Online Network Administration Bachelor's Degree
Overview
Whether for business transactions or personal interactions, the flow of information these days is almost entirely via digital networks. When those networks don’t run smoothly, life can seem to grind to a halt.
Network administrators are the professionals tasked with ensuring that doesn’t happen—and resolving issues when they inevitably arise. An online bachelor’s degree in network administration prepares students to tackle those challenges by training them in the latest skills and industry standards.
Coursework
| Example courses | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communications foundations | |||||||||
| Reasoning and problem solving | |||||||||
| Web programming | |||||||||
| Interconnecting network devices | |||||||||
| Security fundamentals | |||||||||
| Structured system analysis and design | |||||||||
| Routing and switching | |||||||||
Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s program in network administration will engage in a curriculum focused on advanced mathematics, computer systems, and problem solving. Courses often include Web development, information technology, and network fundamentals, as well as finite mathematics, technical writing, and project management.
Some online network administration programs also incorporate IT certifications into their curricula, so students earn professional credentials as well as a degree. Students can also earn technical certifications outside of a degree program if their school does not offer them. Doing so can help graduates advance their careers and boost their earning potential.
Job Outlook
| Median salaries* | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network and computer systems administrator | $69,000 | ||||||||
| Database administrator | $73,500 | ||||||||
| Web developer/computer network architect | $75,600 | ||||||||
| Computer systems analyst | $77,800 | ||||||||
| Software developer | $90,500 | ||||||||
| Computer and information system manager | $115,800 | ||||||||
*per the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Network administration is one of the fastest growing career fields and is projected to add nearly 100,000 new jobs by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median salary for network and systems administrators is roughly $69,000, but graduates can earn more by entering industries such as finance or insurance, where the median salary is close to $72,500. Those who advance to management positions can earn salaries topping $115,000, according to BLS data.
Find jobs for graduates with a bachelor’s in network administration »














