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Director, network operations education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a director, network operations. Directors, network operations usually study business, computer science, or electrical engineering. 65% of directors, network operations hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 2,733 real director, network operations resumes to see exactly what director, network operations education sections show.

The most common colleges for directors, network operations are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online director, network operations courses to help get the education required to be a director, network operations.

There are certain director, network operations certifications that you should consider. These director, network operations certifications include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).

What education do you need to become a director, network operations?

What degree do you need to be a director, network operations?

The most common degree for directors, network operations is bachelor's degree, with 65% of directors, network operations earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 21% and master's degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 65%
  • Master's, 21%
  • Associate, 10%
  • Diploma, 1%
  • Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a director, network operations?

You should major in business to become a director, network operations. 29% of directors, network operations major in business. Other common majors for a director, network operations include computer science and electrical engineering.

Most common colleges for directors, network operations

Directors, network operations often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Southern California. Here are the most common colleges for directors, network operations in the US based on their resumes.
Director, network operations common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix16.19%
University of Maryland - College Park8.27%
University of Southern California6.47%
New York University5.40%
Ohio State University5.40%

Best majors for directors, network operations

RankMajorPercentages
1Business29.2%
2Computer Science10.5%
3Electrical Engineering10.3%
4Management4.6%
5Marketing4.2%

Best colleges for directors, network operations

The best colleges for directors, network operations are Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University.

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

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

3. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

4. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

7. SUNY Stony Brook

Stony Brook, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,625

Enrollment

17,407

8. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

9. University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$13,700

Enrollment

29,722

10. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • Private

In-state tuition

$17,653

Enrollment

16,405

20 best online courses for directors, network operations

Advertising disclosure

1. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102

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Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. Network Transformation 102 covers topics such as VNF Operations & Development, Cryptography, and Hyperscan technology, students will dive into the benefits of Intel hardware and software and explore how to accelerate...

2. Network Installation Fundamentals

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This online course, Network Installation Fundamentals, is your steppingstone to a rewarding career in network technology. By the end of this course, you will be able to understand basic network client management, explain the role of network connection media, and describe the role of virtualization in enterprise networking. Perfect for beginners with no experience, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to network installation, one of the most in-demand skills in the networking field...

3. Basic Cellular Networks Operator Course

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4.5
(2,162)

Basic Fundamentals of Cellular Network Operations...

4. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

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4.4
(1,591)

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

5. Ansible for Network Automation

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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...

6. Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX

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This 8 week online course equips learners with the basics of network virtualization with VMware NSX. To get the most of this course, you should have familiarity with generic IT concepts of routing, switching, firewalling, disaster recovery, business continuity, cloud and security. At the end of the course, you will be able to: • Understand network virtualization basics • Describe NSX business value and use cases • Explain how NSX is different from traditional networking • Summarize networking...

7. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack

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4.5
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Learn Ethical Hacking with Network Security, Sniffing, Subnetting, Networking, Password Cracking & implement Mit M attack...

8. Computer Network: IT Networking Fundamentals 2016

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4.4
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Learn Network and Computer Systems and begin a career with a $66,000 annual salary...

9. Network Support Fundamentals

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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...

10. Analyze Network Traffic with TCPDump

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In this 1 hour guided project, you will learn how to use one of the most versatile Linux networking utilities tcpdump to capture and analyze TCP traffic. Popular among all ranks of networking professionals, tcpdump will definitely empower you in daily networking operations. Basic network experience and shell script basics are highly recommended as prerequisites...

11. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

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4.7
(2,515)

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

12. Ethical Hacking: Network Scan Nmap& Nessus Network Security

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4.6
(1,427)

Scan networks with vulnerabilities by using Nmap& Nessus. Master Cyber Security, ethical hacking, network hacking skills...

13. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 101

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Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. The Network Academy includes a broad collection of online content and technical training aimed to assist technical professionals in the network industry to improve their knowledge of key Intel® technologies, industry...

14. Networking Essentials

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4.5
(618)

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

15. IT Networking Fundamentals For Complete Beginners

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Understand all the IT Networking Fundamentals and learn how the computer network functions...

16. TOTAL: CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-007)

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Everything you need to pass the Comp TIA Network+ Exam (N10-007) from Mike Meyers, Comp TIA expert and bestselling author...

17. Learn the Fundamentals of Networking

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4.5
(313)

Networking is perhaps the most important and useful area of computing to learn when looking for an IT career...

18. Computer Networking Fundamentals

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4.2
(309)

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

19. Certified Network Marketer (Network Marketing & MLM Mastery)

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4.2
(849)

Master direct selling (network marketing , MLM) and unleash your potential for success in business and in life...

20. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

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4.8
(306)

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

Top 10 most affordable universities for directors, network operations

The most affordable schools for directors, network operations are University of Florida, baruch college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for directors, network operations 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 directors, network operations.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

7. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

8. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

9. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

10. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for directors, network operations

The hardest universities for directors, network operations to get into are Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University.

Some great schools for directors, network operations 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 directors, network operations 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. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

6. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

7. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,456

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for directors, network operations

The easiest schools for directors, network operations to get into are D'Youville College, mount saint mary's university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a director, network operations 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 directors, network operations.

1. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

2. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

4. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

5. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

7. Curry College

Milton, MA • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,026

8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,069

9. Marymount University

Arlington, VA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,065

10. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

Average director, network operations salary by education level

Directors, network operations with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $183,463 annually. With a Master's degree, directors, network operations earn a median annual income of $161,669 compared to $146,587 for directors, network operations with an Bachelor's degree.
Director, network operations education levelDirector, network operations salary
Master's Degree$161,669
Bachelor's Degree$146,587
Doctorate Degree$183,463
Some College/ Associate Degree$135,481

Director, network operations education FAQs

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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.

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