Online Network Administration Degree Programs

This article looks at campus and online network administration degree programs and career prospects in the field of information technology and related professional areas of practice.

Network administraion includes activities, methods, procedures, and tools that deal with the operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked systems. If you have an interest in finding employment in this field, acquiring a degree would place you in a great position. With technology now playing an important role in various aspects of modern life, the profile of a network administrator is extremely desirable. Those graduates holding a network administration degree will find opportunities available in various companies and sectors throughout the corporate world. In general terms, the degree program would provide the skills necessary not just to manage a network, but also to identify specific components and structures, integrate security systems, optimize performance, and troubleshoot errors when they arise.

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Selected Online Network Administration Degree Programs

Strayer University - Campus and Strayer University Online

• BSIS: Internet working Technology
• BSIS: Networking
• Diploma: IS: Inter networking Technology
• Diploma: IS: Networking
• Exec Grad Cert: IS: Networking
• MSIS: Network Management
• Undergrad Cert: IS: Inter networking Technology
• Undergrad Cert: IS: Networking

University of Phoenix

• AA in Information Technology/Networking
• BS in Information Technology - Networking and Telecommunications

DeVry University

• Associate - Network Systems Administration
• Bachelor's - Network and Communications Management

Capella University

• BS - Network Technology
• MS - Network Architecture

Westwood College

• Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Network Management

American InterContinental University and American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor's (BIT) - Network Administration

Virginia College Online

• BS - Network Management

DeVry University

• Certificate-Network and Communications Management
• Master's-Network and Communications Management

Colorado Technical University Online

• Bachelor's (BSIT) - Network Management

Kaplan University

• AAS in Information Technology - Network Administration
• Advanced Start BSIT - Network Administration
• BS in Information Technology - Network Administration
• Cisco Networks Post baccalaureate Certificate
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Associate - Accelerated
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Certificate
• CompTIA Network+ Certificate

ECPI University

• Network Security - Associate
• Network Security - Bachelor

Bryant & Stratton College

• Networking Technology

Lincoln College Online

• Network Communications and Information Systems

Network Administrator Education and Training

Network administration courses would provide you the knowledge and hands on experience to excel. Students undertaking this course of study learn how to configure various systems and users to each other, through the integration of technological infrastructure.

The actual network administration degree syllabus that is taught can vary extensively between schools. Before you enroll on a course of study, consider the type of career you would enjoy so that you can pick a degree program that matches your aspirations. For example, you may want to learn about Wi-Fi networking, database management, application development, programming concepts, or routing and switching.

There are various postgraduate certifications beyond the network administration degree that can be of great value when it comes to finding desirable employment. CCNA and CCNP exams will bolster your CV and allow you to stand out from other job applicants.

The actual network administration training requirements vary depending upon the chosen profession. At the lower end of the spectrum, a telecommunication specialist would require an associate degree and certification, whereas computer systems administrators and network architects would be expected to hold a higher level qualification.

Network Administration Careers

A qualified network administrator can help oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of both software and hardware in a computer network. Depending upon the position, a specialist in this profession can be given responsibility relating to data security, connectivity, and the general health of a network including computers, routers, servers, and various peripherals.

By choosing to take a network administration degree, you can position yourself to have a lifelong and rewarding career that is somewhat cushioned from the nuances of the national economy. With extra training in new and developing sectors and concepts, there is the possibility of earning a more than satisfactory income.

Expected Salary and Project Career Growth

Statistics show that at present, more than 330,000 people are employed as network administrators or in a related profile. This figure is expected to grow by 23% in the coming decade as the importance of computer networks becomes even greater. Of the current total, around fourteen per cent of specialists are employed directly by companies offering computer system design.

The manufacturing sector, healthcare industry, financial organizations, and schools and colleges make up the bulk of the remaining total. The salary on offer for network and computer systems administrators is extremely rewarding.

As of 2010, graduates with a network administration degree or related education and training in this field can expect a starting salary of between $40,500 and $50,900 depending upon the industry and location. Financial services like banking, securities, and mutual funds as well as information technology companies pay the best wage.