Online Network Administration Degrees: Curriculum & Program Info
If you are interested in a career in network administration, you’re in luck. Employment growth in this career field is expected to grow by 23% for the 2008-2018 decade, meaning the workforce will expand from 339,500 in 2008 to 418,400 by 2018.
If you want to vie for more than 78,900 new network administration jobs in the coming years, you should enroll in an accredited computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics program with a network administration focus. Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in a computer related field, while a growing number of employers prefer an MBA with an information systems focus.
Master’s degree holders account for 16% of all network administrators in the field, while bachelor’s degree holder’s account for 34%. 3% of all network administrator’s hold a doctoral degree.
Computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics degree programs with a network administration focus are available through on-campus technical schools, colleges, and universities. Many on-campus technical schools and colleges have made these degree programs available online to broaden the student base and to meet student demand for more flexibility and convenience. In addition, there are hundreds of online technical schools that now offer the network administration degree programs through innovative distance learning formats.
When searching for a suitable network administration degree program, it is important to pay close attention to accreditation, admission requirements, and curriculum. Accredited schools will require test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The information in the next section can be used as a valuable tool to compare accredited online and on-campus program curriculums to other schools' curriculums.
On-campus and Online Network Administration Degrees Curriculum
Accredited online and on-campus programs will offer a well-rounded curriculum with a combination of base requirements, core courses, and electives. Major courses will include:
- Administering SQL Database
- Cloud Computing
- Computer Forensics and Investigations
- Database Systems
- Digital Communications
- Elementary Visual Basic
- Ethics
- Fundamentals of Routers
- Hacking Countermeasures
- Information Security
- Intermediate Visual Basic
- Linux Administration and Web Services
- Linux Operating System
- Management Styles
- Network Administration Security
- Technical Mathematics
Finding Online Network Administration Degree Programs
To locate top accredited online network administration degree programs, students may explore offerings at on-campus schools, search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges, or use well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tip: Network administrators will find most job openings in management of companies and enterprises; computer systems design and related services; wired telecommunications carriers; colleges universities, and professional schools; and elementary and secondary schools. Annual average salaries in these industries range from $56,320 (elementary and secondary schools) up to $70,680 for positions in management of companies and enterprises.
