An online master’s degree in network administration may provide students the skills and training needed to deal with day-to-day operations of an organization’s computer networks. In these upper-level programs, students may learn how to deal with network and system design, analysis, and security. Coursework within these programs may include electives and major-specific courses, such as computer organization, enterprise computing, and telecommunications.

Graduates may seek entry to upper-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral program in network administration. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in computer operating systems within a number of industries such as banking, healthcare, finance, insurance, and government.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 28% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in network administration may combine major-specific courses along with electives. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs may learn how to apply current technological trends to computer systems, utilize basic business concepts and principles, and operate information technology network infrastructures. Core network administration courses may include the following:

• Enterprise Computing
• Secure Electronic Commerce
• Telecommunications
• Data Structures
• Computer Organization
• Network Security
• Operating Systems

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in network administration may find careers in education, finance, insurance, logistics, IT, and manufacturing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as network and computer systems administrators are expected to increase by 28% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Network and Computer System Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Network Technician
• Desktop Support Specialist
• IT Technician

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s degree in network administration programs may decide to further their education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in network administration or related field. These research-heavy PhD programs may provide students with knowledge on telecommunications and may require students to complete a dissertation.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook