Online Computer Networking Degree can be a great way to prepare for a career in this rapidly growing field. Network administrators are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for network architects, network analysts, and computer network support specialists is $76,490 a year.
That’s a hefty sum for those with entry-level jobs. However, if you have solid computer science training from an accredited university or technical institute, it’s likely that you’ll be able to land a well-paying job in this field.
The best way to get into this career field is through an online degree program that teaches all the basics of networking technology in classes on YouTube or other popular sites. You can learn from experts and watch their lecture videos at your own pace. And if they don’t teach what you need to know on video, there are plenty of other places where you can enroll in online courses on your own schedule—for example, MIT Open Courseware has online lectures and assignments that are completely free of charge even if you’re not enrolled at MIT as an undergraduate or graduate student (but yes, it is absolutely worth applying to MIT after getting accepted).
Also remember: A degree can also help qualify you for more lucrative careers as an IT professional down the road.
Online classes will vary from school to school.
It’s important to remember that online computer networking classes will vary from school to school. Some classes may be offered entirely online while other schools may require you to physically attend a campus for some or all of your courses. Some schools even offer a combination of both types of courses.
This is why it’s so important to research any college you are considering before making the final decision about where to enroll. For example, some classes may be offered by phone and others at a physical location. You should also find out if there are any prerequisites for the class you want to take before applying for admission into that particular program.
You should also make sure that the professors have high qualifications and have experience teaching in this field before enrolling in their classes. This way, you’ll know exactly what kind of coursework they expect from you as well as whether or not they can help guide your studies outside of class time if necessary.
Many online computer networking programs are designed for busy adult learners, with flexible scheduling and courses that you can take from anywhere.
Many online computer networking programs are designed for busy adult learners, with flexible scheduling and courses that you can take from anywhere. Depending on the program, you may be able to complete your studies at your own pace, allowing you to accelerate through required courses or take more time as needed. Online programs often offer individualized attention as well: your instructor is more readily accessible than he or she would be in a large lecture hall, making it easy to ask questions and get quick feedback on assignments.
Online degrees are also generally less expensive than their on-campus counterparts, since you won’t have to cover the cost of room and board (or transportation if you live far away). Your tuition may also be reduced by scholarships and tuition reimbursement offered by employers who value higher education.
What you’ll need to earn your online computer networking degree varies by program and your state of residence.
While each program can have different requirements for admission, you will likely need to meet several general requirements.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Previous coursework in computer programming and mathematics.
- Technical college coursework in computer systems and network administration.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems or network administration.
- Prior work experience (two years minimum).
- Entrance exam scores, recommendation letter, personal interview, essay, or portfolio—depending on the school.
If you’re working full-time, look for programs with evening, weekend or accelerated courses.
The ability to attend classes outside of traditional business hours is necessary if you have a full-time job.
Are you thinking, “I don’t want to give up my weekends and evenings”? Think again. The right program can allow you to work full-time while earning your degree with minimal disruption of your life.
Evening and weekend courses are a great option if you need to keep your day job while studying for an online computer networking degree. You may also be able to find accelerated courses, which condense the material covered in regular courses into shorter time periods, making it possible for students to complete their degrees faster than usual.
By reaching out to the admissions offices at different colleges and universities, prospective students can determine whether or not evening and weekend classes are available for the program they want to enter.
Check the reputation of any school with the Better Business Bureau and accrediting agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Before applying to any online program, check the reputation of the school with the Better Business Bureau and accrediting agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). These organizations will provide you with a good sense of each school’s credibility.
You can also research online courses through third-party sites like GetEducated.com and OnlineSchoolsReport.com to find out whether they’re offered by accredited schools, as well as their price and quality.
Some programs may have on-campus requirements, such as laboratory sessions or a final project presentation.
Before you enroll in a program, review the application requirements carefully and make sure you can meet them. Some programs have on-campus requirements, such as laboratory sessions or a final project presentation. If you are interested in earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree online but also want to participate in hands-on learning experiences at your school, ask if it is possible to do laboratory work at a local college or high school. Don’t forget to check with your state board of education for any licensure requirements for teaching at these institutions.
The success of an online program often depends on your ability to work independently and manage your time.
If you’re considering an online degree, it’s important to be aware of what skills you need to succeed in this format. Learning online is different from traditional classroom-based learning. Whether you will succeed in an online degree program often depends directly on your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively.
Because there are no deadlines imposed by class schedules or instructors, it’s particularly important that you are motivated, organized and disciplined. In fact, some students have described the experience as “self-directed study.” If you enjoy independent study and working without a lot of oversight from professors or peers, then learning online may be a good option for you.
In addition to being self-motivated and organized, students who fare well in online programs also tend to possess strong time management skills and computer experience. Online classes can be more demanding than sitting through a lecture class because they often require spending extra hours reading web pages or discussion forums outside of the usual class meeting times. Most assignments will require typing rather than handwriting assignments on paper which is why computer literacy is key.
You might want to look for schools that offer internships or apprenticeships so you can get real-world experience while completing your education.
Plenty of online degree programs offer internship or apprenticeship options as part of their curriculum, so you can get real-world experience while completing your education. Outside of college, there are also a variety of network engineer internships available through tech companies.
Having this type of experience can be helpful for getting a job in the field after graduation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that networking is the best way to find an entry-level job, and having a background in internships or apprenticeships can provide you with valuable contacts and references.
Just because a program is online doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get away without learning how to use computers, servers and other equipment part of a network administrator’s job involves installing, repairing and upgrading these devices.
Just because a program is online doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get away without learning how to use computers, servers and other equipment. Part of a network administrator’s job involves installing, repairing and upgrading these devices. As an online student, you will likely be tested on your knowledge of this gear during the class itself or in projects that involve setting up lab environments.
Network administrators are responsible for installing, repairing and upgrading network devices. They might also need to troubleshoot problems with the network or with individual devices. This can involve resolving basic problems such as replacing bad cables, connecting loose wires or updating existing software. Network administrators should understand what each piece of hardware does and how it connects into a larger network configuration.
Top Schools Offering Online Computer Networking Degree
Strayer University
Strayer University offers an online computer networking degree for those who wish to pursue a career in the field. The courses are accredited, and the degree can be earned in 2-4 years depending on how much time you have per week to dedicate to your education. The program is flexible enough that you can choose when and where you want to study, allowing you to continue working while simultaneously acquiring new skills and knowledge.
The minimum requirements are:
- Undergraduate transcript of records
- A completed application form
- An essay on why you want to pursue computer networking as a career
- A management plan of your intended course schedule
Tuition is $3800 per semester. To apply for this scholarship program, please fill out the form here. For more information about Strayer university, please contact us at 1-800-609-9005 or at info@strayeruniversity.edu
Capella University
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Type of Institution: Private, for-profit
- Student Enrollment: 38,000
- Tuition: $11,700
- Degree: BS in Information Technology
School Website: https://www.capella.edu
Online Availability: Yes
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, non-profit university with a Christian focus. Its BA in Computer Science was designed to help students master foundational concepts of programming languages like C++ and Java, as well as the operation of relational databases. The BS in Computer Science offers several specializations, including Game Design and Development, Software Engineering, and Networking/Cybersecurity. Both programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and collaborative research projects.
Network Administrator: $36K – $100K
Senior System Administrator: $48K – $110K
Network Security Specialist: $34K – $105K
Regent University
In just eight semesters, you can earn your online IT degree from Regent University. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with a concentration in Networking Systems Administration is designed to provide students with the relevant skills necessary for a career as a networking professional.
The BSIT program is offered entirely online, which allows students to maintain personal and professional obligations while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. This 120-credit hour, upper-level program provides an in-depth study of computer networks and system administration. Students gain foundational knowledge of information technology and IT management through general education coursework, including studies in communications, math, science and history. Core classes cover topics like hardware/software integration; operating systems fundamentals; LAN/WAN design and maintenance; cabling infrastructure; cyber security; data storage and recovery; geo-distributed networking concepts; wireless networking technologies; cloud computing fundamentals; and system virtualization.
Participating in courses online is convenient for the working adult student who does not have time to attend on-campus classes during traditional business hours. A high level of technical support is provided for all online learners at Regent University by full-time staff members who are available 24/7 via phone or email to troubleshoot technical issues that may arise while completing coursework online.
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a for-profit university headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a part of the Career Education Corporation (CEC) group of universities. Founded in 1965, it was originally named Colorado Technical College and offered only one degree program – electronics engineering technology. In 1995, it transitioned to the name Colorado Technical University and began offering bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in business administration, computer science, management information systems and criminal justice. The university has multiple campuses across the United States as well as an online division that comprise more than 90% of its student body
DeVry University
DeVry University is a private college based in Illinois. Besides having an online bachelor’s degree in computer networking, they have campus locations across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Pricing varies by location and specific program, but at present tuition costs are listed at $17,500 per year for this major program. The bachelor’s degree consists of 120 credit hours with general education requirements, coursework in computer networking and classes that are part of your specialized area of study. You must also complete a capstone project prior to graduation.
Herzing University
A 2-year program with a focus on network administration, you can get your associate degree in computer networking completely online. This coursework includes the following:
- Network Administration and Management
- Network Security and Risk Management
- Advanced Network Administration
Tuition for the program is $423 per credit hour.
