If you major in networking in college, you’ll learn all about how computers communicate over networks. You’ll take classes like computer science, telecommunications, server administration, and network configurations. By the time you graduate from a networking program, you’ll know how to troubleshoot, evaluate, design, and analyze networks. You can build similar skills as a computer systems, information networking, network administration, systems administration, or telecommunications major.
What Is an Online Network Program?
A networking program can take anywhere from one year to six or more years to complete. Many students choose to attain a bachelor’s degree from a college, online school, or university. Some go after a master’s degree. And others choose to earn a certificate or associate’s degree from a technical school, career college, community college, or online school.
If you’re a problem solver and creative thinker, and you have strong computer and math skills, you may have what it takes for a career in networking.
How Much Does an Online Network Program Cost?
You’ll find over 1,000 schools offering the online networking major including technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, 4-year colleges, online schools and universities. First decide what type of degree you want—certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s. Then you can gauge the cost of an online networking program. Expect your program to cost anywhere between $5,000 for a certificate to $50,000 for a full-time bachelor’s degree.
Average Salary for an Online Network Program
Many certificate and associate’s degree holders will start their careers in entry level support positions working at call centers or help desks earning average annual salaries between $32,000 and $54,000. Jobs are also available as information technology support specialists, network support technicians, network operators and computer network administrators. Network systems administrators earn an average of $49,000 to $80,000 per year. Employers usually prefer bachelor’s degree and master’s degree holders for more advanced positions. Average salaries for network systems analyst positions for example range from $54,000 to $88,000 per year.
What Is the Job Outlook for Graduates of Online Network Programs
The employment outlook for students hoping to begin a career in networking is very good as technology and networking systems continue to advance. Many networking majors go on to seek careers as systems analyst that make sure computer systems communicate with each other within a business or organization. Other careers are based in labs, developing, testing and analyzing new network technologies.
Courses in an Online Network Programs
Certificate programs and associate career training degrees in networking lead to entry level positions in the field. With classes in Internet systems wireless configurations, software management, network security, customer service and computer science. Graduates will be ready to work as network operators, computer help desk specialists, information technology support specialists and computer network administrators.
However, for more complex and competitive positions, employers often look to bachelor’s degree-holders. A bachelor’s degree in networking from a college or university will give you a broader understanding of computer science and network systems along with core curriculum. You’ll also have the opportunity to study business, finance or other minors that could make you more marketable in the future.
FAQs on Online Network Programs
Summary Information
- The benefit of an online degree in networking s is that you can learn without a commute, and you can structure your schedule.
- Accelerated online networking programs will help you reach your career goals in as few as two years.
- Many online networking programs allow you to concentrate on a specific area in networking to begin a specific career path.
- Technology is evolving and networking is growing. Thus, the job outlook is good.
- Jobs in networking range in salary, but many pay way over average for an entry-level job.
- Professionals in online networking enable other professionals to do better work.
- The tuition price for an online networking program differs based on what kind of program you choose.
- Accelerated networking programs are often an affordable and shorter option.
- To complete an online networking program, you’ll need your own computer and internet connection at home.