Online Computer Networking Degrees
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Professionals in computer networking design, install, troubleshoot, and update computer networks for businesses and other organizations. Depending on their title, these workers may be in charge of actually installing the network, linking the network to the service provider, or overseeing network systems from a management position. Many computer networking positions require a bachelor's degree in networks, information systems, or a related field, although some may be entered with only an associate degree. Networking professions are predicted to be some of the fastest-growing careers out of the entire U.S. economy in the 2008-2018 period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
When you turn on your computer at home or at work, most of us take for granted the fast transmission of data and information. Within tenths of a second you can find millions of search results or send an email to a colleague in the next cubicle, or around the world. Computer networking professionals are the IT workers who make this data transmission possible. These workers have a number of job titles and duties, depending on what type of networking they oversee. Some, such as network architects or information systems managers, analyze an organization's data needs, to design an appropriate networking system. Network administrators are the workers who actually install the network and keep it up to date. Others, such as telecommunications specialists, connect the service from the Internet provider to the actual local networking device.
This interesting and fast-growing career can be entered with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree, depending on the nature of the position. Unsurprisingly, job opportunities will be best in computer-oriented sectors in the coming years, and networking professionals typically earn an ample salary of around $52,000-91,000 a year.
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Career Specializations
- Network Administrators: Network administrators install network systems, trouble shoot data communication problems, and maintain the network as an organization's needs grow.
- Network Architects: These professionals assess their client's network needs and set up LAN networks, WAN networks, and other data communication channels that meet their specifications.
- Telecommunications Specialists: Telecommunications specialists bridge the divide between service carriers and the networks of individual clients. They design and set up Internet, voice, and other data systems.
- Computer Security Specialists: Security specialists help maintain the security of data sent over networks and in data storage systems.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: These managers combine their knowledge of business skills and information systems to manage IT employees and complex in-house projects.
Degree Levels Available for Computer Networking
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The bachelor's degree in information systems, computer networking, computer science, or a related field is a common prerequisite for many computer networking careers. These four-year programs include course work in computer organization, programming languages, data structures and algorithms, network systems, and other pertinent computer topics. Students also complete about half their courses in general liberal arts requirements like math, English, natural science, and social studies.
While the bachelor's degree is a requirement for some careers in networking, other positions do hire those with only an associate degree in information systems or networking. These jobs may offer applicants lower positions, such as computer support roles, and allow employees to advance to network administration positions after they have gained experience. The associate degree has a similar curriculum to the bachelor's degree, except that students do not have the time to complete the same breadth and depth of study.
Master's degrees in information systems, computer science, and networking allow individuals with a limited networking background to enter this career field; this can also be a way to specialize and learn advanced networking skills. These degrees require students to take classes in an array of networking areas, such as operating systems design and distributed systems. Some programs require students to complete a thesis, while others require a smaller capstone project. This graduate degree may be required for upper-level jobs, such as network architect and management positions.
While not required, a number of voluntary certification programs are open to specialists in the computer networking field. These may be helpful for career advancement or for compensating for a lack of professional experience. IT product vendors Microsoft and Cisco offer their own credentials, as does the IT industry trade group CompTIA. These certifications usually require applicants to pass two or more practical exams.
Salary Information
Computer networking specialists are generally well paid, although the salary varies depending on title, education, and professional experience. Network and computer systems administrators just entering the field with a bachelor's degree can expect pay from $52,000-66,000 a year; those with professional experience can earn $66,000-84,000 and up. Network systems and data communication analysts with a bachelor's degree earn about $54,000-71,000 a year; those with professional experience or a graduate degree can earn $71,000-91,000 and more. This profession includes telecommunications specialists and network architects. (BLS)
Job Outlook
All careers in the computer networking industry should have good to excellent job opportunities in the 2008-2018 period. As network systems become more important for all areas of business, network specialists will be hired to install, maintain, and update these systems. Network administrators will see a 23 percent increase in jobs, which is roughly twice as fast as the national average for all U.S. occupations. Network analysis jobs will more than double in the coming years; this career includes network architects. Job prospects should be excellent in this field.
Unsurprisingly, jobs will grow fastest in areas that rely heavily on computers, including computer systems design and software publishing. Those with relevant work experience and professional certification will have the best opportunities. (BLS)
Related Careers
Database administration will be another fast-growing IT career in the coming years. These professionals design and install databases for securely storing large amounts of information. A four-year degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field is usually required for these positions.
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