Network Administration Bachelor’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Network administration is a high-paying career in the IT sector that offers a great chance for job stability. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in network administration, check out this guide. It will introduce you to some of the best online and on-campus network administration bachelor’s degrees based on the quality of the curriculum and school reputation. Let’s take a look.

What Is Network Administration?

Network administration is an IT role that consists of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks. This occupation may also involve other tasks, such as designing solutions and planning strategies for possible updates in the system.

What Is a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?

A network administration bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate college degree that teaches you the fundamentals of computer network operations. You will learn about operating systems, web development, and other computer science fundamentals.

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

To enroll in a bachelor’s degree, you must have a high school diploma or a GED diploma. You’ll also have to pass the particular school’s application process. To obtain a network administration bachelor’s degree, most schools will require you to complete 120 credits. Make sure to consult with an admissions representative to find out the specific requirements for your program.

How Much Does a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a bachelor’s degree’s

total average tuition cost is 19,081

. This includes both public and private institutions. This cost will be higher or lower depending on other factors, such as whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Network Administration Degree

Financing options will vary depending on the institution. However, on average, you’ll see that most offer loans, financing plans, and scholarships. Some schools may even offer discounts for certain students. You can contact the admissions department of your chosen school to learn more about their financial aid opportunities.

Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Network Administration: Top Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The following list includes some of the best degrees in network administration in the United States. We compiled this group of schools and programs based on their outcomes, curriculum, and opportunities. All the information was taken from each school’s website.

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

Dakota State University is a non-profit organization that offers more than 45 undergraduate programs. It is widely known for its computer science, business, and marketing programs. This Bachelor’s Degree in Network and Security Administration will teach you about relevant technical skills like network set-up, penetration testing, IDS, and firewall configuration.

Bachelor in Science in Network and System Administration | Edinboro University

Edinboro University is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 fields. This network and system administration bachelor’s degree is designed to help you become a successful

systems administrator

.

Required courses will cover wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and LANs. This program includes an internship period where you’ll put your knowledge into practice and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Network and System Administration | Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech is a public university that offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Network and System Administration. Major courses will dive into network security foundational topics such as penetration testing, computer network configuration, troubleshooting, and communication infrastructure optimization.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering | New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology offers a cyber security and network engineering bachelor’s degree program that combines security fundamentals and network administration. You will learn about different topics such as incident response, network communication, and network forensics.

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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Administration | New York School of Career and Applied Studies

The New York School of Career and Applied Studies is a division of the Touro College and University System with locations in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. This school’s Cybersecurity and Network Administration program helps you understand network hardware and software, cybersecurity fundamentals, and how to optimize a computer system.

Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and Engineering Technology | Pennsylvania College of Technology

The Pennsylvania College of Technology, also known as Penn College, is one of the leading schools in the field. Network administration degree programs like this will give you a strong foundation in network technology. Core courses will cover how to design network infrastructure, communication networks, security principles, and performance optimization.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is one of the oldest colleges in the state, and it’s known for its flagship programs in business, marketing, and management. This course will provide you with hands-on experience training in areas like software engineering, network administration, and web development.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Network Administration and Security Emphasis | Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University’s degree in information technology prepares students to install, manage, and maintain the computing infrastructure of organizations. With this emphasis on network administration and security, students can work as data communication consultants, information security analysts, and network administrators.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Networking – System Administration | Yakima Valley College

Yakima Valley College is a Washington state public institution that offers both in-person and online programs. This degree in network administration will help you develop both ethical and technical skills. You will learn about regulatory compliance, ethical, social, and legal considerations, developing networking solutions, and troubleshooting.

Best Online Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Network Administration: Top Online Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs

If you are interested in alternatives to in-person education, you can try remote learning. Many schools offer online bachelor’s degrees in network administration to online students. Below are some of the most relevant online network administration bachelor’s degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Degree With a Concentration in Network Administration | American Intercontinental University

The American Intercontinental University is located in Illinois and was founded in 1970. This for-profit private university offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. This degree has a concentration in network administration, which means you will focus on building, designing, and maintaining computer networks.

Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration | American National University

The American National University is a private institution founded over 40 years ago and offers a variety of undergraduate degrees. This network administration bachelor’s degree covers essential topics like WAN/LAN configuration, database setup, and connectivity troubleshooting.

Bachelor of Science in Systems and Network Administration | Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private university that has been operating since 1977. This non-profit university offers an online network administration degree that will teach you how to build an efficient network infrastructure based on company standards. Online classes also cover how to identify risks in the system and learn how to protect the network.

Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics | Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers this bachelor’s degree that teaches students about systems administration and offers them the chance to practice the skills to conduct analysis and tests in the network to measure performance, as well as make data-driven decisions.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking | Herzing University

Herzing University is an online and in-person university founded in 1965. This computer networking bachelor’s online degree will prepare you for different roles such as network architect, network engineer, or database administrator. You will learn about various concepts like cloud computing, network security, and computer infrastructure.

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology with Major in Network Administration | National University College

The National University College was founded in 1971 and offers a bachelor’s degree in IT with a major in Network Administration through its online division. This is an in-depth program that will provide online courses to help you design, test, and support network infrastructure.

Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies – Network Infrastructure | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

The Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a military-friendly institution founded in 1946. It is widely known for its technology programs. This school offers a bachelor’s of technology online program that will instruct you on how to install routers, system hardware, configure cloud computing, and database networks.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | The University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix has over 79 campuses and around 97,000 students. This school’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree will drive distance learners through the process of installing local area networking and wide area network environments, routing, and configuring cloud systems.

Bachelor’s degree in Network Operations and Security | Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a non-profit university that offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in different areas such as healthcare, business, and technology. This bachelor’s degree is an in-depth program with a flexible schedule that will teach you about IT security, hardware configuration, and network design.

What’s the Average Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Salary?

The

median salary for a network administrator

is $84,810, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This can vary depending on your professional experience and technical skills. BLS estimates that the demand for network administrators is expected to grow five percent from 2020 to 2030.

Top Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained

Computer and Information Systems Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $151,150
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  11%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  482,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia

Computer and Information systems managers develop strategies to improve a company’s IT infrastructure. This includes updating current networks, systems, and planning troubleshooting techniques. This is a leadership position that requires communication skills, technical competencies, and other professional skills.

Systems Architect

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $116,780
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  165,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Massachusetts, California, Virginia, and Maryland

Systems architects develop the IT infrastructure of a company. They determine the type of hardware, software, cloud services, network security, web portals, and Internet/intranet connections. This is also another leadership position where you’ll need to have analytical skills, logical thinking, and practical skills.

Software Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $110,140
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York, and Massachusetts

Software developers use programming skills and critical thinking to develop new applications. They also test software programs and troubleshoot any issues related to coding. Software development often involves a wide variety of programming languages like C, C++, JavaScript, and Python. Software developers require technology management and time management skills.

Information Security Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $103,590
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington DC

A systems analyst is a cyber security specialist that protects computer networks from virtual attacks. They plan risk management strategies and install firewalls and hardware to protect the system, and can work in a wide range of fields.

Database Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,860
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, and California

A database administrator ensures the integrity and accessibility of an organization’s database management systems. Their responsibility is to organize the database system so that it is accessible to employees and easy to use. This data might include financial records, shipping information, or customer information.

Network Security Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $88,655
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  5%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  350,300
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Maryland, California, New Jersey, and Washington DC

A network security engineer is an IT professional who oversees and protects computer networks from cyberattacks such as malware, data breaches, bugs, and other cybercrimes. They must conduct frequent tests in the system to evaluate its performance and create updated security measures.

Network Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $84,810
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  350,300
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Maryland, California, New Jersey, and Washington DC

If you

become a network administrator

, you’ll be responsible for organizing, installing, and maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure and computer networks. This usually includes LANs, WANs, firewalls, and cloud servers.

Network Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $75,399
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  350,300
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Maryland, California, New Jersey, and Washington DC

A network engineer is responsible for ensuring data communication in computer networks. They must configure, maintain and troubleshoot computer networks in an organization to enable data transfer between computers.

Network Consultant

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $71,221
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  5%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  350,300
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Maryland, California, New Jersey, and Washington DC

A network consultant evaluates the performance of computer network infrastructure and certifies its functionality. They usually work as independent consultants, but they can also be part of a consulting IT agency.

Technical Support

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $55,510
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  9%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  844,600
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, and Connecticut

Computer support specialists help companies and independent clients with their network infrastructure. They help solve common network issues. This is considered an entry-level position in the IT industry.

*Job statistics from BLS report on network and computer systems administrators.

Network Administration Bootcamp vs. Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?

The different educational paths you can take to work as a network administrator, such as earning a bachelor’s degree or attending a network administration bootcamp, have different strengths and weaknesses. The right path for you will depend on your resources and long-term career goals.

Benefits of a Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree

• 
  Reputable.
  
  
  Bachelor’s degrees
  
  are very respected in the marketplace to this day, so earning an undergraduate degree could add value to your resume.
• 
  High compensation.
  
  Having a bachelor’s degree can increase your chances of having a high annual salary and can diversify your career prospects.
• 
  Internships.
  
  Bachelor’s degree students often earn practical experience during their studies through internships. This helps them develop up-to-date skills they’ll use in their jobs and provides networking opportunities.
• 
  Job opportunities.
  
  A bachelor’s degree can provide you with several career opportunities during your professional life. Many companies require potential candidates to have a bachelor’s degree before applying for a network administrator position.
• 
  Further your education.
  
  Network administration graduates have the opportunity to further their careers with additional training and more advanced education programs such as master’s or doctoral degrees.

Benefits of a Network Administration Bootcamp

• 
  Short-term.
  
  Coding bootcamps are usually short-term and can last from six to 12 months. If you’re not interested in pursuing a four-year degree, you should consider a networking bootcamp.
• 
  Up-to-date curriculum.
  
  Coding bootcamps are known for having up-to-date curricula. This allows students to develop a relevant skill set for the real world.
• 
  Hands-on experience.
  
  Networking bootcamps offer a practical approach. This means that you will focus on practice instead of spending hours on theory. Some also include an internship period.
• 
  Low-cost.
  
  The average cost of coding bootcamps is around $13,500, which is lower than the average cost for traditional education.
• 
  Employment opportunities.
  
  Coding bootcamps are usually partnered with hiring partners to help you find a job after graduation. You will often also receive career services like career coaching, resume, and interview preparation.
• 
  Flexibility.
  
  One of the greatest advantages of bootcamps is that they offer a lot of flexibility. This includes full-time and part-time modalities, as well as flexible schedules.

Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration?

Yes, you should obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration if you have critical thinking and problem-solving skills and are ready to dive into very technical classes. This career might be complicated for those with zero technical knowledge, so prospective students might want to research the field and learn foundational skills before committing to a program.

Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree FAQ