Computer network specialist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer network specialist. Computer network specialists usually study computer science, computer information systems, or information technology. 48% of computer network specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 36% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 512 real computer network specialist resumes to see exactly what computer network specialist education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer network specialists are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

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

There are certain computer network specialist certifications that you should consider. These computer network specialist certifications include CompTIA Network+ and Network 5 Certification.

What education do you need to become a computer network specialist?

What degree do you need to be a computer network specialist?

The most common degree for computer network specialists is bachelor's degree, with 48% of computer network specialists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 36% and associate degree degree at 6%.

Bachelor's, 48%

Associate, 36%

Master's, 6%

Diploma, 5%

Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a computer network specialist?

You should major in computer science to become a computer network specialist. 16% of computer network specialists major in computer science. Other common majors for a computer network specialist include computer information systems and information technology.

Computer Science, 16%

Computer Information Systems, 12%

Information Technology, 12%

Computer Networking, 10%

Other Majors, 50%

Most common colleges for computer network specialists

Computer network specialists often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. Here are the most common colleges for computer network specialists in the US based on their resumes.

Computer network specialist common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	11.32%
DeVry University	9.43%
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology	5.66%
Norfolk State University	5.66%
Morgan State University	5.66%

Show more common computer network specialist colleges

Best majors for computer network specialists

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Computer Science	16.1%
2	Computer Information Systems	12.3%
3	Information Technology	11.9%
4	Computer Networking	10.3%
5	Business	7.3%

Show more common computer network specialist majors

Best colleges for computer network specialists

The best colleges for computer network specialists are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.

A computer network specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer network specialists. 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 computer network specialists.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

4. University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$13,700

Enrollment

29,722

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

6. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

7. North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$9,101

Enrollment

23,708

8. Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ • Private

In-state tuition

$52,202

Enrollment

3,420

9. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

10. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$53,880

Enrollment

6,590

20 best online courses for computer network specialists

Advertising disclosure

1. Computer Hardware and Software

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

2. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

3. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

4.7

(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

4. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

5. Computer Networks Fundamentals

4.6

(487)

Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...

6. Computer Networking Fundamentals

4.2

(309)

Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...

7. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]

4.5

(444)

Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...

8. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

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

9. The World of Computer Networking. Your CCNA starts here

4.6

(1,286)

Learn everything about Internet - Ethernet, IP, Routing, Switching, TCP, UDP, NAT, DHCP and DNS, prepare for CCNA exam...

10. Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies

4.7

(11,987)

Learn the Fundamentals of Computer Networking for Non-Techies...

11. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

4.2

(306)

Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

12. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

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

13. Computer Network: IT Networking Fundamentals 2016

4.4

(254)

Learn Network and Computer Systems and begin a career with a $66,000 annual salary...

14. Networking Essentials

4.5

(618)

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

15. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

4.2

(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

16. Networking Concepts with Socket Programming - Academic Level

4.6

(732)

Networking course with socket programming concepts in depth with TCP/UDP/HTTP Socket Programming for beginners to expert...

17. Introduction to Networking

4.6

(678)

IPv4, Subnetting, DNS, DHCP, IPv6, Routing and Switching...

18. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

4.8

(306)

The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...

19. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access

4.7

(4,916)

Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...

20. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

4.8

(1,422)

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

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer network specialists

The most affordable schools for computer network specialists are Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, hunter college of the city university of new york, and clayton state university.

If the best universities for computer network specialists 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 computer network specialists.

1. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

3. Clayton State University

Morrow, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$5,419

Cost of attendance

17,697

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

5. California State University - East Bay

Hayward, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,983

Cost of attendance

21,371

6. Queens College of the City University of New York

Queens, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,338

Cost of attendance

14,281

7. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Ponce

Mercedita, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,914

Cost of attendance

13,564

8. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Bayamon, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Cost of attendance

13,508

9. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

10. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Barranquitas

Barranquitas, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,902

Cost of attendance

13,479

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer network specialists

The hardest universities for computer network specialists to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for computer network specialists 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 computer network specialists 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. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

5. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

6. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

41%

SAT average

1,412

10. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer network specialists

The easiest schools for computer network specialists to get into are Saint Martin's University, nyack college, and oklahoma wesleyan university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer network specialist 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 computer network specialists.

1. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

2. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

3. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

4. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

5. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

6. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

7. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,148

9. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

10. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

Average computer network specialist salary by education level

According to our data, computer network specialists with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $68,799 annually. Computer network specialists with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $66,235.

Computer network specialist education level	Computer network specialist salary
Master's Degree	$68,799
High School Diploma or Less	$58,764
Bachelor's Degree	$66,235
Some College/ Associate Degree	$59,576

Computer network specialist education FAQs

What is the best college for Computer Network Specialists?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for computer network specialist jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs