Bachelor's Degrees in Network Engineering: Online & Campus-Based Programs

<h3 id="section---DoINeedABachelorSDegreeToWorkInNetworkEngineering">Do I Need a Bachelor's Degree to Work in Network Engineering?</h3> <p>If you want to work as a network engineer or analyst, it's often necessary to have a bachelor's degree in the computer science field. This degree program is designed for people who are interested in creating, installing and maintaining computer network systems. This area of study may be an alternative for someone who wants to work with computers, but does not want to be a programmer. These degree programs can be found in computer science or engineering departments. Several schools offer specific degrees in network management and administration that include human resource management coursework. Similar programs include telecommunications engineering and electronic engineering. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Areas</b></td><td> Computer science or engineering, network management, telecommunications, electronic engineering</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Some programs fully available online, with some in-person coursework required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Network security, database systems, network design and administration, circuits, digital logic</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Required in some positions and fields</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Salaries (2020)</b></td><td> $84,810 (network and computer systems administrators), $98,860 (database administrators)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3> <p>Due to necessary hands-on experience with computer and network equipment, many programs are campus-based. Some schools may allow you to take certain classes online, but the majority of your class time will be spent in a traditional classroom setting. In fully online programs, you'll usually study the same topics as on-campus students. A computer with high-speed Internet access is required. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatClassesDoITake">What Classes Do I Take?</h3> <p>Depending on the program, you would take basic computer science classes as well as courses related specifically to computer networks. Classes usually cover topics like: </p> <ul><li>Network security </li><li>Database systems </li><li>Network design and administration </li><li>Routers and switches </li></ul><p>If you're in an engineering school, you might take classes like: </p> <ul><li>Voice telecommunications </li><li>Ethics for engineers </li><li>Switching technologies </li><li>Digital logic </li><li>Circuits theory </li><li>Electronics theory </li><li>Linux/Unix administration </li></ul><h3 id="section---DoTheProgramsQualifyMeForIndustryCertifications">Do the Programs Qualify Me for Industry Certifications?</h3> <p>Some programs prepare you for the CompTIA Network, CompTIA Security, Microsoft Certified IT Professional or Cisco Certified Network Associate certification exams. You may be expected to attain some or all of these certifications in order to qualify for certain positions in the field. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfCareersAreAvailable">What Types of Careers Are Available?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for network and computer systems administrators were expected to grow at 4% (as fast as the average rate) from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Network and computer systems administrators earned a median annual salary of $84,810 in 2020, and database administrators earned a median annual salary of $98,860 during the same period.</p>