2023 Best Online Network Administration Degrees

At Western Governors University (WGU) — a private, nonprofit university — prospective students can pursue two online bachelor’s degrees in network administration: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security and (2) Bachelor of Science in Cloud and Systems Administration. Each online degree option ranges from 113-121 credit hours and can take students 35-39 months to complete. WGU accepts all students who apply, while 54% of enrolled students reach graduation. This graduation rate is relatively high, considering WGU's open admissions policy.

WGU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning. Both programs offer tracks like Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Cisco. Sample courses include Technical Communication, Linux Foundations, and Data Systems Administration. Both online programs also require students to complete a capstone course. Potential careers for graduates include disaster recovery analysts, computer network support specialists, and network and telecommunications specialists.

Strayer University is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Networking that totals 180 credit hours. Full-time students spend approximately four years completing this networking program online. Strayer accepts 100% of students, with only 10% of students graduating.

At Strayer, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This program helps students learn how to solve networking challenges. Some of the program’s courses include Communication at Work, Internetworking Basics, and Network Server Administration. Students must complete an information technology capstone to graduate. Future careers may include data communications analysts, computer systems administrators, and network systems analysts.

Liberty University (LU) is a private, nonprofit, and Christian institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Security and Data Networking, equaling 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend 3.5 years finishing this program. The university’s acceptance rate is 99%, with a graduation rate of 36%. According to LU’s Student Honor Code, they are not an LGBT-friendly institution.

LU’s online students complete coursework through the learning management system Canvas. Courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously. The curriculum is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to become an IT expert. The program’s courses include Network Security, Information Security Planning, and Cybersecurity. An internship is also required for graduation. Prospective careers include database administrators, network security managers, and security analysts.

At Purdue Global, a public university, prospective students can pursue two online degrees in network administration: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Analytics - Network Administration and (2) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Network Administration. Each of these online network administration degrees equal 180 credit hours. It can take students at least four years to complete one of these programs online with a full class schedule. Purdue Global’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it holds a 27% graduation rate.

Purdue Global facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via D2L Brightspace. The network administration concentration at Purdue Global focuses on designing infrastructures and building and maintaining computer networks. Example courses include Database Concepts, Securing Data, and Spreadsheet Applications. Graduates may pursue careers like management analysts, computer and information systems managers, and business intelligence analysts.

Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Network Operations, which requires 120 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within four years if they maintain that learning pace. The university accepts 100% of applicants, with 33% of students graduating.

At Excelsior, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The Network Operations concentration gives students the knowledge and skills in networking and telecommunications. Sample courses include Network Operating Systems, Wireless Technology, and Telecommunication Management. Students must also take an integrated technology assessment capstone course in order to graduate and pursue career options, such as corporate security managers, database administrators, and computer support specialists.

At DeVry University — a private, for-profit institution — future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Network and Communications Management requiring 124 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program if students maintain a full-time study pace. The university’s acceptance rate is 46%, with a graduation rate of 20%.

DeVry facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. This online degree program helps students plan, build, install, and manage data communications systems. Some of the program’s courses include Database Management, Project Risk Management, and Network Testing with Lab. A senior project is also required for graduation. Future careers may include data communications analysts, network security analysts, and network engineers.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems - Networking & Systems Management, which equals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years finishing this network and systems management program online. NSULA’s acceptance rate is 96%, with a 43% graduation rate.

NSULA’s online students complete courses, which are available asynchronously and synchronously, on Moodle. The school's online bachelor’s in network administration is designed for students interested in network operations and administration. The program’s courses include Web Development, Application Development, and Networking & System Management. Graduates may go on to enter careers like database administrators, IT professionals, and computer network architects.

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private, nonprofit, and Christian institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology - Networking requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend at least four years completing this degree. The university accepts 100% of applicants, with 31% graduating. According to CCU’s Student Handbook, the university is not LGBTQ-friendly and does not accept same-sex couples.

CCU’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously though the digital platform Moodle. This online degree comprises core business courses with network administration electives delivered from a Christian perspective. Example courses include Cloud Computing, Software Project Methods, and Internet Development. Prospective careers include software developers, computer support specialists, and information security analysts.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Networking and Systems Administration, which totals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend five years finishing this program. The acceptance rate at UC is 85%, with a 68% graduation rate.

At UC, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The program helps students develop their computer networking skills. Sample courses include Implications of Information Technology, Human Computer Interaction, and System Analysis & Design. In addition to coursework, a senior design preparation course and senior capstone project are required. Potential careers include system administrators, business systems consultants, and network technicians.

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is in the city of Macon and hosts 6,745 undergraduates. It offers students an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Network Technology and Administration. This degree features the network administration concentration, but there are also six other specializations to choose from. The total number of credits requires to graduate is 120, but students can transfer hours or take exams to lessen this amount. Although MGA has a 99% acceptance rate, it’s important to keep in mind that only 28% of undergraduates end up earning degrees.

This IT degree at MGA is available 100% online for distance learners. The key takeaways for this program include knowledge in networking, informatics, application development, and information assurance, to name a few areas. The school encourages students to meet with advisors to determine which classes they need and other requirements for their degree program. The MGA advisors can also help with career goal planning.