Get Matched With Network Administration Programs

An online or traditional bachelor’s in network administration degree gives you the background to begin a technological career. You may either choose to start with a bachelor’s or your associate degree can advance into a bachelor’s program. Network administration degree programs may be housed under either computer science, engineering, or in a business school, which means you’ll have to earn credits associated with engineering, business, or computer science. Many of these easily shift to an online learning format, so you may be able to find these programs in a traditional format, in online programs, or through hybrid learning, with online and in-person courses. As long as the colleges and universities prospective students choose have regional or national accreditation, this should be a breeze and lead to great career opportunities where you can gain relevant work experience and earn promotions through experience, passing professional certification exams, and more.

Just some of the wide variety of topics and skills you might study include:

  • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Local Area Networks - Wireless Networks
  • Software Development
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Computer Networking - Network Infrastructure and Network Hardware
  • Computer Network Security
  • Cloud Computing
  • Scripting and Programming
  • Web Development
  • Information Security
  • Network Engineering and Network Architecture
  • Computer Systems Design
  • Computer Systems Hardware and Software
  • Computer Operating Systems
  • Systems and Network Administration
  • Network Administration or Management Technology
  • Project Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Database Management Systems Administration
  • Emerging Technologies
And network administration graduates might work as an information security analyst, computer systems administrators, computer systems analysts, network administrators, and more. And don't forget about the incredible networking opportunities students will gain from attending on-campus at various colleges and universities, though you could also choose to earn an online network administration degree and still qualify for financial aid.

PROS

As you decide whether or not you’re going to earn a bachelor’s in network administration degree, whether online or not, you should weigh the pros and cons of going into this degree program. If you already have an associate degree in this field, then a bachelor’s will allow you to take on more responsibility and move into other areas of network administration while building on the credit hours you've already earned. On average, you can expect to earn about $56,000, depending on your employer and your specific job responsibilities.

It shouldn’t be difficult to find a job in your new field; information security professionals and network administrators are badly needed in a variety of organizations. Right now, employers are struggling to find enough qualified network administration professionals. Depending on any concentrations or certificates you earned in school, you may work as a network security administrator, computer and information manager, computer support specialist, network administrator, or a computer systems analyst.

CONS

While you’ll experience definite advantages with a bachelor’s degree in network administration, you also need to think about possible disadvantages to this career field and degree. If you have plans or aspirations to lead or manage a team, then you may not get this opportunity with only a bachelor’s degree. You’re more likely to have access to these positions once you’ve earned your master’s in network administration and made good use of networking opportunities. It may be possible for graduates from online bachelor's network administration degree programs to work as network administrators, but they'll need much more relevant work experience as proof of their skills than those with a master's.

Network administration is a popular field, both at colleges and universities and among employers and, while employers are still struggling to find qualified people, if you don’t have the right degree, you’ll likely lose out to someone who holds a higher degree from a network administration program and more qualifications.

If you’ve already worked in network administration and you have a master’s degree, then you’ll find that HR managers are looking for people like you.

Compare Popular Online Network Administration Programs

Top 20 Best Online Bachelors in Network Administration Programs


1

North Carolina A&T State University

Score: 80.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,733
    • Out-of-State: $20,243
  • Net Price: $9,189
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,487
  • Undergrad Students: 11,833
  • Graduate Students: 1,654
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
2

University of Cincinnati

Score: 76.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,176
    • Out-of-State: $28,540
  • Net Price: $20,149
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 41,155
  • Undergrad Students: 29,663
  • Graduate Students: 11,492
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Cincinnati
3

East Carolina University

Score: 74.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,325
    • Out-of-State: $23,602
  • Net Price: $14,410
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,151
  • Undergrad Students: 21,688
  • Graduate Students: 5,463
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • East Carolina University
4

Monroe College

Score: 74.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,442
    • Out-of-State: $17,442
  • Net Price: $9,157
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,011
  • Undergrad Students: 5,916
  • Graduate Students: 1,095
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Monroe College
5

Dakota State University

Score: 69.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,633
    • Out-of-State: $12,735
  • Net Price: $17,977
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,241
  • Undergrad Students: 2,757
  • Graduate Students: 484
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Dakota State University
6

Kent State University

Score: 69.63

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,464
    • Out-of-State: $21,570
  • Net Price: $19,046
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,854
  • Undergrad Students: 20,418
  • Graduate Students: 5,436
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Kent State University
7

Fort Hays State University

Score: 69.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,430
    • Out-of-State: $15,870
  • Net Price: $13,322
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,949
  • Undergrad Students: 10,427
  • Graduate Students: 2,522
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Fort Hays State University
8

Lindenwood University

Score: 68.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,300
    • Out-of-State: $19,300
  • Net Price: $18,016
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,000
  • Undergrad Students: 4,808
  • Graduate Students: 2,192
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Lindenwood University
9

Southeast Missouri State University

Score: 68.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,015
    • Out-of-State: $15,585
  • Net Price: $14,519
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,927
  • Undergrad Students: 8,454
  • Graduate Students: 1,473
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Southeast Missouri State University
10

California Baptist University

Score: 67.25

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,058
    • Out-of-State: $38,058
  • Net Price: $27,304
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,495
  • Undergrad Students: 8,334
  • Graduate Students: 3,161
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • California Baptist University
11

Austin Peay State University

Score: 63.74

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,431
    • Out-of-State: $13,975
  • Net Price: $16,140
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,326
  • Undergrad Students: 8,120
  • Graduate Students: 1,206
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Austin Peay State University
12

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Score: 62.04

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,938
    • Out-of-State: $9,992
  • Net Price: $2,341
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,363
  • Undergrad Students: 20,363
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville
13

Colorado Technical University

Score: 60.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,696
    • Out-of-State: $12,696
  • Net Price: $16,106
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 46%
  • Graduation Rate: 20%
  • Total Enrollment: 24,808
  • Undergrad Students: 22,393
  • Graduate Students: 2,415
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 31:1
  • Colorado Technical University
14

Bellevue University

Score: 60.4

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,790
    • Out-of-State: $8,790
  • Net Price: $24,767
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,841
  • Undergrad Students: 10,808
  • Graduate Students: 3,033
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Bellevue University
15

Purdue Global

Score: 59.88

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,134
    • Out-of-State: $14,445
  • Net Price: $6,785
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 17%
  • Graduation Rate: 20%
  • Total Enrollment: 45,125
  • Undergrad Students: 33,510
  • Graduate Students: 11,615
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 26:1
  • Purdue Global
16

Salem University

Score: 59.7

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,150
    • Out-of-State: $13,150
  • Net Price: $13,132
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Total Enrollment: 984
  • Undergrad Students: 762
  • Graduate Students: 222
  • Grads Salary: $65,999
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Salem University
17

Rogers State University

Score: 59.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,252
    • Out-of-State: $15,036
  • Net Price: $13,446
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,155
  • Undergrad Students: 3,046
  • Graduate Students: 109
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Rogers State University
18

Middle Georgia State University

Score: 56.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,958
    • Out-of-State: $12,430
  • Net Price: $13,174
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 24%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,688
  • Undergrad Students: 7,259
  • Graduate Students: 429
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Middle Georgia State University
19

Herzing University-Madison

Score: 52.29

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,750
    • Out-of-State: $12,750
  • Net Price: $22,720
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 22%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,473
  • Undergrad Students: 1,803
  • Graduate Students: 1,670
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Herzing University-Madison
20

American InterContinental University

Score: 51.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,422
    • Out-of-State: $12,422
  • Net Price: $13,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 17%
  • Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,333
  • Undergrad Students: 10,447
  • Graduate Students: 3,886
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 40:1
  • American InterContinental University

Associate vs. Bachelors


While an online or on-campus bachelor’s degree in network administration will help you begin a challenging career, it’s not everything you need. If your degree program offers any certification programs that would apply to your future career, be open to enrolling into those certification programs that would benefit you the most.

The criteria for deciding on “certification or not?” includes:

  • Your intended career path
  • Your level of experience
  • Any specific job role you’d like to get into
  • Which IT area you are most interested in

If you’re still wondering, ask your advisor. They may recommend getting a few certifications before graduation.

What Network Administration Bachelor’s Degrees are Available Online?


  • Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security (BS-NOS):
    This degree allows you to learn the material you need to become a network administrator. You’ll also be able to work in the security side of the field. This degree program also makes available 14 industry certifications you may need for your career. These degrees are often available through online programs.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT):
    This online degree has a specialization in Network Administration, so you’ll be able to learn everything you need to for your degree and pending career through online or in-person courses.
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks (BSCN):
    Learn about all the operations and procedures you’ll use in your daily work. You’ll also learn to use technologies that allow you to design computer networks, implement their operations, administer, and troubleshoot.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology (BAS-IT):
    You’ll be entering into a field that is in high demand with this degree. You may work with a company that wants to place its networks into cloud services, as is happening with many healthcare facilities. Online courses are commonly available for this degree.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies (BS-IT):
    You’ll be the specialist to increase the efficiency and performance of the IT systems within your employer’s company. This degree comes with a concentration in Networks and Telecommunications.

Admission Requirements


The admission requirements at some schools may include specific experience categories:

  • Two years of IT experience
  • Minimum of 60 previously earned credits or an IT associate degree
  • Complete BSIT 200 or BSIT 220, passing with a B or higher
  • Hold current CompTIA or CompTIA Network+ certification

You’ll also need to submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate. If you are transferring from another university, you’ll submit an official transcript from that institution and any others you may have attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the institution to be considered official.

How long does it take to earn a Network Administration Bachelor's online?


In an on-campus bachelor degree program, if you take 12 credits each semester, you’ll graduate in a little more than four years. Increasing the number of credits you take per semester to 15 allows you to finish more quickly, usually within the normal four-year time frame.

If you take an online bachelor’s degree program, you may be on a quarterly term schedule, meaning each course finishes within seven to 10 weeks. Try to take your general education courses more quickly by taking two at a time, then take single core courses per ten-week term. By doing so, you’ll graduate within four to five years.

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Potential Careers in Network Administration with a Bachelor’s


As you start your college years, you may have some indefinite plans and goals. Once you start taking your classes and finding which core topics you’re most passionate about, you should get an idea of which careers you find the most interesting. Here are some career options for you to consider.

  • Information Systems Manager:
    This career is attainable with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. Expect to take part in planning, arranging, and managing IT-related operations. You’ll also collaborate in establishing and executing new goals for your organization, as well as the processes needed to reach these goals.
    Average annual salary: $83,800
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator:
    If you’re hired in this position, you’ll manage your organization’s computer networks. Because these networks are becoming even more complex, you’ll have to be able to keep up with the technology and work demands. You’ll involve yourself in daily network operations and troubleshoot problems in software and hardware applications.
    Average annual salary: $68,400
  • Computer Systems Analyst:
    This professional helps their employer to establish and implement information systems, undertake the processes involved in integrating both business and technology. You may be involved in the design and creation of documentation connected to specific information systems and any technical equipment the company uses.
    Average annual salary: $69,500
  • Software Developer:
    Professionals in this position are vital in helping to customize applications and systems. They work with system engineers and computer programmers. They may develop or customize existing systems, run tests, and control networks. They test and document software, write code, use source debuggers and write, modify, and debug software for clients’ applications.
    Average annual salary: $71,900
  • Software Engineer:
    The responsibilities of this professional include developing and integrating software systems for their organization. This professional works with programmers to create new user applications. They also evaluate the programs and systems used by their employer. They may help to design and execute workflow processes.
    Average annual salary: $86,600

Options to Advance


If you have been working in network administration after earning your bachelor’s degree, you may have seen some higher-performing roles in your organization. If you want to be able to manage and lead teams, then an online master’s in information technology can help you achieve your goals. In general, your courses will focus on the development of effective and secure systems solutions. You’ll learn how to lead your organization and different teams in managing the company’s information systems and related business outcomes. You’ll help to manage the scope, resources, and scheduling as you deliver quality information systems projects.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are some of the better things about being a network administrator?

One of the best things about earning this degree is that you can start out your career earning a good income. This is true for many IT careers but, as most of the roles you will fill will be management-level, it may be even more true for you. Additionally, you should have excellent job security based on predictions about this field, and lots of chance for advancement. Beyond that, you’ll have the chance to choose your career path from a varied list of opportunities. Instead of being tied into one specific path, you will have many options in corporations, government agency, or even educational institution.

What role might I move into after working as a network administrator?

Due to the huge number of roles throughout the IT industry, you might be wondering where you could end up if you start with a degree in network administration. One answer is that you could end up nearly anywhere you want. However, that’s not particularly helpful in this situation. So, let’s say you earn a network administration degree and then work as a network administrator for years. You’ve got a degree or two, you’ve got experience under your belt; where could you advance? One option is to move into the role of an information technology manager or director. These types of roles are a good steppingstone between network administration or other mid-level roles and the C-suites, allowing you to get some higher-level management experience before you aim to work as the CIO or CISO of an organization.

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