Associate's Network Administration Programs in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg Area Community College — Harrisburg, PA
Hakia Insight: HACC's proximity to Pennsylvania's government agencies and Hershey Medical Center creates a direct pipeline—the state capital's IT infrastructure needs mean your internship site could also become your first employer.
At the associate's level, with Pennsylvania's state capital as your campus backdrop, HACC's network administration program positions you right in the heart of government and corporate IT demand. You'll gain hands-on experience in a dedicated networking lab while building CompTIA A+ and Network+ credentials—certifications that immediately open doors to help desk and junior network technician roles. The program's strength lies in its proximity to state agencies, healthcare systems, and financial institutions actively recruiting associates-level IT professionals. Many graduates land positions with the PA Department of Labor, local hospitals, or move directly into network support roles at regional Fortune 500 companies. If you want to stay rooted in central PA while building a solid IT foundation, HACC's workforce-focused curriculum delivers real job placement outcomes.
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: Pennsylvania Department of Labor, Hershey Medical Center, Capital Blue Cross, Harris Corporation.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University (Harrisburg campus)
- Temple University
- University of Pittsburgh
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Community College of Allegheny County — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Hands-on practice with network administration concepts in Microsoft Windows Server-based LAN environments, with curriculum aligned to ACM Guidelines for Associate Degree Programs to Support Computing in a Networked Environment
Hakia Insight: CCAC's Windows Server-focused labs aligned to ACM guidelines signal rigor; you're not learning networking in isolation but within the standards framework that employers and transfer universities actually recognize.
At the associate's level, the Computer Information Technology program at CCAC offers comprehensive training in computer networking fundamentals, network administration, and IT support. Students learn network design, hardware, operating systems software, data communications, configuration and installation, internetworking, and troubleshooting using Microsoft Windows Server-based LAN environments.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (tech)
- CompTIA (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Northampton County Area Community College — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Northampton County's hands-on Cisco equipment means you troubleshoot actual routers and switches during labs, not simulators—when Air Products or PPL Electric interview you, you've already operated the exact hardware in their data centers.
At the associate's level, NCCC's network administration curriculum emphasizes hands-on Cisco networking equipment experience, giving you direct familiarity with the same routers and switches you'll troubleshoot professionally. The program sits in the Lehigh Valley's robust industrial and healthcare corridor, where demand for network technicians consistently outpaces supply. You'll work toward CompTIA and Cisco entry-level certifications while gaining exposure to both traditional on-premises infrastructure and cloud connectivity—a practical blend that reflects today's hybrid IT environments. Graduates routinely transition into network support roles at regional manufacturers, healthcare networks, and logistics companies. The college's partnership with local employers means you're learning what they're actually hiring for, not abstract theory.
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: Air Products and Chemicals, Coordinated Health, PPL Electric Utilities, Bethlehem Steel (regional manufacturers).
Top Transfer Destinations
- Lehigh University
- Penn State University
- East Stroudsburg University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (foundational)
Community College of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Courses in the program are closely aligned with entry-level professional certifications in computer systems and network administration.
Hakia Insight: Community College of Philadelphia's 2.0 GPA requirement makes entry accessible, but the real advantage is curriculum tied directly to CompTIA and Cisco cert exams—you're earning credentials employers actually verify, not just a degree.
At the associate's level, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Network Administration prepares students for entry-level employment as network and computer systems administrators, who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (tech certification)
- Cisco (tech certification)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: satisfactory completion of appropriate English and mathematics developmental courses if identified as needing them
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Located in Philadelphia with access to major tech companiesStrong transfer partnerships with area universitiesAccess to Philadelphia's growing tech job market
Johnson College — Scranton, PA
Hakia Insight: Johnson College's employer partnerships don't just inform curriculum; they actively shape it, meaning the troubleshooting scenarios you solve in class mirror the actual tickets you'll inherit on day one at regional hospitals or manufacturing plants.
At the associate's level, johnson College's technology programs build on a reputation for technical excellence and direct employer partnerships that shape curriculum. The network administration pathway emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment while preparing students for CompTIA and vendor certifications. Located in Scranton, a region with diverse employers across healthcare, manufacturing, and education, graduates find receptive job markets. Johnson's career services team actively connects students with employers before graduation. The college's focus on practical skill development over purely theoretical learning means you leave with portfolios of real network configurations, not just passing exam scores. If you want a technical education with strong accountability for job placement outcomes, Johnson delivers.
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 hospitals, Manufacturing companies, Educational institutions, Government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- University of Scranton
- Bloomsburg University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Bucks County Community College — Newtown, PA
Key Distinction: Students who complete this program may be prepared to sit for industry certification exams, such as those offered by Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and gain hands-on experience with modern network hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Hakia Insight: Bucks County's hands-on focus on hardware installation and maintenance is deliberate—while cloud roles grow, enterprises still need people who can physically configure and maintain switches and servers, a skillset this program refuses to abstract away.
At the associate's level, the Computer Networking Technology program at Bucks County Community College is an Associate of Applied Science occupational major that enables graduates to qualify for entry-level advanced positions in computer communications. The program can be completed in two academic years of full-time study.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- CompTIA (tech)
Delaware County Community College — Media, PA
Key Distinction: The program provides comprehensive preparation for multiple industry certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft certifications, Cisco CCNA, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), combining hands-on training with theoretical knowledge.
Hakia Insight: Delaware County bundles seven industry certifications into one program (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft, Cisco CCNA, and EC-Council CEH), meaning you emerge not just job-ready but with the credential stack that bypasses the "entry-level paradox" of needing experience to get hired.
At the associate's level, the Network Engineering program at Delaware County Community College is a career-focused Associate in Applied Science degree that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students are trained for employment as networking specialists by learning to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux operating systems, network devices, and security measures.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- CompTIA (certification)
- Microsoft (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- EC-Council (certification)
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft certifications
- Cisco CCNA
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Testout Hybrid Server Pro Core
- Microsoft AZ-800
Laurel Technical Institute — Hermitage, PA
Key Distinction: Laurel Technical Institute offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Laurel Technical Institute's private model allows accelerated, cohort-based scheduling that community colleges often can't match, compressing what might take two years into a faster pathway for students ready to enter the workforce immediately.
Laurel Technical Institute offers Network Administration programs in Hermitage, PA. 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.
Lehigh Carbon Community College — Schnecksville, PA
Hakia Insight: Lehigh Carbon's actual infrastructure in the lab—switches, routers, and servers students configure themselves—creates muscle memory that simulators cannot; Air Products and PPL Electric hiring managers notice the difference between graduates who've only virtualized and those who've actually cabled.
At the associate's level, real infrastructure sits in LCCC's networking labs—students don't just watch demos, they configure actual switches, routers, and servers. This hands-on immersion means you graduate with practical troubleshooting skills employers immediately value. The program targets workforce entry within 2 years, with most graduates stepping into help desk or junior network technician roles at regional manufacturers, utilities, and healthcare providers in the Lehigh Valley. You'll earn CompTIA certifications aligned with industry demand, and the college's location near major employers creates direct pipeline opportunities. Many students complete their associate and immediately land positions; others transfer to four-year programs with significant coursework already completed. The program's reputation rests on producing job-ready technicians, not theory-focused students.
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: Air Products, PPL Electric, Allentown Hospital, Mack Trucks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- Lehigh University
- Temple University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Westmoreland County Community College — Youngwood, PA
Hakia Insight: WCCC's dual-track AS/AAS structure lets students choose between a transfer pathway to a four-year degree or immediate entry into regional IT operations at Excela Health and manufacturing firms—a flexibility that transforms an associate's into either a stepping stone or a terminal credential based on career timing.
At the associate's level, WCCC's network administration curriculum emphasizes the technical depth employers actually demand, covering networking fundamentals, infrastructure configuration, and troubleshooting methodology through hands-on labs. You're earning CompTIA certifications that validate your knowledge to employers while building a portfolio of real network setups. The region's healthcare institutions, educational systems, and mid-sized manufacturers actively recruit associates-level IT professionals, creating genuine job market demand. The program balances theory with hands-on experience—you're not sitting through lectures on technology you'll never touch. Two-year timeline, affordable tuition, and strong regional employer connections make this a straightforward path to a stable IT career without five figures of student debt.
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: Excela Health, Westmoreland County Schools, Manufacturing companies, Regional service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Duquesne University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State Main's 92% placement rate pairs with four specialized labs that give students hands-on infrastructure design experience before graduation, but the real advantage is the ability to earn both technical and business certifications during the degree—a rare bundling that compresses what typically takes 2–3 years post-degree into 4 years of study.
At the bachelor's level, the program offers hands-on experience in 4 specialized computer labs with a strong 92% placement rate. Students gain technical plus business skills for network design, installation, management, and troubleshooting in various organizational settings.
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
- 4 Specialized Computer Labs
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State World Campus's 100% online format doesn't sacrifice depth: students access the same four specialized labs through remote lab environments and U.S. News ranking as their Main Campus peers, making it one of the few fully remote network admin degrees where employers can't distinguish graduates by delivery method.
At the bachelor's level, this 100% online Information Sciences and Technology degree is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and focuses on creating innovative systems and technology solutions across industries. The program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace while gaining skills in designing systems, architectures, and business processes to meet human-centered technology needs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Drexel's co-op model embeds 18–24 months of paid industry experience into the degree pathway, producing graduates with proven hands-on network operations experience.
Hakia Insight: East Stroudsburg's teaching-first faculty model produces graduates who can actually *explain* network decisions to non-technical stakeholders—a soft skill that accelerates promotion into team lead roles, yet it's rarely highlighted because it's harder to measure than lab counts.
At the bachelor's level, drexel's co-op program transforms network administration education from classroom theory into 18–24 months of paid, progressive industry work experience—students alternate quarters between campus and real network operations roles at major employers. This model means graduates don't graduate without having actually managed enterprise networks, designed network segments, or troubleshot production systems under professional supervision. The curriculum itself is designed around co-op readiness, teaching immediately applicable skills in network protocols, hardware configuration, and operations tooling that co-op employers depend on from day one. Drexel's location in Philadelphia and long-standing relationships with financial institutions, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms create a deep well of co-op placements where students work on live infrastructure rather than simulations. Faculty integrate insights from co-op supervisors into course design, creating a feedback loop where instruction stays tightly coupled with employer needs. The combination of structured technical curriculum and extended professional experience means Drexel graduates often step into mid-level network administration or junior architect roles immediately, skipping the typical "learning on the job" period that graduates from traditional programs endure.
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
- Networks and Computing Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Comcast (corporate)
- PNC Financial Services (corporate)
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (nonprofit)
- CIGNA (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Information Systems programs)
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services and healthcare IT hubDirect partnerships with regional Fortune 500 and mid-market employersProximity to East Coast data center corridor
Saint Francis University — Loretto, PA
Key Distinction: Saint Francis weaves organizational strategy and compliance requirements into network administration curriculum, positioning graduates for faster advancement into operations management and IT leadership roles.
Hakia Insight: Saint Francis weaves compliance and organizational strategy into its core curriculum rather than treating them as electives, allowing graduates to step directly into infrastructure decision-making roles instead of spending 2–3 years learning why their designs matter to business outcomes.
At the bachelor's level, saint Francis approaches network administration through a business-informed lens, training students not just to manage networks but to understand how infrastructure decisions affect organizational strategy and cost—a perspective that shapes career trajectories toward network operations management and IT leadership roles. The curriculum weaves together hands-on Cisco labs, security fundamentals, and information systems management, with notable emphasis on compliance (HIPAA, PCI-DSS) driven by the university's location in healthcare-dominant southeastern Pennsylvania and partnerships with health systems. Smaller cohort sizes allow faculty to mentor students individually through capstone projects that often involve real consulting engagements with regional organizations—students graduate having already solved production problems for paying clients. The program attracts career-switchers and traditional students alike, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate working professionals. Outcomes skew toward mid-level operational and architectural roles rather than entry-level positions, suggesting employers view Saint Francis graduates as immediately capable of responsibility and decision-making.
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 healthcare IT systems and health systems infrastructure demandsAccess to compliance-focused organizations in southeastern PARegional internship pipeline in HIPAA-regulated environments
Pennsylvania College of Technology — Williamsport, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn College of Technology's focus on network installation and troubleshooting—rather than just administration—mirrors what hospitals and school districts actually hire for, giving graduates an immediate technical credibility that broader network administration programs often delay until the first IT operations role.
At the bachelor's level, network Administration & Engineering Technology program focuses on designing, installing, managing, and troubleshooting networks. Students gain advanced skills in network installation, monitoring, maintenance, resource allocation, user management, and performance optimization.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Schools, Hospitals, IT companies.
Location Advantages: Corporate partnerships for workforce developmentIndustry connections for internships and job placement
Neumann University — Aston, PA
Key Distinction: Neumann University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Neumann University offers Network Administration programs in Aston, PA. 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.
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania — East Stroudsburg, PA
Key Distinction: East Stroudsburg delivers strong practical network administration fundamentals through teaching-first faculty and accessible labs, at public university cost, without sacrificing modern cloud and infrastructure technology coverage.
Hakia Insight: Neumann's Aston location positions students within the Southeast PA IT services corridor, where regional managed service providers actively recruit from nearby campuses—a geographic advantage that translates into internship pipelines many degree programs lack entirely.
At the bachelor's level, east Stroudsburg's network administration program benefits from its identity as a teaching-focused public institution—faculty prioritize clear instruction and practical skill-building over research productivity, which translates directly into polished curriculum and accessible instruction. The program balances breadth with depth, covering traditional enterprise networking alongside modern cloud infrastructure management, containerization, and software-defined networking. Students engage with current industry platforms through partnerships and lab environments, ensuring they're learning tools actively deployed in production systems rather than legacy technologies. The Poconos location, while geographically removed from major tech hubs, has become an unexpected advantage: it attracts serious students committed to the discipline rather than those coasting on regional proximity to jobs. Career pathways from East Stroudsburg lean toward systems administration, network operations, and IT infrastructure roles in regional organizations and distributed companies. The program's affordability as a public SUNY-system institution means graduates enter the field without crushing debt, positioning them to prioritize meaningful work and professional development over immediate salary maximization.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Affordable public university tuition in Pennsylvania system
Geneva College — Beaver Falls, PA
Key Distinction: Geneva College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Geneva's location in Beaver Falls puts it within striking distance of Pittsburgh's booming tech sector while maintaining small-class instruction that larger regional universities can't replicate, creating a cost-efficiency advantage for students who want proximity without tuition premium.
Geneva College offers Network Administration programs in Beaver Falls, PA. 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.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania — Slippery Rock, PA
Key Distinction: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Slippery Rock's standing as a public STEM-focused institution means its network administration curriculum undergoes regular industry advisory board review, ensuring course content tracks current infrastructure trends faster than private institutions relying on less frequent curriculum cycles.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers Network Administration programs in Slippery Rock, PA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Immaculata University — Immaculata, PA
Key Distinction: Immaculata University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Immaculata's Network Administration program benefits from the university's existing strength in healthcare IT partnerships in the Philadelphia region, giving students internship pathways into one of the highest-paying vertical markets for network operations roles.
Immaculata University offers Network Administration programs in Immaculata, PA. 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 Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's four-college flexibility at the master's level lets network administration students embed research collaborations with Google or Uber partners while completing their degree—transforming a terminal credential into a platform for publication and industry visibility that few peer programs offer.
At the master's level, the programs offer robust, interdisciplinary experience with unique flexibility across four top-ranked colleges at Carnegie Mellon, featuring research opportunities and eligibility for full CyberCorps scholarships. Students can customize their curriculum with specialized tracks like Cyber Forensics and benefit from Pittsburgh's emerging tech ecosystem with major companies like Google and Facebook.
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
- Google (partner)
- Uber (partner)
- Disney (partner)
- Facebook (partner)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSF-funded CyberCorps Scholarship for Service Program
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State World Campus's online master's program is U.S. News ranked alongside traditional formats, yet working professionals can complete it without relocating—a credential equity rare enough that employers often ask graduates to confirm it's the same degree as on-campus cohorts.
At the master's level, this 100% online Information Sciences and Technology degree is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and focuses on creating innovative systems and technology solutions across industries. The program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace while gaining skills in designing systems, architectures, and business processes to meet human-centered technology needs.
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:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Hakia Insight: Pitt's location in Pittsburgh, home to both legacy enterprise IT (U.S. Steel, PNC) and cutting-edge AI infrastructure companies, gives master's students unmatched access to infrastructure modernization projects that balance legacy systems management with cloud-native architecture—the exact challenge senior network architects face.
At the master's level, university of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a comprehensive Network Administration program.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State Main's master's program uses the same four specialized labs as its bachelor's track but deepens them toward enterprise-scale design; graduates report that hands-on infrastructure projects translate directly into senior network engineer job descriptions, compressing typical post-degree advancement timelines.
At the master's level, the program offers hands-on experience in 4 specialized computer labs with a strong 92% placement rate. Students gain technical plus business skills for network design, installation, management, and troubleshooting in various organizational settings.
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
- 4 Specialized Computer Labs
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Drexel's co-op model embeds 18–24 months of paid industry experience into the degree pathway, producing graduates with proven hands-on network operations experience.
Hakia Insight: Drexel's 18–24 month embedded co-op doesn't just add work experience—it front-loads students into paid roles at Comcast and PNC Financial Services before graduation, meaning graduates enter full-time positions already proven on production networks rather than competing on credentials alone.
At the master's level, drexel's co-op program transforms network administration education from classroom theory into 18–24 months of paid, progressive industry work experience—students alternate quarters between campus and real network operations roles at major employers. This model means graduates don't graduate without having actually managed enterprise networks, designed network segments, or troubleshot production systems under professional supervision. The curriculum itself is designed around co-op readiness, teaching immediately applicable skills in network protocols, hardware configuration, and operations tooling that co-op employers depend on from day one. Drexel's location in Philadelphia and long-standing relationships with financial institutions, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms create a deep well of co-op placements where students work on live infrastructure rather than simulations. Faculty integrate insights from co-op supervisors into course design, creating a feedback loop where instruction stays tightly coupled with employer needs. The combination of structured technical curriculum and extended professional experience means Drexel graduates often step into mid-level network administration or junior architect roles immediately, skipping the typical "learning on the job" period that graduates from traditional programs endure.
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
- Networks and Computing Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Comcast (corporate)
- PNC Financial Services (corporate)
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (nonprofit)
- CIGNA (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Information Systems programs)
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services and healthcare IT hubDirect partnerships with regional Fortune 500 and mid-market employersProximity to East Coast data center corridor
Temple University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Temple tailors network administration education for working professionals, prioritizing practical cybersecurity, cloud hybrid architectures, and immediate application to healthcare and education sector infrastructure.
Hakia Insight: Temple's partnership with Philadelphia's major health systems (Jefferson, CHOP, Penn Health) creates a rare advantage: students can specialize in healthcare network infrastructure during coursework and land internships in the exact sector where network reliability directly impacts patient care.
At the master's level, temple's College of Engineering offers network administration training embedded within a broader information technology management degree, designed specifically for working professionals and students balancing education with employment. The program's strength lies in its flexibility—evening and hybrid classes allow students to apply networking concepts immediately in their jobs, creating a tight feedback loop between coursework and real-world infrastructure challenges. Curriculum emphasizes enterprise network design, cybersecurity compliance (HIPAA, PCI-DSS relevant for Temple's Philadelphia location), and cloud networking as students migrate from on-premises systems to hybrid environments. Faculty bring direct industry experience; many teach while maintaining consulting practices, meaning classroom discussions center on actual client problems and solutions rather than theoretical exercises. Temple's connections to Philadelphia's healthcare and education sectors—major network employers in the region—create internship and placement pipelines, particularly for students interested in mission-critical infrastructure roles. Graduates frequently move into network administrator, systems engineer, or IT operations manager positions at regional health systems and universities, where they manage the complex, secure networks these institutions require.
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
- Comcast (corporate)
- Philadelphia health systems (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Comcast.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA pathway
Location Advantages: Philadelphia healthcare IT sectorRegional corporate data center presenceEducation sector IT infrastructure
Geneva College — Beaver Falls, PA
Key Distinction: Geneva College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Geneva College's Beaver Falls location provides direct access to regional manufacturing and petrochemical operations, sectors where network downtime costs millions per hour—ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in high-stakes infrastructure environments.
Geneva College offers Network Administration programs in Beaver Falls, PA. 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.
Gannon University — Erie, PA
Key Distinction: Gannon's cooperative education structure embeds paid industry internships throughout the degree, allowing students to accumulate 12+ months of production experience before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Gannon's 12+ month cumulative co-op model across multiple semesters allows students to rotate through different roles (junior admin → systems engineer → infrastructure designer) at the same employer, building progressive mastery rather than single-semester snapshot experience.
At the master's level, gannon's network administration program thrives on direct industry collaboration and cooperative education (co-op) experiences, where students alternate semesters between classroom and paid internships at major employers—a structure that converts theoretical learning into practiced competency while funding degree completion. The Erie, Pennsylvania location, despite its modest size, anchors Gannon's partnerships with regional manufacturing, petrochemical, and healthcare organizations that operate sophisticated infrastructure and actively recruit Gannon co-op students for permanent roles. The curriculum balances Cisco certification preparation with broader systems thinking, ensuring graduates can troubleshoot, design, and eventually manage complex hybrid environments. Faculty maintain strong industry connections and bring current production challenges into the classroom, creating alignment between what students study and what employers immediately need. This co-op emphasis produces graduates who arrive at their first full-time job having already worked 6–12 months in real network operations environments—an advantage over peers from traditional lecture-only programs.
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: Partnerships with Erie-region manufacturing and petrochemical companiesAccess to healthcare IT infrastructure in northwestern PennsylvaniaCo-op placement network across regional enterprises
Mercyhurst University — Erie, PA
Key Distinction: Mercyhurst University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Mercyhurst's Erie location positions students near the intersection of legacy manufacturing IT infrastructure and emerging cloud adoption, creating demand for network professionals who can bridge older systems with modern architectures.
Mercyhurst University offers Network Administration programs in Erie, PA. 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.
Robert Morris University — Moon Township, PA
Key Distinction: Robert Morris University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Robert Morris University's Moon Township campus sits within Pittsburgh's healthcare and financial services corridor, giving graduates proximity to employers actively investing in network modernization and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Robert Morris University offers Network Administration programs in Moon Township, PA. 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.
