More Information About Computer Networking

What should I know when considering a degree in Computer Networking ?

Computer networking professionals are greatly needed by most schools, hospitals and private enterprises alike. These professionals are responsible for maintaining, fixing and upgrading a computer network or a group of computer networks. Essentially they ensure that the technical operations of a business run smoothly. Computer networkers oversee both large-scale operations, referred to as wide area networks (WAN) and small-scale operations, referred to as local area networks (LAN).

Computer Networking Education

It used to be that you could only obtain a degree related to computer networking from a four-year institution. However, that has all changed as the need for these professionals has grown rapidly over the recent years.

Before finding a computer-networking program you should be aware that computer networking is a broad term used to describe a very large and diverse field. Due to this most colleges and universities do not offer a degree in computer networking, but rather offer more specialized degrees that cover part of the computer networking profession. Just some of the common degrees that most colleges and universities offer that fall under the umbrella term of computer networking are:

• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Information Systems
• Telecommunications or Telecommunications Management
• Decision Information Sciences
• Computer Information Sciences

While each of these degrees has their specialty, all still require students to learn basic networking skills - allowing them to choose from a wide variety of career paths. Configuring routers and switches, installing wire, network diagnostics, monitoring network activity and working with various network protocols and operating systems are all part of basic computer networking training. Just having these basic skills under your belt will qualify you for several jobs.

Computer Networking Careers Paths

One of the many reasons people choose to get a degree in a computer networking related area is because of the variety of career paths available to them. There are nearly an unlimited number of positions and industries you will be able to enter as a computer networker. Following are just a few of the main career paths for career networkers:

• Network Security Administrator: These professionals maintain security devices such as firewall, IDS, and VPN and play an important role in protecting digitalized information from hackers.

• Network Systems Analyst: These professionals design and build specific systems of computer networks. They often specialize in certain areas such as telecommunications, business or financial systems.

• Network Administrator: These professionals provide day-to-day support for network users in a variety of settings. They usually wear all hats when it comes to the technical side of business operations to ensure that the network runs smoothly at all times.

Computer Networking Salaries

Pay is quite good for computer networking professionals as the demand for positions continues to grow quickly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of all various wage-and-salary network and computer administrators were $62,130 in May 2006. Those working for wired telecommunications carriers saw the highest earnings of all industries, while those working for public schools saw the lowest.

Continuing Education

One way to greatly further your career as a computer networker is to obtain an IT certificate in your specialty. Certifications have become increasingly sought after by employers in the information technology industry as they verify that job candidates have the skills needed to perform the required tasks. Obtaining a certification usually entails passing a very long examination.

There are certifications for almost every aspect of computer networking, however two of the largest and most prestigious certifications are through Microsoft and Cisco. The Microsoft certification shows employers that you are well adept to work with Microsoft workstations, software and servers. The same holds true for the Cisco certifications; Cisco is a company recognized around the world for its network equipment.

Employers know without a doubt that certified job candidates can perform the tasks at hand. For this reason, employers will almost always hire a certified job candidate over a non-certified job candidate. It's well worth your time and effort to procure your certification once you've chosen the specialty area you'd like to work in.

Article References

Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm

Microsoft MCSE
http://www.microsoft.com/LEARNING/MCP/MCSE/default.mspx

Cisco Systems Certifications
http://www.cisco.com

Information Technology Association of America
http://www.itaa.org/

What are the leading schools offering programs in Computer Networking ?

• Bryant and Stratton College Online Bryant & Stratton College Online offers Associate Degree training in less than two years in Accounting, Business, or Criminal Justice fields. Courses are provided via online distance learning to accommodate busy working adults and demanding schedules. ( More Info )
• University of Phoenix - IT and Computer Science University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), a Master of Information Systems (MIS), or a Master of Information Systems/Management (MIS/M). These programs include courses in networks and telecommunications, databases, programming and operating systems, the web, business systems development, and programming management. ( More Info )
• Regis University Online Founded in 1877, Regis University Online offers college education in the form of Bachelor and Master Degrees in Business, Information Technology, Education, and Management. Accelerated online learning allows students to progress at an individually comfortable pace and tailor-fit courses to match their career goals. ( More Info )
• Western Governors University Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. ( More Info )
• ECPI College of Technology Online ECPI College of Technology Online is a nationally ranked online program offering Associates and Bachelor degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Networking, and IT/Networking & Security Management. ( More Info )
• Iowa Central College Formed in 1966, Iowa Central College is a community college offering Associate Degree training in Business, Information Technology, and Criminal Justice fields via campus course study and online education. The main campus is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with flexible course schedules and additional programs via online learning resources. ( More Info )
• Virginia College Online Programs Virginia College Online Programs offers online degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. ( More Info )
• Kaplan University - Information Technology Programs Kaplan University offers accelerated online career training through associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree education. Students choose from a variety of information technology degrees to develop skills through training and exposure to technology, multimedia, and development for professional IT careers and high income-earning potential. ( More Info )
• Keller Graduate School of Management Online Keller Graduate School of Management Online of DeVry University is one of the largest part-time graduate schools in the country. With one of the first fully-accredited online programs in the U.S., the Keller Graduate School of Management is at the forefront of business education. ( More Info )
• Colorado Technical University Online Colorado Technical University Online offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Business, MBA, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. CTU Online also offers unique professional certification program that enables students to advance their careers while studying to get their degree. ( More Info )
• ITT Technical Institute With over 85 campuses nation-wide, ITT Technical Institute offers the most comprehensive business & technical degree programs at your convenience. ITT Technical Institute offers leading edge online degree programs in Information Technology, Accounting, Business, and Criminal Justice. ( More Info )
• Westwood College - Online Campus Westwood College - Online Campus is a leading provider of career education, offering bachelors and associate degree programs in Information Technology, Graphic & Multimedia Design and Criminal Justice. ( More Info )