Computer Networking Degree (Careers, Benefits, Types, How-to)

Do you enjoy computer Networking and would love to get a degree in the field? Then this article is for you. It will explain everything you need to know about a “Computer Networking Degree”, the career opportunities, benefits, and types.

Computer Networking Degree

A computer networking degree is a degree that enables you to pursue a career in information technology that deals with designing, maintaining, and improving computer networks.

The main focus of the computer networking degree is on the administrative and technical skills needed to design and use computer networks for various goals.

The areas it touches include; multimedia, security, system architecture, programming languages, databases, network administration, and a lot more.

A computer networking degree has vast career opportunities, however, various firms are always looking for IT professionals.

On the other hand, many professional environments are always interested in people who are skillful in designing and managing computer networks, and capable of providing support for different network-related functions.

How long does it take to get a Computer Networking Degree?

The duration of a computer networking degree is normally four years for a bachelor’s degree, and you can pursue the degree in any institution of your choice.

Acquiring a bachelor’s degree in computer networking is a step closer to getting to the master’s degree level. However, you can decide to go for a more technical master’s degree or stick with a master of Business Administration degree.

What is a Computer Network

A computer network is a technology that makes it possible for multiple computers or electronic devices to communicate data electronically. Wide-area networks(WANs) and local-area networks(LANs) are the major types of computer networks.

Computer networks can be operated using internet connections, like, mobile data, WiFi, and Ethernet cables. On the other hand, computer networking is a field that deals with processes of computer networks technology.

These processes of computer networks technology include the following areas; computer repairs and maintenance, computer networks applications, computer development, computer monitoring, analysis, etc.

A computer networking degree gives students all the skills and knowledge they need to work with computer network technology, ranging from installing software installations, repairs, practical upgrades, designs, and applications.

Careers you can pursue with a Computer Networking Degree

Technology can’t be omitted in everyday life. People with great experience and deep knowledge in networking are skilled to manage the continuous discoveries in the computer world.

A degree in computer networking is very important and in high demand in this modern world because it provides people with the knowledge and skills to configure, install, manage, and maintain components of computer network systems.

This involves parts of software applications, programming languages, operating systems, and the rest. However, there are numerous career opportunities in computer networking, they are;

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, create and maintain data communication networks ranging from cloud infrastructures to intranets.

To become a computer network architect, you have to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer networking, information systems, or other related computer networking disciplines like computer engineering.

Getting a master of Business in information systems is also advisable because it offers students the expertise and business skills that are very useful in computer network architect.

Computer network architects work hand in hand with computer systems engineers to assist in building the network they have developed.

Also, a computer network architect can work in computer systems design, finance, insurance, telecommunications, etc.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts do the following;

Researching and evaluating new technologies.
Consultation with clients.
Identifying the organizational needs of IT systems.
Analyzing costs and benefits.
Adding new functionality to systems.
Oversees installations.
Training of users.

Aside from technical skills, computer analysts need other skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, communication skills, writing, creativity, reading, and analytical skills to be more efficient in their work.

Computer systems analysts design new systems to update existing systems. This is done mostly by analyzing costs, the benefits of acquiring new hardware and software, and the necessary time to teach staff how to use it.

To become a computer systems analyst, you have to acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science or any related courses. You also need work experience and can as well earn a master’s degree in other to advance your career.

At the same time, you can apply for any master’s degree program; Master of Business Administration(MBA) in Information Technology, Master of Science(MS) in Software Development.

Computer and information systems managers

They are normally called information technology(IT) managers or IT project managers; their work is to oversee, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

They assist in determining the information technology targets of a firm and are also in charge of the implementation of computer systems to meet those targets.

Major work of computer and information systems manager includes the following:

Analyzing organizational computer needs and recommending possible upgrades for top executives to consider.
Planning and directing the installation of computer software and hardware and their maintenance.
Ensuring that both organization’s network and electronic documents are secured.
Assessment of the costs and benefits of new projects.
Upgrading their organization’s computer systems and learning about new technology useful to the organization.
Computer and Information Technology Managers are responsible for planning and directing the work of other IT professionals.

Types of Computer and Information Systems Managers;

These positions are under a computer networking degree:

Chief Information Officers(CIOs)

They decide the technology targets of a firm and then take care of the technology implementation to meet those set targets. They are also specialized in electronic data processing or information systems.

Chief Technology Officers(CTOs)

They evaluate new technology to find out how it can be useful to the organization. Chief Technology Officers have more technical expertise than Chief Information Officers.

The Chief Technology Officers give feedback directly to the Chief Information Officers. They are in charge of designing and recommending appropriate technology solutions to assist regulation and instruction.

IT Directors

IT Directors take care of an organization’s information technology (IT). They directly oversee the supervision of other employees by making data and network services available.

IT Security Managers

In an organization, IT managers normally take care of the network and data security. They always work hand in glove with top organization’s executives to set security regulations, raise the culture of information and its security across the organization.

IT managers are also responsible for designing programs that will always alert their workers of any security threat. However, they make sure the organization’s security measures are updated at all times.

Network And Computer Systems Administration

Their work is to make provision for technical support for firms that make use of network technology. They also make sure everything in the organization is in order and safe.

To become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, networking, or any other course that deals with computer systems.

Computer Network Support Specialist

They offer support to customers who are having computer-related issues. They also develop components, software, and hardware, like printers, scanners, email, and work processes.

When you call the attention of the IT help desk, you speak with a computer network support specialist.

Considering so many computer-related problems, computer network support specialists may be asked to help solve them; a computer networking support specialist must have vast knowledge in computer networking.

There are lots of career opportunities in this field of study, with a computer networking degree, you can also work as an Application developer, ICT Manager, Network Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Developers, IT Project manager, etc.

Benefits of acquiring Computer Networking Degree

Computer networking plays an important role in our day-to-day lives and helps us get things done easier.

As we all know, technology touches almost every part of living, and it has been so relevant. Below are some benefits of a computer networking degree;

You will have a good knowledge of computer networks, such as testing, switching, penetration, routing, web services, cloud technologies, and windows server configuration.
The degree helps you understand cloud services, IoT, the WAN, and the felicitation of converging technology.
It provides you with numerous career opportunities.
It will teach you methods to keep data flowing in computer networking programs. This involves software and hardware maintenance, system monitoring for potential issues, problem analysis, and resolution planning.
Technology has extended to most of our lives and daily activities, and computer networking jobs are in very high demand.
An expertise in the degree helps to minimize security threats to networks.
It offers the skills to design, implement internet and network applications.
It will give you the potentials to start your own business.
Computer networking improves communication and information availability, facilitates file sharing, increases cost-effectiveness, expands storage capacity, and is extremely versatile.

What to expect in computer networking degree pursuit?

The following are just a few of the things you will encounter in the process of pursuing a degree in computer networking.

Configuration and management of various network technologies and web applications.
Usage of network analysis tools like OPNET and Wireshark.
Usage of optional modules to channel your degree to a particular area of your choice, such as management, security, business, innovation, etc.
CISCO Networking Academy for the acquisition of industry-recognized certifications like CCNP or CCNA.
Challenges or conditions forcing you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world design tasks.
Usage of network laboratory with both in-lab and remote access to many routers and switches in a data center environment.

How to acquire Computer Networking Degree

The major requirements for applying for admission to a US university include; high school diploma, a TOEFL test, proof of financing or funding, a scan of your passport, a letter of recommendation, etc.

Some institutions also ask for SAT when you apply for an undergraduate degree.

The US tuition ranges from over $9000 for community colleges to over $50000 for some top universities, with public universities collecting around $25500.

Conclusion:

Every university in the US has a method that enables aspirants to apply for their degree programs. For any university you want to attend in the US, you should check their website for admission procedures and requirements.

Go through it thoroughly, scan, and submit the necessary documents.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

Computer Networking Degree (Careers, Benefits, Types, How-to)

Computer Networking Degree

How long does it take to get a Computer Networking Degree?

What is a Computer Network