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An associate degree is oftentimes 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 is located in Altamonte, Florida, and 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, or combined with a higher-level degree plan such as a BS in computer science at the same university.
Additionally, 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.
South College is a small school located in Decatur, Georgia, offering online degree programs at various degree levels. South College’s associate of science in network administration and security is a great entry point for students looking to pursue a career in computer science or looking for a degree that can suffice on its own to prepare them for the job market.
In addition to theoretical principles of network administration, South College prepares students for the following certifications:
For students looking for an in-person learning experience, South College also offers full course loads at its campus in Decatur, Georgia.
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’s of science 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.
According to its website, the following core areas of interest are taught in the program:
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.
Florida State University offers many online courses through its correspondence program, a bachelor of science degree in computer science among them. 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.
Eastern New Mexico University is located in the small town of Portales, NM, but it serves students nationwide through its online learning platform. ENMU prides itself on being an affordable institution with a broad mandate and is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution. ENMU offers out-of-state tuition that is similar to the price of in-state tuition and a well-resourced scholarship and financial aid office.
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:
Southern Methodist University is a Christian institution in Dallas, Texas that offers a master’s of science 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 and financial management of networks. As many other institutions now do, SMU offers its students to prepare for several certifications while attending.
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.
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.
Traditional forms of education are still important, but they can’t keep up with the rapid pace of cybersecurity. As soon as one form of threat is neutralized, innumerable others are developed. That’s why employers and employees are both increasingly turning to the more nimble world of professional certifications.
Information technology management, or IT management refers to the way organizations organize their technology systems: software, networks, and hardware. An IT environment comprises several components such as computers, routers, servers, microservices, mobile technologies, and applications. An information technology infrastructure can be in the cloud, on-premises, or on a hybrid platform, integrating both.
Because of this ongoing and ever-growing need for cybersecurity solutions, this industry is growing rapidly. Most bigger companies now employ in-house cybersecurity professionals to properly secure networks, data, and processes. While this work was once often done by self-taught experts who often had a history of hacking, it is now often performed by people who attended universities and programs with the express intent of becoming industry professionals.
These 15 cybersecurity engineering professors have demonstrated expertise gained through years of field experience and academic scholarship. Their contributions consist of cutting-edge research, a considerable record of published works, teaching excellence, and leadership in professional organizations.
