Online Network Administration Degree Programs

The goal of the online network administration degree is to offer students training in computer networking and systems administration, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Network administration is responsible for maintaining connections between computers. It include adding new users and computers to the network, and maintaining security across the network. As the Internet and information technology have expanded in the last decade, so has the need to find effective ways of maintaining data security. Hence network administration has maintained its position as one of the high-demand skills set in order to keeping businesses connected and functioning. An online network administrator degree prepares students in information technology careers as security engineers, systems administrators, or network engineers. A network administrator works on the hardware and software aspects of computer and information networks including the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of the network equipment.

Online Network Administration Degree Program

DeVry University

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

Capella University - Online

• BS - Network Technology
• MS - Network Architecture

• Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Network Management

Kaplan University

• AAS in Information Technology / Network Administration
• BS in Information Technology / Network Administration
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Certificate

Colorado Technical University Online

• Bachelor's (BSIT) - Network Management

National American University Campuses

• IT - Network Management

Bryant and Stratton College

• Networking Technology

American Intercontinental University (AIU)

• Bachelor's (BIT) - Network Administration

Western Governors University

• B.S. Information Technology - Network Design and Management Emphasis
• B.S. Information Technology - Networks Administration Emphasis

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Network Administration Education and Training

Online network administration degree courses teach students how to connect computers to each using of software and network infrastructures. Often the degree is offered at the associate degree level and bachelor degree level. In some instance, network administration certification is offered in areas like Microsoft Networking and Cisco Certification. The network administration classes cover how to build and maintain servers, routers, fiber optic networks that make the Internet, intranets, and computer run seamlessly.

Computer networking degree programs also focus on establishing and maintaining firewalls, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN) and databases, TCP/IP protocols, encryption, network security, etc. Particular networking courses might include:

• Introduction to Networking
• Network Operating Systems
• Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications
• Wireless Technologies
• Routing
• Voice/VoIP Administration
• Switching

In addition computer networking training is provided through certification courses by companies like Cisco and Microsoft. These proprietary and vendor IT certification programs qualify job candidates for positions in network administration.

Network Administration Careers

From employment with computer systems design companies to colleges and universities, natural gas distributorships to rail transportation companies, graduates of network administration programs can enjoy a bevy of choices when it comes to making a career decision.

Network administrators oversee computer networks to ensure that they function as required. This can range from small to large networks depending on the size of the organization. Graduates gain network administration skills that qualify them for entry-level positions as:

• Computer systems engineers
• Network security professionals
• Network administrators
• Computer support specialists
• Computer systems analysts
• Network architects
• Network engineers
• Network and computer systems administrators
• Database administrators
• Web developers

Task include creating and maintaining networks, updating virus and malware protection, backing up data, and updating software. Many of the tasks include troubleshooting and network issues.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The Occupational Outlook Handbook by the United States Bureau of Labor (BLS) statistics reports that the median earnings for computer support specialists is over $40,000. The U.S. BLS also projects growth in the network administration industries as follows:

• Database administration - 37%
• Computer system analysis - 29%
• Computer systems administrators - 13%

According to the BLS, those with network administration degree or related area earn annual median salaries as follows:

• Computer systems analyst: $73,000
• Database administrator: $67,000
• Network administrator: $65,000

The median income for network and computer systems administrators was $66,310 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $51,690 and $84,110. The lowest 10% made less than $41,000 while the top 10% made over $104,070.

As reported by the BLS, the overall employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators is expected to grow by 30% between 2008 and 2018, This is much faster than most occupations, making a network administration degree a viable career choice.