Post job

Communications network manager education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a communications network manager. Communications network managers usually study business, computer information systems, or electrical engineering. 68% of communications network managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 165 real communications network manager resumes to see exactly what communications network manager education sections show.

The most common colleges for communications network managers are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

There are also many online communications network manager courses to help get the education required to be a communications network manager.

What education do you need to become a communications network manager?

What degree do you need to be a communications network manager?

The most common degree for communications network managers is bachelor's degree, with 68% of communications network managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 15% and master's degree degree at 13%.
  • Bachelor's, 68%
  • Master's, 15%
  • Associate, 13%
  • Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a communications network manager?

You should major in business to become a communications network manager. 22% of communications network managers major in business. Other common majors for a communications network manager include computer information systems and electrical engineering.

Most common colleges for communications network managers

Communications network managers often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Florida, and Colorado Technical University. Here are the most common colleges for communications network managers in the US based on their resumes.
Communications network manager common collegePercentages
DeVry University12.50%
University of Florida12.50%
Colorado Technical University6.25%
University of Phoenix6.25%
Aurora University6.25%

Best majors for communications network managers

Best colleges for communications network managers

The best colleges for communications network managers are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A communications network manager with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for communications network managers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become communications network managers.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

20 best online courses for communications network managers

Advertising disclosure

1. Networks and Communications Security

coursera

Welcome to Networks and Communications Security Course! In the Networks and Communications Security Course, you will learn about the network structure, data transmission methods, transport formats, and the security measures used to maintain integrity, availability, authentication, and confidentiality of the information being transmitted. Concepts for both public and private communication networks will be discussed. Course Objectives 1. Describe network-related security issues 2. Identify...

2. Managing Network Security

coursera

Almost every organization uses computer networks to share their information and to support their business operations. When we allow network access to data it is exposed to threats from inside and outside of the organization. This course examines the threats associated with using internal and external networks and how to manage the protection of information when it’s accessible via networks. In this course, a learner will be able to: ● Describe the threats to data from information communication...

3. Introduction To Telecom Networks: Fixed/Wireless Networks

udemy
4.4
(364)

PSTN, Voice Over IP Systems (Softswitch, IMS), Internet, Mobile/cellular systems, Optical Fiber Systems (OFAN, DWDM)...

4. Communication Skills Masterclass - Your Communication Guide

udemy
4.5
(961)

Communication Skill For Business Communication & Effective Communication In Workplace & Relationships...

5. Network Support Fundamentals

coursera

Dive into the realm of network support with the Network Support Fundamentals course. This online course is meticulously designed to introduce you to the essential skills needed for supporting enterprise networks - one of the most in-demand skill sets in the digital landscape. By the end of this course you will be able to explain network security basics, monitor network performance, and provide essential professional support. Ideal for beginners aiming for an entry-level IT career or current IT...

6. Business Data Management and Communication

coursera

In a world driven by big data, it is crucial to understand how valuable information can be extracted from large volumes of data. Further, it is pivotal to utilize information to its full potential. This not only requires one to extract value from data but also to effectively communicate the information obtained. The Business Data Management and Communication Specialization is tailored to deliver a well-balanced curriculum that focuses on all three aspects - Understanding Data, Extracting...

7. Mastering Modbus RS485 Network Communication

udemy
4.7
(2,951)

Learn how to design, implement and manage the most popular automation networking system in the world...

8. Communication Fundamentals: How To Communicate Better

udemy
4.5
(82,838)

Become an Effective Communicator And Learn How to Get Your Message Across By Learning Communication Fundamentals...

9. Ansible for Network Automation

coursera

This course will train you on the fundamentals of Ansible, an open-source, extensible configuration management tool that streamlines infrastructure management in modern networking environments. You will also learn about Jinja2, a templating language that expands flexibility in automation tasks. Upon completing this course, you will have an essential understanding of Ansible and its application to network automation, enabling you to effectively automate network tasks and improve network...

10. Networking Essentials

udemy
4.5
(618)

Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...

11. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

udemy
4.7
(2,515)

Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...

12. 5G Mobile Networks: Modern Wireless Communication

udemy
4.2
(555)

5G Technology is the 5th generation of Cellular Telecommunications Systems based on IEEE 802.11ac standard. ​...

13. CAN & LIN communication protocols  and AUTOSAR

udemy
4.2
(389)

Automotive Communication Protocols:CAN and LIN (Controller Area Network and Local Interconnect Network)...

14. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

udemy
4.8
(1,422)

Learn how to design, build and troubleshoot Modbus TCP/IP client-server networks...

15. Communication Skills every Manager should Master

udemy
4.4
(3,456)

Powerful Communication Techniques to better Delegate, Communicate Decisions, Change Resistance, Say No & Admit Mistakes...

16. Winning With Communication - Master Communication Skills

udemy
4.4
(539)

Communication Training Course - Develop True Communication Mastery!...

17. Advanced Product Management: Leadership & Communication

udemy
4.5
(2,424)

Accelerate your Product Management career. Master communication, people management, & leadership...

18. How to Program an Arduino for CAN bus Network Communication

udemy
4.5
(269)

Learn how to build and program Arduino hardware to implement CAN bus network communication...

19. Communications for New Managers

udemy
4.5
(2,809)

Learn from an Emmy-Award Winner and a #1 Linked In Instructor on developing effective leadership communications skills...

20. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

udemy
4.4
(1,591)

Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...

Top 10 most affordable universities for communications network managers

The most affordable schools for communications network managers are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for communications network managers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for communications network managers.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

10. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for communications network managers

The hardest universities for communications network managers to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for communications network managers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for communications network managers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,422

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for communications network managers

The easiest schools for communications network managers to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a communications network manager without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for communications network managers.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

8. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

9. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

10. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

Average communications network manager salary by education level

According to our data, communications network managers with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $97,602 annually. Communications network managers with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $93,020.
Communications network manager education levelCommunications network manager salary
Master's Degree$97,602
High School Diploma or Less$79,947
Bachelor's Degree$93,020
Some College/ Associate Degree$81,347

Communications network manager education FAQs

Search for communications network manager jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs