Computer Networking Courses

Network administrators run with those engineering designs, often installing the necessary software and hardware, and working to troubleshoot connectivity issues. Various entry-level positions may be open to qualified graduates of Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Network Administration degrees. At the associate degree and certificate level, online students may focus on discrete networking competencies, like Cisco Certification. These students may also explore data communication issues and network configurations — including email, voice mail, routing protocols, and area network switches.

If you choose to earn an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking, you'll likely complete coursework in network architecture and protection. Course titles may include tiered network infrastructure, data structure, and control structure. To combat viruses and cyber attacks, you may study e-commerce security and other information security topics.

As an online graduate student of computer networks, you may learn to address timely issues like mobile network management, as personal computing devices overtake many workplace environments. Master of Science Network Engineering and Management students also study topics in converged multimedia networks, network protocols, and network security. Besides earning relevant degrees, network students may wish to earn industry recognized certifications in network and security competencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for network systems analysts, engineers, and architects are expected to grow much faster than average during the coming years. While some other IT roles may be subject to offshore staffing, organizations need onsite network specialists to oversee increasingly complex communication channels and protect growing archives of sensitive data.