Associate's Network Administration Programs in Arizona
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: UoP's network administration program uniquely serves working professionals through competency-based progression and online flexibility, allowing students to earn credentials while advancing in current IT roles rather than taking time away from the workforce.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's competency-based progression model means you advance by demonstrating skills, not seat time—allowing some working IT professionals to complete an associate's in network administration in under 18 months while staying fully employed.
At the associate's level, university of Phoenix's network administration pathway is built explicitly for working professionals and career-changers who need flexible scheduling without sacrificing technical depth. The program delivers industry-relevant curriculum through a competency-based model—students progress by demonstrating mastery of specific network administration skills rather than sitting through time-based courses, which accelerates progress for experienced IT workers. Online delivery with optional in-person labs allows students to apply concepts immediately in their current roles, creating a feedback loop where work experience directly reinforces classroom learning. The curriculum covers enterprise network design, cloud platforms, and security protocols, with hands-on labs that mirror actual infrastructure decisions professionals face. Many cohorts include peers already working in IT support or junior admin roles, turning the classroom into a peer-learning environment where students troubleshoot real organizational challenges together. Graduates typically transition into mid-level network administrator or network engineer positions, with many staying at their current employers but in elevated technical roles.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Pima Community College — Tucson, AZ
Hakia Insight: Pima's hands-on lab environment with actual routing and switching equipment directly mirrors the Tucson Unified School District and University of Arizona IT environments—the employers who dominate Pima's placement pipeline—giving students a concrete preview of their first roles.
At the associate's level, you'll work hands-on with real networking equipment in Pima's labs—routers, switches, and security appliances—giving you practical skills employers actually want before you graduate. The program prepares you for industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco credentials while building a foundation for transfer to Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University if you're targeting a four-year degree. Many graduates move directly into junior network administrator roles at local Phoenix-area tech companies, government agencies, and healthcare systems. What sets Pima apart is the balance: you're not just learning theory in a classroom, but getting certified and job-ready through a curriculum that's regularly updated to match what IT hiring managers are looking for right now. If you want to start earning quickly in a growing field without the time or cost of a four-year university, this is a smart entry point.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Arizona, Tucson Unified School District, Regional healthcare systems, Local technology companies, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Network Operations Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft certifications
Location Advantages:
Cochise County Community College District — Sierra Vista, AZ
Hakia Insight: Cochise County's rural Arizona footprint and proximity to military installations in Sierra Vista and Douglas creates specialized demand for network administrators in government and defense contracting—niches where competition is lower and security clearance pathways are explicit.
At the associate's level, operating across rural southeastern Arizona, Cochise County CC brings technical education to underserved communities in towns like Douglas and Sierra Vista. The network administration program provides access to quality IT training without requiring students to relocate, and strong employer connections in the military and border regions create employment pathways. Students receive personalized instruction in smaller cohorts and benefit from instructors with current industry experience. The program's flexibility accommodates working adults and traditional students pursuing entry-level IT careers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Military installations in southern Arizona, County and municipal governments, Local school districts, Healthcare providers in border region, Regional government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Glendale Community College — Glendale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Glendale's small class sizes mean instructors can customize lab exercises to the specific network architectures used by North Phoenix managed service providers—the program's largest employer cluster—rather than teaching generic scenarios.
At the associate's level, glendale's network administration program thrives on a collaborative learning environment where small class sizes mean your instructors actually know your strengths and can tailor guidance accordingly. The curriculum balances vendor-neutral fundamentals (CompTIA) with hands-on Cisco lab experience, preparing you for both entry-level help desk roles and technical support positions. West Valley location and flexible scheduling support commuters and working students. The program's focus on communication skills alongside technical knowledge means graduates stand out in interviews—employers notice professionals who can explain technical issues clearly to non-technical users.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: North Phoenix technology firms, School districts serving Glendale area, Regional managed service providers, Local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- NOC Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Estrella Mountain Community College — Avondale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Estrella Mountain's newer curriculum was built specifically for current cloud and hybrid infrastructure realities, not retrofitted from decades-old materials—a design advantage that positions graduates ahead of peers from programs still centered on traditional on-premises networking.
At the associate's level, estrella's newer program benefits from modern curriculum design and cutting-edge lab facilities built specifically for network administration training. Rather than inheriting legacy programs, the college designed this one from scratch with current industry standards and emerging technologies in mind—you'll study cloud networking concepts alongside traditional infrastructure. The South Phoenix location serves a growing tech corridor, and the college actively partners with employers to create internship pathways. Graduates report high placement rates in help desk and junior technician roles, with many employers impressed by the current, relevant training they bring to the role.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Avondale and Goodyear municipal governments, Southwest valley school districts, Regional technology firms, Local managed service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (West or Tempe)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Network Operations Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Mesa Community College — Mesa, AZ
Hakia Insight: Mesa's emphasis on real-world troubleshooting from day one, paired with placement into Phoenix healthcare networks, gives students immediate context for why network reliability matters—healthcare IT roles command attention that retail or manufacturing environments simply don't.
At the associate's level, you'll gain hands-on experience in a well-equipped lab environment where Mesa's network administration program emphasizes real-world troubleshooting from day one. Students work with industry-standard equipment and software, preparing them for immediate entry into help desk and junior network technician roles across the Phoenix metro area. The program's strength lies in its partnership with local tech employers who often recruit directly from Mesa's labs, and many graduates transition seamlessly into full-time positions before completing their degree. Transfer pathways to Arizona State University's technology programs are also well-established for students aiming toward four-year degrees.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local Phoenix-area school districts, Healthcare networks in the Phoenix metro, Regional technology service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (Polytechnic or Tempe campus)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCENT/CCNA
Location Advantages:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College — Chandler, AZ
Hakia Insight: Chandler-Gilbert's proximity to major corporate headquarters in Chandler and Gilbert, combined with explicit employer relationships, creates a rare advantage where hiring managers are recruiting directly from campus—turning your final semester coursework into a visible pipeline to full-time offers.
At the associate's level, strong employer relationships in Chandler and South Phoenix mean your degree comes with concrete job prospects before you graduate. The program emphasizes practical certifications and real-world scenarios—you'll work through networking challenges that actual companies face, not just textbook exercises. Chandler-Gilbert's location in one of Arizona's fastest-growing tech corridors puts you minutes from major employers actively hiring network staff. Internship and work-study opportunities often lead directly to permanent positions, and the college maintains an active alumni network of working network administrators who mentor current students.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Chandler and Gilbert corporate headquarters, Local school districts, Healthcare systems in the valley, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (West or Tempe campus)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
- Network Operations Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Phoenix College — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: Phoenix College's integration into the 40+ university transfer network means your associate's degree isn't a terminal credential but an accelerated pathway into bachelor's programs at ASU and NAU with full credit recognition—a transition most community college graduates must negotiate individually.
At the associate's level, phoenix College's network administration program stands out because it's embedded within Arizona's largest urban IT job market, giving you real networking opportunities with major employers actively recruiting from your campus. You'll study current technologies like cloud networking and virtualization alongside traditional Cisco fundamentals, preparing you for roles that require both legacy and modern infrastructure knowledge. The college's location in central Phoenix means you're minutes away from corporate headquarters, tech companies, and government agencies that hire directly from the program. Many graduates skip the four-year transfer route entirely and move straight into junior network administrator or help desk roles with Phoenix-area employers, with several earning promotions within 18-24 months.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County government, Phoenix area healthcare networks (Banner, HonorHealth), State government IT departments, Local school districts, Tech companies and managed service providers (MSPs) in Phoenix metropolitan area.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Professional: Enterprise Certificate
- Cisco Network Administration: CCNA Certificate
- Cisco Network Administration: CCNP Certificate
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (Tempe, Downtown, and West campuses)
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- IT Help Desk Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (Introduction to Networks)
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Location Advantages: Part of Maricopa Community Colleges systemTransfer partnerships with 40+ universitiesAdvanced laboratories and modern equipment
Scottsdale Community College — Scottsdale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Scottsdale Community College's emphasis on enterprise lab infrastructure means you graduate with hands-on experience on the exact systems Fortune 500 companies use locally, eliminating the typical 6-month onboarding gap most entry-level technicians face.
At the associate's level, if you want hands-on experience with real enterprise infrastructure before entering the workforce, SCC's network administration program emphasizes lab-based learning with Cisco equipment and systems management tools. Students build practical skills in routing, switching, and network security while maintaining connections with local Phoenix-area tech employers who actively recruit graduates. The program balances technical depth with career readiness—you'll graduate with industry certifications and a portfolio of actual network configurations, which matters when competing for help desk and junior network technician roles at Arizona's growing tech companies.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Scottsdale area, Major Phoenix tech firms, Healthcare organizations in north Scottsdale, Financial services companies, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (Tempe)
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Network Operations Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Central Arizona College — Coolidge, AZ
Hakia Insight: CAC's rural placement in Coolidge positions graduates for immediate IT leadership in underserved school districts and county systems, where associate's-degree holders often advance to network manager roles within 2-3 years rather than staying in technician positions.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on network experience before transferring to a four-year program, CAC's network administration courses emphasize real lab work with enterprise-level equipment and Cisco networking fundamentals. You'll build actual network configurations, not just watch simulations—a huge advantage when you apply to ASU or NAU's cybersecurity and IT management programs. The program has strong partnerships with local employers in the Casa Grande and Coolidge areas, which means internship and job placement support extends beyond graduation. Graduates typically move into help desk technician or junior network administrator roles while completing their bachelor's degree part-time, making this a practical stepping stone if you want to earn while you learn.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local healthcare networks, County government IT departments, Regional manufacturing and logistics firms, School district IT departments (Coolidge, Casa Grande areas).
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU) - Polytechnic and Tempe campuses
- Northern Arizona University (NAU)
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals (ICND1)
Location Advantages:
Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Arizona
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: UoP's network administration program uniquely serves working professionals through competency-based progression and online flexibility, allowing students to earn credentials while advancing in current IT roles rather than taking time away from the workforce.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's competency-based model means you can test out of courses by demonstrating skills rather than sitting through semesters—a structural advantage for professionals who've already gained hands-on experience in their current IT roles.
At the bachelor's level, university of Phoenix's network administration pathway is built explicitly for working professionals and career-changers who need flexible scheduling without sacrificing technical depth. The program delivers industry-relevant curriculum through a competency-based model—students progress by demonstrating mastery of specific network administration skills rather than sitting through time-based courses, which accelerates progress for experienced IT workers. Online delivery with optional in-person labs allows students to apply concepts immediately in their current roles, creating a feedback loop where work experience directly reinforces classroom learning. The curriculum covers enterprise network design, cloud platforms, and security protocols, with hands-on labs that mirror actual infrastructure decisions professionals face. Many cohorts include peers already working in IT support or junior admin roles, turning the classroom into a peer-learning environment where students troubleshoot real organizational challenges together. Graduates typically transition into mid-level network administrator or network engineer positions, with many staying at their current employers but in elevated technical roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Advancing Technology — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: UAT's network administration program stands out for embedding cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure as core curriculum elements rather than electives, creating graduates positioned for modern infrastructure roles rather than traditional network-only positions.
Hakia Insight: UAT's mandatory embedding of infrastructure-as-code and cloud platforms into core coursework (not electives) means graduates arrive at their first infrastructure role already fluent in modern DevOps practices, a 12-18 month skill advantage over traditional network-only programs.
At the bachelor's level, UAT's network administration curriculum is engineered for students who want to move beyond traditional sysadmin work into infrastructure-as-code and DevOps networking paradigms. Rather than treating networking as a legacy discipline, the program weaves together Python scripting, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and software-defined networking (SDN) from year one, positioning graduates as network engineers rather than purely operational administrators. This forward-looking stance reflects UAT's institutional DNA: the school was founded to bridge emerging technology domains, and its networking track explicitly prepares students for roles that blend network operations with automation and cloud-native infrastructure. The curriculum includes dedicated labs for building automated network deployments using Ansible and Terraform, skills that command premium salaries in modern DevOps environments. Faculty often include practitioners from companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft who bring real-world infrastructure challenges into the classroom. Student capstone projects frequently involve designing and implementing hybrid cloud networks, giving portfolio pieces that resonate with high-growth tech employers. This program appeals to students who see networking as an engineering discipline, not just operational management, and who want credentials (like Kubernetes CKAD) alongside traditional network certifications.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google Cloud (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Kubernetes CKAD aligned
- CompTIA Security+ aligned
Location Advantages: Proximity to Phoenix-area tech companies and data centers
Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, AZ
Key Distinction: NAU's network administration program stands apart through its emphasis on network architecture and design principles, preparing graduates to architect systems rather than simply manage existing infrastructure.
Hakia Insight: NAU's emphasis on network architecture and design—rooted in its engineering school heritage—produces graduates who can design enterprise systems from the ground up rather than troubleshoot existing ones, directly positioning them for senior engineer roles typically requiring 5+ years elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, northern Arizona University's network administration program benefits from the school's strong engineering and computer science infrastructure, offering students a more research-informed and theoretically grounded path than many peers. The Flagstaff location, while removed from major metro tech hubs, creates focused cohorts of serious students and faculty mentorship intensity often unavailable at larger institutions. NAU's program emphasizes network architecture and design principles, not just operational management—students learn to design systems from first principles rather than only configure existing infrastructure. The university's commitment to outdoor and sustainability research creates unique applied opportunities; students sometimes work on networking challenges for remote field research stations and environmental monitoring systems, providing context beyond typical enterprise scenarios. Course sequencing moves from fundamentals through advanced routing, switching, and security, with capstone projects often addressing real infrastructure needs on NAU's own growing campus network. Graduates position themselves well for network engineer roles and some pursue graduate studies in computer science or specialized infrastructure fields, while many move into regional companies across Arizona or nationally distributed tech firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Northern Arizona region with growing tech presence; access to campus infrastructure for applied learning
DeVry University-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: DeVry's industry-experienced instructor pool means you're learning from professionals currently solving real problems in the field, not academics who left industry a decade ago—a teaching model that translates directly to job-ready certifications.
At the bachelor's level, deVry offers an Associate in Network Systems Administration with a Networking Fundamentals Specialization, providing hands-on experience and industry-experienced instructors. The program offers flexibility for working professionals and various financial aid options including employer tuition benefits and transfer credit opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
