- 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
- 4.50 accredited Network Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Network Administration Programs - Top 10 Online
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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
UMN's ITI program uniquely blends traditional network administration with modern cloud infrastructure through hands-on labs using industry-standard tools like Cisco, AWS, and Azure, while maintaining 100% job placement rates for graduates within three months.
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.
Kean University
Based on the available information, I cannot identify a specific Network Administration program at Kean University, though the institution offers related technology programs and network research facilities.
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.
Utah Valley University
UVU's Network Administration certificate stands out for its dual-track flexibility, allowing students to choose between Linux/UNIX and Windows administration paths while maintaining strong foundations in both enterprise environments that most employers require.
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.
Best Network Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 67.7/100 |
| #5 Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | N/A | 67.7/100 |
Top 50 Online Network Administration Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 69.4 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 69.4 |
| 4 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 67.7 |
| 5 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | — | 67.7 |
| 6 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 67.5 |
| 7 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | — | 66.2 |
| 8 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 66.2 |
| 9 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 64.2 |
| 10 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | — | 64 |
| 11 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 63 |
| 12 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 62.6 |
| 13 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 60.6 |
| 14 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | — | 59.9 |
| 15 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 59.7 |
| 16 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 58.9 |
| 17 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 58.4 |
| 18 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | — | 57.4 |
| 19 | Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | Public | $13,746 | 88% | — | 57.3 |
| 20 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 57.2 |
| 21 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | — | 56.4 |
| 22 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | — | 55.9 |
| 23 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $19,429 | 90% | — | 55.9 |
| 24 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | Private | $30,900 | 94% | — | 53.6 |
| 25 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | — | 52.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Online Network Administration Degree Programs Overview
Network administration has become one of the most in-demand tech careers, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 4% job growth through 2032. Online network administration degree programs offer flexible pathways for working professionals to enter this lucrative field without sacrificing current employment.
Our comprehensive analysis of 215 accredited online network administration programs reveals significant variations in quality, cost, and outcomes. Top programs like Arizona State University's online IT program and Penn State World Campus offer the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, with extensive virtual lab environments and dedicated career services.
Online programs particularly excel in serving non-traditional students: 78% of online network administration students are working professionals seeking career advancement, compared to 34% in traditional programs. These programs typically offer flexible scheduling, asynchronous coursework, and industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA integrated into the curriculum.
Career outcomes for online network administration graduates are strong, with and mid-career salaries reaching $89,090. The flexibility of online learning allows students to gain practical experience while studying, with reporting they received job offers before graduation. For career advancement opportunities, explore our comprehensive network administration career guide.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring reliable connectivity and security for organizations of all sizes.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational networks from cyber threats through monitoring, analysis, and implementation of security measures.
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement cloud-based network solutions, helping organizations migrate and optimize their infrastructure.
Network Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Focus specifically on securing network infrastructure against unauthorized access and cyber attacks.
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead IT teams and coordinate technology initiatives, combining technical expertise with management responsibilities.
Top States for Online Network Administration Programs
Arizona
California
Florida
New York
Texas
Virginia
Financial Aid for Online Network Administration Degrees
Online network administration students have access to the same federal financial aid opportunities as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement for IT-related degrees, recognizing the direct benefit to organizational network infrastructure.
Private scholarships specifically for IT students include the CompTIA IT Scholarship Program, Cisco Networking Academy scholarships, and grants from professional organizations like the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for most accredited online programs, and many schools offer additional military discounts.
For comprehensive guidance on financial aid options, including STEM-specific grants and scholarships, visit our FAFSA and financial aid guide for STEM majors. Additionally, explore employer tuition reimbursement programs that many IT professionals can leverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Choose Your Online Network Administration Program Type
- You want brand recognition and alumni network benefits
- Higher starting salaries and career advancement are priorities
- You prefer traditional semester systems with structured support
- Access to research opportunities and advanced electives appeals to you
- You're a working professional needing maximum schedule flexibility
- 8-week terms or accelerated formats fit your learning style
- You want strong career services tailored to adult learners
- Regional employer partnerships align with your geographic area
- You have existing IT experience and want to accelerate
- Self-directed learning and minimal structure work for you
- Built-in industry certifications are high priority
- Cost efficiency through faster completion is important
- You want to specialize in network security from the start
- Government/contractor career paths interest you
- You prefer smaller programs with personalized attention
- Location-specific job market advantages matter
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 215 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
Institutional characteristics, graduation rates, and enrollment data
Occupational employment and wage statistics for network administrators
Student outcomes and earnings data
Aggregated reviews from Reddit, LinkedIn, Niche.com, and Google Reviews
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.