Best Associate's Network Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Fox Valley Technical College — Appleton, WI
Hakia Insight: Fox Valley's employer base—Oshkosh Corporation, ThedaCare, Appleton schools—represents manufacturing and healthcare corridors where network infrastructure directly supports production lines and patient care, giving graduates deep domain knowledge competitors from urban tech hubs simply don't possess.
At the associate's level, fox Valley's network administration program taps into the northeast Wisconsin manufacturing and healthcare corridor—sectors that desperately need skilled network professionals. You'll train on industry-standard equipment and pursue certifications that employers in Appleton and surrounding communities actively seek. The program emphasizes both IT infrastructure fundamentals and practical troubleshooting, preparing you for immediate help desk or junior admin positions. Many graduates move into roles with regional manufacturers, healthcare networks, or school IT departments, while transfer partnerships with UW-Oshkosh and UW-Green Bay offer a ladder upward if you decide 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: Appleton Area School District, ThedaCare Health System, Oshkosh Corporation, Appleton Manufacturing firms, Regional healthcare networks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- System Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Milwaukee Area Technical College — Milwaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: MATC's lab-first approach gains leverage from its employer roster (Johnson Controls, Fiserv, Aurora): students troubleshoot the exact network topologies these companies run, meaning technical interviews feel like conversations with colleagues rather than strangers asking theoretical questions.
At the associate's level, you'll build real-world skills in MATC's hands-on labs where networking isn't theoretical—it's live infrastructure you configure yourself. The program emphasizes both Cisco routing/switching and CompTIA certifications, positioning you for immediate help desk and junior admin roles across Milwaukee's healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors. Many students complete their associate degree while earning industry credentials, then transition into four-year programs at UW-Milwaukee or jump directly into network technician positions at regional tech firms. MATC's location in Wisconsin's largest metro means job placement rates are solid, with employers actively recruiting from their capstone projects.
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: Aurora Health Care, Johnson Controls, Charter Communications, Fiserv, Milwaukee Public Schools.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- Marquette University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Madison Area Technical College — Madison, WI
Hakia Insight: Madison Area's placement into UW System and Wisconsin State IT creates an unusual pathway—government IT roles typically require lengthy background checks and security vetting, yet the program's direct pipeline means graduates navigate that process through institutional relationships rather than cold applications.
At the associate's level, MATC's network administration path gives you direct access to Madison's booming tech and government IT sectors—your classmates graduate into positions at the UW System, state agencies, and tech startups that fuel the region's economy. The curriculum balances vendor certifications with practical networking skills, and you'll work in modern labs configured like real enterprise environments. Many graduates bridge into UW-Madison or UW-Stevens Point after their associate degree, while others move straight into junior admin roles with state government IT departments or private tech companies. The program's advisory board includes local IT directors, so course content stays aligned with what employers actually hire for.
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: University of Wisconsin System, State of Wisconsin IT, Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, Madison Public Schools.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- System Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Gateway Technical College — Kenosha, WI
Hakia Insight: Gateway's Kenosha location between Milwaukee and Chicago metro areas creates geographic arbitrage: students can job-hunt across two major metros without relocating, while Snap-on's manufacturing presence means local employers need network engineers who understand industrial systems, not just corporate IT.
At the associate's level, gateway's network administration program benefits from its Kenosha location between Milwaukee and Chicago—you're positioned near major employers in both metros who recruit network professionals. The curriculum combines CompTIA and Cisco certifications with practical infrastructure skills, and you'll graduate job-ready for help desk and junior admin positions. Many students leverage Gateway's transfer partnerships with UW-Parkside or move directly into roles with regional healthcare systems, school districts, or manufacturing firms. The college's advisory relationships with employers mean the program stays current with actual hiring needs, and internship placements often convert to permanent positions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Network Administration — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Kenosha Unified School District, Aurora Health Care, Kenosha County government, Snap-on Inc., Regional manufacturing and healthcare employers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Waukesha County Technical College — Pewaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: WCTC's position between Milwaukee and Madison connects students to Rockwell Automation and Charter Communications—employers whose network infrastructure spans manufacturing automation and broadband delivery, creating demand for administrators who understand both industrial protocols and residential-scale deployment.
At the associate's level, WCTC's network administration curriculum sits in a strategic location between Milwaukee and Madison, connecting you to major employers across both metros who actively recruit from their program. You'll complete hands-on labs, earn industry certifications, and benefit from advisory board input from companies like Rockwell Automation and regional healthcare systems. The college's partnerships with four-year institutions mean your associate degree is recognized as a solid transfer credential, or you can step directly into help desk and junior network roles with employers throughout southeast Wisconsin. Job placement is strong because the program's technical focus aligns with what regional IT departments actually need.
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: Rockwell Automation, Waukesha County government, ProHealth Care, Waukesha Public Schools, Charter Communications.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Chippewa Valley Technical College — Eau Claire, WI
Hakia Insight: CVTC's employer roster—Mayo Clinic Health System, Xcel Energy, and State of Wisconsin agencies—signals that graduates land infrastructure roles managing mission-critical systems from day one, not help-desk rotations.
At the associate's level, if you want hands-on networking experience in a smaller, tight-knit setting, CVTC's program delivers real infrastructure work without the anonymity of larger programs. You'll earn CompTIA and Cisco certifications while working through networking fundamentals, then move into internship positions with regional employers in Eau Claire and western Wisconsin. The college's strong relationships with healthcare systems, school districts, and manufacturing firms mean networking students often have job offers before graduation. Transfer pathways to UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout are well-established, or many graduates step into network technician roles immediately and advance within their organizations.
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: Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire Area School District, Xcel Energy, State of Wisconsin agencies, Regional manufacturing firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College — Green Bay, WI
Hakia Insight: NWTC's Green Bay footprint positions students in a region where Schneider Electric and Bellin Health System create steady demand for network technicians without the oversupply competition of urban tech hubs.
At the associate's level, NWTC's Green Bay location puts networking graduates in front of employers across Door County, the Fox Valley, and beyond—a region with steady demand for IT infrastructure support in healthcare, paper manufacturing, and government sectors. The program emphasizes hands-on Cisco and CompTIA preparation, and you'll work through real networking scenarios in the college's labs. Many students earn their associate and immediately transition into help desk or junior admin roles with major regional employers, while others use their degree as a pathway to UW-Green Bay or other four-year programs. The college's industry connections mean internship opportunities are common and often lead to job offers.
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: Bellin Health System, Green Bay Area School District, City of Green Bay, Schneider Electric, Regional paper and manufacturing companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- System Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Moraine Park Technical College — Fond du Lac, WI
Hakia Insight: Moraine Park's placement into Oshkosh Corporation and Mercy Health System reflects a program design that trains for the specific infrastructure scale and sector mix of its regional labor market, not generic entry-level roles.
At the associate's level, moraine Park's networking program thrives on strong connections with employers across the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh areas—companies that need entry-level network techs but can't always find qualified candidates locally. You'll earn CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications while mastering hands-on infrastructure skills in modern lab environments. Graduates typically move into help desk and junior network roles with regional manufacturers, healthcare systems, and school districts, though transfer agreements with UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point keep your options open for a four-year degree. The program's smaller cohorts mean you get individualized feedback and strong employer networking opportunities.
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: Oshkosh Area School District, Fond du Lac County government, Oshkosh Corporation, Mercy Health System, Regional manufacturing facilities.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
- Microsoft Server certifications
Location Advantages:
Western Technical College — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: Western Technical College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Western Technical College's La Crosse location serves a regional market with healthcare and manufacturing demand, positioning graduates for stable infrastructure roles in mid-sized organizations.
Western Technical College offers Network Administration programs in La Crosse, WI. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Northwood Technical College — Rice Lake, WI
Key Distinction: Northwood Technical College offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Northwood Technical College's Rice Lake location anchors students in a region where manufacturing and healthcare IT infrastructure creates consistent demand for network technicians.
Northwood Technical College offers Network Administration programs in Rice Lake, WI. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Stout — Menomonie, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Stout's program uniquely combines applied, certification-aligned curriculum with active industry partnerships in the Minneapolis-St. Paul tech corridor and faculty with current hands-on enterprise experience.
Hakia Insight: UW-Stout's proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul corridor combined with AWS and Azure partnerships means students build cloud infrastructure skills while competing for internships in one of the Upper Midwest's largest tech employment markets.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Stout's network administration program distinguishes itself through an applied, hands-on curriculum that bridges theoretical networking concepts with real-world infrastructure management. The program emphasizes practical certifications—students routinely pursue CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Microsoft certifications alongside their coursework, ensuring graduates enter the job market with both degree credentials and industry-recognized qualifications. What sets this program apart is its focus on teaching students to think operationally: beyond just configuring routers and switches, students design resilient networks, troubleshoot complex connectivity issues, and manage security protocols in live lab environments that mirror enterprise-grade systems. The curriculum incorporates hands-on experience with virtualization technologies, cloud networking platforms (AWS, Azure), and network security fundamentals—areas that align directly with current employer demands in the Midwest and beyond. UW-Stout's location in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region provides proximity to a robust tech corridor, and the program maintains active partnerships with regional IT service providers and corporate IT departments, creating internship and job placement pipelines. Faculty bring direct industry experience, with many maintaining current certifications and consulting relationships, meaning classroom instruction reflects current best practices rather than outdated textbook material. Graduates report strong placement rates in network administrator, systems engineer, and IT infrastructure roles, with many advancing to network architect positions within 3–5 years. The program's smaller cohort size—typical of UW-Stout's teaching-focused model—means students receive mentorship and lab support that larger state universities often cannot match, making it an ideal choice for students who thrive with direct faculty interaction and structured, outcome-focused technical training.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- AWS (Amazon Web Services) (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Program aligns with CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA pathway
- Microsoft certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul tech corridorRegional IT service provider partnershipsAccess to Midwest corporate IT departments and internship opportunities
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Whitewater integrates cybersecurity fundamentals throughout network administration curriculum rather than as an optional add-on, creating security-conscious infrastructure professionals.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater embeds security across its entire network curriculum rather than siloing it as an elective, producing graduates who can architect systems with threat modeling built in from day one—a rare advantage at the bachelor's level.
At the bachelor's level, the network administration program at UW-Whitewater distinguishes itself through its dual emphasis on enterprise-scale infrastructure AND cybersecurity-integrated design, recognizing that modern network administrators must understand threat landscapes as deeply as topology. Rather than treating security as a separate module, the curriculum weaves threat modeling, access control, and secure architecture into every major lab assignment—students design networks knowing they must defend them. The program's location in Whitewater provides unexpected advantage: proximity to both Milwaukee's major healthcare and financial sectors (30 minutes south) and Madison's government and tech ecosystem (45 minutes north) creates dual recruitment pipelines and internship markets. Faculty expertise spans network operations, cloud infrastructure transitions, and IT governance, with several holding CISSP or CCIE credentials. A standout feature is the capstone project requirement, where students architect, deploy, and secure a multi-site network simulation involving real devices and realistic failure scenarios. Graduates enter roles as network administrators, network security specialists, or infrastructure engineers with notably strong foundational security thinking compared to graduates from more purely operational programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Johnson Financial Group (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Epic Systems, UW Health, Charter Communications, State of Wisconsin IT.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee healthcare/finance and Madison government/tech sectorsAccess to internships across two major Wisconsin tech markets
Herzing University-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing embeds industry certifications (Security+, Network+, CCNA) directly into degree requirements rather than offering them as electives, compressing time-to-credential for working professionals.
Hakia Insight: Herzing-Madison's requirement that Security+, Network+, and CCNA become degree components—not optional electives—compresses credential stacking into a four-year timeline, letting graduates enter roles requiring multiple certifications without additional post-degree study.
At the bachelor's level, herzing's network administration curriculum prioritizes hands-on certifications and direct industry alignment, embedding CompTIA Security+, Network+, and Cisco CCNA preparation directly into degree coursework rather than treating them as supplements. The program structure emphasizes rapid credential attainment—students emerge with both a degree and industry-recognized certifications that employers actively seek. Faculty maintain active industry consulting relationships, bringing real-world infrastructure challenges into the classroom. The school's career services team works closely with regional healthcare IT departments and financial institutions to create internship pipelines, giving students practical experience in securing and managing mission-critical networks. For working professionals, Herzing's flexible scheduling accommodates full-time employment alongside studies, making the program particularly accessible to career-changers entering network administration from adjacent IT roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Network Administration — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages: Madison healthcare and financial services IT job market
Herzing University-Kenosha — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing University-Kenosha offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Herzing University-Kenosha positions students in a corridor between Milwaukee's finance/healthcare IT demand and Chicago's tech market, expanding internship reach beyond a single regional cluster.
Herzing University-Kenosha offers Network Administration programs in Kenosha, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Herzing University-Brookfield — Brookfield, WI
Key Distinction: Herzing University-Brookfield offers comprehensive Network Administration programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Herzing University-Brookfield's Milwaukee suburb location puts students within commuting distance of Epic Systems and UW Health, two of Wisconsin's largest IT employers.
Herzing University-Brookfield offers Network Administration programs in Brookfield, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Network Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Whitewater integrates cybersecurity fundamentals throughout network administration curriculum rather than as an optional add-on, creating security-conscious infrastructure professionals.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater's master's curriculum integrates security throughout rather than treating it as a specialization, creating infrastructure architects who can lead enterprise security redesigns—a skillset command premium compensation in healthcare and finance sectors where the school's top employers operate.
At the master's level, the network administration program at UW-Whitewater distinguishes itself through its dual emphasis on enterprise-scale infrastructure AND cybersecurity-integrated design, recognizing that modern network administrators must understand threat landscapes as deeply as topology. Rather than treating security as a separate module, the curriculum weaves threat modeling, access control, and secure architecture into every major lab assignment—students design networks knowing they must defend them. The program's location in Whitewater provides unexpected advantage: proximity to both Milwaukee's major healthcare and financial sectors (30 minutes south) and Madison's government and tech ecosystem (45 minutes north) creates dual recruitment pipelines and internship markets. Faculty expertise spans network operations, cloud infrastructure transitions, and IT governance, with several holding CISSP or CCIE credentials. A standout feature is the capstone project requirement, where students architect, deploy, and secure a multi-site network simulation involving real devices and realistic failure scenarios. Graduates enter roles as network administrators, network security specialists, or infrastructure engineers with notably strong foundational security thinking compared to graduates from more purely operational programs.
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
- Johnson Financial Group (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Epic Systems, UW Health, Charter Communications, State of Wisconsin IT.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee healthcare/finance and Madison government/tech sectorsAccess to internships across two major Wisconsin tech markets
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: UW-La Crosse teaches network administration within broader systems thinking context, emphasizing architectural understanding over vendor-specific skills.
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse teaches network design through systems thinking rather than device configuration, a distinction that matters: graduates advance into infrastructure leadership roles at Gundersen and Mayo Clinic where architectural perspective drives career trajectory.
At the master's level, UW-La Crosse's network administration program benefits from the university's historically strong computer science department and takes a methodical approach to building infrastructure professionals who understand both technical depth and systems thinking. The curriculum sequences networking courses to build conceptual understanding first—how routing protocols actually solve forwarding problems, why certain architectures scale and others don't—before diving into configuration syntax, which means graduates can adapt across vendor platforms throughout their careers. The program integrates network administration with the broader systems administration context; students learn how networks interact with storage infrastructure, virtualization platforms, and cloud services rather than treating networking as isolated from the broader IT operations ecosystem. UW-La Crosse's position on the Mississippi River in a region with growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors creates internship and employment pathways in hospitals and industrial automation companies. A notable program strength is the faculty's engagement with open-source infrastructure tools (Linux, open networking projects), giving students familiarity with non-proprietary alternatives increasingly common in cloud and edge computing environments. Graduates enter positions as network administrators, systems administrators, or infrastructure engineers with particular strength in troubleshooting and architectural decision-making.
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
- UWL Policy Research Network
Industry Partners
- Gundersen Health System (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic, regional healthcare and manufacturing.
Notable Faculty
- David Kim — Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Location Advantages: Proximity to Gundersen Health System and regional healthcare sectorConnections to Upper Midwest manufacturing and industrial automation
University of Wisconsin-Platteville — Platteville, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Platteville embeds industry certifications directly into degree requirements and leverages manufacturing/utility partnerships for authentic hands-on experience.
Hakia Insight: UW-Platteville's direct partnerships with Alliant Energy and Rockwell Automation let students manage real industrial control networks and utility infrastructure during studies—experience that typically requires years of on-the-job work elsewhere.
At the master's level, UW-Platteville's network administration program emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management and real-world systems deployment, giving students direct experience with enterprise-grade networking environments before graduation. The curriculum balances theoretical networking fundamentals with practical certifications—students typically complete CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and related credentials as embedded milestones rather than optional add-ons. A distinctive feature is the program's partnership with regional manufacturing and industrial firms, where students design and troubleshoot network solutions for actual business challenges; this applied approach means graduates enter the workforce already familiar with production environments and industrial control systems, a significant differentiator in Wisconsin's manufacturing sector. The faculty bring extensive systems administration backgrounds, and the program maintains active collaboration with IT departments across UW System institutions, creating internship and entry-level placement pathways. Capstone projects typically involve network redesign or security hardening for real client organizations, and the school's location in southwestern Wisconsin provides proximity to both Madison's tech corridors and Chicago's broader IT market.
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
- Alliant Energy (corporate)
- Rockwell Automation (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Alliant Energy, Rockwell Automation, local Wisconsin manufacturers.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Cisco CCNA pathway
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages: Proximity to Wisconsin manufacturing and industrial firmsAccess to UW System internship networkRegional distance to Madison and Chicago tech hubs
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Stevens Point emphasizes troubleshooting methodology and systematic problem-solving for diverse infrastructure environments, with particular strength in education and government sector networks.
Hakia Insight: UW-Stevens Point's deep ties to Wisconsin K-12 and state government IT departments create a master's program explicitly built for the education and public sector infrastructure environment, not generic enterprise scenarios.
At the master's level, UW-Stevens Point's network administration pathway reflects the university's broader strength in applied computer science education—the program prioritizes depth in network fundamentals and architectural thinking over breadth of tangential tools. The curriculum is structured around progressive complexity: students begin with single-device configuration and routing concepts, advance through multi-site WAN design and failover scenarios, and culminate in designing infrastructure for real organizational challenges. What distinguishes this approach is the explicit focus on troubleshooting methodology and systematic problem-solving rather than memorization of commands; graduates develop the diagnostic thinking that translates across different vendor platforms and technologies. The program maintains working relationships with regional school districts and state agencies, creating internship opportunities where students manage actual production networks supporting K-12 education and government operations—higher-stakes, real-consequence environments that build professional maturity. Faculty include individuals with extensive experience in educational technology infrastructure, an often-overlooked specialty that requires balancing user support with limited budgets and older legacy systems. For students interested in infrastructure roles within education, government, or nonprofit sectors—where network administration work has particular visibility and impact—this program's specific strengths in those domains provide clear advantage.
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
- Wisconsin Department of Education (government)
- Portage County School Districts (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Wisconsin state agencies, school district IT departments, regional healthcare.
Location Advantages: Strong relationships with Wisconsin K-12 and state government IT departmentsCentral Wisconsin location serving education and government sector networks
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Green Bay's network administration program uniquely anchors its curriculum in regional mid-market IT infrastructure, preparing students for the prevalent employer size in Wisconsin rather than enterprise-only scenarios.
Hakia Insight: UW-Green Bay's curriculum centers on mid-market IT infrastructure—the employer size that dominates Wisconsin's actual labor market—rather than enterprise-only case studies, making graduate skills immediately deployable in the regional job market.
At the master's level, UW-Green Bay's network administration program emphasizes applied learning through its partnership with regional manufacturing and healthcare organizations, giving students real-world infrastructure challenges to solve before graduation. The curriculum balances foundational networking concepts with hands-on experience in enterprise systems management, cybersecurity implementation, and cloud infrastructure—areas where local employers consistently report talent shortages. What distinguishes this program is its focus on the mid-market sector: students work with actual network configurations from companies with 500–5,000 employees, which means graduates enter the job market already familiar with the scale and complexity they'll encounter at most Wisconsin employers. Faculty bring practitioner experience from IT operations roles, and the program maintains close relationships with regional IT leaders who frequently guest-lecture and mentor capstone projects. Students pursuing network administration here graduate with portfolio work from real deployments, giving them a competitive edge in technical interviews and a clear understanding of career progression from junior administrator to network engineer to infrastructure architect.
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: Proximity to regional manufacturing hubs in Northeast WisconsinRelationships with healthcare network operators in Green Bay area
