Easiest Network Administration Degree Programs for 2027

Network administration is one of the more hands-on areas of information technology. You learn how to set up, secure, and troubleshoot the networks that keep businesses running, and much of the coursework centers on practical skills like configuring routers, managing servers, and monitoring traffic. That applied focus makes it one of the more approachable tech degrees for students who learn best by doing rather than through heavy theory or advanced math.

Online programs make the path even more manageable. Several schools let you earn industry certifications as part of your coursework, move through material at your own pace, or transfer in most of your previous credits. The 10 programs below are some of the easiest online degrees for building a networking career, thanks to flexible formats and accessible admission requirements.

What Makes an Online Network Administration Degree "Easier" To Earn?

Flexibility in pacing is a big factor. In competency-based programs, you move ahead as soon as you prove you've mastered a topic, which can save time if you already work in IT. Other schools offer seven- or eight-week courses with monthly or frequent start dates, so you can focus on fewer subjects at once and begin without waiting for a new semester.

Credit-friendly policies also make a difference. Many programs award credit for IT certifications you already hold, such as CompTIA A+ or Network+, and some accept up to 90 or more transfer credits. Virtual labs replace on-campus computer labs, and most of these programs end with a hands-on project, a certification, or an optional internship rather than a research thesis.

Easiest Online Network Administration Degree Programs

The following schools offer fully online bachelor's degrees with a strong networking focus. Each one combines accessible admission with a format designed for working adults.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers an online BS in Cloud and Network Engineering built on a competency-based model. Flat-rate tuition covers each six-month term with no limit on how many courses you complete, so moving quickly through familiar material can lower your total cost.

Industry certifications are included in your tuition, starting with CompTIA A+, Linux Essentials, and ITIL 4 Foundation, and you can choose a general track or specialize in AWS, Azure, or Cisco. Admission is flexible, with several ways to qualify, including a 2.75 high school GPA, a 2.25 college GPA, a previous degree, or a transferable IT certification. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

2. Excelsior University

Excelsior University stands out for its transfer policy, allowing you to bring in up to 113 of the 120 credits required for its online BS in Information Technology. The Network Operations concentration covers wired and wireless network design, implementation, and management.

Courses start every eight weeks, and the program has no IT experience requirement, so it works for career changers as well as working professionals. Excelsior also offers a pathway for earning credit through IT certifications, training, and exams. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the IT program holds accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

3. American Public University

American Public University (APU), a for-profit school, offers an online BS in Computer Technology with a networking concentration. Courses run eight weeks and start monthly, and there's no application fee, no entrance exam, and no charge for a transfer credit evaluation.

You can transfer up to 90 credits, and associate degree holders can apply at least 60 credits to finish sooner. The networking coursework helps prepare you for certifications such as Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+, A+, and Security+. APU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Liberty University

Liberty University's online BS in Information Technology with a specialization in security and data networking combines eight-week courses with no application fee and no standardized test requirement. You can transfer up to 75% of the 120-credit degree, and new terms start throughout the year.

Coursework prepares you for the CompTIA A+ certification and covers the body of knowledge for the (ISC)² SSCP credential. Liberty also holds a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation from the NSA and Department of Homeland Security for this specialization. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Champlain College

Champlain College Online makes networking a core part of its online BS in Information Technology, with courses in networking fundamentals and network design. Most courses run seven weeks, and you can transfer up to 90 credits, with the average bachelor's student bringing in about 40.

At the end of the program, you can choose between an independent senior project and a technical internship. Champlain recommends a 2.5 GPA for admission but reviews lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

6. Bellevue University

Networking runs throughout Bellevue University's online BS in Information Technology, with required courses in network technologies, Cisco routing and switching, Windows server networking, and network security. The coursework aligns with certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, and Server+, as well as Cisco CCNA.

Your capstone is flexible. You can complete an IT project, a research study, an internship, or even a certification with faculty approval, and you can start it after finishing 24 major credits. Bellevue is accredited by the HLC.

7. Thomas Edison State University

For adults with professional IT experience, Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers an online BS in Information Technology that covers network technology, Windows servers, Linux, and cloud computing. TESU is known for its flexible credit options, and current professional certifications may satisfy some or all of your elective requirements.

You can also earn credit through exams, prior learning assessment, and transfer coursework from other accredited schools. Keep in mind that the degree includes college algebra, statistics, and two lab science sequences, which you may be able to cover through transfer credit or exams. TESU is accredited by MSCHE.

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers an online BA or BS in Information Networking and Telecommunications with a concentration in computer networking and telecommunications. The curriculum is aligned with CCNA objectives and covers routing and switching, network addressing, and LAN and WAN protocols.

Coursework also touches on virtualization, cloud computing, Linux, and Python, using technology from Cisco and AWS. Online students pay one of the lower per-credit rates among public universities, which can help keep your total cost down. FHSU is accredited by the HLC.

9. Herzing University

Herzing University's online BS in Computer Networking includes certification prep for Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA, with exam costs for up to three industry certifications included in tuition. The program is 100% online, uses virtual labs, and takes about 32 months to complete on average.

You can transfer up to 90 credits, and admission uses rolling deadlines. The degree ends with a capstone or internship, depending on availability in your state. Herzing is accredited by the HLC.

10. Rowan University

Transfer students, especially graduates of New Jersey community college programs, will find a strong fit in Rowan University's online BA in Computer Systems Technology. The application fee is waived, and transfer applicants need at least 12 college credits and a 2.0 GPA.

Networking courses cover computer networks and data communications, network architectures and protocols, and switching, routing, and wireless essentials. Transfer students typically finish in about 24 months, with at least 30 credits completed at Rowan. Rowan is accredited by MSCHE.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because many online networking programs are offered as IT degrees with a networking concentration or core, we included those options alongside dedicated networking majors.

Programs that are no longer accepting students or that require on-campus attendance were excluded. These criteria shaped the ranking:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation, and Excelsior's IT program also carries ABET accreditation.
• Program requirements: Degrees with built-in certifications, flexible capstone options, and no thesis ranked higher.
• Online availability: Each program can be completed fully online, with competency-based and accelerated formats earning extra weight.
• Student outcomes: Federal graduation and retention data helped confirm that students can realistically complete each program.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Network Administration Degree Online?

A 120-credit online bachelor's in network administration or IT typically takes about four years of full-time study if you're starting from scratch. Accelerated terms can shorten that timeline, and some of the fastest online IT degrees are designed for students who want to finish in less time.

Your prior experience can speed things up considerably. Students who transfer an associate degree often finish in about two years, and those with IT certifications may earn credit toward their electives. Programs that accept transfer credits and award credit for prior learning can trim even more time from your plan.

Are Online Network Administration Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

Online and on-campus network administration programs at accredited schools cover the same core topics, including network design, routing and switching, server administration, and security. Online students meet the same academic standards, so the coursework itself isn't lighter.

The online format can still make the degree easier to complete. Virtual labs let you practice configuring networks from home at any hour, and asynchronous classes fit around a full-time job. Because so much network administration work already happens remotely, online study also builds the self-direction and troubleshooting skills you'll use on the job.

How Much Does an Online Network Administration Degree Cost?

Online network administration and IT bachelor's programs generally cost between about $275 and $600 per credit hour. For a 120-credit degree, total tuition typically falls between $33,000 and $72,000 before financial aid or transfer credit.

Flat-rate tuition models, like WGU's six-month terms, can lower your cost if you move quickly. Schools that include certification exam fees in tuition can also save you money, since individual exams often cost several hundred dollars each. Comparing affordable online network administration degrees can help you find a program that fits your budget.

Financial Aid for Online Network Administration Degrees

Accredited online programs qualify for federal financial aid, and several other funding sources can help you cover costs. These are some of the most common options.

• Federal Pell Grants: Students with financial need can receive Pell Grants, which don't need to be repaid. Filing the FAFSA also qualifies you for many state and institutional awards.
• Federal Direct Loans: These loans offer fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans. Most undergraduates qualify regardless of credit history.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many companies help IT employees pay for degrees and certifications, especially when the training supports their current role. Some also cover certification exam fees separately.
• Military benefits: Veterans and service members can use the GI Bill at online colleges or military tuition assistance toward eligible courses. Many schools also award credit for military IT training.
• Tech scholarships: Technology companies, professional associations, and nonprofit groups offer scholarships for students in IT, networking, and cybersecurity programs. Some schools also offer transfer scholarships for associate degree holders.

How To Choose the Right Network Administration Degree

The right program depends on your experience level, schedule, and career goals. These factors can help you compare your options.

• Networking depth: Check how many courses focus specifically on networking, since some online IT degrees cover networking as one topic among many.
• Certifications: Look for programs that include exam vouchers or align courses with CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, or Microsoft certifications.
• Learning format: Decide whether a self-paced, competency-based model or structured seven- or eight-week courses would work better for you.
• Final requirements: Compare capstone options, since some programs let you substitute an internship, a project, or a certification.
• Credit for experience: If you already work in IT, look for schools that award credit for certifications and prior learning.

Career Outlook With an Online Network Administration Degree

A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for network and computer systems administrators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals earn a median annual wage of $99,130. Employment is projected to decline 4% through 2035 as more organizations move to cloud services, but about 13,400 openings are still expected each year as workers retire or change careers.

Growth is stronger for professionals who move into network design and cloud infrastructure. Computer network architects earn a median annual wage of $134,050, and employment is projected to grow 8% through 2035. Building cloud and security skills during your degree can help you move toward those higher-growth roles.

FAQs About the Easiest Network Administration Degree Programs

Network administration attracts students from help desk roles, the military, and completely different fields. These answers cover a few common questions about getting started.

Do You Need IT Experience To Start a Network Administration Degree?

Most online programs don't require prior IT experience. Introductory courses cover computer hardware, operating systems, and networking basics, although experience or existing certifications can help you earn credit and move faster.

Which Certifications Are Most Useful for Network Administrators?

CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA are two of the most widely recognized networking certifications. Many professionals also earn CompTIA Security+ or cloud credentials from AWS or Microsoft Azure, and you can explore free networking courses to prepare before you enroll.

Is Network Administration the Same as Cybersecurity?

The two fields overlap, but they have different priorities. Network administrators focus on keeping networks running efficiently, while cybersecurity professionals concentrate on protecting systems from threats, and many programs blend both skill sets.

Can You Become a Network Administrator With an Associate Degree?

Some employers hire network administrators with an associate degree and strong certifications, especially for smaller organizations or entry-level roles. A bachelor's degree is often preferred for advancement and is the typical requirement listed by the BLS.

Will Cloud Computing Replace Network Administration Jobs?

Cloud services are changing the role rather than eliminating it. Many organizations still need professionals to manage hybrid networks, connect cloud and on-site systems, and maintain security, so adding cloud skills can make you more competitive.

Discover Online Network Administration Degrees

Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare online network administration and IT programs by format, cost, and certification options. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized details on admission requirements, transfer credit, and start dates.