaching, and writing skills.
A master’s degree can be earned immediately after a bachelor’s degree, but you will most likely need a master’s degree or equivalent to earn a PhD. A master’s degree requires a capstone project or thesis, depending on your concentration, and this program of study typically takes one to three years to complete.
A PhD requires a qualifying exam, candidacy exam, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and defense and takes three to seven years to complete. A master’s degree will include a higher concentration of coursework, while a PhD will have a higher research concentration. A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement, while a master’s degree is not.
Master’s vs PhD in Network Engineering Job Outlook
When comparing a master’s degree to a PhD in Network Engineering jobs, both job outlooks are quite similar. They all fall under two percent to 33 percent, either slower than average or faster than average. This is because most technology jobs have the same demand for network engineers regardless of their academic level.
Difference in Salary for Network Engineering Master’s vs PhD
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Master’s Degree in Network Engineering is $93,000. There is no information on the median salary for PhD in network engineering jobs, but the median salary for PhD in Computer Science jobs is $131,000 per year.
For comparison, the highest average salary for a master’s degree is $134,668 as a chief information security officer, while the highest average salary for a PhD is $226,883 as a chief information security officer.
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Network Engineering
You should get a PhD in Network Engineering because it will set you up for many career accomplishments. You will have received the highest academic degree in the field and built a solid network of technology professionals. Doctoral-level programs provide more employment opportunities to explore, higher job positions, and increased salary.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Network Engineering
- Personal development. A PhD will expand your knowledge and skills and improve your expertise in the field. Completing the program requires a certain level of self-discipline which will enhance your soft skills. It will provide a sense of accomplishment as you will have reached the peak of your career in your field.
- Increased networking opportunities. PhD programs will give you access to many seminars, conferences, and workshops which will help you build new connections with people from different backgrounds and fields. These will help you boost your network both within and outside your industry.
- Broader career opportunities. A PhD will open up more career opportunities for you as you will be seen as an expert in your field. You will be able to land higher-ranking jobs in various fields. You can also choose to have your own research or practice and get funding.
- Higher salary. Earning a doctoral degree means you have reached the climax of your field. This opens you to higher job positions and increased salaries because PhD holders typically make more than other degree holders.
Getting a PhD in Network Engineering: Network Engineering PhD Coursework
This section covers the courses that you will take in the process of getting a PhD in Network Engineering. These courses are part of network engineering PhD coursework, which is the first phase of the PhD program. They carry a significant amount of credit hours that you will have to get before working on your dissertation.
Algorithms
Depending on the school and the program, students will take different algorithm courses like approximation algorithms and data structures and algorithms. These courses will generally cover divide and conquer methods, elementary data structures, graph algorithms, and techniques for analyzing algorithms.
Programming Languages
Programming languages are taught in virtually all computer and technology programs. Students will improve their programming skills and learn the basic design and implementation concepts of programming languages. They may not be learning or working with any programming languages in particular but will learn their features and implementation.
Artificial Intelligence
Students will be introduced to artificial intelligence before progressing to advanced artificial intelligence, game AI, and robotics. They will learn basic concepts of AI, state spaces and search spaces, Lisp and functional programming, and the difference between game AI and traditional AI.
Software Engineering
This course will introduce students to basic software engineering processes, concepts of security protocol, human-computer interface issues, access control, crypto, and distributed system security. Students will understand security from the viewpoint of companies, criminals, police, and spies.
Computer Networks
This course will break down computer networking and cover every layer, including its duties and responsibilities. Students will learn all about networking protocols and understand systems design. Some topics include physical layer and coding, data link protocol, flow control, congestion control, routing, local area networks, transport layer, cellular (LTE), and 5G networks.
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How to Get a PhD in Network Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements
This section includes all the program requirements you need before earning your degree. These doctoral program requirements are the standard of almost all schools. You will have to complete these requirements step-by-step to get a PhD in Network Engineering.
Potential Careers With a Network Engineering Degree
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PhD in Network Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
The salary range for a PhD in Network Engineering is between $102,600 and $131,490, and the job outlook is between five percent and 33 percent. The initial amount will vary based on industry, company, job role, and skills. For example, a senior network engineer may make more than a cloud engineer because of the specific company they work for.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Network Engineering?
With a PhD in Network Engineering, you can work as a network architect, network engineer, research scientist, computer scientist, systems analyst, network analyst, or network administrator. You can work in various industries in the technical field, including network administration, research, health, finance, technology, education, and government.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Network Engineering
- Network architect
- Computer scientist
- Network security manager
- Network administrator
- Database administrator
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Network Engineering?
The average salary for a PhD in Network Engineering is $131,000, according to PayScale. This amount may differ based on different factors like the industry, company, job role, skills, and professional experience. For instance, chief information security officers earn an average of $226,883 while senior business analysts earn an average of $102,400.
Highest-Paying Network Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
| Network Engineering PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Scientist | $131,490 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170 |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| Cloud Network Engineer | $106,100 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
Best Network Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate
This section includes some of the best network engineering jobs with a doctorate requirement. They are also some of the highest-paying jobs for network engineers in the industry. You will find details like the job roles, average salaries, job outlook, and highest-paying states for each job. This information can guide you in choosing an area of specialization.
Is a PhD in Network Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Network Engineering is worth it. This degree will help expand your knowledge and skills and enhance your potential in the industry. It will help you build a strong professional network, widen your career opportunities, and increase your salary range. A PhD is especially important for those interested in academics, research, and teaching.
Demand for technical expertise is increasing in all sectors, and with the expertise you will get from a PhD, you stand a higher chance of meeting that demand. You will get the opportunity to explore various fields or even start your own private practice with funding. Recently, students have been able to get a PhD directly after a bachelor’s degree, which makes the process even easier.
Additional Reading About Network Engineering
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PhD in Network Engineering FAQ
Yes, there is a PhD in Networking. You can get a PhD in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. The program will take a minimum of three years to complete based on different factors like your learning format, the specific program, the school, and your dedication to the program.
The best degree for network engineers is a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. These degrees will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a professional network engineer.
The qualifications for a network engineer are an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Network engineers also need technical skills like programming languages, hardware and infrastructure, analytics and troubleshooting, DNS, and IoT. Soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving are also essential.
Yes, network engineering is a good career. It has a good job outlook which means that professionals are in high demand and earn relatively high salaries, making it a promising career to pursue. An in-depth understanding of network engineering topics can lead to career stability.
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