Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024
Kworld Trend / Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024, Earning a network management degree online can help prepare you for an in-demand job in the world of computers and technology.
Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024
Network administrators are professionals who make sure that organizations’ computer networks are fast, reliable, secure, and up-to-date. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in network management can help you develop the skills you’ll need to work in an information or computing company.
This technology-based program can also help you qualify to work in the information technology department of a healthcare, educational, or financial organization.
Online Network Management Degrees
Degrees in computer network administration can lead to a range of careers in the exciting field of information technology.
If you are interested in network administration careers that help an organization succeed through efficient computer systems and streamlined data handling, this network administration major may be for you.
In a Computer Network Administration program, you will typically study topics such as:
- Cloud computing
- Electronic security
- Database structure
- computer information systems
- Information technology management
- Networking basics
- Network troubleshooting
- Operating systems
- Project management
- systems analysis
- web servers
In the computer network and security program, you will likely have lecture classes and lab courses. Laboratory components of your studies can provide opportunities to try out concepts you have been learning.
You may also complete a network administration major project to finish your time in the program. For this type of project, you identify a technical problem and develop a plan to address it.
Industry certifications can go hand in hand with a degree in computing. Many undergraduate degree programs include courses designed to prepare you for select certification exams.
Some graduates enter network management positions as network support specialists or network administrators. Others become information security analysts or network engineers. In addition, experience can eventually lead to promotions. Computer and IT managers head teams of IT professionals.
Joint BA in Network Management Concentrations
You can gain specialized knowledge in one particular aspect of the network management field by pursuing your university degree concentration.
- Analytics . If you are interested in using your communication skills to collect and organize data and analyze emerging technologies, this concentration can help you prepare for courses on modeling and quality assurance.
- Business and entrepreneurship . For those who aim to work in innovative work environments or even run their own companies, studying entrepreneurship can provide a solid foundation.
- Computer security . Networks must be secure, so this focus can equip you to protect 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 concept to 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 run tests to make sure it works correctly.
Concentration options vary from school to school, so your college may have other majors not listed here. Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024
Network and systems management jobs and payroll
Professionals with degrees in this field often work as network or computer systems administrators. Their responsibilities can include building, maintaining, and troubleshooting enterprise networking systems.
Many corporate network administrators work in the field of designing computer systems. Others find work in the education, finance, business or information sectors.
Working as a computer network support professional or computer support professional is a popular entry-level job for recent graduates. These professionals handle simple troubleshooting and maintenance tasks related to helping improve network performance. Network support professionals 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.
| Careers | Average annual salaries |
| Information and computer systems managers | $151,150 |
| Computer network engineers | $116,780 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,140 |
| Information security analysts | $103,590 |
| Database administrators | $98,860 |
| computer programmers | $89,190 |
| Network and computer systems administrators | $84,810 |
| Web developers and digital designers | $77,200 |
| Computer network support specialists | $65,450 |
| Computer user support specialists | $52,690 |
The skills you can learn in a network management degree program are also applicable to a variety of other technology jobs. Related jobs in this field include programmer, software tester, web developer, computer support specialist, and help desk technician.
Some employers may prefer candidates with industry degrees. Experienced networking professionals may eventually become managers. An information or computer systems manager may only oversee an organization’s networking tasks or all technology-related activities.
Since security is an essential part of network management, working as a computer security analyst might be another potential job for a professional with networking experience. Other graduates find work as network engineers, planning and building computer networks and helping to improve network performance.
Network Management Bachelor Curricula and 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 of classes. The following are examples of classes you may encounter in your programme:
- Systems Analysis : During this class, you will learn to analyze complex computer information systems and produce communication pieces that explain the analyses.
- Communication for Technical Careers : You will develop your technical writing skills on this course so that you can learn to communicate information to a variety of audiences.
- Database Concepts : You can learn the design of interfaces to database systems and programming 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 basics of networking and local area networks.
- Linux Administration : This class will prepare you to work with and use the Linux operating system in professional settings.
- Online Security : Cloud computing requires comprehensive network security, and this chapter will teach you about these security protocols.
- Troubleshooting Operating Systems : You’ll learn things to try when your computer’s operating systems aren’t working properly so your organization doesn’t suffer costly downtime.
- Programming Fundamentals : In one or more programming chapters, you will study concepts that apply to all programming languages. You can also become proficient 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 problems.
Curricula can vary from school to school, and the emphasis you choose in your online programs can also affect your course portfolio.
How to Choose an Online Network Management Degree Program
Online network management studies come in a variety of formats, so it’s strategic that you do a little research to find the one that works best for your educational goals. Here are some factors to consider while searching for software:
- testimonials _ 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 classes throughout the year, while others commit to two semesters. Also, the college may allow you to check in at specific times or only during specified class hours.
- training period . You may want to consider whether the college can help you secure relevant internships in your local area and whether you can get college credit for the experience.
- Laboratory experiences . Colleges with 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 the accreditation status of the school and the cost of tuition.
Admission requirements
Online computer network operations and security software may accept applications throughout the year. Applying to a school often requires the submission of materials such as those 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 is usually a form to fill out as well, and there may also be an application fee. Admission requirements vary from one school to another. Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024
Accreditation
You can start your undergraduate studies the right way by choosing a regionally accredited college. The only way for a college to become regionally accredited is for it to demonstrate that it provides students with a consistently 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 aid, transferring credits, enrolling in graduate programs, and finding work.
Financial aid and scholarships
Tuition assistance comes in many forms, and it may help you afford a college education if you qualify.
Government aid is popular with many prospective students. To find out about your qualifications for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your federal financial assistance program may include grants and loans, and the state where you live may also offer similar programs.
Scholarships can be beneficial for many students as well. Your school’s computer network management program may offer scholarship funds to some students, and private scholarships may also be an option. Some employers pay partial college costs for their employees.
Network management professional organizations
These professional associations exist to provide support, education, networking opportunities, and industry advocacy to people in the computer and information technology field.
- Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
- Networking 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, career discounts, print or digital magazines, and job boards. Some organizations also have in-person chapter meetings and annual conferences. Top online network administration degree programs and industry salary 2023/2024
What can you do with a network administrator certificate?
Earning a degree in computer network management or management can prepare you for a variety of jobs in computing and information technology.
Some graduates start out as network support professionals, taking care of the maintenance and troubleshooting of local area networks and other organizations’ networking needs. They may later advance to positions as network administrators or as director of information systems. These jobs usually involve higher levels of responsibility.
Computer systems analyst is another role 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 professionals often range from $40,620 to $110,450. The median salary for support professionals in the communications industry is $74,220 annually.
The average network professional earns between $52,830 and $134,970 annually. The highest salaries in the finance and insurance industry. These jobs pay an average of $89,910 annually.
A computer and information systems manager is likely to earn between $90,430 and $208,000 annually. Salaries are often the highest in the information sector. Computer managers who work in the information industry earn a median salary of $166,770.
What is the difference between a network engineer vs a network administrator?
To get a job related to computer networking, you can consider becoming a network engineer or network administrator.
| network engineer | Network manager |
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Some professionals move into network engineering roles after working as network administrators for a while. Others go back to school and earn a master’s degree in computer networking or a master’s degree in cloud computing in order to move into higher positions in the industry.
What is the difference between a system administrator vs a network administrator?
As far as job titles go, they may sound pretty much the same, but there are differences between these two roles.
| Network manager | Systems Administrator |
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In smaller companies, the same person may be responsible for networking and computer systems duties.
Is Network Management Certification Worth It?
Yes, a degree in network administration is worth it for many students. Jobs in this field include network support specialist, computer network administrator, and computer systems administrator. These jobs are common in a variety of industries, including computer services, business, education, and finance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network administrator jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next decade. Likewise, support professionals should see an 8% increase in their field.
Projected job growth of 10% for computer administration positions could mean network administration graduates will have more opportunities for advancement (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
