Where Can I Earn a Computer Networking Degree in Sacramento, California?

Are you struggling to decide which school to attend in the Sacramento, CA, region? This article should help, since it covers the essential information you need to know about four institutions that offer programs in computer networking in the region.

What You Need to Know

Computer networking classes are offered through 2-year public schools in and around Sacramento. Certificate programs usually take less than two years while associate's degree programs take two full years. You'll learn about the hardware, software and processes involved in computer networking activities, from network security to installing and repairing servers to network administration. You may also be required to complete a field experience. In addition to entry-level employment, you may qualify for industry certification exams after graduation. Read on to see if any of these programs are a good fit for you.

Certificate Programs Near Sacramento, CA

American River College

This program prepares you to work with one of three main networking technologies: Cisco, Linux/UNIX or Windows. Core courses in it cover topics like network security fundamentals, data communications and Linux operating systems. Your other classes depend on your chosen area of specialization, but may include LAN switching and wireless, TCP/IP protocols and network systems administration.

• Program Name: Computer Information Systems: Computer Networking Management Certificate
• Specialization Areas: Cisco, Linux/UNIX or Windows
• Program Length: 29-32 semester credit hours
• Tuition: $1,104 per year for in-state and $7,440 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 29,100 undergraduate students

Sierra College

You can complete this computer information systems certificate program in about 12 months of full-time study. Courses cover topics like installing and administering Microsoft client OS and Windows servers, writing in the workplace and networking fundamentals. Some program courses may prepare you for Microsoft industry certification.

• Program Name: Computer Information Systems Certificate
• Area of Study: Networking
• Program Length: 24 semester units
• Tuition: $1,142 per year for in-state and $6,182 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 18,600 undergraduate students

Associate's Degree Programs Near Sacramento, CA

American River College

This computer information systems program focuses on the daily aspects of running a computer network. Its curriculum covers topics like configuring, installing and fixing problems in computer networks. Core classes include Linux operating systems, microcomputer support basics, business communications and network security fundamentals. Your other courses depend on your chosen area of concentration, but may include network security and firewalls, TCP/IP protocols, object oriented programming or Windows active directory services. Some classes may prepare you to earn certification in the subject.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems: Computer Networking Management
• Specialization Areas: Cisco, Linux or Windows
• Program Length: 60 semester credit hours
• Tuition: $1,104 per year for in-state and $7,440 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 29,100 undergraduate students

Cosumnes River College

This program in computer information science prepares you for a career as a Microsoft network server administrator. In the program, you take courses in Linux, network security, data communication, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Server+ and Windows Server 2008. You complete a field work experience prior to graduation. The college also offers multiple networking certificate programs.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Computer Information Science: Server Administrator
• Program Length: 60 semester credit hours
• Tuition: $1,104 per year for in-state and $7,440 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 14,500 undergraduate students

Sacramento City College

This network administration program is designed to prepare you to work as a network and computer systems administrator. Classes cover topics like Linux network administration, networking technologies and operating systems. The college also offers a certificate of achievement in network administration.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Network Administration
• Program Length: 60 semester credit hours
• Tuition: $1,104 per year for in-state and $7,440 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 23,300 undergraduate students

Sierra College

In this program, you may take courses such as networking fundamentals, database management, Unix/Linux and computer forensics. The curriculum prepares you for Microsoft certification as an Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.

• Program Name: Associate in Arts or Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems
• Area of Study: Networking
• Program Length: 60 semester credit hours
• Tuition: $1,142 per year for in-state and $6,182 per year for out-of-state students (tuition and fees for 2015-2016)
• School Type: 2-year, public; roughly 18,600 undergraduate students

In summary, two certificate programs and four associate's degree programs are covered here from four different institutions in the Sacramento, CA, area, with the aim to help you choose a computer networking program in this region.