- 1.Network Administrators earn a median salary of $95,360 with 3% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Network Administration programs include Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Irvine, University of Southern California based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Irvine offers network administration education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.21 accredited Network Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Network Administration Programs - Top 10 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
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.
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
Research Labs & Institutes
Interdisciplinary security initiative with 50+ researchers addressing cyber terrorism and hacking threats
Federally funded R&D center for software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering
PwC-sponsored center examining digital technology impacts across industries
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
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
Admissions
University of Southern California
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.
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
Research Labs & Institutes
Security research and infrastructure protection
Network design, management, and software-defined networking
Network traffic analysis and measurement
Admissions
Johns Hopkins University
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.
Northeastern University
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.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
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.
North Carolina A & T State University
40 network administration graduates annually
George Mason University
6 network administration graduates annually
Rochester Institute of Technology
1 network administration graduates annually
Best Network Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 69.4/100 |
| #3 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 69.4/100 |
| #4 Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | N/A | 67.7/100 |
| #5 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 67.5/100 |
Top 20 Network Administration Master's Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | Pittsburgh, PA | $62,260 | — | 98% | 100 |
| 2 | — | Irvine, CA | $11,834 | — | 96% | 69.4 |
| 3 | — | Los Angeles, CA | $66,640 | — | 92% | 69.4 |
| 4 | — | Baltimore, MD | $62,840 | — | — | 67.7 |
| 5 | — | Boston, MA | $62,000 | — | — | 67.5 |
| 6 | — | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | — | 85% | 66.2 |
| 7 | — | Hoboken, NJ | $58,680 | — | 74% | 64 |
| 8 | — | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | — | 84% | 63 |
| 9 | — | Fairfax, VA | $10,095 | — | 80% | 59.9 |
| 10 | — | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | — | 90% | 58.9 |
| 11 | — | Pittsburgh, PA | $20,154 | — | 88% | 57.2 |
| 12 | — | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | — | 86% | 55.2 |
| 13 | — | Greensboro, NC | $4,422 | — | — | 54.8 |
| 14 | — | Elmhurst, IL | $41,258 | — | 82% | 52.3 |
| 15 | — | Newark, NJ | $15,616 | — | 66% | 51 |
| 16 | — | Athens, OH | $13,746 | — | 88% | 48.9 |
| 17 | — | Greenville, NC | $4,452 | — | — | 47.1 |
| 18 | — | Guayama, PR | $4,848 | — | — | 40.3 |
| 19 | — | Lisle, IL | $14,392 | — | 23% | 38.5 |
| 20 | — | Davenport, IA | $35,318 | — | — | 38.3 |
| 21 | — | Minneapolis, MN | $14,436 | — | 13% | 28.5 |
Master's in Network Administration: 2026 Program Rankings
Network administration master's programs have evolved significantly to address the growing complexity of enterprise IT infrastructure. With the shift to cloud-native architectures and zero-trust security models, these advanced degree programs now emphasize automation, cybersecurity integration, and hybrid cloud management.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth for network administrators through 2032, with master's degree holders commanding significantly higher salaries and advancing to senior management roles. Our analysis of 85+ programs reveals that graduates with advanced degrees earn an average of 35% more than their bachelor's degree counterparts.
Top-tier programs integrate industry certifications from Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA directly into their curriculum, allowing students to graduate with both an advanced degree and professional credentials. This approach has proven particularly effective for career advancement, with securing senior-level positions within two years of completion.
Career Paths
Senior Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Lead complex network infrastructure projects, manage enterprise-level systems, and mentor junior staff
Network Architect
SOC 15-1241Design and plan network infrastructure for organizations, focusing on scalability and security
Cloud Network Engineer
SOC 15-1244Specialize in cloud-based networking solutions, hybrid architectures, and multi-cloud connectivity
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Focus on network security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Oversee IT operations, budget planning, and strategic technology initiatives
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge network operations with software development, focusing on automation and CI/CD
Network Administration Master's Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Master's Program Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Admission to top network administration master's programs typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field. However, many programs accept candidates with non-technical backgrounds who demonstrate relevant work experience and complete prerequisite courses.
Most competitive programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, though top-tier schools like Stanford and MIT typically admit students with GPAs above 3.5. GRE scores are increasingly optional, with 60% of programs now waiving this requirement for candidates with strong professional experience or industry certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+.
- Bachelor's degree with strong quantitative background
- Programming experience in Python, Java, or C++
- Networking fundamentals knowledge (OSI model, TCP/IP)
- Professional recommendations from supervisors or colleagues
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals
- Relevant work experience (preferred but not always required)
Bridge programs are available at many institutions for candidates lacking technical prerequisites. These accelerated courses cover networking fundamentals, basic programming, and system administration concepts, typically completed in one semester before beginning the master's curriculum.
Choose Your Master's Program Type
- You plan to pursue a PhD
- You're interested in cutting-edge networking research
- You want to work in R&D roles
- You have strong academic credentials
- You want immediate career advancement
- You prefer hands-on learning
- You're currently working in IT
- You value industry certifications
- You need maximum scheduling flexibility
- You're working full-time
- You have family obligations
- You want to minimize costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 85 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for network administrators
Institutional data on graduation rates, tuition, and program offerings
Salary premiums and return on investment data for advanced degrees
Current curriculum information, admission requirements, and faculty credentials
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.