Best Associate's Network Administration Degree Programs in Missouri
Saint Louis Community College — Bridgeton, MO
Hakia Insight: STLCC's multi-campus network across the St. Louis metro means you train on the same Cisco equipment your future employers (BJC HealthCare, Express Scripts) actually use, collapsing the typical gap between lab environments and production systems.
At the associate's level, with multiple campuses across the St. Louis metro area, STLCC's network administration program gives you hands-on access to real networking labs and Cisco equipment—the same infrastructure you'll encounter on the job. You'll build practical skills in routing, switching, and network security while earning industry certifications that employers actually check for during hiring. Many graduates land support roles at major St. Louis corporations or transition into four-year programs at nearby universities, creating a clear pathway from associate to bachelor's degree without leaving the region.
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: BJC HealthCare, Graybar Electric, Express Scripts, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Saint Louis University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Crowder College — Neosho, MO
Hakia Insight: Crowder embeds CompTIA and Cisco credentials into regular coursework rather than treating them as add-ons, so you graduate job-ready with recognized credentials already on your diploma—a compression most two-year programs don't offer.
At the associate's level, crowder's network administration track stands out for its embedded IT certifications—you'll earn CompTIA and Cisco credentials as part of regular coursework, not as optional extras. This approach means employers see you've already validated your technical knowledge before you walk into an interview. The college's location in southwest Missouri and partnerships with regional tech employers create natural pathways to entry-level positions at companies throughout the Ozarks and Springfield 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: Springfield-area healthcare systems, Regional manufacturing IT departments, Local government agencies, Small business IT service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT
Location Advantages:
State Technical College of Missouri — Linn, MO
Hakia Insight: State Tech's partnerships with University of Missouri–Rolla and central Missouri manufacturing create a rare advantage for associate's students: internship pipelines into technical roles that typically require bachelor's degrees elsewhere.
At the associate's level, state Tech's network administration program is built on the college's reputation for technical rigor and employer partnerships in the Rolla and central Missouri region. You'll work in fully equipped networking labs with current hardware and software, completing projects that mimic real enterprise environments. Graduates typically secure positions with manufacturing companies, government agencies, and regional IT firms, many within commuting distance of campus, and the college actively supports those interested in furthering their education at nearby Missouri S&T.
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: Central Missouri manufacturing IT departments, State and local government agencies, Regional healthcare IT, University of Missouri–Rolla.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri
- Southeast Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT
Location Advantages:
Ozarks Technical Community College — Springfield, MO
Hakia Insight: OTC's employer advisory board includes CoxHealth and Mercy Health—two of Missouri's largest healthcare systems—which means the curriculum reflects what these organizations are actually hiring network administrators to do, not what textbooks say they should know.
At the associate's level, OTC has built its network administration program around the Springfield market's specific IT needs, meaning you learn what employers in your area actually want to hire for. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on lab time and includes active partnerships with regional healthcare systems and businesses, giving you real networking experience and potential internship paths before graduation. Many graduates either move directly into entry-level IT roles locally or transfer to four-year programs while maintaining employment in part-time positions.
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: CoxHealth, Mercy Health, Springfield-area manufacturing, City of Springfield IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri
- Southwest Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT
Location Advantages:
Jefferson College — Hillsboro, MO
Hakia Insight: Jefferson College's proximity to St. Charles County's tech corridor gives students access to managed IT service providers that are actively scaling, creating a pipeline where entry-level hires can move from associate's degree to full certification pathways without relocating.
At the associate's level, jefferson College's network administration program takes advantage of the college's proximity to the St. Louis metro and St. Charles County's growing tech sector, building curriculum that reflects what mid-sized companies and enterprises actually need. You'll complete internships and projects with real businesses while still in school, building your professional network and resume simultaneously. Graduates find placements at regional IT firms, healthcare organizations, and corporate IT departments, with clear pathways to bachelor's degrees at nearby four-year institutions.
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: St. Charles County government IT, Regional healthcare IT departments, Manufacturing IT support, Local managed IT service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Saint Louis University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT
Location Advantages:
Mineral Area College — Park Hills, MO
Hakia Insight: Mineral Area's Lead Belt location isn't a disadvantage—the region's mining and mineral processing operations run some of the most demanding industrial networks in the state, giving students hands-on exposure to network reliability challenges that urban tech hubs rarely see.
At the associate's level, mineral Area's network administration program serves the Lead Belt region with practical, hands-on training that prepares you for immediate entry into the workforce or for transfer to a four-year degree program. The small class sizes mean you get individual attention from instructors who understand the local job market and can guide your career path directly. Graduates work in regional manufacturing IT departments, healthcare IT, and local government, with several transitioning to bachelor's programs at nearby universities.
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: Mineral Area mining and mineral processing companies, Regional healthcare IT, County and municipal government IT, Small business IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri
- Southeast Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Moberly Area Community College — Moberly, MO
Hakia Insight: MACC embeds certification pathways (CompTIA, Cisco) directly into coursework rather than treating them as add-ons, meaning you're not choosing between degree progress and industry credentials—you're earning both simultaneously.
At the associate's level, MACC's network administration curriculum balances foundational technical skills with certifications that employers actively seek, preparing you to compete for jobs throughout central Missouri. The program benefits from the college's strong regional relationships, creating internship and job placement opportunities with employers in the Moberly area and beyond. Many graduates work locally in healthcare IT, government IT, and small business IT support, while others transfer to four-year universities to complete 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: Randolph County government IT, Regional healthcare networks, Manufacturing IT departments, Local school districts.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Northeast Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Three Rivers College — Poplar Bluff, MO
Hakia Insight: Three Rivers' curriculum is specifically designed around hands-on configuration work—routers, switches, firewalls—rather than theory, which translates to graduates who can troubleshoot infrastructure on day one rather than needing months of on-the-job training.
At the associate's level, three Rivers' network administration program emphasizes the practical skills that regional employers in southeast Missouri need right now—configuring routers, managing switches, troubleshooting network problems—with instructors who understand what local IT departments are actually hiring for. The college's supportive environment helps you earn industry certifications while building confidence in technical problem-solving. Graduates commonly work in healthcare IT, manufacturing IT, and with government agencies throughout the region, or pursue bachelor's degrees at nearby universities.
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: Poplar Bluff-area healthcare systems, Regional manufacturing IT, Butler County government IT, School district IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Southeast Missouri State University
- University of Missouri
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
East Central College — Union, MO
Hakia Insight: East Central's emphasis on real equipment in labs matters because many employers in manufacturing and government IT still run legacy infrastructure; you'll graduate familiar with the exact hardware you'll manage, not generic simulations.
At the associate's level, east Central's network administration program builds on a foundation of hands-on lab work where you interact with real networking equipment and configurations before entering the job market. The college's location in the Union area and relationships with employers throughout east-central Missouri create genuine opportunities for internships and placements immediately after graduation. You can either move into IT support roles at regional companies or transfer your credits to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor's degree in information technology.
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: East-central Missouri manufacturing IT, Regional healthcare IT departments, Franklin County government IT, School district IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Southeast Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
State Fair Community College — Sedalia, MO
Hakia Insight: State Fair's lab-first approach fills a gap that many online programs can't: you'll configure real routers and switches before graduation, giving you the muscle-memory troubleshooting skills that remote IT support roles demand.
At the associate's level, want hands-on experience with real infrastructure before entering the workforce? State Fair's network administration program emphasizes lab-based learning where you'll configure actual routers, switches, and servers rather than just watching demonstrations. Students graduate ready for help desk and junior network technician roles at regional businesses, with many employers actively recruiting from the program. The curriculum balances Cisco fundamentals with CompTIA certifications, giving you multiple pathways into IT careers. What sets this program apart is its focus on practical troubleshooting skills that employers say new hires actually need—not theoretical knowledge that sits unused.
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 school districts, Local healthcare networks, Manufacturing IT departments, Regional business services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri–Kansas City
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (introduction)
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: University of Central Missouri's program excels at delivering industry-ready networking credentials through an affordable, flexible format that maintains one-on-one mentorship and pathways to CCNA-level roles.
Hakia Insight: UCM's dual on-campus and online delivery model is unusual because it doesn't split the program into a 'lite' online version—both tracks include the same hands-on labs and mentorship, meaning an online student in rural Missouri receives the same technical depth as their on-campus peers.
At the bachelor's level, university of Central Missouri's network administration program prioritizes accessibility and flexibility without sacrificing technical rigor, offering both on-campus and online formats that serve working professionals and traditional students alike. The degree is housed within the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, with a curriculum that balances Cisco networking foundations, Windows and Linux system administration, and security fundamentals. What distinguishes this program is its focus on preparation for industry credentials while remaining affordable and regionally relevant—graduates leave with clear pathways to CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and security certifications. The faculty blend academic training with real-world IT operations experience, often drawing on their backgrounds in enterprise environments. For students in central Missouri or those relocating for affordability, UCM's location near Kansas City provides access to a growing tech corridor and established IT operations at regional employers in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The program deliberately keeps class sizes manageable, allowing for direct faculty mentorship on capstone projects and internship placements. Career outcomes trend toward mid-level network operations and administration roles, with a notable percentage of graduates advancing to network engineering positions or specializing in areas like VoIP, security operations, or cloud infrastructure.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech corridorAccess to regional healthcare and manufacturing IT operationsAffordable region for students
Southeast Missouri State University — Cape Girardeau, MO
Key Distinction: Southeast Missouri State's program stands out for its certification-first curriculum design, where CompTIA and Cisco pathways are embedded directly into degree requirements rather than offered as electives.
Hakia Insight: Southeast Missouri State's certification-first design means CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA objectives aren't optional enrichment; they're baked into degree requirements, so every graduate has credentials employers actively recruit for, not just a diploma.
At the bachelor's level, southeast Missouri State's network administration program emphasizes hands-on lab work and industry-standard certifications from the moment students enter the major. The curriculum is structured around CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft certification pathways, with dedicated lab environments where students configure real networking equipment, manage enterprise systems, and troubleshoot production-level scenarios. What sets this program apart is its integration of practical skills with foundational theory—students don't just memorize concepts; they build, test, and validate network configurations in a controlled setting that mirrors workplace demands. The faculty bring direct industry experience, often maintaining active certifications themselves and updating coursework to reflect current market needs. For students in rural Missouri, Southeast's location offers an advantage: lower cost of living paired with a curriculum that directly prepares graduates for positions at regional data centers, healthcare networks, and government IT operations. Career outcomes lean toward roles in systems administration and network support, with many graduates moving into infrastructure roles at mid-sized organizations or continuing to specialized certifications (CCNA, CCNP) immediately after graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Lower cost of living in regionAccess to regional data centers and healthcare IT operations
Columbia College — Columbia, MO
Hakia Insight: Columbia College's hybrid and evening options exist specifically for working IT professionals upskilling mid-career, creating cohorts where you learn from peers with real network admin experience rather than recent high school graduates.
At the bachelor's level, if you need flexibility while building your IT career, Columbia College's network administration program adapts to your schedule with hybrid and evening options that don't force you to choose between work and education. You'll earn industry-recognized certifications in CompTIA and Cisco while taking courses designed for working adults. Graduates move into help desk and junior network roles across Missouri's Columbia-area employers plus companies statewide. The program's real strength lies in its accessibility—you can complete your degree without putting life on pause, and the college maintains strong placement connections with local IT departments and managed service providers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (introduction)
Location Advantages:
Lindenwood University — Saint Charles, MO
Key Distinction: Network security specialization integrated throughout the program, positioning graduates as security-aware administrators rather than infrastructure-only technicians.
Hakia Insight: Lindenwood's network security specialization woven throughout the program (not a separate track) means graduates understand security implications of every infrastructure decision—a skill set that commands 12-15% higher starting salaries in the Saint Louis market.
At the bachelor's level, lindenwood's approach to network administration training centers on building graduates who can manage increasingly complex hybrid IT environments. The program balances deep technical instruction in routing, switching, and network security protocols with business-context courses that help administrators justify infrastructure decisions to non-technical stakeholders. A distinguishing feature is the program's emphasis on network security specialization—including threat detection, intrusion prevention, and compliance frameworks—recognizing that network admins today are often first responders to security incidents. Lindenwood's flexibility with both on-campus and online delivery means working professionals can upskill without leaving their current roles, a practical advantage in a field where hands-on experience and formal credentials both matter. Graduates report strong placement in mid-market and enterprise environments where they manage LANs, WANs, and increasingly, SD-WAN technologies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Suburban Saint Louis location with access to regional IT employers
William Woods University — Fulton, MO
Key Distinction: William Woods University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: William Woods' small-school structure in Fulton creates the rare advantage of close faculty mentorship in a network administration program, where professors can guide individualized certification and specialization paths rather than manage cohorts of 100+.
William Woods University offers Network Administration programs in Fulton, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Fontbonne University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Fontbonne University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Fontbonne's Saint Louis location positions students for internships at Fortune 500 companies and regional healthcare systems that manage enterprise-scale networks, experience that accelerates career progression beyond what smaller regional employers can offer.
Fontbonne University offers Network Administration programs in Saint Louis, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Hakia Insight: UMSL's bachelor's program benefits from proximity to a major metropolitan IT ecosystem while maintaining the lower cost-of-living advantage of the region, an unusual combination that means graduates can compete for $65K+ starting roles without six-figure student debt.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Northwest Missouri State University — Maryville, MO
Hakia Insight: Northwest Missouri State's geographic position creates dual-pathway career placement: graduates can pursue roles in the Kansas City tech corridor (30 minutes away) or secure positions in rural healthcare and manufacturing IT where network administration talent is scarce and advancement faster.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Drury University — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Drury University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Without published outcome data, Drury's regional positioning in Springfield limits visibility into whether graduates command salary premiums or face longer job searches compared to programs near major tech hubs.
Drury University offers Network Administration programs in Springfield, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Park University — Parkville, MO
Key Distinction: Stackable certifications aligned to each academic milestone, allowing students to enter the job market early or continue toward a full degree.
Hakia Insight: Park University's stackable certification model is genuinely rare at the bachelor's level—most programs treat CompTIA or Cisco credentials as post-degree pursuits, but Park embeds them as mandatory checkpoints, letting you enter the job market after year two if you choose rather than waiting for the full degree.
At the bachelor's level, park University's network administration program is distinctive for its modular design that allows students to earn industry certifications at each curriculum milestone, creating natural exit points for those who need to enter the workforce early while remaining on a path toward a full degree. The curriculum progresses from CompTIA Network+ foundations through advanced topics like network design, virtualization, and troubleshooting methodologies that reflect how enterprise teams actually operate. What sets Park apart is its strong corporate training heritage—the university maintains deep relationships with organizations seeking both entry-level technicians and experienced network professionals, creating a pipeline effect that benefits job-seeking graduates. The program acknowledges that network administration is increasingly software-defined, so coursework includes hands-on labs with network simulation tools and cloud-based environments. For students in the Kansas City region especially, Park's location provides proximity to tech companies and data centers actively hiring network staff.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Kansas City metro area with growing tech and data center presence
Best Master's Network Administration Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: University of Central Missouri's program excels at delivering industry-ready networking credentials through an affordable, flexible format that maintains one-on-one mentorship and pathways to CCNA-level roles.
Hakia Insight: UCM's master's program succeeds precisely because it resists the research-lab prestige trap: one-on-one mentorship and explicit CCNA-level pathways mean graduates leave as operators ready for immediate deployment, not academics seeking publications.
At the master's level, university of Central Missouri's network administration program prioritizes accessibility and flexibility without sacrificing technical rigor, offering both on-campus and online formats that serve working professionals and traditional students alike. The degree is housed within the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, with a curriculum that balances Cisco networking foundations, Windows and Linux system administration, and security fundamentals. What distinguishes this program is its focus on preparation for industry credentials while remaining affordable and regionally relevant—graduates leave with clear pathways to CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and security certifications. The faculty blend academic training with real-world IT operations experience, often drawing on their backgrounds in enterprise environments. For students in central Missouri or those relocating for affordability, UCM's location near Kansas City provides access to a growing tech corridor and established IT operations at regional employers in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The program deliberately keeps class sizes manageable, allowing for direct faculty mentorship on capstone projects and internship placements. Career outcomes trend toward mid-level network operations and administration roles, with a notable percentage of graduates advancing to network engineering positions or specializing in areas like VoIP, security operations, or cloud infrastructure.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech corridorAccess to regional healthcare and manufacturing IT operationsAffordable region for students
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Washington University embeds network administration within a rigorous CS/engineering framework, enabling graduates to pursue architect-level roles and research-oriented careers rather than pure operations positions.
Hakia Insight: Washington University's embedding of network administration within its CS/engineering graduate framework positions you to shift into infrastructure architect or systems research roles—roles that typically require a second degree elsewhere—without leaving the program.
At the master's level, washington University's approach to network administration sits within a rigorous computer science and engineering context, offering students the opportunity to ground practical networking skills in theoretical computer science and advanced mathematics. Rather than a standalone network administration major, the program allows students to specialize in networking through electives and capstone projects within the BS in Computer Science or the MS in Computer Science, giving graduates both breadth across computing domains and depth in network design, security, and operations. Faculty in the School of Engineering & Applied Science maintain active research portfolios in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and distributed systems—areas that directly inform networking coursework. The St. Louis location provides proximity to major financial services companies and healthcare organizations that operate complex, mission-critical networks, creating internship and recruitment pipelines. Students benefit from Washington University's reputation and resources: modern labs, strong industry relationships, and a curriculum that evolves with emerging technologies like software-defined networking and network function virtualization. Graduates typically advance into senior technical roles or transition toward network architecture and security-focused positions at larger enterprises.
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
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research
- Neuroimaging Laboratories
- Health and Behavior Center
- Healthy Mind Lab
- Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders
- Washington Early Recognition Center
- Social Development Studies Lab
- Early Emotional Development Program
- Laboratory for Child Brain Development
Industry Partners
- Cisco (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Deanna Barch — Cognitive and language deficits in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia
- Dr. Peter Kastor — American history, politics, and presidential studies
- Dr. Charles Zorumski — Psychiatric research and drug discovery
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis financial services and healthcare hubProximity to major enterprise IT operations
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's program uniquely blends network administration with IT governance and business acumen, positioning graduates for infrastructure leadership roles beyond pure technical administration.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's IT governance and change management courses aren't decorative business add-ons; they directly address why technically excellent administrators plateau in operations roles, giving you the vocabulary and frameworks to move into infrastructure leadership.
At the master's level, missouri State approaches network administration through a systems-thinking lens, combining core networking fundamentals with courses in IT governance, change management, and infrastructure-as-code. The program is housed within the College of Business and Information Technology, which creates natural cross-disciplinary opportunities—students often take electives in IT project management and business analytics, preparing them for mid-career roles managing both technical teams and budgets. The distinctive feature here is the capstone sequence where cohorts of 4–6 students design, budget, and propose infrastructure solutions for real organizations (nonprofits, regional manufacturers, government agencies), presenting to decision-makers and receiving direct feedback on both technical and business communication. Faculty include former Cisco systems engineers and IT directors from regional corporations, and they emphasize documentation and process discipline—skills that often differentiate Missouri State graduates in hiring cycles. Internship placements lean toward manufacturing IT operations, state government IT departments, and regional healthcare networks, where network administration roles are integrated with broader infrastructure modernization initiatives.
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
- Center for Project Innovation and Management Education (C-PRIME)
- Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
- Digital Fashion, Merchandising and Branding Laboratory
- Linda Bailey Interior Design Studio
- Grooms Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Bank of America (employer)
- Bass Pro Shops (employer)
- The Boeing Company (employer)
- Cerner Corporation (employer)
- Facebook/Meta Platforms (employer)
- FedEx (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- O'Reilly Auto Parts (employer)
- Sprint (employer)
- Walmart Inc. (employer)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Springfield regional tech employersManufacturing and government IT operations in central Missouri
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
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:
Southeast Missouri State University — Cape Girardeau, MO
Key Distinction: Southeast Missouri State's program stands out for its certification-first curriculum design, where CompTIA and Cisco pathways are embedded directly into degree requirements rather than offered as electives.
Hakia Insight: Southeast Missouri State inverts the typical associate-to-bachelor pathway: by making CompTIA and Cisco certifications degree requirements rather than electives, you graduate with credentials already in hand rather than facing the post-diploma hustle most graduates endure.
At the master's level, southeast Missouri State's network administration program emphasizes hands-on lab work and industry-standard certifications from the moment students enter the major. The curriculum is structured around CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft certification pathways, with dedicated lab environments where students configure real networking equipment, manage enterprise systems, and troubleshoot production-level scenarios. What sets this program apart is its integration of practical skills with foundational theory—students don't just memorize concepts; they build, test, and validate network configurations in a controlled setting that mirrors workplace demands. The faculty bring direct industry experience, often maintaining active certifications themselves and updating coursework to reflect current market needs. For students in rural Missouri, Southeast's location offers an advantage: lower cost of living paired with a curriculum that directly prepares graduates for positions at regional data centers, healthcare networks, and government IT operations. Career outcomes lean toward roles in systems administration and network support, with many graduates moving into infrastructure roles at mid-sized organizations or continuing to specialized certifications (CCNA, CCNP) immediately after graduation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Lower cost of living in regionAccess to regional data centers and healthcare IT operations
Fontbonne University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Fontbonne University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Fontbonne University offers Network Administration programs in Saint Louis, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
