Network Engineering Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
Network engineering associate's and bachelor's degree programs prepare you for a career in the computer networking field. The coursework in these programs covers a variety of computer systems and networking subjects and teaches you how to install, diagnose and repair various types of networks.
Though the typical requirement for a network engineering position is a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree combined with work experience may qualify you for a position as a network and computer systems administrator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer occupations as a whole are expected to increase faster than average, at a pace of 22% during 2010-2020.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals wanting to enter the technology field | Individuals wanting to become computer network architects |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | Network and computer systems administrator ($71,000)* | Network engineer ($78,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 3-4 years full-time |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or GED | High school diploma or GED |
| Online Availability | Yes | No |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)
Associate's Degree in Network Engineering
Network engineering associate's degree programs teach you the basic skills to work in the computer networking field. These programs typically take 2 years of full-time study to complete, and may prepare you for various product certification exams. Associate's degree programs typically include a few general education subjects in addition to a wide range of core technical subject classes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- May enter the technology field in as little as 2 years
- Much faster than average job growth for network and computer systems administrators (28% growth from 2010-2020)*
- Credits may transfer to a bachelor's degree program
Cons
- Can take up to 4 years of part-time study to complete
- A bachelor's degree is the typical requirement for network engineering positions
- Some employers require additional certification in specific products
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
Coursework in an associate's degree program typically consists of various computer networking, programming and analysis subjects. You might also be required to complete several general education subjects and participate in an internship. Coursework in an associate's degree program may include:
- Computer repair
- Introduction to networking
- Introduction to programming
- Systems analysis and design
Online Info
Online network engineering programs are plentiful, and the coursework is similar to on-campus programs. You might also consider taking some courses online and some on-campus in a hybrid program.
Stand Out with this Degree
Some network engineering associate's degree programs are designed to transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Since the most common requirement for network engineering and other IT-related fields is a bachelor's degree, you may benefit from continuing your education.
You can make yourself more valuable to employers by obtaining professional certification from companies such as Microsoft and Cisco. Some degree programs may prepare you to sit for certification exams either during or immediately following your studies. Being certified shows your commitment to and extensive knowledge of networking techniques.
Bachelor's Degree in Network Engineering
Bachelor's degree programs in network engineering are relatively rare, and you may find information technology programs with an emphasis in network engineering. The programs take around 3-4 years of full-time study to complete, and they typically cover advanced networking, programming, systems management and security subjects. Upon graduation, you might qualify for an entry-level position in the networking field.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can enter the computer networking field in a little as 3 years
- May learn a wide range of IT and networking subjects
- Faster-than-average job growth for network engineers, including information security analysts and web developers (22% growth from 2010-2020)*
Cons
- May compete with master's degree holders for jobs
- Employers may prefer to hire individuals with network certification
- May need 5-10 years of work experience to qualify for a position as a network engineer*
Source: *The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
The coursework in a network engineering bachelor's degree program covers more advanced and in-depth subjects. Depending on the program, you may also be required to complete an internship or capstone project to graduate. Examples of courses in these programs include:
- Network management
- Database administration
- Network design and implementation
- Network security
Online Degree Options
Network engineering bachelor's degree programs are rare in general, and most accredited schools do not offer these programs in an online format. You may want to check with your school to see if they offer individual courses online as part of a hybrid program. Attending an in-person program allows you to obtain hands-on experience in networking tasks.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
To stand out with this degree, consider completing courses in network security and cyber law. These courses can prepare you to incorporate methods to secure networks into your engineering practices. Being knowledgeable about network security may make you more attractive to employers.
