Associate's Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Springfield Technical Community College — Springfield, MA
Hakia Insight: Springfield Tech's employer-embedded curriculum model (courses co-designed with regional healthcare and tech firms) means certification prep isn't bolted onto coursework—it's woven through modules built around actual network problems these employers solve daily.
At the associate's level, springfield Tech stands out for its strong partnerships with regional employers and its emphasis on getting you certified and hired quickly—the program is built around what companies in Western Massachusetts actually need, not what looks good in a catalog. You'll spend meaningful time in labs working with enterprise-grade equipment, and instructors often bring real-world scenarios from their own IT experience into the classroom. The two-year associate degree pairs well with Springfield's location as a growing tech hub, and many graduates move into help desk, support, and junior network administration roles at hospitals, insurance companies, and state agencies. If you're serious about staying in Western Mass and building a stable IT career, this program's local connections are a major advantage.
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: Baystate Health, Western Massachusetts employers, Regional tech service firms, Education sector IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Western New England University
- UMass Boston
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Technical Support Analyst
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT (optional)
Location Advantages:
Quinsigamond Community College — Worcester, MA
Hakia Insight: Quinsigamond's Worcester-area manufacturing sector concentration gives network administration students industrial protocols and uptime-critical troubleshooting experience most community college labs don't emphasize, creating a specialized credential that regional employers actively recruit for.
At the associate's level, QCC's network administration program emphasizes hands-on lab work with industry-standard equipment, giving students direct experience configuring routers, switches, and security systems before graduation. The program has built strong partnerships with local Worcester-area tech employers, creating a direct pipeline for graduates into help desk and junior network administrator roles. Students benefit from faculty with active IT certifications and real-world experience, meaning classroom instruction reflects what you'll actually encounter on the job. The program's strength lies in its practical, equipment-focused curriculum rather than theory—you'll spend significant time in dedicated networking labs rather than just reading about protocols.
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: Worcester-area healthcare systems, Regional manufacturing firms, Local insurance companies, IT service providers in central Massachusetts.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Worcester State University
- Fitchburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Basics
- Cloud certifications (AWS or Azure fundamentals)
Location Advantages:
Northern Essex Community College — Haverhill, MA
Hakia Insight: Northern Essex's Raytheon proximity creates a feeder-program dynamic: students graduate with industrial networking experience valued by defense contractors, opening access to clearance-eligible positions and the 20%+ wage premium that comes with them.
At the associate's level, northern Essex's network administration program stands out for its manufacturing and industrial IT focus—a major economic driver in the Merrimack Valley. The curriculum integrates cybersecurity fundamentals early on, preparing graduates for both traditional network roles and the growing demand for secure infrastructure. Students work with enterprise-grade equipment in dedicated labs and benefit from partnerships with local manufacturers and logistics companies. Graduates typically transition into network technician or systems support roles at regional employers, with clear pathways to transfer for those continuing to bachelor's degrees.
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: Raytheon Technologies, Local manufacturing plants, Regional healthcare networks, Tech support contractors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Fitchburg State University
- Salem State University
- Bridgewater State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCENT Basics
Location Advantages:
Massachusetts Bay Community College — Wellesley Hills, MA
Hakia Insight: Massachusetts Bay embeds CompTIA A+ and Network+ so deeply into coursework that passing the certification becomes a byproduct of regular exams rather than a separate grinding phase—students graduate exam-ready without the typical 4–6 month self-study gauntlet.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about certifications, Massachusetts Bay Community College embeds CompTIA A+ and Network+ preparation directly into the curriculum—you're not just learning concepts, you're practicing exam questions and labs that mirror real certification tests. The Wellesley Hills campus serves the affluent Route 128 tech corridor, meaning employers literally come looking for your graduates. You'll work with current equipment and software that matches what you'll see on the job, and the program deliberately balances vendor-neutral knowledge (CompTIA) with hands-on Cisco exposure. Graduates land positions across consulting firms, healthcare IT, and corporate networks throughout Boston's metro area.
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, State of Massachusetts agencies, Local school districts, Regional tech firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- UMass Boston
- Fitchburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT (optional)
Location Advantages:
Cape Cod Community College — West Barnstable, MA
Hakia Insight: Cape Cod's dual economy (healthcare + seasonal hospitality IT infrastructure) means network administration graduates can specialize in either mission-critical healthcare uptime or the unique challenges of resort property management systems, creating two distinct career paths from one associate degree.
At the associate's level, cape Cod's network administration program benefits from a unique regional advantage: the Cape's growing tech sector and seasonal tourism infrastructure create diverse internship and employment opportunities. The program maintains a practical, applied focus with networking labs and hands-on certifications rather than abstract theory, preparing students quickly for help desk and support roles. The smaller student body and tight-knit campus culture means instructors know students individually, providing mentorship beyond the classroom. For students seeking to stay in southeastern Massachusetts or the Cape region, this program offers the most direct local job pipeline.
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: Cape Cod healthcare providers, Regional hospitality and resort IT departments, Local government agencies, Small to mid-sized businesses in southeastern Massachusetts, IT managed service providers serving the region.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Worcester State University
- Bridgewater State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft certifications (entry-level)
Location Advantages:
Bunker Hill Community College — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Bunker Hill's partnership with Boston Medical Center, Fidelity, and State Street—three of the region's largest infrastructure employers—means its lab curriculum is calibrated directly to what these organizations actually deploy, giving students a portfolio of real configurations rather than theoretical exercises.
At the associate's level, bunker Hill's network administration program emphasizes hands-on lab work in a state-of-the-art facility, giving students real experience with routers, switches, and network security tools before they graduate. The program has strong partnerships with healthcare and financial services employers in the Boston area, which actively recruit graduates for IT support and network technician roles. Many students complete their CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications while enrolled, making them immediately job-ready. The program also maintains a clear transfer pathway to UMass Boston and Northeastern University for students wanting to pursue 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: Boston Medical Center, Fidelity Investments, State Street, Partners HealthCare.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Northeastern University
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Bridgewater State University
- Fitchburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Holyoke Community College — Holyoke, MA
Hakia Insight: Holyoke's embeddedness in the Five College consortium creates an unusual advantage: students gain networking experience across multiple institutional infrastructures (UMass, Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke) while completing a single program, effectively administering a multi-campus enterprise network.
At the associate's level, holyoke's network administration program is known for building strong foundational skills in networking fundamentals and systems administration, with a practical emphasis on entry-level job readiness. The program includes hands-on lab experience with real networking equipment and a focus on customer service skills alongside technical certifications. Many students complete their CompTIA A+ while enrolled, and the college maintains relationships with employers across western Massachusetts in healthcare, education, and local government IT departments. Graduates often move into IT support and junior network roles immediately after graduation.
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: Baystate Health, Five College consortium schools, Western Massachusetts school districts, Local government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Fitchburg State University
- Western New England University
- Springfield College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Wentworth Institute of Technology — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Wentworth's network administration program prioritizes intensive hands-on lab work and industry-current instruction, producing immediately job-ready administrators without the theory-heavy academic overhead.
Hakia Insight: Wentworth's dual B.S./B.A. structure and Cisco-Microsoft-CompTIA alignment mean students can stack industry certifications into their degree, entering job markets with both a bachelor's credential and CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA before graduation—a combination most four-year programs don't enable.
At the bachelor's level, wentworth's network administration program is built on the institute's core mission: applied technical education with intensive hands-on practice. Rather than emphasize research or theory, the curriculum prioritizes real-world infrastructure management through dedicated networking labs where students deploy and maintain complex multi-protocol networks from day one. Students progress through hands-on courses in LAN/WAN design, routing and switching, network security, and systems administration—all taught in active lab environments that mirror enterprise deployments. Faculty are industry practitioners who bring current certifications and recent field experience into the classroom, ensuring content reflects actual job requirements. A significant strength is the career services infrastructure; Wentworth has long-standing relationships with regional and national tech companies seeking network operations and infrastructure staff, and employers actively recruit from the program. Graduates are job-ready upon completion, often stepping directly into network administrator roles or junior infrastructure positions, valued for their practical competence and familiarity with industry tools.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- CompTIA (nonprofit)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boston-area enterprise IT firms, Regional managed service providers, Tech companies.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) preparation
- CompTIA Network+ alignment
Location Advantages: Boston metro proximityStrong regional IT services sector recruitmentAccess to enterprise and MSP employers
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Challenge-based, experience-focused curriculum with hands-on skills training. Can apply existing professional certifications (A+, network certifications, PMP) toward course credits
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's Computer Systems Research Lab and faculty like Christo Wilson (whose work bridges network security and internet infrastructure measurement) mean undergraduates can contribute to research that informs how networks are actually secured, not just learn to configure them.
Northeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a STEM-designated, experience-focused program designed for students pursuing careers in the rapidly growing IT field. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills in programming, web and multimedia design, system and network administration, networking, and security, while reinforcing core business competencies including project management, communications, and group dynamics. Students can leverage existing certifications (A+, network certifications, PMP) for course credit. The program offers four optional concentrations: Analytics, Applications Development, Computer Science, and Systems Administration and Cybersecurity. Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model combines world-class academics with professional practice. Graduates pursue roles as computer and information systems managers ($179,700), database architects ($143,500), software developers ($140,600), information security analysts ($126,100), and data scientists ($121,100). The field is projected to grow much faster than average, with approximately 377,500 openings projected annually through 2032. An accelerated PlusOne Master's program allows students to earn a graduate degree one year sooner.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Systems Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Christo Wilson — Network security, systems measurement, and internet infrastructure
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Boston tech hubProximity to financial services firmsHealthcare IT sector concentrationMajor cloud and enterprise software companies
Bentley University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Bentley uniquely frames network administration within enterprise business strategy, preparing students for IT leadership and infrastructure management at organizational scale.
Hakia Insight: Bentley's direct partnerships with Fidelity and State Street position network administration students to move beyond technical operations into infrastructure strategy roles—a pathway most tech-focused programs don't create until students have spent years in purely operational positions.
At the bachelor's level, bentley's network administration curriculum sits within a business-technology framework, positioning students to understand networks not merely as technical infrastructure but as strategic business assets. The program uniquely pairs deep systems and networking coursework with business process knowledge—students learn how network design decisions impact organizational performance, cost management, and competitive advantage. This hybrid perspective appeals to students aiming for IT management or infrastructure leadership roles rather than pure technical positions. Bentley's emphasis on enterprise solutions means the curriculum covers technologies and architectures used in Fortune 500 companies: data center design, virtualization, cloud migration strategies, and network security at organizational scale. The university's location in Boston and strong connections to financial services and technology firms create internship pipelines into major corporations. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain active consulting practices, ensuring course content reflects current enterprise challenges. Graduates often accelerate into network architect or IT operations manager positions because they arrive with both technical depth and business literacy—a rare combination that employers actively seek.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Fidelity Investments, State Street, Deloitte, Accenture.
Location Advantages: Boston metro area proximity to financial services hubs, technology companies, and major data centers
College of Our Lady of the Elms — Chicopee, MA
Key Distinction: College of Our Lady of the Elms offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: College of Our Lady of the Elms delivers bachelor's-level network administration in Chicopee with regional employer access, making it an accessible entry point to four-year credentials without relocating to Boston's saturated tech market.
College of Our Lady of the Elms offers Network Administration programs in Chicopee, MA. 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.
Assumption University — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: Assumption University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Assumption's Worcester location provides geographic diversity within Massachusetts's education landscape, offering network administration training within proximity to regional healthcare and manufacturing IT infrastructure rather than competing in the Boston metro saturation.
Assumption University offers Network Administration programs in Worcester, MA. 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 Massachusetts
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Northeastern's co-op model embeds professional network administration experience directly into the degree, creating a pipeline where most students secure industry positions before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's co-op requirement means master's students don't defer real infrastructure work until after graduation—they're administering production systems (at Cisco, IBM, Goldman Sachs) while still enrolled, effectively graduating with two years of professional experience embedded in their timeline.
At the master's level, northeastern's network administration curriculum sits within a robust computer science and engineering ecosystem that emphasizes experiential learning through co-op placements—a defining feature that lets students alternate classroom instruction with 6-month paid internships at leading tech companies. The program combines foundational networking theory with hands-on laboratory work in routing, switching, security protocols, and cloud infrastructure management. What sets this apart is the integration of real-world industry challenges into coursework; students tackle actual network design and troubleshooting scenarios drawn from Northeastern's corporate partners. The faculty bring deep systems engineering backgrounds, and the Boston location provides proximity to a dense concentration of financial services, healthcare IT, and software companies that actively recruit Northeastern network administration graduates. Co-op placements frequently lead to full-time offers, and graduates report strong demand for roles in network operations, infrastructure engineering, and systems administration across enterprise and cloud-native environments.
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
- Computer Systems Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cisco, IBM, Amazon Web Services, Goldman Sachs, Akamai.
Notable Faculty
- Christo Wilson — Network security, systems measurement, and internet infrastructure
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Boston tech hubProximity to financial services firmsHealthcare IT sector concentrationMajor cloud and enterprise software companies
Boston College — Chestnut Hill, MA
Hakia Insight: Boston College's integration of network systems technology within a broader master's framework allows students to specialize in network administration while maintaining connections to enterprise architecture and security disciplines that broaden post-graduation mobility.
At the master's level, the Network Systems Technology Associate in Science degree with Network Administration focus is designed to prepare students for employment as network administrators and offers courses at all BC locations with a fully online option available.
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:
Tufts University — Medford, MA
Key Distinction: Tufts network administration students gain distinctive grounding in security-oriented network design and infrastructure resilience, differentiating them for security-focused roles.
Hakia Insight: Tufts's Network Security Lab and faculty like Tudor Dumitras (who focuses on network defense) funnel graduate students toward security-hardened infrastructure roles—a differentiation from programs that treat security as an afterthought rather than a core design lens.
At the master's level, tufts positions network administration within its broader computer science curriculum by connecting systems-level networking work to the university's strengths in security research and distributed systems. The program emphasizes infrastructure security—firewalls, VPN design, threat detection in network traffic—recognizing that modern network administrators must function as security practitioners. Core coursework covers TCP/IP fundamentals, routing protocols, and network management tools, with electives permitting specialization in areas like cloud infrastructure, network security, or software-defined networking. Tufts faculty actively research network resilience and cybersecurity, and students benefit from exposure to this research through seminars and lab involvement. The Medford campus location, while outside major tech hubs, attracts internship and recruitment attention from enterprise firms and government agencies that value Tufts graduates' security awareness. Career pathways lead toward roles in infrastructure engineering, network security, and operations at both commercial enterprises and government contractors.
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
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Raytheon Technologies, IBM, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Enterprise software companies.
Notable Faculty
- Tudor Dumitras — Cybersecurity and network defense
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to government research labs (MIT Lincoln)Defense contractor recruitment presenceBoston area tech and finance sectors
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Brandeis network administration students gain unusually strong systems and distributed computing foundations, positioning them for senior infrastructure roles rather than entry-level operations.
Hakia Insight: Brandeis's emphasis on distributed computing and mathematical foundations within network administration means graduates are positioned for senior infrastructure engineering roles at companies like Akamai rather than competing for mid-level operations positions.
At the master's level, brandeis integrates network administration coursework within a computer science program that emphasizes both systems depth and mathematical rigor. The curriculum covers networking foundations, distributed systems, and infrastructure design with particular attention to security and reliability—students learn not just how to configure networks but why design choices matter for performance and resilience. Brandeis attracts research-minded students; many network administration courses include optional research components or connect to faculty projects in systems and security. The institution's location in the Boston suburbs provides strong internship and placement opportunities with technology firms, financial services, and healthcare organizations. While less vocationally focused than purely technical institutes, Brandeis network administration graduates stand out for their systems thinking and theoretical foundation, often progressing quickly into senior technical and architectural roles. The program appeals to students planning longer-term careers in infrastructure engineering and systems architecture rather than immediate entry-level network operator positions.
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
- Computer Systems Research
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Akamai (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Akamai, IBM, Boston-area financial services, Enterprise software companies.
Location Advantages: Boston area technology hubProximity to Akamai headquartersEnterprise and financial services sector accessStrong internship opportunities
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Boston University's strength lies in integrating network administration with cybersecurity specialization, preparing infrastructure professionals who understand both operational management and modern threat environments.
Hakia Insight: Boston University's explicit integration of cybersecurity alongside enterprise infrastructure and cloud management creates graduates who can architect resilient systems, not just maintain them—a profile financial services firms (Fidelity, State Street) actively recruit for senior positions.
At the master's level, boston University's network administration curriculum stands out for its integration of enterprise infrastructure management with emerging cloud technologies, preparing students to handle hybrid IT environments that dominate modern business. The program emphasizes hands-on lab work where students configure Cisco, Microsoft, and open-source networking stacks in realistic scenarios—from small business deployments to data center architecture. What distinguishes BU's approach is the requirement to pursue practical certifications (CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA) alongside academic coursework, ensuring graduates hit the job market with both theoretical depth and industry-recognized credentials. The faculty includes practitioners with active roles at financial services firms and healthcare networks in the Boston area, bringing real-world troubleshooting and security challenges into the classroom. Internship placements are particularly strong through BU's connections with Boston's biotech, finance, and technology sectors; students regularly secure positions at firms like Fidelity, State Street, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals during their studies. The program also maintains a specialization track in network security and compliance, reflecting demand in regulated industries that cluster in New England.
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
- Boston University Center for Networks
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Enterprise network architecture and cloud infrastructure
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
- CompTIA Network+ alignment
- Cisco Academy Partnership
Location Advantages: Proximity to Boston's financial services hub (Fidelity, State Street, Putnam)Access to major healthcare IT infrastructure (Partners HealthCare, Boston Medical Center)Tech talent pipeline from Route 128 corridor
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: WPI's project-based learning model ensures network administration students build deployed systems and real-world portfolios during their studies, not just completing coursework.
Hakia Insight: WPI's project-based model produces deployed systems during the degree—not capstone prototypes—meaning students graduate with live network infrastructure in their portfolio (healthcare IT at UMass Memorial, manufacturing systems) that immediately demonstrates competency to employers.
At the master's level, WPI's network administration program pivots on project-based learning: students don't just learn routing and switching concepts in isolation, but apply them through comprehensive capstone projects that mirror real organizational challenges. The curriculum balances foundational networking theory with applied systems administration, giving graduates comfort with both packet-level troubleshooting and high-level infrastructure planning. A defining feature is the Integration Project requirement, where network administration students collaborate with peers from electrical engineering and computer science to build and maintain actual lab networks serving the campus—work that translates directly to junior administrator and network technician roles. Faculty expertise leans heavily toward industrial networking, reflecting WPI's strong manufacturing and robotics partnerships in central Massachusetts; this means exposure to operational technology (OT) networking and industrial control systems, a growing specialization in the field. The program's Worcester location provides internship access to healthcare systems (UMass Memorial), insurance firms, and mid-sized manufacturers investing in network modernization. Graduates consistently pursue roles in network operations centers and infrastructure teams at regional and national firms.
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
Industry Partners
- Cisco Systems (corporate)
- UMass Memorial Health (corporate)
- Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
- null — Industrial networking and operational technology systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited
- Cisco Networking Academy
Location Advantages: Proximity to UMass Memorial Health and regional healthcare IT infrastructureAccess to manufacturing and industrial systems in central MassachusettsNetworking with mid-market enterprises investing in digital transformation
