Best Associate's Network Administration Degree Programs in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: Ivy Tech's equipment labs and employer pipeline (Eli Lilly, Roche, Cummins) mean you're training on the exact infrastructure Indiana's pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors actually use—not generic networking scenarios.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in Ivy Tech's network administration program with real equipment labs where you build, troubleshoot, and maintain actual network infrastructure—not just simulations. The program feeds directly into Indiana's largest employer pipeline; graduates land positions across the state's manufacturing, healthcare, and financial sectors within months of completing the associate degree. What sets Ivy Tech apart is the sheer scale: with multiple campuses statewide, you can study close to home while accessing the same curriculum and certification pathways, making it realistic to balance work and school. Most students emerge CompTIA A+ certified and job-ready for help desk or junior network technician roles.
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: Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Diagnostics, Cummins Inc., Major healthcare systems (IU Health, Franciscan Health), Financial institutions across Indiana, State and local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University (West Lafayette and regional campuses)
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
- Ball State University
- Indiana State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT/ICND1
Location Advantages:
Vincennes University — Vincennes, IN
Hakia Insight: Vincennes' emphasis on hands-on configuration (routers, switches, security appliances) before graduation is deliberate workforce design: you hit the job market immediately productive, not needing 6 months of on-the-job training most entry-level hires require.
At the associate's level, vincennes University's network administration curriculum emphasizes practical, lab-based learning where you configure routers, switches, and security appliances before you graduate—giving employers confidence you can contribute from day one. The program draws from VU's long history of workforce development in southern Indiana and connects graduates to a regional job market hungry for skilled technicians in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare IT. Students typically complete industry-recognized certifications in real time, not as afterthoughts, integrating exam prep into coursework. The smaller cohort size means instructors know your strengths and can recommend you directly to hiring managers they've worked with for years.
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 systems, Manufacturing facilities in south-central Indiana, Logistics and distribution companies, State government IT departments, Local school corporations and universities.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- Indiana University (Bloomington)
- Ball State University
- Indiana State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University Global — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Global delivers online network administration training with integrated industry certifications and remote-access labs, specifically designed for working professionals and geographically dispersed students.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Global's remote-access labs and integrated CompTIA certifications specifically solve the working-professional problem: you can complete this degree while stationed overseas, running a business, or supporting a family without sacrificing lab credibility.
At the bachelor's level, purdue Global's network administration offering is engineered for working professionals and career-changers who need credential-based, flexible-paced network training without geographical constraints. The online-first curriculum covers enterprise networking essentials through asynchronous modules and virtual labs, allowing students to learn during evenings and weekends while maintaining current employment—a critical advantage for IT professionals moving into dedicated network roles. Rather than pretending to replicate on-campus lab experiences, the program uses industry-standard simulation tools (packet tracer, GNS3) and cloud-based lab environments that students access remotely, actually reflecting how modern network teams operate across distributed locations. Purdue Global's partnerships with online certification providers mean students can earn recognized credentials while completing their degree, creating stackable qualifications that accelerate job transitions. The program particularly appeals to military service members, rural professionals, and career-changers who would struggle with traditional residential programs but bring valuable IT foundation knowledge from other roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Pearson VUE (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+ aligned curriculum
- CompTIA Security+ pathway
Location Advantages: No geographic constraint—fully online delivery serves rural, military, and dispersed professionals nationwide
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Extensive hands-on labs with enterprise-class hardware. Dedicated Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab
Hakia Insight: Purdue's enterprise-class hardware lab and Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab access isn't available at most undergraduate programs; combined with Cisco and Juniper partnerships, you're competing at graduation with candidates who usually need internships to build this experience.
Purdue University's Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology bachelor's program is a hands-on undergraduate major offered through the School of Applied and Creative Computing at the West Lafayette campus. The program combines cutting-edge technology with practical skills, emphasizing enterprise network configuration, system administration, routing protocols, and cybersecurity. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through dedicated labs including the Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab, Network Administration & Security Lab, and Network Infrastructure Design & Deployment Lab. Key courses include Network Engineering Fundamentals, Critical Infrastructure Security, and Cyberlaw and Ethics. The curriculum covers UNIX systems, virtual environments, DNS, PKI, and wireless/wired network security. Students develop expertise in hardware systems, troubleshooting, and designing scalable networks. The program maintains strong industry connections with employers including Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, and West Monroe Partners. Graduates pursue careers as Systems Administrators, Operations Engineers, Network Engineers, and Cloud Security Engineers. The program is accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue Cyber Security Lab
Industry Partners
- Cisco Systems (corporate)
- Juniper Networks (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cisco, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- null — Network security and infrastructure management
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Networking Academy certified
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridor and Fortune 500 headquarters (Eli Lilly, Roche, etc.)Access to Midwest data center hubs and enterprise IT operations
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Northwest differentiates through its focus on rapid workforce entry and operational technology (OT) networking relevant to the industrial and manufacturing sector dominating Northwest Indiana.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's operational technology (OT) focus is strategically sharp—while most network programs teach IT-centric skills, OT expertise commands premium salaries in the industrial corridor 30 minutes away (ArcelorMittal, NIPSCO) where IT talent is scarce.
At the bachelor's level, purdue Northwest's network administration program serves the unique regional demand of the Northwest Indiana industrial corridor and Chicago metropolitan area by emphasizing rapid entry into mid-level network operations roles. The curriculum compresses core networking concepts while maintaining depth in security and compliance—areas critical to manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and regional enterprises that dominate local hiring. Students benefit from smaller cohort sizes and faculty who maintain active consulting relationships with regional industrial and healthcare IT departments, meaning program adjustments stay aligned with what local employers urgently need. The program's flexibility—offered in formats that accommodate working professionals and recent high school graduates alike—has built a reputation for producing reliable, job-ready network technicians and junior engineers who advance quickly into supervisory roles. For students targeting roles in operational technology (OT) network management or manufacturing IT environments, this program's regional focus and hands-on pacing offer a faster pathway than large-campus programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
- NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to ArcelorMittal and major manufacturing facilities requiring OT network expertiseAccess to Chicago metropolitan area tech and finance sector hiring
Taylor University — Upland, IN
Hakia Insight: Taylor University's dual B.S./B.A. track in network administration allows students to pair technical depth with liberal arts breadth—a rare combination that positions graduates for leadership roles in IT management rather than purely technical tracks.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Indiana Institute of Technology — Fort Wayne, IN
Key Distinction: Indiana Institute of Technology offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Indiana Tech's regional footprint means its network administration curriculum is calibrated to the specific infrastructure challenges of northeast Indiana's manufacturing base, giving graduates immediate credibility with the area's largest employers before graduation.
Indiana Institute of Technology offers Network Administration programs in Fort Wayne, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: Ball State uniquely integrates cybersecurity and threat intelligence throughout its network administration curriculum rather than treating security as a separate specialization.
Hakia Insight: Ball State's decision to embed cybersecurity and threat intelligence throughout its network administration sequence—rather than siloing it—reflects the reality that today's network admins are de facto security practitioners, a curriculum philosophy most programs haven't adopted.
At the bachelor's level, ball State's network administration program distinguishes itself through embedded cybersecurity and threat intelligence components that reflect the reality that network administration today inseparably involves security operations. Rather than treating security as an add-on, the program weaves vulnerability assessment, intrusion detection, and secure network design throughout the curriculum, with dedicated courses in network security architecture and incident response. The university's location in Muncie provides surprising advantages: proximity to Indianapolis's growing tech corridor while maintaining strong partnerships with regional manufacturing firms that operate industrial control networks and critical infrastructure. Faculty expertise spans enterprise network design, network performance optimization, and security operations center management, giving students mentorship from practitioners who've managed real incidents. Graduates frequently enter network administrator roles with security-conscious mindsets that prove differentiating factors in hiring, and many advance quickly into security-focused network roles or infrastructure architect positions by leveraging this integrated knowledge.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional manufacturing firms, Indianapolis-area healthcare.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA pathway
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridorAccess to regional manufacturing firms with industrial control network needs
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies — Fort Wayne, IN
Hakia Insight: Indiana Tech's College of Professional Studies network administration program operates on a genuinely asynchronous model, meaning you're not constrained to cohort-based evening cohorts; you can start any term and progress at your own pace while working full-time.
At the bachelor's level, indiana Tech's network administration track within the College of Professional Studies prioritizes flexibility—you can attend classes in the evenings or online, making it possible to work full-time while earning your degree. The program structures coursework around real-world scenarios: you'll solve network problems that actual employers face, not textbook exercises, which means your portfolio speaks for itself when you interview. Indiana Tech's connection to working professionals in Fort Wayne and beyond creates internship and job placement opportunities that feel genuine, not transactional. Graduates report being hired into junior technician and help desk roles before completing their final semester.
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: Healthcare systems (Parkview, IPFW-affiliated organizations), Manufacturing companies in northeast Indiana, IT service providers and managed service companies, Financial institutions, Local and regional government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University (Fort Wayne and West Lafayette)
- University of St. Francis
- Ball State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Technical Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Anderson University — Anderson, IN
Key Distinction: Anderson University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Anderson University's network administration program benefits from its location in a manufacturing-heavy region where industrial control networks and legacy systems create immediate internship and employment pathways that urban programs can't match.
Anderson University offers Network Administration programs in Anderson, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: IU Indianapolis uniquely combines certification-readiness with cloud infrastructure management, preparing graduates for hybrid on-premises and cloud network environments they'll encounter immediately in industry.
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis embeds certification preparation (CompTIA, Cisco) directly into coursework rather than treating them as post-degree pursuits, meaning graduates often exit with both a degree and industry credentials—cutting the time-to-hire gap in half.
At the bachelor's level, IU Indianapolis embeds network administration within its School of Informatics and Computing, where the program benefits from a curriculum explicitly designed around industry-recognized certification pathways combined with academic rigor. The program offers both associate and bachelor degree options, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly or continue toward advanced credentials and management tracks. A standout feature is the integration of cloud infrastructure management (AWS, Azure) alongside traditional LAN/WAN administration, reflecting the hybrid infrastructure reality most graduates encounter in their first roles. Faculty maintain active connections with Indianapolis-area healthcare organizations, financial services firms, and tech companies, creating opportunities for applied projects and internships where students manage real infrastructure problems. The program's strength lies in its pragmatic balance: students graduate with marketable technical skills and certifications while also developing the communication and project management competencies that distinguish technicians who advance to network operations management.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Indianapolis healthcare systems, Regional financial services firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS certification pathways
Location Advantages: Indianapolis healthcare sector (major employer concentration)Regional financial services and pharmaceutical companies
Best Master's Network Administration Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University Global — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Global delivers online network administration training with integrated industry certifications and remote-access labs, specifically designed for working professionals and geographically dispersed students.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Global's master's in network administration includes remote-access labs and CompTIA/Pearson VUE integrated certifications, making it the only online option where you're not just learning theory but actually configuring enterprise equipment from your home office.
At the master's level, purdue Global's network administration offering is engineered for working professionals and career-changers who need credential-based, flexible-paced network training without geographical constraints. The online-first curriculum covers enterprise networking essentials through asynchronous modules and virtual labs, allowing students to learn during evenings and weekends while maintaining current employment—a critical advantage for IT professionals moving into dedicated network roles. Rather than pretending to replicate on-campus lab experiences, the program uses industry-standard simulation tools (packet tracer, GNS3) and cloud-based lab environments that students access remotely, actually reflecting how modern network teams operate across distributed locations. Purdue Global's partnerships with online certification providers mean students can earn recognized credentials while completing their degree, creating stackable qualifications that accelerate job transitions. The program particularly appeals to military service members, rural professionals, and career-changers who would struggle with traditional residential programs but bring valuable IT foundation knowledge from other roles.
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
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Pearson VUE (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+ aligned curriculum
- CompTIA Security+ pathway
Location Advantages: No geographic constraint—fully online delivery serves rural, military, and dispersed professionals nationwide
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: IU-Bloomington's program emphasizes cloud-hybrid network architecture and leverages the university's own massive multi-institutional network as a living laboratory for student learning.
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington's Advanced Networking Laboratory and direct access to the Internet2 Midwest gigaPoP means students study cloud-hybrid architecture on actual research-grade infrastructure that handles petabytes of data—not simulations.
At the master's level, indiana University's approach to network administration training prioritizes scalability and cloud infrastructure—students learn how to architect and maintain networks in hybrid on-premises and cloud environments rather than focusing narrowly on traditional data center switching. The program integrates closely with IU's own large-scale IT operations, giving students real exposure to the challenges of supporting a campus network serving 40,000+ users across multiple institutions. Rather than isolated lab work, the curriculum emphasizes understanding network design trade-offs, capacity planning, and service reliability in the context of university and enterprise operations. Faculty include practitioners who actively run IU's own network infrastructure, bringing immediate insight into what modern network teams actually do day-to-day. Graduates frequently move into roles managing hybrid cloud networks at tech companies and financial services firms, or advance into network architecture positions where their design thinking—learned through IU's systems-oriented approach—sets them apart from candidates with purely hands-on training.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Advanced Networking Laboratory (ANL)
Industry Partners
- Internet2 (nonprofit)
- AWS (corporate)
Location Advantages: Home to Internet2 Midwest gigaPoP, enabling direct exposure to advanced research networking
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: IU Indianapolis uniquely combines certification-readiness with cloud infrastructure management, preparing graduates for hybrid on-premises and cloud network environments they'll encounter immediately in industry.
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis's master's program uniquely front-loads Salesforce and Roche Diagnostics partnerships into the curriculum, meaning you're not just learning cloud infrastructure abstractly but through case studies from two of Indiana's largest technology employers.
At the master's level, IU Indianapolis embeds network administration within its School of Informatics and Computing, where the program benefits from a curriculum explicitly designed around industry-recognized certification pathways combined with academic rigor. The program offers both associate and bachelor degree options, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly or continue toward advanced credentials and management tracks. A standout feature is the integration of cloud infrastructure management (AWS, Azure) alongside traditional LAN/WAN administration, reflecting the hybrid infrastructure reality most graduates encounter in their first roles. Faculty maintain active connections with Indianapolis-area healthcare organizations, financial services firms, and tech companies, creating opportunities for applied projects and internships where students manage real infrastructure problems. The program's strength lies in its pragmatic balance: students graduate with marketable technical skills and certifications while also developing the communication and project management competencies that distinguish technicians who advance to network operations management.
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
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Indianapolis healthcare systems, Regional financial services firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS certification pathways
Location Advantages: Indianapolis healthcare sector (major employer concentration)Regional financial services and pharmaceutical companies
