Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Computer networker education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a computer networker. Computer networkers usually study computer science, electrical engineering, or computer networking. 45% of computer networkers hold a bachelor's degree, and 35% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 208 real computer networker resumes to see exactly what computer networker education sections show.
The most common colleges for computer networkers are the Western Washington University and the Western Washington University.
There are also many online computer networker courses to help get the education required to be a computer networker.
What education do you need to become a computer networker?
What degree do you need to be a computer networker?
- Bachelor's, 45%
- Associate, 35%
- Master's, 6%
- High School Diploma, 6%
- Other Degrees, 8%
What should I major in to become a computer networker?
- Computer Science, 19%
- Computer Networking, 14%
- Other Majors, 42%
Most common colleges for computer networkers
| Computer networker common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Western Washington University | 5.00% |
| South Florida State College | 5.00% |
| University of Houston | 5.00% |
| New York University | 5.00% |
| Adelphi University | 5.00% |
Best majors for computer networkers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | 19.0% |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering | 15.2% |
| 3 | Computer Networking | 14.3% |
| 4 | Information Technology | 9.5% |
| 5 | Business | 4.8% |
Best colleges for computer networkers
The best colleges for computer networkers are Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and Northeastern University.
A computer networker 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 networkers. 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 networkers.
1. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
2. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
4. Minnesota State University - Mankato
Mankato, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$8,184
Enrollment
11,675
5. University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$19,080
Enrollment
19,127
6. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,522
Enrollment
13,760
7. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,646
Enrollment
5,736
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,832
Enrollment
4,550
10. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
20 best online courses for computer networkers
Advertising disclosure
1. Fundamentals of Computer Network Security
This specialization in intended for IT professionals, computer programmers, managers, IT security professionals who like to move up ladder, who are seeking to develop network system security skills. Through four courses, we will cover the Design and Analyze Secure Networked Systems, Develop Secure Programs with Basic Cryptography and Crypto API, Hacking and Patching Web Applications, Perform Penetration Testing, and Secure Networked Systems with Firewall and IDS, which will prepare you to...
2. 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...
3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking
For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...
4. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support
Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...
5. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support
Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...
6. Computer Networking Fundamentals
Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...
7. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics
Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...
8. Computer Networks Fundamentals
Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...
9. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]
Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...
10. Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies
Learn the Fundamentals of Computer Networking for Non-Techies...
11. Computer Network: IT Networking Fundamentals 2016
Learn Network and Computer Systems and begin a career with a $66,000 annual salary...
12. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians
Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...
13. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting
Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...
14. The World of Computer Networking. Your CCNA starts here
Learn everything about Internet - Ethernet, IP, Routing, Switching, TCP, UDP, NAT, DHCP and DNS, prepare for CCNA exam...
15. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure
The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...
16. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...
17. IT Networking Fundamentals For Complete Beginners
Understand all the IT Networking Fundamentals and learn how the computer network functions...
18. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals
Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...
19. Convolutional Neural Networks in Python: CNN Computer Vision
Python for Computer Vision & Image Recognition - Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) - Keras & Tensor Flow 2...
20. Networking Essentials
Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...
Top 10 most affordable universities for computer networkers
The most affordable schools for computer networkers are California State University - Long Beach, brigham young university, and california state university - bakersfield.
If the best universities for computer networkers 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 networkers.
1. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
3. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,238
Cost of attendance
21,567
8. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Cost of attendance
21,302
10. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,770
Cost of attendance
21,244
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer networkers
The hardest universities for computer networkers to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and Northeastern University.
Some great schools for computer networkers 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 networkers 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. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
2. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
3. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
4. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
5. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
6. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
7. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
8. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
9. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
10. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer networkers
The easiest schools for computer networkers to get into are Capitol Technology University, pennsylvania state university - altoona, and oregon institute of technology.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer networker 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 networkers.
1. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD • Private
Admissions rate
69%
SAT average
1,070
2. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Altoona, PA • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,094
3. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
4. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
5. Linfield College
McMinnville, OR • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,117
6. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
7. Portland State University
Portland, OR • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,111
8. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
9. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,062
10. Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Reading, PA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,107
Average computer networker salary by education level
| Computer networker education level | Computer networker salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $80,838 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $69,544 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $77,959 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $70,460 |
Computer networker education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.
Search for computer networker jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025