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Dr. Mihail L. Sichitiu is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on wireless networking, with expertise in wireless sensor networks, ad hoc networks, and cyber-physical systems. He has contributed extensively to the field through his scholarly publications, research projects, and mentorship of graduate students.
With a strong background in both academia and applied research, Dr. Sichitiu has been involved in advancing wireless communication technologies and network protocols. He is an active research community member, frequently publishing in top-tier journals and conferences. Through his work, he continues to drive innovation in wireless systems, influencing both academic and industry advancements. He holds a bachelor of engineering and a master of science in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania. He later earned a master of science and a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What do you wish the public understood about network engineering and administration programs?
Dr. Sichitiu: While networking is not a common household topic, it is the foundational technology that powers almost all currently “hot” technologies, from artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to 5G, social media, and cyberspace. Every time we stream a video, use a smart home device, or access a cloud-based application, we rely on complex networking systems operating behind the scenes. The rise of AI and machine learning, for example, depends on high-speed networks to transfer massive datasets and enable real-time processing.
Similarly, the expansion of 5G networks is revolutionizing industries by providing faster connectivity and supporting innovations like autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT). Social media platforms, which billions of people use daily, rely on robust networking infrastructure to deliver content instantly and securely across the globe. Even the growing emphasis on cybersecurity hinges on advanced networking technologies to protect sensitive data and prevent breaches.
As these technologies continue to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, the demand for skilled network engineers who can design, manage, and secure these systems is skyrocketing. This makes network engineering not only a critical field but also a highly rewarding career path with vast opportunities for growth and innovation.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give aspiring online network engineering and administration program students?
Dr. Sichitiu: Although there are online networking courses focused on a specific technology, often tailored to a particular company’s products, these courses are usually shorter and more specialized than a full networking degree. While they provide valuable skills for specific tools or platforms, graduates from these programs often find themselves limited to narrow roles that align closely with the technology they studied.
In contrast, a comprehensive series of courses that emphasize the fundamentals of networking, such as networking layers, network design, and troubleshooting, provides a broader and more versatile skill set. These foundational programs often include concentration areas like cybersecurity, wireless networking, or cloud infrastructure, allowing students to explore diverse aspects of the field. This broader education equips graduates to adapt as the industry evolves, whether shifting toward new technologies like 5G or addressing emerging challenges in network security.
Additionally, a degree or extended program in networking promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable across various roles and technologies. As a result, graduates with this kind of education are better positioned to grow into leadership roles, specialize in high-demand areas, or pivot their careers as the tech landscape changes. Ultimately, while short-term, specialized courses have their place, a deeper, more comprehensive education in networking offers greater long-term career flexibility and opportunities for advancement.
An associate degree is often the first stepping stone in any academic career. Still, it can offer interested individuals a direct path into network administration and computer science. Because many jobs are hands-on and involve training in the field, an associate degree can sometimes be more than sufficient to ground an individual in the basics of working with networks before they enter the workforce.
The following degree programs can be completed online and provide an emphasis on the realm of networks and network administration.
Rasmussen University offers an associate degree in network systems administration that can be completed online. Rasmussen’s program is intended as a stand-alone degree that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Rasmussen’s associate degree in network systems administration offers the opportunity to prepare its students for various certifications, such as Cisco CCNA and Comp TIA.
Made up of 90 credits, the program includes courses such as operating systems; systems analysis and design; networking security; logic and troubleshooting; administering windows server; linux administration; managing information security +; and cisco network routing and switching +.
DeVry University offers an online associate degree in information technology and networking with a specialization in network systems administration. Students in this program will learn about the fundamentals of security, management best practices, and network design. Graduates will explore network protocols, including how to design and secure VLAN, LAN, WAN, VoIP, and cloud-based networks, as well as how to enable the interface, connection, and security of multiple computing systems and software platforms.
The curriculum includes courses such as intermediate information technology and networking; wired, optical, and wireless communications with lab; fundamentals of infrastructure security; fundamentals of information systems security; fundamentals of information technology and networking; introduction to technology and information systems; and introduction to programming, among others.
A bachelor of science degree in computer science is undoubtedly one of the most common and well-tread paths into network administration. A typical computer science program will give its students a solid foundation in the principles that underlie all modern computing, as well as offer elective courses that allow individuals interested in working on networks to deepen their understanding of this field within computer science. Below are a few selected online programs for bachelor of science in computer science, which can be completed entirely or mostly online.
Colorado State University offers a fully online bachelor of science program in computer science, with broad opportunities for students looking to enter the field. CSU has opened itself to students from all over the country by offering in-state tuition to all, making this school a great choice for Colorado students and those applying from outside and unable or unwilling to establish residency in that particular state.
The program offers several concentration options in general computer science; computing systems; artificial intelligence and machine learning; human-centered computing; software engineering; and networks and security. With a minimum GPA of 2.0, CSU is slightly less competitive than other schools and offers students three different start dates throughout the year.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as data structures; software engineering; operating systems; computer networks and the internet; ethical computing systems; modern cybersecurity; introduction to distributed systems; computer systems foundations; and software development.
Florida State University offers an online bachelor of science program in computer science. Students at FSU will learn the basic languages of C, C++, and Assembly and gain a foundation in modern computing and programming principles. While FSU’s main campus is located in Tallahassee, its correspondence program is administered from its Panama City, Florida campus.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as data structures, algorithms, and generic programming; discrete mathematics; computer organization; ethics in computer science; software engineering; theory of computation; operating systems & concurrent programming; and secure parallel & distributed computing.
Eastern New Mexico University is located in the small town of Portales, NM, but it serves students nationwide through its online learning platform. ENMU offers an online bachelor of science program in computer science where students will be completing tests, projects, and readings throughout the semester.
Consisting of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to computer programming; computer science; discrete mathematics for computer science; programming language concepts; data structures; web application & development; database design & programming; computer networks; design & analysis of algorithms; and software engineering, among others.
For individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are hoping to further their network administration and engineering skills, a graduate degree is a natural step in the progression. Master’s of science programs in network engineering can impart knowledge and skills in this field at the highest level and provide an entry point into leadership positions and the academic field. Listed below are a few programs that are available for online learning:
North Carolina State University
NC State offers an online master of science in computer networking. It comprises 31 credits from topics in core networking, theory, networking design, hardware, software, services, and the internet of things.
To apply, stucents must have completed prerequisite courses in calculus, statistics, data structures, object-oriented language, computer organization, and signals and systems or discrete mathematics.
Southern Methodist University is a Christian institution in Dallas, Texas that offers a master of science program in network engineering through its Lyle School of Engineering. SMU’s graduate program covers a wide range of topics within the realm of network engineering, from wireless communications to network security to adjacent subjects such as network accounting.
This online program provides graduates with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of network engineering and practice through extensive lab scenarios so they can be ready to embrace and address the sweeping changes in the telecommunications industry.
Courses include introduction to networks; network protocols; wireless, cellular, and personal telecommunications; cloud engineering; switching and routing with lab; advanced cloud engineering; network automation and programmability; and telecommunications network management.
University of California – Los Angeles
UCLA is part of the public University of California system and is broadly regarded as one of the best universities in the country. UCLA now offers an online master of science in computer networking program open to applicants from all over the US.
In contrast to other programs discussed on this page, UCLA requires students to complete the GRE to apply and furnish at least one letter of recommendation from a former employer. While UCLA is likely among the costlier online master’s programs available, the University of California system is well known to offer quite a broad array of scholarships and other forms of financial aid to its students.
This 36-credit program includes courses such as probability and statistics; queuing systems and intelligent transportation networks; computer networking fundamentals; network protocol and systems software design for wireless and mobile; internet architecture and protocols; advanced computer networks; and computer security.
Johannes Stitz is a freelance writer and researcher based in the Southwest. He’s written about various topics in engineering careers. Before turning to freelance writing, he spent nearly a decade in the arts as a booker and event manager.
With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education, Kimmy Gustafson regularly contributes insightful articles to OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com, providing readers with a comprehensive view on the evolving landscape of engineering education since 2019. She has intervi...
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