What does a network administrator do?

A system administrator performs many duties. They install, maintain, and repair hardware and software; monitor computer systems for performance; ensure optimal IT security; and train staff in the use of these systems.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a network administration degree?

Career options include network administrator, computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, and computer network architect.

Is network administration a good career?

According to the BLS, network administrators can earn median annual salaries of over $83,000. Favorable job prospects between 2019-2029 also help make this degree a good investment.

What is the difference between a system administrator and a network administrator?

A network administrator oversees the network computers' functions within a system. The system administrator performs more comprehensive IT tasks such as software and hardware installation, data recovery and backup, and staff training. At some companies, a network administrator may perform overlapping duties.

Online Bachelor’s In Network Administration Programs 2021

March 30, 2021 | Staff Writers

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Network administrators keep an organization’s computer network system functioning optimally. Companies in every industry employ these professionals to establish the organization’s day-to-day needs, make computer system repairs and upgrades, and maintain IT security. Online programs train administrators who can effectively carry out these duties to maximize company and staff productivity.

Network administration degree graduates can enjoy great job prospects and earning potential, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that network and computer systems administrators with a bachelor’s degree earn a median annual salary of $83,510. This guide provides information about network administrator career options, coursework in online network administration degrees, and scholarship opportunities.

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FAQ

What does a network administrator do?

A system administrator performs many duties. They install, maintain, and repair hardware and software; monitor computer systems for performance; ensure optimal IT security; and train staff in the use of these systems.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a network administration degree?

Career options include network administrator, computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, and computer network architect.

Is network administration a good career?

According to the BLS, network administrators can earn median annual salaries of over $83,000. Favorable job prospects between 2019-2029 also help make this degree a good investment.

What is the difference between a system administrator and a network administrator?

A network administrator oversees the network computers’ functions within a system. The system administrator performs more comprehensive IT tasks such as software and hardware installation, data recovery and backup, and staff training. At some companies, a network administrator may perform overlapping duties.

Why Get a Degree in Network Administration?

IT professionals can enjoy job growth stability, and a network administration program empowers enrollees with advanced technical skills employers value. The BLS projects network and computer systems administrator jobs to grow 4% between 2019-2029.

A bachelor’s degree may also give network administrators a competitive edge over peers. About 42% of network administrators hold a bachelor’s degree, followed by some college but no degree (24%), and an associate degree (16%). Students can pursue a network administrator degree online without sacrificing work or other obligations. A favorable job outlook helps make the degree worth the necessary time and investment.

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How Much Does a Network Administration Degree Cost?

Network administrator degree costs vary by college and depend on several factors. Students can expect to pay between $218-$370 per credit, or $26,160-$44,400 total program tuition based on a sampling of schools. Online learning grants degree-seekers access to some of the best bachelor’s in network administration programs nationwide. E-Learning also helps learners save on tuition and other expenses.

Online learning offers cost savings on accommodation, transportation, childcare, and related expenses. Many schools offer a flat-rate tuition for all online learners regardless of residency. As such, students can avoid the expensive out-of-state tuition price tag.

Many institutions recognize that students often begin their postsecondary education at community and technical colleges. Generous credit transfer policies also help degree-seekers save on tuition. Students can satisfy general education and lower-level requirements with transfer credits. They may also receive credit for work and military experience.

A school’s financial aid package may also help make an online network administration degree more affordable.

Calculating the Cost of a College Degree

Students can use the affordability calculator to help determine a network administrator degree’s cost.

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How Much Do Network Administration Majors Make?

Network administration majors generally find employment nationwide, and employers in all sectors need their expertise. They find the most jobs in the computer systems design and related services field, followed by educational services and the information sector. These administrators generally enjoy a salary of more than double the $39,810 median annual salary for all other occupations, along with great employment growth prospects.

While many graduates assume roles as well-paid network and computer systems administrators, they also qualify for other careers with even better job prospects. Computer network architects typically hold a bachelor’s degree in majors such as network administration. They enjoy a $112,690 median annual salary, and the BLS projects 5% job growth for the profession between 2019-2029.

With work experience or advanced training, network administrators can assume roles as computer and information systems managers. These IT professionals earn a $146,360 median annual salary. The BLS projects 10% job growth for these managers between 2019-2029, which far outpaces the 4% average employment growth for all other occupations.

Courses in Network Administration

The curriculum for a network administration degree varies depending on the school. Four-year colleges typically award a BS or BAS for baccalaureate-level computer and IT programs. Students complete 120-126 credits including general education coursework such as English, applied algebra, and technical writing. The network administration coursework builds learners’ skills in areas like fundamentals of networking, network security, cloud deployment and operations, and Linux system administration.

Students demonstrate their technical proficiency when they work on individual or team projects. Internship opportunities give students hands-on experience with a local company. Enrollees often culminate the degree with a capstone project they can include in their portfolios. Graduates exit the program with well-defined analytical and problem-solving skills. The following offers a sample curriculum including three courses students can expect to take.

Students explore the key components of computer networking systems and different networks such as a local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN). Enrollees advance to the installation, configuration, and security of networks, applications, and devices. This course typically prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

This course examines cloud computing and the use of various techniques and tools in cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. Students learn about cloud types, infrastructure, scalability, deployment and operations, and the monitoring and provisioning of cloud resources. They also learn best practices in cloud data backup and recovery.

This course explores concepts and terminology in data management. Students learn about Structured Query Language (SQL) and Data Definition Language, commonly used for data management and manipulation. They learn how to use SQL to write programs, database structures, and debug programming. They also perform data modeling and learn how to implement database security measures such as authentication.

Certifications and Licensure for Network Administration

Certifications verify that learners possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform certain tasks in their profession. While professionals do not require licensure to work in IT fields, employers expect them to hold some common certifications. The following lists three certifications that stand out to employers.

CompTIA Network+

This certification verifies a technician’s entry-level skills in IT infrastructure such as managing networks and troubleshooting. Candidates must pass a 90-question multiple-choice exam covering five topics, including networking concepts, network operations, and network security.

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Cisco Certified Network Associate

CCNA validates the technician’s ability to install, configure, and operate networks. Candidates pass an exam that covers six topics, including network fundamentals, networks access, IP services, and security fundamentals.

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Cisco Certified Network Professional

CCNP demonstrates the candidate’s proficiency in enterprise networking solutions. Candidates must pass a core exam focusing on enterprise infrastructure and a customizable exam exploring an industry topic such as network design or automation.

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Scholarships for Network Administration

College students use scholarships to help defray tuition costs and other education-related expenses. Funding organizations sponsor scholarships for students in computing and IT programs, including learners seeking network administrator careers. Eligibility requirements include academic performance and financial need. The following list includes three general and network administration scholarship opportunities.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon Scholarships

Who Can Apply: UPE, the international honor society for IT and computing, awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate members enrolled in a relevant program. Degree-seekers complete an application that includes school transcripts, a UPE student activity outline at their respective colleges, and long-term career goals.

Amount: $1,000-$3,000

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Employment BOOST College Scholarships

Who Can Apply: A resume writing company, Employment BOOST offers scholarships to students majoring, or planning to major, in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. Students must demonstrate a minimum 3.6 GPA and write an essay.

Amount: $1,000

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Scholarship America Dream Award

Who Can Apply: Scholarship America helps students achieve their college dreams. The organization awards scholarships to students planning to enroll at a two-year or four-year college, with preference given to learners pursuing STEM majors. Students must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

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