Associate's Network Administration Programs in Illinois
College of DuPage — Glen Ellyn, IL
Key Distinction: CIT certificates strategically provide students with various class combinations ranging from six to 35 credits with stackable credentials that allow students to complete milestone classes on the pathway to degree completion, while also preparing for relevant and stackable technical credentials.
Hakia Insight: College of DuPage's stackable certificate model (6 to 35 credits) with Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft partnerships creates a rare on-ramp for students who can't afford a full degree upfront: earn a certificate, work, stack another credential, and migrate to the degree without starting over.
At the associate's level, the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program offers courses, degrees and certificates to help prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or pursue a career in a wide range of information technology (IT) fields including computer systems and networking. CIT courses, degree programs and certificates are closely aligned with leading technical industry certifications.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Seaton Computing Center (SCC)
- Berg Instructional Center (BIC)
Industry Partners
- Cisco (tech)
- CompTIA (tech)
- Microsoft (tech)
- VMware (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Professor Tony Chen — cybersecurity and networking
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Networking Academy
- CompTIA Academy
- VMware Academy
- Microsoft Academy
- Center for Cyber Defense Education
Joliet Junior College — Joliet, IL
Hakia Insight: Joliet Junior College's embedded Cisco and Windows Server labs alongside Caterpillar and Exelon partnerships mean students troubleshoot the exact infrastructure stacks their future employers operate—a form of pre-employment training that explains the $48,000 median starting salary.
At the associate's level, joliet Junior College's network administration program equips students with hands-on expertise in enterprise-level systems, cybersecurity fundamentals, and IT infrastructure management. Students gain CompTIA and Cisco certifications—industry credentials that employers actively seek—through a curriculum designed by IT professionals working in the field.
Graduates enter high-demand roles as network technicians, system administrators, and IT support specialists, earning competitive salaries starting at $45,000-$55,000 annually. Many secure positions at Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and financial institutions throughout Illinois and beyond. The program's strong transfer agreements with four-year universities allow students to earn bachelor's degrees in information technology or cybersecurity without losing credits.
What sets this program apart is its direct pipeline to employment. The college maintains active partnerships with regional employers who participate in curriculum development and recruit graduating cohorts. Instructors bring real-world experience, teaching with equipment and software identical to workplace environments. With small class sizes and dedicated career placement support, students don't just learn networking—they build professional networks before graduation, making the transition from student to employed IT professional remarkably smooth.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cisco Networking Lab
- Windows Server Lab
Industry Partners
- Cisco Systems (technology partner)
- Microsoft (certification partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $48,000. Top Employers: Caterpillar, Exelon, Local Healthcare Systems.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft MTA
DeVry University-Illinois — Lisle, IL
Hakia Insight: DeVry's Networking Fundamentals Specialization paired with its Associate in Network Systems Administration reflects a deliberate narrowing: students emerge deeply credentialed in one domain rather than broadly exposed to five, a trade-off that accelerates hiring in competitive regional markets.
At the associate's level, deVry University offers an Associate in Network Systems Administration with a Networking Fundamentals Specialization that provides hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. The program is available online and includes financial aid options such as employer tuition benefits, military benefits, and scholarships.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
College of Lake County — Grayslake, IL
Key Distinction: College of Lake County offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: College of Lake County's proximity to Chicago's northern tech corridor positions graduates for entry-level roles at regional Fortune 500 companies without the tuition premium of urban community colleges.
College of Lake County offers Network Administration programs in Grayslake, IL. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Moraine Valley Community College — Palos Hills, IL
Hakia Insight: Moraine Valley's hands-on lab-first approach to Cisco certification means students graduate with working infrastructure experience—not just exam prep—giving them an edge in hiring conversations with Chicago-area enterprises.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in Moraine Valley's well-equipped networking labs where you build real infrastructures, not just watch demos. The program emphasizes Cisco technologies and prepares you directly for entry-level support roles at major employers in the southwest Chicago corridor—companies that actively recruit from this program. Many students complete their associate degree here, then transfer to Illinois State or Northern Illinois University to finish a bachelor's in IT management or cybersecurity. The standout feature is the strong employer relationships that lead to internships and job placements before graduation.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: N/A%. GPA Requirement: N/A.
Accreditations and Certifications
Top Transfer Destinations
- Illinois State University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Eastern Illinois University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages: Located in Cook County and greater Chicago areaCost savings compared to four-year institutions
Southwestern Illinois College — Belleville, IL
Key Distinction: Offers an accelerated degree track for students who have completed an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college, allowing them to skip general education courses
Hakia Insight: Southwestern Illinois College's accelerated track for degree-holders converts a two-year associate into a credential-stacking opportunity, letting career-changers earn a specialized networking qualification in as little as one year without repeating gen-eds.
At the associate's level, southwestern Illinois College's Associate in Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity and Networking is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to obtain entry-level positions in the growing fields of cybersecurity and networking. The program includes both degree and certificate pathways with hands-on experience using network equipment including routers and switches.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Carolin Brewer — Program Coordinator
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Lewis and Clark Community College — Godfrey, IL
Key Distinction: Provides a rock-solid background with some of the latest technologies and helps students get their foot in the door with hands-on training in network infrastructure and security
Hakia Insight: Lewis and Clark's 2.0 GPA floor combined with infrastructure-first curriculum design creates an accessible on-ramp for working adults and non-traditional students who need flexibility without sacrificing technical depth.
At the associate's level, the network administration program at Lewis and Clark Community College is part of their Information Technology offerings that prepares students to become essential go-to, fix-it professionals who know network infrastructure, operating systems, security and PC hardware and software. The program provides hands-on training with the latest technologies such as Windows Server, Novell Netware, UNIX/Linux, PC hardware, network security and Cisco routers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Doyle McClellan — Information Technology (Assistant Professor)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements:
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College — Chicago, IL
Hakia Insight: City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College's median salary: $52,000
At the associate's level, wilbur Wright's network administration program sits at the heart of Chicago's tech job market, with direct connections to employers in the Loop, O'Hare corridor, and emerging tech neighborhoods. The program emphasizes practical, entry-level readiness—you'll manage real infrastructure projects and gain certifications that employers actively seek. Urban location means internship and job opportunities are abundant, and the college's articulation agreements with major Chicago-area universities make upward mobility straightforward.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Network Infrastructure Lab
- Cybersecurity Lab
Industry Partners
- Chicago Transit Authority (internship partner)
- CompTIA (certification partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $52,000. Top Employers: Boeing, United Airlines, City of Chicago.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Illinois Chicago
- Illinois State University
- Loyola University Chicago (for select programs)
- DePaul University (for select programs)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
John A Logan College — Carterville, IL
Key Distinction: John A Logan College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: John A Logan's southern Illinois location serves as a talent pipeline for regional manufacturing and agricultural operations—industries with aging IT infrastructure and predictable entry-level hiring.
John A Logan College offers Network Administration programs in Carterville, IL. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Kaskaskia College — Centralia, IL
Hakia Insight: Kaskaskia's instructor-to-local-employer relationships mean curriculum changes happen in real time, not after five-year accreditation cycles, ensuring students learn the specific firewall configurations and network topologies their region's actual employers are buying today.
At the associate's level, you'll complete your associate degree in an environment where instructors actually know local employers personally and understand exactly what they're hiring for—that connection matters when you're looking for your first job. Kaskaskia emphasizes practical troubleshooting over theory, so you develop real competence with the tools and problems you'll face day one at work. The program prepares you for roles at regional healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, school districts, and government offices throughout southwestern Illinois. Credits transfer to state universities if you want to continue toward a bachelor's degree.
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: Regional healthcare networks, Manufacturing facilities in southwestern Illinois, K-12 school districts, County and municipal government, Local businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Illinois State University
- Eastern Illinois University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Illinois
DePaul University — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: DePaul integrates network administration with business context and real corporate partnerships, creating a program where technical skills are learned alongside organizational and security perspectives.
Hakia Insight: DePaul University's partnerships with Chicago financial services and insurance companies and Chicago healthcare systems translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Illinois.
At the bachelor's level, dePaul University's network administration education leverages its location in downtown Chicago and direct connections to enterprise IT to create an applied, business-aware curriculum where networking is taught as both infrastructure technology and organizational asset. The School of Computing offers network-focused courses within computer science and information systems programs, with emphasis on network design, security, and operations in corporate and cloud environments. Distinctive features include labs with current Cisco and network simulation equipment, and close collaboration with Chicago's financial services, insurance, and healthcare sectors—students complete internships managing actual networks at real organizations. The program emphasizes network administration alongside cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, reflecting how modern roles blend these disciplines. Faculty include practitioners from enterprise IT roles who bring current industry context. DePaul's Vincentian mission and focus on student success means accessible faculty mentoring and career services tailored to IT employment. Graduates typically secure network administrator or junior network engineer positions at Chicago-area enterprises or move into regional IT management tracks quickly.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Chicago financial services and insurance companies (corporate)
- Chicago healthcare systems (corporate)
Location Advantages: Downtown Chicago with direct access to financial services, insurance, and healthcare IT operationsInternship and employment pipeline with major Chicago-based enterprises
Illinois State University — Normal, IL
Key Distinction: Illinois State's network administration program differentiates itself through integrated industry certification pathways (CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft) embedded directly into the degree curriculum, ensuring graduates enter the workforce already credential-ready.
Hakia Insight: Illinois State embeds CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft certifications directly into degree requirements rather than treating them as optional add-ons, meaning graduates finish with 3–4 industry credentials already funded and completed—a $1,500+ advantage most peers don't recover until year two on the job.
At the bachelor's level, illinois State's network administration program emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management through a curriculum that balances foundational networking theory with applied systems administration. The program prepares students to design, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise networks by combining coursework in TCP/IP protocols, routing and switching, network security, and systems administration with practical lab work using industry-standard equipment and virtualization platforms. What distinguishes this program is its focus on practical certifications—students are encouraged to pursue CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Microsoft certifications alongside their degree, with exam preparation integrated into course sequences. The program benefits from Illinois State's location in central Illinois and connections to regional and national employers seeking network professionals. Faculty bring real-world experience from IT operations and network engineering roles, ensuring curriculum stays aligned with current industry practices. Graduates typically move into junior network administrator, network technician, or systems support specialist roles at mid-sized to large organizations, with many advancing to senior network engineer positions within 3–5 years. The program's strength lies in producing job-ready graduates who can contribute immediately to IT operations teams rather than requiring extensive post-hire training.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Central Illinois location with proximity to regional corporate IT operationsAccess to Midwest-based Fortune 500 companies with substantial IT infrastructure needs
Lewis University — Romeoville, IL
Hakia Insight: Lewis University's bachelor's program sits in the Midwest's growing corporate IT talent corridor, positioning graduates for roles at regional headquarters where network infrastructure still drives competitive advantage.
At the bachelor's level, no Network Administration program information was found in the provided content. The pages contain information about National Louis University's programs, Lewis University's MBA and Baccalaureate-to-Masters programs, and MSU Texas's Career Management Center, but no specific Network Administration program details.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Loyola University Chicago — Chicago, IL
Hakia Insight: Loyola's $78,000 median salary and partnerships with Accenture and the CME reflect a rare combination: Jesuit-institution rigor (3.2 GPA gate) paired with Chicago's financial services hiring power, positioning graduates in roles typically reserved for state school engineering programs.
Offers a Computer Science Bachelor's degree with networking and cybersecurity tracks. The program emphasizes ethical technology use and provides strong theoretical foundations with practical applications.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
- Software and Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Accenture (internship partner)
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (industry partner)
- Northrop Grumman (research partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $78,000. Top Employers: Accenture, Abbott, Allstate, CDW.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
DeVry University-Illinois — Lisle, IL
At the bachelor's level, deVry University offers an Associate in Network Systems Administration with a Networking Fundamentals Specialization that provides hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. The program is available online and includes financial aid options such as employer tuition benefits, military benefits, and scholarships.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Aurora University — Aurora, IL
Key Distinction: Aurora's program is tailored for regional SMB hiring needs, blending hands-on technical skills with security awareness in a mentorship-rich, smaller-cohort environment.
Hakia Insight: Aurora's intentional focus on SMB hiring (not enterprise) means students learn security and scalability challenges most relevant to Illinois's largest job market, making graduates immediately useful to the 2,000+ regional IT service providers that actually hire network admin graduates.
At the bachelor's level, aurora University's network administration curriculum reflects a regional, practice-focused institution's understanding of what small-to-medium businesses actually need from network hires. The program emphasizes hands-on configuration work with accessible, industry-standard equipment while keeping pace with the reality that many employers in the suburban Chicago and broader Midwest corridors run leaner IT departments where generalists are valued. Students work through structured labs covering essential technologies—Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, VLANs, firewall management—with a pragmatic emphasis on rapid troubleshooting and minimal downtime. The program also integrates fundamental cybersecurity hygiene into every networking course, reflecting the expectation that modern network administrators defend against threats as a core responsibility. Aurora's smaller cohorts mean closer faculty mentorship and more individualized guidance on career planning. Graduates typically transition into network technician or junior administrator roles at regional employers, local government offices, and mid-market companies throughout Illinois and adjacent states.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional IT service providers, Suburban corporate IT departments, Local government agencies, Healthcare organizations.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Prepares for CompTIA Network+
- Prepares for CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages: Proximity to suburban Chicago corporate IT departmentsAccess to regional SMBs and local government IT rolesClose ties to Midwest technology employers
Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: Required minor in complementary field (business, industrial technology, professional communications, circuits and systems, computer architecture, or ROTC). Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) — 6 credit hours of hands-on project-based learning
Hakia Insight: Illinois Tech's required IPRO capstone and complementary minor mandate force students into cross-disciplinary problem-solving—a structural advantage that produces IT leaders, not technicians, reflected in alumni moving into infrastructure architecture and IT strategy roles.
The Bachelor of Information Technology and Management is a 121-credit program designed to prepare students for IT careers with a focus on practical systems and applications. The curriculum requires completion of 42 credit hours of core ITM courses covering operating systems, software development, web development, data networking, cybersecurity, and system integration. Students must complete a minor in complementary fields such as business, professional communications, or computer architecture. The program includes 6 credit hours of Interprofessional Projects (IPRO), providing hands-on, project-based learning with real-world applications. Seven specialization tracks are available: Data Management, IT Entrepreneurship and Management, Networking and Communications, Software Development, System Administration, Systems Security, and Web Design and Application Development. Each specialization consists of 12 elective credit hours allowing students to develop expertise in their chosen area. The program emphasizes both technical depth and professional skills through required communication courses and interdisciplinary project work.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Information Technology and Management — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Olivet Nazarene University — Bourbonnais, IL
Key Distinction: Olivet Nazarene University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Olivet Nazarene's faith-based institutional values create a tight mentorship culture where network administration roles at Christian healthcare systems and nonprofit tech initiatives actively recruit—a niche hiring pipeline overlooked by secular programs.
Olivet Nazarene University offers Network Administration programs in Bourbonnais, IL. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
University of Illinois Springfield — Springfield, IL
Key Distinction: UIS's network administration program is uniquely designed around public sector and educational technology infrastructure, preparing graduates specifically for IT operations roles in state universities, government agencies, and public health systems.
Hakia Insight: UIS graduates enter a rare pipeline: state university IT operations and government agencies actively recruit from campus, meaning your first internship could be managing infrastructure for the Illinois State University System or state health departments—employers that value stability and don't require relocation.
At the bachelor's level, UIS positions its network administration pathway within public sector and educational technology contexts, a meaningful distinction for students interested in government IT operations, university infrastructure roles, or public health information systems. The curriculum emphasizes the unique networking challenges of large distributed organizations: managing networks across multiple campus locations, supporting legacy systems alongside modern cloud infrastructure, and implementing security protocols in regulated government environments. Students benefit directly from UIS's role as a state university—the campus itself serves as a living lab for infrastructure management at scale, with students gaining exposure to enterprise directory services, unified communications, and the specific compliance requirements (HIPAA, FERPA) that govern public sector networks. This orientation differs markedly from private-sector-focused programs: graduates are well-positioned for IT infrastructure roles at state universities, department of education operations, and government agencies throughout the Illinois public sector, where their training directly aligns with institutional needs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Illinois System, Illinois State University, State of Illinois IT departments.
Location Advantages: Direct exposure to state university IT infrastructure and operationsProximity to Illinois state government IT departments in Springfield
McKendree University — Lebanon, IL
Key Distinction: McKendree University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: McKendree's regional positioning in Lebanon creates proximity to both St. Louis enterprise IT and southwestern Illinois manufacturing operations, a geographic sweet spot that most larger programs overlook.
McKendree University offers Network Administration programs in Lebanon, IL. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Master's Network Administration Programs in Illinois
DePaul University — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: DePaul integrates network administration with business context and real corporate partnerships, creating a program where technical skills are learned alongside organizational and security perspectives.
Hakia Insight: DePaul's downtown Chicago location isn't just convenient; it embeds you in one of North America's largest financial services IT ecosystems, where network administration roles routinely command six-figure salaries and your classmates are already working at the companies hiring.
At the master's level, dePaul University's network administration education leverages its location in downtown Chicago and direct connections to enterprise IT to create an applied, business-aware curriculum where networking is taught as both infrastructure technology and organizational asset. The School of Computing offers network-focused courses within computer science and information systems programs, with emphasis on network design, security, and operations in corporate and cloud environments. Distinctive features include labs with current Cisco and network simulation equipment, and close collaboration with Chicago's financial services, insurance, and healthcare sectors—students complete internships managing actual networks at real organizations. The program emphasizes network administration alongside cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, reflecting how modern roles blend these disciplines. Faculty include practitioners from enterprise IT roles who bring current industry context. DePaul's Vincentian mission and focus on student success means accessible faculty mentoring and career services tailored to IT employment. Graduates typically secure network administrator or junior network engineer positions at Chicago-area enterprises or move into regional IT management tracks quickly.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Chicago financial services and insurance companies (corporate)
- Chicago healthcare systems (corporate)
Location Advantages: Downtown Chicago with direct access to financial services, insurance, and healthcare IT operationsInternship and employment pipeline with major Chicago-based enterprises
DeVry University-Illinois — Lisle, IL
Hakia Insight: DeVry's networking fundamentals specialization provides a structured entry point for professionals without deep technical backgrounds, compressing what other programs spread across two years into a focused, certification-aligned pathway.
At the master's level, deVry University offers an Associate in Network Systems Administration with a Networking Fundamentals Specialization that provides hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. The program is available online and includes financial aid options such as employer tuition benefits, military benefits, and scholarships.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: Flexible coursework-only track with no thesis requirement. Evening and weekend classes designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: Illinois Tech's 30-credit, coursework-only MITM is deliberately designed for working professionals—no thesis requirement means you're done in 12-18 months, not 24, while evening/weekend scheduling keeps your paycheck flowing during the degree.
The Master of Information Technology and Management (MITM) is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in IT leadership and specialized technical domains. Students choose between a coursework-only track (no thesis required) and can select from seven specializations including Applied Data Science and AI, Computer and Information Security, Data Modeling and Management, Information Technology Infrastructure, IT Management and Entrepreneurship, Management Information Systems, and Smart Technology and Innovation. The program emphasizes practical skill development across programming, system technologies, architectures, design, management, and innovation. Core courses ensure competency in contemporary programming languages, system deployment, and business development knowledge. All coursework is delivered through evening and weekend classes, accommodating full-time professionals. Graduates are prepared for mid-career advancement into technology management, enterprise architecture, and specialized IT roles, with salary increases typically ranging from 15-25% over bachelor's degree earnings. The program leverages industry partnerships and real-world case studies to bridge academic learning with workplace application.
Programs Offered
- Master of Information Technology and Management — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Lewis University — Romeoville, IL
Hakia Insight: Lewis University's master's program positions graduates in the competitive Chicago metro IT market where network infrastructure skills command premium salaries at financial, healthcare, and tech firms within 30 minutes of campus.
At the master's level, no Network Administration program information was found in the provided content. The pages contain information about National Louis University's programs, Lewis University's MBA and Baccalaureate-to-Masters programs, and MSU Texas's Career Management Center, but no specific Network Administration program details.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Governors State University — University Park, IL
Key Distinction: GSU's program stands out for its dual emphasis on Cisco certification pathways and open-source infrastructure management, preparing graduates for both traditional enterprise and modern cloud-adjacent networking roles.
Hakia Insight: GSU's dual focus on Cisco certifications *and* open-source infrastructure management is unusually practical—you graduate job-ready for both legacy enterprise networks and the cloud-native roles growing fastest in the Chicago tech sector.
At the master's level, GSU's network administration program emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management through a curriculum that bridges theoretical networking foundations with practical systems administration. The program prioritizes real-world lab environments where students configure enterprise-grade equipment, manage virtualized networks, and troubleshoot complex connectivity issues—skills that translate immediately into entry-level network technician and junior administrator roles. Faculty bring industry experience from telecom and data center operations, grounding coursework in the actual challenges administrators face: security hardening, disaster recovery, and multi-site network management. What distinguishes this program is its focus on Linux and open-source networking tools alongside Cisco fundamentals, preparing graduates for organizations shifting toward hybrid infrastructure. Students benefit from GSU's proximity to Chicago's corporate technology landscape and partnerships with regional IT service providers, creating pathways into junior system roles at financial institutions and healthcare networks in the Illinois corridor.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago metropolitan area technology sectorAccess to regional IT service providers and corporate networks
Elmhurst University — Elmhurst, IL
Key Distinction: Elmhurst University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Elmhurst's suburban Chicago location provides access to enterprise IT operations at major corporate headquarters while maintaining lower tuition than downtown programs, an efficiency advantage for budget-conscious professionals.
Elmhurst University offers Network Administration programs in Elmhurst, IL. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Saint Xavier University — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: Saint Xavier University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Saint Xavier's Chicago footprint connects students directly to healthcare system IT operations, where network administration specialists command above-average salaries and face less wage competition than traditional finance-sector roles.
Saint Xavier University offers Network Administration programs in Chicago, IL. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Roosevelt University — Chicago, IL
Key Distinction: Roosevelt University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Roosevelt's downtown Chicago campus puts you minutes from Fortune 500 headquarters and financial services firms actively recruiting network administrators, collapsing the usual gap between classroom and employment.
Roosevelt University offers Network Administration programs in Chicago, IL. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
