Best Associate's Network Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey
Essex County College — Newark, NJ
Hakia Insight: Essex County's location in one of the densest tech labor markets in the U.S. means employers actively recruit from cohorts mid-semester—students often land positions before graduation because hospital systems and financial services firms can't wait for spring commencement.
At the associate's level, essex County College's network administration program serves a region with intense competition for tech talent, which means the curriculum stays sharp and employer-focused. You'll study networking fundamentals, system administration, and IT support skills with a hands-on lab component that gives you real experience with enterprise equipment. The program is structured around entry-level job readiness: help desk, junior technician, and IT support roles are realistic outcomes for graduates, with many securing positions before completing their final semester. Essex County's diverse economy—healthcare, finance, tech startups, and government—creates multiple job pathways for graduates. Evening and hybrid options accommodate working students. Transfer pathways to NJIT, Rutgers, and Kean are established, and many graduates continue toward a bachelor's degree while working in IT. The college's location in a major metropolitan area means access to networking events, recruiting fairs, and mentorship opportunities throughout your studies.
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: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Essex County government IT, Financial services firms in the region, Tech startups and established companies in North Jersey.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Hudson County Community College — Jersey City, NJ
Hakia Insight: Located in Jersey City, Hudson County Community College students have direct access to internship pipelines at Johnson & Johnson and Prudential.
At the associate's level, hudson's network administration graduates have a geographic advantage: they're positioned right across from Manhattan's tech corridor, and the college actively leverages that proximity. The program emphasizes practical, job-ready skills with a curriculum that reflects what employers in the Hudson/Bergen tech scene actually need. You'll study network design, security protocols, and system administration with an eye toward real-world scenarios—think troubleshooting enterprise networks, not textbook exercises. Many students work part-time in IT while completing the degree, and Hudson's flexible evening and hybrid schedule makes that possible. Transfer pathways to NJIT and Rutgers are established, but plenty of graduates land directly in help desk and junior admin roles at healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and tech startups throughout North Jersey.
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: Hackensack Meridian Health, Hudson Regional Hospital, Local financial services, NYC-area tech companies (via proximity).
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Montclair State University
- Kean University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCENT/CCNA basics
Location Advantages:
Camden County College — Blackwood, NJ
Hakia Insight: Camden County's curriculum is explicitly designed around south Jersey's shift toward healthcare IT consolidation—meaning your capstone projects address real problems at Cooper University Health Care, the region's largest employer, rather than generic case studies.
At the associate's level, south Jersey's tech landscape is shifting, and Camden County College's network administration program is designed to meet that demand. You'll build competence in network design, system administration, and basic security while working in a lab environment that reflects enterprise standards. The program emphasizes hands-on problem-solving: troubleshooting network issues, configuring devices, and supporting users—skills that help desk and junior admin roles demand immediately. Camden County has a strong presence of healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and government IT departments, all active recruiters from the program. The college offers flexible scheduling with evening and online components, perfect if you're juggling work and school. Graduates land help desk, junior technician, and technical support positions throughout the region, with clear pathways to transfer to NJIT, Rutgers, or Rowan if you want 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: Cooper University Health Care, Camden County government IT, Regional financial services, South Jersey healthcare networks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Rutgers University–Camden and New Brunswick
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rowan University
- Kean University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Brookdale Community College — Lincroft, NJ
Hakia Insight: Brookdale's day-one access to Cisco hardware—not emulation software—means graduates demonstrate hands-on competency with the exact equipment they'll manage in Jersey Shore health systems and regional finance firms.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on learning, Brookdale's network administration program puts you in front of real equipment from day one. You'll work with Cisco routers, switches, and servers in a dedicated networking lab—not simulations. The program has strong partnerships with local tech employers in Monmouth County, which means internship opportunities and often direct job placement. Graduates typically move into help desk roles or junior network technician positions, but many use the degree as a springboard to transfer agreements with NJIT and Rutgers. What sets Brookdale apart is the balance: rigorous technical coursework without the overwhelming theory-first approach. You'll earn industry certifications while completing your degree, and the faculty actively maintain connections with employers who recruit directly from your cohort.
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: Verizon, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Local government IT departments, Regional financial services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Systems Support Technician
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Eastwick College-Nutley — Nutley, NJ
Key Distinction: Eastwick College-Nutley offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Eastwick's private-institution model allows faster curriculum updates in response to employer feedback, meaning its network administration students learn the emerging tools—like SD-WAN and cloud-native networking—that community colleges often lag by 18+ months.
Eastwick College-Nutley offers Network Administration programs in Nutley, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Mercer County Community College — West Windsor, NJ
Key Distinction: Mercer County Community College provides affordable Network Administration education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Mercer County's West Windsor location puts you equidistant from Princeton's tech ecosystem and Philadelphia's financial services corridor, creating dual-market internship pathways that most New Jersey community colleges can't match.
Mercer County Community College offers Network Administration programs in West Windsor, NJ. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Bergen Community College — Paramus, NJ
Hakia Insight: Bergen's unmatched proximity to tri-state Fortune 500 tech headquarters and Wall Street infrastructure means your capstone projects often involve consulting with actual employers who staff entire IT teams from recent graduate cohorts.
At the associate's level, bergen's networking program thrives on proximity to major tech employers in the tri-state area—you're minutes from Fortune 500 tech headquarters and Wall Street firms constantly recruiting entry-level talent. The curriculum balances certification prep (CompTIA and Cisco) with cloud computing fundamentals, reflecting what employers actually need right now. With both on-campus and online options, you can structure your learning around internships and part-time work at major corporations, positioning yourself for competitive entry-level roles before you even graduate.
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: Fortune 500 tech companies (tri-state region), Financial services firms (NYC and New Jersey), Healthcare IT (major NJ hospital systems), Managed service providers (North Jersey), New Jersey state government IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Montclair State University
- Kean University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Analyst
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (pathway)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus — Vineland, NJ
Hakia Insight: Rowan-Cumberland's partnership with Rowan University's engineering program means your networking credits don't just transfer; they articulate directly into Rowan's four-year track with guaranteed junior-level standing, compressing the time-to-bachelor's from 4 years to 2.
At the associate's level, your pathway to a four-year degree starts here—this campus aggressively partners with Rowan University's engineering and computer science programs, meaning your networking credits transfer cleanly and many students earn bachelor's degrees without the full price tag. You'll complete foundational networking courses, security basics, and system administration fundamentals in an environment designed for seamless university transition. While employers hire graduates for network technician roles immediately, the real advantage is the built-in articulation agreements that let you finish your bachelor's in-state at reasonable cost.
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, County government IT departments, Healthcare IT (Cumberland County hospitals), Small to mid-size managed service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Rowan University
- Rutgers University-Camden
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Service Desk Analyst
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (pathway)
Location Advantages:
DeVry University-New Jersey — Iselin, NJ
Key Distinction: DeVry University-New Jersey offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: DeVry's associate degree positions graduates for immediate network technician roles in New Jersey's dense IT market, but the real advantage is the flexible scheduling model—ideal for working adults who need to earn while learning in one of the nation's highest cost-of-living regions.
DeVry University-New Jersey offers Network Administration programs in Iselin, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey
Kean University — Union, NJ
Key Distinction: Kean differentiates through explicit focus on infrastructure resilience and systems thinking, producing graduates comfortable troubleshooting complex production environments from day one.
Hakia Insight: Kean's explicit infrastructure resilience curriculum means graduates can diagnose why production networks fail, not just restore them after—a mindset that separates junior technicians from operators that Fortune 500 companies actually promote into senior roles.
At the bachelor's level, kean's approach to network administration training centers on systems thinking and infrastructure resilience, emphasizing how individual network components integrate into enterprise-scale systems that must maintain availability under stress. The program combines Cisco Academy coursework with instruction in network security hardening, disaster recovery design, and infrastructure monitoring—recognizing that modern network administrators must be as much about reliability engineering as device configuration. Kean's faculty bring experience from regional enterprise data centers and telecommunications operations, translating hands-on troubleshooting methodology into classroom instruction. Students work with both legacy and contemporary infrastructure technologies, understanding both why networks were built as they are and how they're being modernized with cloud-native architectures. The program's strength emerges in graduate job placement: employers consistently report that Kean network administration graduates require less onboarding in resilience thinking and production-environment troubleshooting than typical entry-level hires.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Academy affiliation
Location Advantages: Proximity to Newark-based enterprise data centersAccess to regional telecommunications infrastructure operations
Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, NJ
Key Distinction: Stevens integrates cloud infrastructure and hands-on lab work into the core curriculum—not as add-ons—making graduates immediately productive in hybrid and cloud-first enterprise environments.
Hakia Insight: Stevens bakes AWS, Azure, and Cisco labs into the first year rather than treating cloud as an elective afterthought, giving graduates the rare advantage of understanding both legacy enterprise infrastructure and modern hybrid architectures from their first internship onward.
At the bachelor's level, stevens' network administration curriculum emphasizes hands-on infrastructure design and cloud-native operations from day one, with students building production-grade networks in dedicated labs before their second semester. The program distinguishes itself through a strong cloud computing track—covering AWS, Azure, and hybrid infrastructure—integrated directly into core coursework rather than as electives, reflecting the reality that modern network administrators must architect across on-premises and cloud environments simultaneously. Faculty bring active industry experience; many hold current certifications and maintain consulting relationships with Fortune 500 companies, meaning curriculum stays aligned with what enterprises actually deploy. Stevens' proximity to New York and New Jersey's financial services, pharmaceutical, and tech corridors creates an internship pipeline that often converts to full-time roles; students regularly work on real network modernization projects at major firms during their studies. The program's capstone requires students to design, implement, and defend a complete network infrastructure for a real or realistic organization, forcing them to consider security, redundancy, disaster recovery, and cost optimization—the decisions that senior network engineers actually make. Graduates report high placement rates in mid-to-senior network roles, with many employers specifically recruiting from Stevens' program.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Stevens Wireless Research Lab
Industry Partners
- AWS (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Cloud infrastructure and network design
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
- Cisco Networking Academy Partner
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York financial services sectorAccess to Fortune 500 headquarters in NJ/NY corridorStrong internship pipeline with major telecom and tech companies
Felician University — Lodi, NJ
Key Distinction: Felician prioritizes experiential learning and regional employer relationships to transition graduates directly into operational network roles.
Hakia Insight: Felician's tight coupling with New Jersey's healthcare and financial services IT hubs creates a direct-to-employment pathway where internships often convert to permanent roles before graduation—a conversion rate most liberal arts network programs cannot match.
At the bachelor's level, felician's network administration curriculum emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management from day one, with a practical focus on enterprise systems, cybersecurity integration, and cloud platform administration. The program balances theoretical networking foundations with real-world troubleshooting scenarios, preparing students to manage hybrid on-premises and cloud environments that define modern IT operations. Faculty bring direct industry experience, and the program's location in central New Jersey positions graduates for roles at major financial services firms, healthcare systems, and tech companies in the region. Students gain exposure to Cisco networking, Windows Server and Linux administration, and security protocols through lab-intensive coursework. The program's smaller cohort sizes mean personalized mentoring and robust job placement support, with many graduates moving into network engineer or systems administrator roles within 6 months of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to New Jersey financial services and healthcare IT hubs
New Jersey City University — Jersey City, NJ
Key Distinction: NJCU embeds network administration within a rigorous CS foundation while leveraging proximity to Manhattan's financial and corporate IT ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: NJCU embeds network administration within computer science fundamentals rather than treating it as a standalone vocational track, a structural choice that produces graduates equally comfortable scripting infrastructure automation and explaining architecture to non-technical stakeholders.
At the bachelor's level, NJCU's computer science program, which includes network administration coursework, benefits from the university's location directly across from Manhattan and its strong ties to New York and New Jersey's financial, healthcare, and government IT sectors. Students gain exposure to network design, security protocols, and infrastructure management within a broader CS curriculum that emphasizes both systems thinking and cutting-edge technologies. The program's faculty integrate current industry challenges—cloud migration, zero-trust security, remote infrastructure management—into coursework, ensuring students understand not just how networks work but why architectural decisions matter in production environments. NJCU's diverse student body and partnerships with regional employers create internship and job placement pathways into major corporations and institutions that require skilled network professionals. The program values both theoretical depth and practical certifications, positioning graduates for network engineering and infrastructure roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Direct proximity to Manhattan financial and corporate IT headquartersAccess to New Jersey government and healthcare IT employers
Best Master's Network Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery for working professionals. Hands-on network administration and penetration testing projects
Hakia Insight: NJIT's 100% asynchronous cybersecurity master's, anchored by hands-on penetration testing projects, lets career network administrators earn a STEM credential without abandoning their day jobs—critical for the 95% of working professionals who cannot relocate or reduce hours.
The online M.S. in Cybersecurity & Privacy at NJIT is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity and network administration. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations in cryptographic protocols with hands-on projects in network administration, penetration testing, and counter-hacking. Graduates develop competencies in designing secure infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities in cloud and on-premises systems, and serving as network administrators using ethical hacking techniques. The program is delivered entirely online, enabling part-time completion for professionals. Mid-career salaries for cybersecurity graduates average $112,932 nationally and $142,190 in the NYC metro area. The field is projected to grow 36.5% by 2032, with strong employer demand for NJIT graduates.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Privacy — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Cisco Systems (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Academy partnership
Location Advantages: Proximity to Newark data center operationsAccess to major telecommunications infrastructure research and operationsRegional technology sector employment in infrastructure roles
Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, NJ
Key Distinction: STEM-designated program by Department of Homeland Security. Two embedded graduate certificates aligned with concentrations: Management of Broadband Communications and Converged Networks OR Management of Wireless Networks
Hakia Insight: Stevens' STEM-designated MS-NCMS awards two embedded graduate certificates (broadband or wireless management) that function as portable credentials, letting students exit after one concentration with immediately marketable expertise rather than waiting for the full degree.
The Master of Science in Network and Communication Management and Services (MS-NCMS) is an interdisciplinary STEM-designated program combining technical expertise with business management skills. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible delivery: on-campus weekday classes, WebCampus online platform, and year-round scheduling (fall, spring, summer). The 36-credit program (12 courses) provides two concentration tracks—Management of Broadband and Converged Networks or Management of Wireless Networks—each leading to an embedded graduate certificate. Students can pursue Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for real-world project experience with industry mentors. No thesis requirement; the program emphasizes applied coursework and hands-on learning. Graduates develop technical and management expertise for communications industry roles, preparing professionals to plan, implement, and manage advanced communications capabilities across government, financial services, service providers, and equipment vendors.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network and Communication Management and Services — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Stevens Wireless Research Lab
Industry Partners
- AWS (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Cloud infrastructure and network design
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
- Cisco Networking Academy Partner
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York financial services sectorAccess to Fortune 500 headquarters in NJ/NY corridorStrong internship pipeline with major telecom and tech companies
Rowan University — Glassboro, NJ
Key Distinction: Rowan embeds network administration within an engineering school culture, teaching infrastructure design alongside hands-on troubleshooting, with strong ties to regional manufacturing and logistics enterprises.
Hakia Insight: Rowan's engineering school culture means network infrastructure gets taught as a systems design discipline, not just operational troubleshooting—a distinction that explains why its graduates dominate complex deployments in pharmaceutical and logistics networks where infrastructure failures cost millions per hour.
At the master's level, rowan's network administration offerings emerge from a strong engineering school culture—the institution's computer science and engineering programs emphasize systems thinking and infrastructure design, meaning network coursework sits within a broader context of how systems integrate. Rather than siloing networking into standalone classes, Rowan integrates network design across computer engineering, cybersecurity, and systems administration tracks, so students understand how networks support everything from embedded systems to enterprise applications. The program benefits from Rowan's location in South Jersey, a region with significant pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and logistics industries that run complex, mission-critical networks; this creates internship opportunities where students solve real problems in legacy systems modernization and high-availability infrastructure. Faculty typically hold industry certifications and often consult part-time, keeping curriculum current with enterprise practices. Rowan's hybrid and on-campus options make it accessible to both traditional undergraduates and career-changers, with evening and weekend course schedules for working students. The capstone experience often involves collaborating with local employers on actual network design challenges, meaning graduates leave with portfolio pieces demonstrating real-world problem-solving, not just textbook knowledge.
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
- Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: FreeFly Systems.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco Networking Academy Partner
Location Advantages: Access to pharmaceutical industry networks in South JerseyProximity to regional manufacturing and logistics companiesInternship opportunities with mission-critical infrastructure employers
Thomas Edison State University — Trenton, NJ
Key Distinction: Thomas Edison delivers a fully online, asynchronous network administration degree for working professionals, with curriculum aligned to CompTIA and Cisco certifications.
Hakia Insight: Thomas Edison's fully asynchronous master's, explicitly mapped to CompTIA and Cisco certifications, lets working professionals earn degree credit for exam prep rather than treating credentials as post-degree side quests.
At the master's level, thomas Edison's network administration program is built for working professionals who cannot pause their careers—the entire degree is available online and designed around asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule while maintaining full-time employment. This flexibility is the program's defining feature; students aren't attending lectures at fixed times but engaging with recorded content, labs that run on their timeline, and mentorship via office hours and discussion forums. The curriculum covers enterprise network design, security protocols, and systems administration with a practical bent—less theory, more hands-on configuration of real (or virtual) equipment. Thomas Edison partners with CompTIA and Cisco to ensure its content aligns with CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ exam objectives, meaning many students graduate exam-ready and certification-eligible. The university also recognizes that working students often bring real-world scenarios to the classroom; instructors deliberately integrate case studies from actual enterprise troubleshooting and modernization projects. For someone already employed in IT or transitioning into network administration while working a day job, Thomas Edison eliminates the false choice between education and income—a significant advantage over traditional four-year programs that demand campus presence.
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)
- Cisco (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Aligned with CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
- Cisco curriculum partnership
Location Advantages: Online-only model removes geographic barriers
Montclair State University — Montclair, NJ
Key Distinction: Montclair State combines practical hands-on lab experience with regional MSP and corporate partnerships, preparing graduates for immediate network administration roles in growing companies and service providers.
Hakia Insight: Montclair State's direct MSP partnerships mean graduate students troubleshoot real client networks before they graduate, a hands-on immersion that prepares them for immediate technical leadership roles in the high-growth managed services sector.
At the master's level, montclair State's information technology program, which includes network administration pathways, emphasizes applied learning through partnerships with regional IT service providers and corporate infrastructure teams. Students gain hands-on experience configuring production-grade equipment, managing helpdesk ticketing systems, and designing small-to-medium business networks through internships with local managed service providers and corporate IT departments. The program's strength lies in bridging the gap between foundational IT support roles and specialized network engineering—graduates are equally prepared for Network Administrator positions at growing companies or for advancing into specialized security and cloud infrastructure roles. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with firms in the region, bringing real infrastructure challenges into the classroom and ensuring curriculum stays aligned with what employers actually need. For students seeking a practical, employer-responsive program without the research-heavy focus of larger research universities, Montclair delivers a solid technical foundation and strong job placement within the tri-state region's mid-market companies.
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
- Regional managed service providers (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to mid-market technology companies in New Jersey and New YorkConnections with regional managed service providers offering internships and employment
Rider University — Lawrenceville, NJ
Key Distinction: Rider University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rider's Lawrenceville location positions graduates within the New Jersey corporate corridor while maintaining the tuition accessibility of a regional private institution—a combination that attracts working professionals seeking credential advancement without elite-school price tags.
Rider University offers Network Administration programs in Lawrenceville, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus — Teaneck, NJ
Key Distinction: Fairleigh Dickinson's Metropolitan Campus program stands out for its elective flexibility and direct pipeline to tri-state corporate IT operations, allowing students to specialize in growing infrastructure domains.
Hakia Insight: Fairleigh Dickinson's tri-state employer pipeline (JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Verizon) combined with elective flexibility means students can tailor specializations around where they want to work—finance sector traders demand different network skills than telecom infrastructure engineers.
At the master's level, the Metropolitan Campus network administration program is distinguished by its flexibility and integration with Fairleigh Dickinson's extensive corporate partnerships across the tri-state region. Rather than a single rigid pathway, students can tailor their network infrastructure studies through electives in cloud architecture, cybersecurity hardening, and wireless network design—allowing specialization based on emerging sector demands. The curriculum emphasizes vendor-neutral foundational knowledge (TCP/IP, routing protocols, network design methodologies) before advancing into platform-specific technologies including Cisco, Microsoft Azure, and AWS services. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional IT departments, meaning case studies and projects often reflect actual infrastructure problems students will encounter professionally. The program's proximity to Manhattan's finance and media sectors creates distinct opportunities: students can intern at firms managing high-availability networks, giving them resume credentials that distinguish them from peers at schools further from major tech employment centers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Verizon.
Location Advantages: Direct access to Manhattan finance and media sector IT operationsProximity to major telecommunications infrastructure hubsTri-state corporate IT department internship pipeline
New Jersey City University — Jersey City, NJ
Key Distinction: NJCU embeds network administration within a rigorous CS foundation while leveraging proximity to Manhattan's financial and corporate IT ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: NJCU's position directly across from Manhattan's financial district creates an unusually dense network of part-time internship and contract opportunities, letting graduate students test specializations in live trading floor and corporate IT environments before committing career direction.
At the master's level, NJCU's computer science program, which includes network administration coursework, benefits from the university's location directly across from Manhattan and its strong ties to New York and New Jersey's financial, healthcare, and government IT sectors. Students gain exposure to network design, security protocols, and infrastructure management within a broader CS curriculum that emphasizes both systems thinking and cutting-edge technologies. The program's faculty integrate current industry challenges—cloud migration, zero-trust security, remote infrastructure management—into coursework, ensuring students understand not just how networks work but why architectural decisions matter in production environments. NJCU's diverse student body and partnerships with regional employers create internship and job placement pathways into major corporations and institutions that require skilled network professionals. The program values both theoretical depth and practical certifications, positioning graduates for network engineering and infrastructure roles.
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: Direct proximity to Manhattan financial and corporate IT headquartersAccess to New Jersey government and healthcare IT employers
