Computer Systems Networking and Administration
Overview
Programs in computer systems networking and administration prepare people to manage linked systems of computers and devices.Programs in computer systems networking and administration prepare people to design, implement, and run linked systems of computers and devices. Students learn to evaluate security needs and develop safeguards. They also learn to manage computer usage.
Computer systems networking and administration programs include topics such as:
- Computer hardware and software
- Local area (LAN) and wide-area (WAN) networking
- Networking theory and solutions
- Operating systems and applications
- Information systems security
- Outage control
- Problem diagnosis
Concentrations
In computer systems networking and administration programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Networking and telecommunications
- System administration
- System, networking, and LAN/WAN management
- Computer security
Schools
Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in computer systems networking and administration. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in computer systems networking and administration. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in computer systems networking and administration. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Installation and Repair
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Systems Technology
- Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
- Informatics
- Management Information Systems
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Information Security Analysts
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Computer Programmers
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Validation Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
For admission to specialized certification courses and programs, you usually are required to have taken several courses in computer programming and general computer science. Depending on the certification you are seeking, you may need a degree in the field or networking experience.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
- Computing Systems
- Network Technology
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Computer and Network Security
- Computer Architecture
- Computer User Support
- Data and Computer Communications
- Database Administration
- Internet and World Wide Web
- Introduction to Computer and Network Administration
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- Network and Systems Repair
- Operating Systems
- Peripheral Installation
- Programming Languages
- System Analysis and Design
- Unix Programming
- Wide Area Networks (WAN)
Things to Know
It is common for employers to require you to have a bachelor's degree in computer network systems administration to gain entry-level work in the field.
Certificate programs in computer network systems administration are often available. These are usually for people who already have a bachelor's degree in a related field and have professional computer experience.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Cisco Networking Academy
- Network Support Specialist
- Systems Administration
Central Washington University
- Information Technology & Administrative Management--Cybersecurity
- Information Technology & Administrative Management--Innovation through IT
- Information Technology & Administrative Management--Network Administration and Management
Job Corps - Columbia Basin
- Computer Networking--Cisco
Walla Walla Community College
- Networking
Wenatchee Valley College
- Computer Technology--Network Administration
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Cisco Support Technician
- Information Systems and Technology--Cyber Security & System Administration Concentration
- Microsoft Network Support
- Network Services & Computing Systems
Cascadia College
- Network Engineer
- Networking Infrastructure Technology
City University of Seattle
- Applied Computing
- Computer Science
- Information Security
- Information Technology
Edmonds Community College
- Computer Information Systems--Cisco Networking
- Computer Information Systems--Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics
- Computer Information Systems--Cyber Security Specialist
- Computer Information Systems--Digital Forensics
- Computer Information Systems--Information Security
- Computer Information Systems--Intermediate Cisco Networking
- Computer Information Systems--Network Technology
- Computer Information Systems--Requirements Analysis
- Computer Information Systems--Server Administration
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Everett
- Cybersecurity Management and Policy
- Information Assurance
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Renton
- Cybersecurity Management & Policy
- Information Assurance
Everett Community College
- Computing Technician
- Networking Specialist
- Systems Specialist
Everett Community College (East County Campus)
- Information Technology
Green River College
- Information Technology Systems & Security
- Information Technology--Advanced Networking Administration & Security
- Information Technology--Fundamentals
- Information Technology--Network Administration & Security
Highline College
- CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCENT
- Digital Forensics & Protection
- Information Systems Project Coordinator--Networking Specialization
- LAN Operation & CISCO CCENT Track
- Microsoft Network and Cisco CCNA
- Network Scripting and Automation
- Network Security and Cisco CCNA
- Network Security Engineer
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Computer Security and Network Technology
- Computer Security and Network Technology--Network Support Technician
North Seattle College
- CISCO Certified Network Associate
- IT Controlled Electronic Systems
- Linux Networking and Security
- Microsoft Windows Network Administration
- Network & Server Administration
- Programming & IT Network Support
Renton Technical College
- Computer Network Architecture
- Computer Network Technology
Seattle Central College
- Information Technology--Network Design & Administration
- Information Technology--Network Design & Administration--CISCO
- Information Technology--Networking
TLG Learning
- CISCO CCNA/CCNP Routing and Switching
- Citrix Programs
- CompTIA Certified Professional A+ Certificate
- CompTIA Certified Professional LInux+ Certificate
- CompTIA Certified Professional Network+ Certificate
- F5 Networks Programs
- Juniper Programs
- MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional)
- MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
- MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)
- MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)
- MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
- Red Hat: Enterprise Linux
- VMware
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Computer Information Systems--Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Computer Information Systems--Cyber Security
- Computer Information Systems--IT Networking
- Computer Information Systems--Linux Operating Systems Support
- Computer Information Systems--Network Support Technician
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Cisco Network Certificate I
Park University - Fairchild AFB
- Information & Computer Science
Spokane Community College
- Network Design & Administration
- Network Design & Administration--CISCO Networking
- Network Design & Administration--LINUX/UNIX Networking
- Network Design & Administration--Microsoft Networking
- Network Design & Administration--Networking Essentials
Spokane Falls Community College
- Computer and Network Support
- Computer Forensics/Network Security
- Cyber Security
- Information Technology--Advanced Cyber Defense
- Information Technology--Basic Cyber Defense
- Information Technology--Intermediate Cyber Defense
Whitworth University
- Computer Science--Network Systems Option
Statewide and Distance Learning
WGU Washington
- Cloud & Systems Administration
- Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
- Information Technology Management
- Network Operations & Security
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College
- CompTIA/MCP/CISCO Certification Training
- Computer Networking Systems Technician
Bates Technical College (Central/Mohler Campus)
- Computer Networking Systems Technician
- Information Technology Specialist
Clover Park Technical College
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security Professional
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Server Administrator
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Advanced Cyber Incident Responder
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Cisco Network Design & Security
- Computer Networking & Information Systems Security--Computer & Communications Security
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Cybersecurity Management & Policy
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
- Computer Network Engineering
Pierce College Puyallup
- Business Analysis
- Computer Network Engineering
- Computer Systems Administration
Tacoma Community College
- Network Support
- Networking and Cyber Security
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Computer Science--Network & Security
- Computer Science--Network Administrator
- Cyber Security
Vancouver Area
Charter College--Vancouver
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Networking Systems
Clark College
- Cisco Technician
- Cisco Technologies
- Microsoft Technician
- Network Technologies
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Computer Network Support
- Computer Networking
- Network Management
Centralia College
- Information Technology
Job Corps - Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
- Computer Network Technician Plus
Northwest Indian College
- Information Technology
Peninsula College
- Information Technology--Systems Administration
Skagit Valley College
- Computer Network Technician
South Puget Sound Community College
- Cybersecurity & Network Administration
Western Washington University
- Cybersecurity
Whatcom Community College
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Information Systems--Information Security Professional
- Computer Information Systems--Network Administration
- IT Networking--Cybersecurity
Yakima Area
Perry Technical Institute
- Information Technology & Communication Systems
Yakima Valley College
- Information Technology Networking--System Administration
- Information Technology--Cisco Networking
- Information Technology--Network Administrator
Yakima Valley College (Grandview)
- Information Technology Networking--System Administration