Network Administration Associate Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Organizations and businesses need an expert when it comes to maintaining good network performance and communication lines. These tasks fall to network administrators, who must first get an education and gain professional experience to be considered for this position. Earning a network administration degree is typically the first part of this process.

This article will guide you towards some of the best programs offering associate degrees in network administration. You’ll learn why these programs stand above the rest and which ones prepare you to pass important certification exams. We’ll also show you the different jobs that will become available to you after you earn your associate degree.

What Is Network Administration?

Network administration is a sector of information technology that deals with network systems related to communication. The main focus of this discipline is to ensure that

local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN)

, and other network systems are working properly.

Additionally, network administration involves sourcing the ideal hardware and software that will ensure the smooth operation and exchange of data within an organization.

What Is a Network Administration Associate Degree?

A network administration

associate degree

is a two-year program that will teach you the basics of network systems and network security measures. A network administration program covers topics such as networking fundamentals, database management, and installing and upgrading software and hardware.

Earning an associate degree can help prepare you for professional certification exams provided by Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft. It can also be used as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges allow graduates to transfer credits to an eligible university to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years.

Network Administration Associate Degree Requirements

You will need to have a high school diploma or a GED to enroll in an associate degree program. Critical thinking skills to deal with technical issues are crucial, as well as good communication skills since you will be working with other IT experts, clients, and managers.

How Much Does a Network Administration Associate Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that a two-year associate degree usually costs an

average of $16,445 annually

across all institutions as of 2020. Public institutions are relatively cheaper than private institutions and cost an average of $15,748 per year. Yearly tuition at private institutions costs between $32,379 and $34,019.

Network Administration Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Network Administration Degree

Some universities offer scholarships or installment payments to fully fund or offset the cost of your tuition. You can also apply for private or federal loans. According to NCES, from 2015-2016, around

72 percent of undergraduates receive aid

to finance their studies. 63 percent received grants and 38 percent used loans to help pay for their tuition.

Best Network Administration Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Network Administration: Top Network Administration Associate Degree Programs

On-campus learning is a traditional way to complete your associate degree and there are plenty of great programs offering in-person classes for network administration. Get to know some of the top schools where you can learn all about network systems and maintenance. Take a look at the different course offerings to find out which one fits you best.

Associate of Applied Science in Network and Administration Security | ASA College

ASA College offers an associate degree program in network and administration security that focuses on different functions in resolving issues related to computers and networks. Specifically, its curriculum trains you to build networks and analyze operating systems. This program also prepares you for certification exams related to network administration.

Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration | Delta College

The program by Delta College provides training on how to handle and manage an organization’s communication and information flow through proper network administration. You will master how to resolve issues, monitor networks, and install software and upgrades as needed. Additionally, this program covers skills and topics in network security and project management.

Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration | DeVry University

The network systems administration program at DeVry University prepares you for tasks related to building and protecting network systems. It is a business-oriented curriculum so your training is in line with developing skills hiring managers look for at various organizations. Once you complete this degree, you can take an exam to earn the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

Associate of Applied Science in Network Systems Administration | Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College offers a 63-unit associate degree program that you can take full-time or part-time. The curriculum focuses on improving your skills in securing information for an organization. You will learn a variety of network administration skills such as installing operating systems, troubleshooting, and maintaining network systems.

Associate of Applied Science in Management Information Systems | George Military College

The management information systems program by George Military College is a blend of business and information technology. Through this program, you will receive training on how to handle important financial data. The information technology component broadens your perspective on which computer systems and programs will best protect confidential data.

Associate of Applied Science in Network and Systems Administration | Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College’s associate degree program teaches students how to handle network and internet systems issues. You will gain an in-depth understanding of computer systems, software, and hardware. This program also prepares you for well-known professional certifications provided by Cisco, Microsoft, Linux, and more.

Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Management | New York University – School of Professional Studies

New York University provides hands-on training through its information systems management that combines business and IT. This program will teach you how to improve the performance of network operating systems. It also offers dedicated courses on the legal and ethical handling of data, an important aspect of information and network security.

Associate Degree in Computer and Network Systems Administration | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

This computer and network systems administration associate degree prepares you for a variety of information technology careers. The curriculum covers how to handle live networks, servers, routers, and more in a practical setting. You will also learn more about enterprise technology, which includes finding the right software or hardware for a specific business need.

Associate of Applied Science in Network and Systems Administration | Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College offers an associate degree program that focuses on building your skills in handling computer and network issues, including internet troubleshooting and operating systems management. Moreover, the program prepares you for professional certification from Microsoft, Cisco, Linux, and CompTIA.

Associate of Applied Science in IT Support and Web Development  | Utah State University

An IT support and web development associate degree at Utah State University covers important topics in information technology, including network administration. You will learn how to manage and operate network systems in Linux. There are courses dedicated to cyber security and overall digital security to ensure the safety of data.

Best Online Network Administration Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Network Administration: Top Online Network Administration Associate Degree Programs

If you prefer remote learning, here is a comprehensive list of some standout colleges and universities offering online network administration degrees. An online network administration associate degree is great for students who are working or prefer a flexible study schedule. Often, the curriculums are no different from the standard on-campus offerings.

Associate of Applied Science in Network Systems Administrator | Central Texas College

The associate degree offered by Central Texas College will teach you the basics of networking technologies and Linux. You’ll also study scripting languages, firewalls, and network security. The school will also help you land an internship in computer systems networking or telecommunications when you finish the two-year program.

Associate of Science in Network and Security Administration | Dakota State University

This online associate degree offers a curriculum that provides foundational knowledge on network systems and security. You will be trained to install firewalls and operate routers and switches at an enterprise level to prepare you for professional work. Finally, part of your training is to conduct

penetration testing

, install software and hardware, and manage databases.

Associate of Science in Information Technology | Franklin University

The fully online information technology degree offered by Franklin University takes 64 credits to complete. The two-year training course will prepare you to manage computer systems infrastructure within organizations to help them achieve their business goals.

Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity | Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College offers an online program that prepares you for professional certifications such as

Certified Ethical Hacker

, CompTIA, Cisco, and more. You will develop your technical knowledge and skills to provide support and services for server and network issues. As this is a program that is combined with cyber security, you will also learn the basics of system security.

Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Purdue University Global

The associate degree program at Purdue University Global will teach you about network systems administration and how to assess and maintain hardware and software. By the end of the program, you will have a strong sense of how to manage network systems and resolve any network issues that may arise at a company.

Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration | Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University’s network administration associate degree program is your gateway to earn CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft professional certifications. The training includes network maintenance, software and hardware installation, network security, and quality tech support. As you gain these skills, you strengthen your capability to monitor network performance.

Associate Degree in Information Systems Technology | Seminole State College of Florida

This program will hone your skills in monitoring and maintaining network systems. Additionally, you will be trained in handling and managing data, and how to protect that data. Once you complete this program, you can use your credits to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Associate of Science in Network Administration and Security | South College

South College promises to develop your marketable IT skills through its network administration and security program. Its fully online program intends to develop your ability to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot network systems. As part of the curriculum, you will also learn more about the security system and set up your own security measures.

Associate Degree in Information Technology | Southern New Hampshire University

This information technology associate degree program trains you in the context of network systems in the workplace. It specifically focuses on providing tech solutions to IT-related issues that an organization is facing. You are also trained in identifying and assessing the right tools and programs to upgrade an organization’s computer network system.

Associate Degree in Computer Network Administration | University of Toledo

The University of Toledo prepares you for a fast-paced digital world with its computer network administration associate degree. You will learn about the fundamentals of systems management, networking, and computer integration. Once you graduate, you can take a certification exam right away and earn a professional certification from CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft.

What’s the Average Network Administration Associate Degree Salary?

The median salary for network administrators in 2020 was $84,810, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, annual salaries may vary for other jobs that are related to network administration. Higher-level jobs with more duties and intricate work may pay you more and factors such as location and additional training or certification may increase earning potential.

Top Network Administration Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Network Administration Associate Degree Jobs Explained

Computer and Information Systems Manager

A computer and information systems manager works on the computer-related concerns of an organization. They are responsible for identifying upgrades and negotiating costs with the approving committee. The planning and installation schedule is also under their guidance, including providing training for intended users of the technology.

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects establish reliable communication networks for an organization. The scope of their job involves overlooking local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and an organization’s intranet. Network upgrades are also their responsibility to make sure that the technology is up-to-date.

Software Developer

Software developers build and maintain software programs for specific network systems. They also recommend software upgrades needed for the improvement of organization operations. One of their important duties is to provide solutions and troubleshoot in case of a system or network failure.

Database Administrator

Database administrators oversee data flow within an organization. Using specialized techniques and security measures, they safeguard confidential information and build databases. They also decide who is allowed to access the data.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts analyze and provide solutions to systems issues that arise in an organization. They must have extensive knowledge of appropriate technologies that are cost-effective to propose to the management. Implementing software and hardware that fit their business’s needs is also one of their main duties.

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers

are trained in different kinds of programming languages to build and maintain software programs and web applications. Their duty is not only to create but to also update and monitor these programs and resolve any technical issues that might arise.

Network Administrator

Network administrators oversee the daily operations of networks, including LAN, WAN, network segments, and other communication channels. Their duties include installing software and hardware, upgrading existing technologies, and optimizing overall network performance.

Line Installer and Repairer

Line installers and repairers work on electrical and communication cables. A line installer’s goal is to ensure that the cable lines are properly and safely installed to guarantee uninterrupted connection. If you hold an Associate Degree in Network Administration, you should be able to land this job.

Computer Systems Specialist

Computer systems analysts provide assistance directly to computer and technology users to set up devices and programs. Testing, troubleshooting, and performing maintenance are also their duties within an organization.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers work on communication lines and monitor network devices and signals. The scope of their work covers installation and tech support for offices, homes, and buildings. This is another career option that you might take if you want to work in the field after completing your Associate Degree in Network Administration.

Network Administration Bootcamp vs Network Administration Associate Degree: Which Is Better?

This largely depends on your priorities and preferences. Both educational paths are shorter than a four-year degree. Bootcamps run for a few weeks or months and associate degrees are typically completed within two years.

An Associate Degree in Network Administration might be more advantageous because they offer specialized programs for this particular branch of information technology. Still, you should analyze the benefits of both associate degree programs and bootcamps before deciding.

Benefits of a Network Administration Associate Degree

• 
  Complete your studies in two years
  
  . An associate degree, which typically consists of 60 credits, can be completed in two years and give you access to entry-level jobs.
• 
  Develop your soft skills
  
  . By working on projects with other students, you will develop your communication and collaboration skills.
• 
  Gain hands-on experience
  
  . An associate degree program allows you to gain hands-on experience through project requirements, internships, or apprenticeships.
• 
  Prepare for professional certification
  
  . The curriculum of an associate degree is tailored to train you for professional certifications to help give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
• 
  Achieve holistic knowledge
  
  . Associate degree programs often offer general education courses to round out your education, which can improve your soft skills as well.

Benefits of a Network Administration Bootcamp

• 
  Skill-focused curriculum
  
  . Bootcamp curriculums are usually fast-paced and concentrated on particular tech skills related to network administration.
• 
  Good for building project portfolios
  
  . Several stages of a bootcamp require building a project individually or with a group that you can add to your portfolio.
• 
  Complete your studies in a few months
  
  . A full-time bootcamp usually takes 12 to 14 weeks to complete, so you can immediately look for a job and put your skills to use.
• 
  Career services
  
  . Bootcamps provide career placement help, including resume writing workshops and access to counselors. They are also often partnered with well-known tech companies that may hire you once you graduate.
• 
  Various financing options
  
  . Aside from installments and scholarships, there are also other options such as
  
  income sharing agreements (ISAs)
  
  and other loans that you can use to finance your studies.

Should You Get an Associate Degree in Network Administration?

The job growth in the network administration field continues to grow and it also has a competitive annual wage especially in states like California and Texas. If you are interested in network systems technology or building network infrastructure, then this is a good career path for you.

Completing a two-year associate degree may be your gateway to achieve this goal, which opens up a chance for you to earn a professional certificate or build your foundation for a bachelor’s degree. Bootcamps are also a great option if you are unsure about committing to a new career or just looking to upskill.

Network Administration Associate Degree FAQ