Best Network Administration Master's Programs 2026

Best Network Administration Programs - Top 10 Master's — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Carnegie Mellon University

   Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 100.0

   What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU operates the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded R&D center that has been the leader in software engineering and cybersecurity research since 1984, working directly with the Department of Defense and government agencies to solve national security challenges.

   Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University's partnerships with U.S. Department of Defense and PwC translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon University does not appear to offer a dedicated Network Administration program based on the provided sources. However, CMU houses world-class cybersecurity and technology management programs through multiple schools. The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) serves as a federally funded research and development center focusing on cybersecurity, AI engineering, and software security since 1984. CyLab, CMU's interdisciplinary security initiative, brings together over 50 researchers and 80 students from the College of Engineering, School of Computer Science, and Heinz College to address cyber threats. The Heinz College offers technology-focused programs like the Master of Science in Software Management through the Integrated Innovation Institute, which combines engineering, design, and business perspectives for software industry leadership.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Software Management (12-24 months)

   Research Labs: CyLab - Interdisciplinary security initiative with 50+ researchers addressing cyber terrorism and hacking threats; Software Engineering Institute (SEI) - Federally funded R&D center for software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering; Digital Transformation and Innovation Center - PwC-sponsored center examining digital technology impacts across industries

   Industry Partners: U.S. Department of Defense, PwC, National Institute of Standards and Technology

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for MSSM program

2. #2. University of California-Irvine

   Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 69.4

   What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UCI's Networked Systems program is one of the few graduate programs that truly integrates computer science and electrical engineering perspectives on networking, transcending traditional departmental boundaries to provide comprehensive education in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of networked systems.

   Program Overview: UC Irvine offers a Master of Science in Networked Systems, an interdisciplinary graduate program that bridges the gap between computer science and electrical engineering. This program is jointly administered by faculty from the Department of Computer Science in the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering. Students can choose between Plan I (Thesis Plan) or Plan II (Comprehensive Examination Plan), both requiring completion of core courses in networking fundamentals, breadth courses spanning technical areas and technology management, and concentration courses covering networks, performance, middleware, communications, and operations research. The program uniquely combines software, hardware, and communications technology to address the full spectrum of networked systems including telephone networks, cable TV networks, wireless and mobile networks, cellular phone networks, and Internet infrastructure.

   Degree Programs: MS in Networked Systems - Plan I (Thesis) (2 years); MS in Networked Systems - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) (2 years)

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

3. #3. University of Southern California

   Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 69.4

   What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC Viterbi's Distance Education Network (DEN@Viterbi) pioneered remote engineering education, allowing students worldwide to access the same rigorous curriculum and faculty as on-campus students through high-quality live streaming and comprehensive online resources.

   Hakia Insight: University of Southern California graduates earn $110,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on network administration curriculum.

   Program Overview: USC does not appear to offer a specific Network Administration program based on the available source content. The university's computing and technology education is primarily housed within the Viterbi School of Engineering, which offers robust computer science and engineering programs through the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science and various engineering departments. USC Viterbi provides both on-campus and online graduate programs through their Distance Education Network (DEN@Viterbi), allowing working professionals to pursue advanced degrees while maintaining their careers. The school has strong research focus areas in systems, databases, software engineering, cyber-physical systems, and security, with specialized labs like the Center for Computer Systems Security and the Networked Systems Lab that could appeal to those interested in network administration concepts.

   Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (4); Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (4)

   Research Labs: Center for Computer Systems Security - Security research and infrastructure protection; Networked Systems Lab - Network design, management, and software-defined networking; ANT (Analysis of Network Traffic Lab) - Network traffic analysis and measurement

   Industry Partners: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Google

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Netflix | Common Roles: Network Architect, Security Engineer, Software Engineer

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: Cisco CCNP, CISSP, AWS Solutions Architect Professional

4. #4. Johns Hopkins University

   Location: Baltimore, MD | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,840/year | Score: 67.7

   What makes Johns Hopkins University stand out: As America's first research university, Johns Hopkins pioneered the integration of research and education, giving students unprecedented access to faculty conducting groundbreaking work in their fields.

   Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins University's Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Johns Hopkins Medicine, bridging academic research and industry practice.

   Program Overview: Johns Hopkins University offers Computer Science as both a major and minor through its prestigious Krieger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering. While the sources don't specify a dedicated Network Administration program, JHU's Computer Science program encompasses network-related coursework within its comprehensive curriculum. The university's approach emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine computer science with other fields through over 100 available majors and minors. Students can pursue undergraduate research opportunities and benefit from faculty who are leading their fields, with access to cutting-edge resources at America's first research university, established in 1876. The program is part of JHU's flexible academic structure that encourages students to 'design your own academic path' and explore intersections between technology and other disciplines. Students can also pursue special combined degree programs, including direct matriculation options for master's degrees, and have access to extensive work-study opportunities that help develop practical experience while maintaining strong academic performance.

   Degree Programs: Computer Science Major (4 years); Computer Science Minor (varies); Computer Engineering Major (4 years)

   Research Labs: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) - Defense systems, cybersecurity, distributed infrastructure

   Industry Partners: Johns Hopkins Medicine

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

5. #5. Northeastern University

   Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 67.5

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: Northeastern houses the world's largest radiofrequency channel emulator (the Colosseum) developed by DARPA, and serves as the academic lead for the $100 million Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research initiative, providing unparalleled access to cutting-edge networking research and industry partnerships.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's partnerships with DARPA and NSF translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Northeastern University doesn't offer a standalone Network Administration program, but instead integrates network administration skills throughout its comprehensive information technology and engineering curricula. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology includes substantial coursework in "system and network administration, networking, and security," preparing students for roles as Computer Network Architects with median salaries of $129,840. Students can pursue this degree online or on-campus in Boston, with flexible full-time or part-time options. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through Northeastern's signature co-op program, where students gain real-world experience at over 3,800 employer partners. The university's Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things houses world-leading expertise in wireless communications and networking, featuring the Colosseum - the world's largest radiofrequency channel emulator developed by DARPA. Students also benefit from the College of Engineering's 65+ degree programs and the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program for those seeking advanced credentials.

   Degree Programs: BS in Information Technology (4 years); MS in Wireless and Networking Engineering; MS in Internet of Things (IoT)

   Research Labs: Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things - World-leading expertise in wireless communications, 5G/6G systems, IoT networks, and AI-powered wireless systems; Colosseum Wireless Channel Emulator - World's largest radiofrequency channel emulator, can simulate tens of thousands of RF channel interactions among hundreds of wireless devices; Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security - Assured Communications & Electromagnetic Dominance (ACED) thrust area focusing on secure data acquisition and communication systems

   Industry Partners: DARPA, NSF, Tech Mahindra, O-RAN ALLIANCE, AI-RAN Alliance

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Cisco, IBM, Amazon Web Services, Goldman Sachs, Akamai | Common Roles: Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Network Specialist

   Notable Faculty: Christo Wilson (Network security, systems measurement, and internet infrastructure)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

6. #6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

   Location: Raleigh, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,535/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Score: 66.2

   What makes North Carolina State University at Raleigh stand out: NC State's Computer Networking program uniquely combines traditional networking fundamentals with emerging technologies like cognitive radio and MIMO systems, while offering one of the few fully online networking master's degrees available to US residents and military personnel worldwide.

   Hakia Insight: North Carolina State University at Raleigh's partnerships with GovCIO and General Dynamics translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: North Carolina State University's Master of Science in Computer Networking is designed to prepare professionals for the rapidly evolving network infrastructure industry. The program offers exceptional flexibility with both thesis and non-thesis tracks, plus a fully online option that serves US residents and military personnel overseas through Engineering Online. Students complete 30 credit hours, including 9 hours of core networking courses and 12 hours from specialized concentration areas: network design, network hardware, network software, or networking services. The remaining credits can be taken from management sequences, additional technical courses, or thesis research. What sets this program apart is its practical industry focus combined with access to world-class faculty across computer science and electrical engineering departments. The curriculum covers everything from fundamental protocols and TCP/IP to cutting-edge areas like wireless networking, network security, and performance modeling. Students work with faculty who are actively engaged in research spanning smart antenna systems, cognitive radio, and next-generation network applications.

   Degree Programs: MS in Computer Networking - Thesis Track (2 years); MS in Computer Networking - Non-Thesis Track (2 years); MS in Computer Networking - Online (2-3 years); MS in Computer Networking - Internship Concentration (2 years)

   Research Labs: Next Gen Power Electronics National Manufacturing Innovation Institute - Power electronics and smart grid networking technologies; Center for Marine Science & Technology - Underwater and marine networking systems; Lab for Analytical Sciences - Network security and data analytics

   Industry Partners: GovCIO, General Dynamics, Leidos, Peraton

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: operations, services, development, research in networking and IT industry

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Sichitiu (Computer networking); Dr. Dutta (Computer networking)

   Admissions:

7. #7. Stevens Institute of Technology

   Location: Hoboken, NJ | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,680/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Score: 64.0

   What makes Stevens Institute of Technology stand out: Stevens evolved its telecommunications program into one of the first graduate programs to specifically address 5G networks and software-defined networking as business transformation tools, bridging the gap between technical implementation and strategic business applications.

   Hakia Insight: Stevens Institute of Technology's partnerships with AWS and Cisco translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Stevens Institute of Technology's Network & Communication Management & Services program represents the evolution of telecommunications education in the 5G era, though it's important to note that this Master of Engineering program was designated for sunset as of Spring 2023 and no longer accepts new students. The program emerged from Stevens' Telecommunications Management program, recognizing the far-reaching impact of wireless and broadband networks as corporate change agents. This interdisciplinary STEM program challenged students to explore cutting-edge concepts including 5G mobile wireless, software-defined networks, network function virtualization, IoT, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The curriculum uniquely combined technical depth with business acumen, featuring courses like Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, Business Information Networks, and Telecommunications Regulation and Policy. Students engaged with everything from probability and stochastic processes to the practical applications of LTE and emerging 5G architectures. The program was designed for both experienced telecommunications professionals and recent undergraduates, offering a comprehensive capstone experience that could take the form of industry consulting, research projects, or entrepreneurial ventures.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Network Administration concentration) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (Network Systems focus) (2 years)

   Research Labs: Wireless Network Security Center (WiNSeC) - Wireless security research housed in the Lieb Building

   Industry Partners: AWS, Cisco, Microsoft Azure

   Career Outcomes:

   Notable Faculty: null (Cloud infrastructure and network design)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited (engineering programs), Cisco Networking Academy Partner

8. #8. North Carolina A & T State University

   Location: Greensboro, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,540/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 63.0

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

9. #9. George Mason University

   Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 80% | Score: 59.9

   What makes George Mason University stand out: ABET-accredited program with four specialized concentrations (Software Solutions, Cyber Security, AI Driven Solutions, Computing Platforms and Infrastructure) and dual concentration options

   Program Overview: The Information Technology, BS prepares students to apply IT to support business processes. The degree produces graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment and are prepared for advanced study.

   Degree Programs: BS (4 years)

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET

10. #10. Rochester Institute of Technology

    Location: Rochester, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,784/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 58.9

    Hakia Insight: Rochester Institute of Technology's partnerships with Microsoft and Tesla translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

    Program Overview: The RIT Networking and Systems Administration MS program is no longer accepting new student applications, with students redirected to MS programs in cybersecurity or information technology and analytics.

    Degree Programs: Bachelors in Network Administration

    Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research Lab - Computer vision, robotics, virtual theatre, sensor networks, data mining; Computer Graphics and Visualization Lab - Advanced graphics programming, image synthesis, computer animation, virtual reality; Security Research Lab - Networking security, cryptography, secure databases

    Industry Partners: Microsoft, Tesla, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, IBM, JPMorgan Chase & Co., U.S. Department of Defense, Alion Science and Technology, Bose, Collins Aerospace

    Career Outcomes:

    Admissions: GPA: not specified | Acceptance Rate: not specified