If you’re a techie who fell into IT by chance and have made a career of it, you may want to consider pursing a network degree. Network systems and data communications specialists, also known as network architects, design, run, and maintain all types of networks and data communications systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, and intranets. By definition, network systems administrators are also strongly tied to network and information security. A network degree may move you up from computer support specialist to a supervisory or management role with much more prestige and higher pay.

Depending on where you live and what type of company you work for, certification or an associate-level network degree may boost you into network management roles. For jobs with this level of responsibility, however, most employers prefer network architects to have a bachelor’s-level network degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). Network degree programs hone your expertise in analyzing business needs, modeling networks, and designing network solutions that may include hardware, wireless adapters, and cables.

MIS programs place more emphasis on business computing, but also include general business and management education. Some companies that are moving their business to the Internet look for professionals who have MBAs with a concentration in information science.

Network Degree Related Careers

Skilled network degree professionals are in demand to configure technology networks that may span anything from three rooms in a small company to a global business enterprise with worldwide offices. A network degree can prepare you for a career as a network architect, network administrator, network analyst, or self-employed network consultant.

What’s the Job Outlook?

If you’re good at IT, network administration is a red-hot career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that job opportunities for network architects will more than double between 2006 and 2016. An increasing number of network architects work as self-employed consultants.

How much does it pay?

Robert Half Technology, an IT recruiting agency, is advertising network administrator, network engineer, and systems administrator jobs with salaries between $55,000 and $130,000 a year.

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