What Are the Top Schools for a Bachelor's Degree in Networking?
A bachelor's degree program in networking could lead to a career as a network administrator, tech support executive or network systems engineer. The following article examines some of the top U.S. schools offering a bachelor's degree in networking.
How to Choose a Bachelor's Degree Program in Networking
Bachelor's degree programs in networking can be found under a variety of names, including computer networking, networking technologies, networking and systems administration, and network security. Some schools also offer networking as a concentration or specialization option within computer science or information technology programs. General programs in these fields will usually contain some networking courses, too. Students in these programs typically learn how to design, manage, repair or troubleshoot computer network systems.
What Are Three Schools that Offer a Bachelor's in Networking?
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY
The Rochester Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies that focuses on managing, designing and operating information network technology systems. Core courses also cover different types of networks, programming, database security, scripting and systems administration. Most courses include a hands-on laboratory component. Students also complete a paid co-op experience in a business that utilizes network and computer systems. RIT was ranked #102 on U.S. News and World Report's 2019 list of the best national universities. The schools offers these degrees related to networking:
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computing Security
Regis University in Denver, CO
This Denver university offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking that is accredited by Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Regis University has been ranked among the best colleges in the western United States by U.S. News and World Report; in 2019 it ranked #26 among the regional universities in the West. Its courses are available both online and on-campus, and core curriculum involves topics in network design, system consulting, systems analysis and computer network administration. You can earn the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
DePaul University in Chicago, IL
DePaul University was ranked #119 on the 2019 U.S. News and World Report list of the best national universities. It offers multiple, varied degree programs in networking and related subjects. Its programs vary in focus, from network design and technologies, protocols and device configuration to security management and security infrastructure design. Students in any major receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs with internships also available. DePaul has these degrees:
- Bachelor of Science Network Engineering and Security
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Computing
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
10 More Top Schools with Networking-Related Programs
| College/University | Institution Type | Location | Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 4-year, Private | Cambridge, MA | $52,000 |
| Stanford University | 4-year, Private | Stanford, CA | $51,000 |
| Harvard University | 4-year, Private | Cambridge, MA | $50,000 |
| University of California - Berkeley | 4-year, Public | Berkeley, CA | $14,000 |
| University of Texas | 4-year, Public | Austin, TX | $11,000 |
| Princeton University | 4-year, Private | Princeton, NJ | $50,000 |
| University of California - San Diego | 4-year, Public | La Jolla, CA | $14,000 |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 4-year, Public | Los Angeles, CA | $13,000 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 4-year, Private | Atlanta, GA | $12,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 4-year, Private | Pittsburgh, PA | $55,500 |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education