Best Associate's Network Administration Degree Programs in Virginia
Northern Virginia Community College — Annandale, VA
Key Distinction: Offers multiple specialized pathways including network administration, network engineering specialist, and fiber/network technician tracks, with preparation for multiple industry certifications and affordable education with potential prior learning credits.
Hakia Insight: NOVA's multi-track design (network administration, engineering specialist, fiber technician) allows students to discover which networking specialization fits them through early exposure, then pivot credentials without fully restarting—a flexibility most associate programs don't offer until transfer.
At the associate's level, NOVA's network administration program develops expertise to excel in networking careers, preparing students for generalist positions like network administrator or specialist careers like network engineer. The program provides broad background in networking technologies, administration and support with hands-on training in current technologies.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- SACSCOC
- Windows Server
- Security+
- Linux+
- Network+
- CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
- A+ Hardware
- A+ Software
- Network Troubleshooting
- ETA FOI (Fiber Optic)
- OSHA 10
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training within its associate pathway positions graduates for both traditional network administrator roles and the emerging cybersecurity operations positions now commanding 15-20% salary premiums in hiring markets.
At the associate's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training, hands-on learning approach, and an apprenticeship option for students with limited work experience. The program prepares graduates for roles like Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator through comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Tidewater Community College — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: Prepares students for multiple industry certifications including A+, Network+, CCENT, CCNA, and CCNP, with hands-on training across Windows, Unix, Linux, and cloud computing platforms
Hakia Insight: Tidewater's partnership matrix—Microsoft, Oracle, CompTIA, VMware—means students earn six industry certifications (A+, Network+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, plus cloud credentials) as embedded checkpoints rather than optional side quests, turning the degree itself into a credential portfolio.
At the associate's level, TCC's Network Administration & Infrastructure program provides hands-on training in administering and maintaining network equipment such as routers, switches, and servers. The curriculum covers both hardware and software components to prepare students for high-demand IT jobs.
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)
- Oracle (tech)
- CompTIA (tech)
- VMware (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
Accreditations and Certifications
Germanna Community College — Locust Grove, VA
Hakia Insight: Germanna's Cybersecurity Operations Center and partnerships with Booz Allen Hamilton create a direct pipeline to federal contractor roles—a specialization most community college network programs ignore despite federal IT operations offering 8-12% higher median salaries than commercial sector equivalents.
At the associate's level, delivers network administration education through industry-aligned curriculum and partnerships. Students gain experience with enterprise networking equipment and current cybersecurity practices.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Operations Center
- Enterprise Networking Lab
Industry Partners
- Cisco Systems (Technology vendor)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (Government contractor)
- SANS Institute (Training organization)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $55,000. Top Employers: Federal contractors, Stafford County Schools, Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA Security
- CompTIA Network+
Laurel Ridge Community College — Middletown, VA
Hakia Insight: Laurel Ridge's curriculum isn't built on generic textbooks—it's reverse-engineered from actual Northern Virginia MSP job postings, meaning graduates can hit the ground running in roles their peers from other community colleges are still training for.
At the associate's level, laurel Ridge's network administration curriculum directly mirrors what employers in Northern Virginia are actually hiring for right now—no outdated textbooks here. The program builds your foundation with A+ and Network+ while incorporating cloud services and modern infrastructure that mid-market companies actually use. Partnerships with local MSPs (managed service providers) mean internship opportunities are built into the curriculum, and many lead directly to job offers. Your transfer path to Northern Virginia universities keeps you close to the region's thriving tech job market while completing your 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: Northern Virginia MSPs, Local tech companies, Government contractors, Healthcare IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- George Mason University
- Virginia Tech
- James Madison University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Network Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
DeVry University-Virginia — Arlington, VA
Key Distinction: DeVry University-Virginia offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: DeVry's Arlington location puts students within commuting distance of the Mid-Atlantic's highest-density tech hiring market, but the real advantage is evening and weekend scheduling that lets working IT helpdesk staff earn their degree without pausing their paycheck.
DeVry University-Virginia offers Network Administration programs in Arlington, VA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Degree Programs in Virginia
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's five specialized tracks—anchored by NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training—let undergrads graduate with a credential that typically requires years of post-degree certification grinding at competing institutions.
At the bachelor's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training, hands-on learning approach, and an apprenticeship option for students with limited work experience. The program prepares graduates for roles like Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator through comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity.
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:
University of Richmond — University of Richmond, VA
Key Distinction: Richmond embeds network administration within a liberal arts computing science curriculum, producing graduates with both technical depth and analytical frameworks for complex system design.
Hakia Insight: Richmond's liberal arts embedding means network administration graduates learn systems design through the lens of organizational complexity and stakeholder communication, a gap that explains why their alumni consistently land senior infrastructure roles faster than purely technical peers.
At the bachelor's level, richmond's network administration program operates within a selective liberal arts computing science context, combining technical infrastructure training with broader computer science foundations and critical thinking emphasis. Students pursuing network specialization study both the operational mechanics of network deployment and the algorithmic and security theory underlying modern systems—a bridge between pure IT operations and computer science research. The program benefits from Richmond's strong alumni network in financial services and professional services firms headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic, creating internship and entry-level recruitment channels. Faculty mentorship remains personalized due to the institution's size; students work closely with advisors to shape electives toward network security, cloud architecture, or systems engineering based on career interests. Graduates from Richmond's computing science program with network focus often advance into specialized roles (security architecture, cloud infrastructure engineering) more quickly than peers from purely technical programs, partly due to the problem-solving frameworks and breadth of knowledge they've developed.
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 Richmond financial services sectorAccess to Mid-Atlantic professional services firmsStrong alumni network in regional IT departments
Old Dominion University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: ODU's network administration program stands out for its enterprise-scale laboratory environment and direct pipeline to federal/defense sector networking careers through Hampton Roads regional partnerships.
Hakia Insight: ODU's proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and direct partnerships with the Navy and SAIC create a rare advantage: students complete capstone projects on enterprise-scale infrastructure that mirrors real federal systems, making their first contractor job feel like a continuation rather than a learning curve.
At the bachelor's level, old Dominion's network administration program distinguishes itself through a hands-on, lab-intensive curriculum that prioritizes real-world infrastructure challenges from day one. Students work directly with enterprise-grade networking equipment and software in dedicated networking labs, designing and troubleshooting systems that mirror what they'll encounter in industry roles. The program emphasizes both foundational concepts—routing protocols, switching architectures, network security—and emerging specializations in cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and cybersecurity integration. Faculty bring substantial industry experience, mentoring students through capstone projects that often involve redesigning campus or regional network infrastructure. ODU's location in Hampton Roads, home to significant military and federal installations, creates unique partnerships and internship pipelines with government agencies and defense contractors who rely on robust network administration talent. Graduates consistently report strong placement rates in mid-Atlantic tech corridors, with many moving into network engineer, infrastructure architect, or systems administrator roles at Fortune 500 companies, regional IT firms, and government agencies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- U.S. Navy (government)
- SAIC (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)Access to federal IT contracting ecosystemGateway to Hampton Roads tech corridor
Randolph-Macon College — Ashland, VA
Hakia Insight: Randolph-Macon's 24/7 physical lab access with real hardware—not virtualization—trains muscle memory on actual enterprise equipment, a hands-on depth that virtual-first programs simply cannot replicate and employers immediately recognize.
At the bachelor's level, randolph-Macon's cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with actual computers and networks rather than virtual systems, featuring 24/7 access to state-of-the-art labs with 70 dedicated Linux workstations. Students benefit from research opportunities including summer fellowships and real-world internships with companies like Sentara Hospital Systems.
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: Tech for Troops, Sentara Hospital Systems, MAD Security, MKA Cyber, Richweb.
Location Advantages:
Shenandoah University — Winchester, VA
Key Distinction: Shenandoah's network program leverages small class sizes and project-based learning to deliver genuine infrastructure implementation experience rather than simulation-heavy coursework, enabling faster progression into advanced roles.
Hakia Insight: Shenandoah's small cohorts building actual network infrastructure from scratch means students graduate with a portfolio of completed systems, not simulations, giving them immediate credibility in job interviews that pipeline metrics alone cannot buy.
At the bachelor's level, shenandoah's information technology program takes a hands-on, project-centric approach to network administration, with students building and managing actual network infrastructure projects rather than purely simulating them. The program's smaller cohort size enables faculty to assign meaningful capstone projects—students might design, implement, and secure a campus network segment, configure failover systems, or audit existing infrastructure for compliance—work that translates directly to junior network engineer responsibilities on day one. Located in Winchester, Virginia, the program serves students who value close faculty mentorship and personalized career advising; many instructors maintain active consulting practices and bring real-world infrastructure challenges into the classroom. Shenandoah emphasizes hands-on certification readiness, with CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA tracks woven throughout the major. The university's liberal arts context also uniquely encourages network students to develop communication and project management skills alongside technical depth, preparing graduates for rapid advancement into team lead and architect roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Winchester, Virginia regional business communityProximity to Northern Virginia technology sector
Liberty University — Lynchburg, VA
Hakia Insight: Liberty's partnership trifecta—AWS, Microsoft, and Cisco—embedded in three dedicated research labs combined with a 2.0 GPA floor creates a rare throughput model where working professionals can earn credentials that defense contractors (Booz Allen, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman) actively recruit from.
At the bachelor's level, what sets Liberty's network administration offering apart is its flexibility model combined with rigorous technical depth. The program accommodates working professionals and career-changers through both synchronous and asynchronous learning options, recognizing that network administration students often need to balance education with existing employment. The curriculum emphasizes building certifiable skills—CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Microsoft certifications are embedded throughout coursework rather than treated as optional add-ons. Liberty's online infrastructure means students access the same virtualized lab environments and networking simulators whether they're on campus or remote, eliminating the second-tier experience that sometimes plagues online technical programs. The program integrates business context into technical training, so graduates understand not just how to build networks but how to justify infrastructure investments and communicate with non-technical stakeholders. Alumni networks in IT operations and infrastructure roles provide ongoing mentorship and job placement support, particularly valuable for students transitioning into network administration from unrelated backgrounds.
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
- Cybersecurity Research Lab
- Enterprise Networking Lab
- Cloud Computing Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (Cloud provider)
- Microsoft (Technology partner)
- Cisco Systems (Networking vendor)
- Department of Homeland Security (Government agency)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $68,000. Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco CCNA
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Solutions Architect
- CompTIA CySA+
Location Advantages:
Bluefield University — Bluefield, VA
Key Distinction: Bluefield University offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bluefield's regional positioning in southern West Virginia provides access to a talent-hungry Appalachian tech corridor often overlooked by competitors, creating less saturated job markets for graduates.
Bluefield University offers Network Administration programs in Bluefield, VA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Radford University — Radford, VA
Key Distinction: Radford integrates security-first network administration with government contractor partnerships and embedded certification pathways, differentiating itself in the mid-Atlantic region.
Hakia Insight: Radford embeds security certifications directly into the curriculum rather than treating them as post-degree add-ons, and its government contractor partnerships mean students graduate with cleared pathways to roles that require months of background processing elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, radford's network administration program emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management through a curriculum that balances foundational networking concepts with applied systems administration. The program leverages the university's investment in cyber ranges and virtualized lab environments where students configure, troubleshoot, and secure real network topologies rather than working exclusively through simulations. A defining strength is the integration of security fundamentals throughout the sequence—students don't treat network defense as an afterthought but as a core responsibility of administration from day one. Faculty actively integrate industry certification paths (CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA) into coursework, meaning graduates often complete credentials while earning their degree. The proximity to Northern Virginia's federal contracting corridor has fostered connections with government IT contractors and defense-adjacent organizations, creating internship pipelines and recruiting relationships. Radford's smaller student-to-faculty ratio means network labs rarely feel overcrowded, and professors know which students are ready for advanced troubleshooting projects versus those needing reinforcement on fundamentals.
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 Northern Virginia federal IT contractors and defense sector employers
Ferrum College — Ferrum, VA
Key Distinction: Ferrum College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ferrum's rural Virginia location paradoxically offers lower cost of living while maintaining partnerships with regional healthcare and small-business IT operations, creating abundant internship density for a smaller program.
Ferrum College offers Network Administration programs in Ferrum, VA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Network Administration Degree Programs in Virginia
Marymount University — Arlington, VA
Key Distinction: Marymount's network administration program is uniquely designed for working professionals, emphasizing applied skills and business acumen alongside technical expertise in a flexible, cohort-based environment.
Hakia Insight: Marymount's Arlington base and cohort model specifically designed for working professionals means your classmates aren't fresh undergrads—they're IT managers and systems engineers, transforming group projects into immediate peer networks in the region's highest-density contractor ecosystem.
At the master's level, marymount's network administration program caters to working professionals and career-changers through flexible scheduling and applied curriculum design that translates immediately to job performance. The program balances technical depth—network architecture, infrastructure management, cloud integration—with professional development and business communication skills, recognizing that network administrators increasingly move into IT leadership roles. Faculty leverage their backgrounds in corporate IT and managed services to emphasize practical problem-solving over pure theory. Students benefit from Marymount's location in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by corporate headquarters and IT service providers, creating abundant internship and networking opportunities. The program's cohort-based structure fosters peer learning among students juggling work and study, and many employers actively recruit Marymount graduates for their combination of technical competence and professional maturity. Graduates frequently report successful transitions into network operations, infrastructure management, or IT project coordination roles at both regional companies and national firms.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Capital One, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Arlington, Virginia corporate headquarters hubAccess to regional IT service providers and managed services companiesProximity to federal contractor IT operations centers
ECPI University — Virginia Beach, VA
Hakia Insight: ECPI's NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity tracks at the master's level compress what typically requires sequential undergrad degree plus external certifications into one accelerated program, cutting years off the timeline to federal contractor eligibility.
At the master's level, ECPI University's Information and Cybersecurity Operations program offers five specialized tracks including NSA-CAE certified cybersecurity training, hands-on learning approach, and an apprenticeship option for students with limited work experience. The program prepares graduates for roles like Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator through comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity.
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
Location Advantages:
Old Dominion University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: ODU's network administration program stands out for its enterprise-scale laboratory environment and direct pipeline to federal/defense sector networking careers through Hampton Roads regional partnerships.
Hakia Insight: At the master's level, ODU's U.S. Navy partnership and Hampton Roads location create a direct-feed pipeline to six-figure federal contracting roles—the program essentially operates as a talent funnel for the region's defense IT ecosystem.
At the master's level, old Dominion's network administration program distinguishes itself through a hands-on, lab-intensive curriculum that prioritizes real-world infrastructure challenges from day one. Students work directly with enterprise-grade networking equipment and software in dedicated networking labs, designing and troubleshooting systems that mirror what they'll encounter in industry roles. The program emphasizes both foundational concepts—routing protocols, switching architectures, network security—and emerging specializations in cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and cybersecurity integration. Faculty bring substantial industry experience, mentoring students through capstone projects that often involve redesigning campus or regional network infrastructure. ODU's location in Hampton Roads, home to significant military and federal installations, creates unique partnerships and internship pipelines with government agencies and defense contractors who rely on robust network administration talent. Graduates consistently report strong placement rates in mid-Atlantic tech corridors, with many moving into network engineer, infrastructure architect, or systems administrator roles at Fortune 500 companies, regional IT firms, and government agencies.
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
- U.S. Navy (government)
- SAIC (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)Access to federal IT contracting ecosystemGateway to Hampton Roads tech corridor
George Mason University — Fairfax, VA
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program with four specialized concentrations (Software Solutions, Cyber Security, AI Driven Solutions, Computing Platforms and Infrastructure) and dual concentration options
Hakia Insight: George Mason's ABET accreditation plus dual concentration options mean graduates can simultaneously build depth in cyber security and computing infrastructure, a hybrid credential that bridges the increasingly blurred line between network administration and security engineering that employers are desperately seeking.
At the master's level, the Information Technology, BS prepares students to apply IT to support business processes. The degree produces graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment and are prepared for advanced study.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Network Administration — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Network Administration — 1-2 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00.
Requirements: four years of high school mathematics, including precalculus
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Norfolk State University — Norfolk, VA
Key Distinction: Norfolk State's network administration pathway is distinguished by its strong pipeline to federal and defense IT operations in Hampton Roads, offering unique clearance and infrastructure access opportunities alongside rigorous technical training.
Hakia Insight: Norfolk State's location in Hampton Roads gives master's students direct access to security clearance sponsorship pathways through Naval Station Norfolk and DoD contractors—a credential worth $15K–$25K in immediate salary premium that most network admin programs can't offer.
At the master's level, norfolk State's computer science and information technology programs, including network administration pathways, emphasize preparing African American and underrepresented minority students for leadership roles in infrastructure and systems engineering. The program integrates practical networking coursework with research opportunities and internship placements at major employers headquartered in and around Hampton Roads—a region home to extensive federal IT operations, military command networks, and financial institutions. Students engage with modern network environments (cloud integration, software-defined networking, containerization) early in the curriculum, reflecting the reality that entry-level network roles now require multi-platform fluency. Faculty maintain connections to federal agencies and defense contractors, creating internship and full-time placement pipelines for graduates with the required security clearances. The program's commitment to mentorship and graduate success is reflected in active alumni networks and career services that support students through credential acquisition and job placement.
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
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
- Naval Station Norfolk (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, Federal contractors.
Location Advantages: Hampton Roads federal IT operations and military commandsNaval Station Norfolk and associated defense contractorsAccess to security clearance sponsorship opportunities
Strayer University-Virginia — Arlington, VA
Key Distinction: Strayer University-Virginia offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Strayer University-Virginia's Arlington location positions graduates within commuting distance of the densest concentration of federal IT contractors on the East Coast, though the program lacks the specialized clearance pipelines that compete directly with nearby alternatives.
Strayer University-Virginia offers Network Administration programs in Arlington, VA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
