Network architect education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a network architect. Network architects usually study computer science, electrical engineering, or business. 60% of network architects hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,064 real network architect resumes to see exactly what network architect education sections show.

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

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

There are certain network architect certifications that you should consider. These network architect certifications include CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).

What education do you need to become a network architect?

What degree do you need to be a network architect?

The most common degree for network architects is bachelor's degree, with 60% of network architects earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 18% and associate degree degree at 16%.

Bachelor's, 60%

Associate, 18%

Master's, 16%

Diploma, 3%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a network architect?

You should major in computer science to become a network architect. 21% of network architects major in computer science. Other common majors for a network architect include electrical engineering and business.

Computer Science, 21%

Electrical Engineering, 18%

Business, 9%

Computer Information Systems, 8%

Other Majors, 44%

Most common colleges for network architects

Network architects often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland - College Park, and DeVry University. Here are the most common colleges for network architects in the US based on their resumes.

Network architect common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	12.87%
University of Maryland - College Park	9.90%
DeVry University	8.91%
Texas A&M University	5.94%
Georgia Institute of Technology	5.94%

Show more common network architect colleges

Best majors for network architects

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Computer Science	21.3%
2	Electrical Engineering	18.4%
3	Business	9.1%
4	Computer Information Systems	8.3%
5	Information Technology	6.2%

Show more common network architect majors

Best colleges for network architects

The best colleges for network architects are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.

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

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,832

Enrollment

4,550

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

4. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Enrollment

24,841

8. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

9. Minnesota State University - Mankato

Mankato, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$8,184

Enrollment

11,675

10. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$3,926

Enrollment

9,835

20 best online courses for network architects

Advertising disclosure

1. Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX

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...

2. Cloud-Based Network Design & Management Techniques

This 2-part eLearning course builds an understanding of modern cloud-network design and management techniques, crystalizing lofty ideas of "cloud" and "edge" so you can embrace the latest industry trends and best-practices. A successful modern network architect requires a keen understanding of business requirements, network components, and the challenges of architecting good solutions. In the 1-hour Aruba Modern Cloud Network Design course you’ll get a high level overview of key network design...

3. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

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

4. General Networking - wireless, routers, firewalls, Cisco NAS

4.4

(740)

Port forwarding? Dynamic DNS? Home NAS Server? Slow Wireless? Learn how to fix your home nework. Includes 802.11ac!...

5. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

(604)

Learn how to write powerful network applications...

6. 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...

7. Design & Deploy an Enterprise WiFi Network

(250)

Design, Deploy, & Maintain a Wi Fi Network for any industry and any building type...

8. Cisco ASA Firewall Training

4.3

(617)

This course will cover functionality , setup, configuration, troubleshooting and Failover of Cisco ASA Firewall...

9. Virtual Private Networks for beginners - VPN, Cisco training

4.2

(1,671)

Learn how VPN works and discover protocols like PPTP, L2TP, IPSec and SSL. Build your own VPN network at home. Security...

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

4.5

(444)

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

11. IT Networking Fundamentals For Complete Beginners

4.5

(1,697)

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

12. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

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

13. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

4.8

(1,422)

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

14. Python Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

(458)

Python Networking Programming is simple for beginners, powerful for the pros. Use it to create tools, sockets and more...

15. TCP/IP Training Video A Definitive & Easy To Follow Course

4.3

(906)

Essential TCP/IP Training Course For Professionals Who Manages Servers, Networks Or Any Other Network Connected Device...

16. CCNA Security Real World Labs - Cisco ASA, Network Security

4.4

(359)

Identify, lock down, and secure vulnerabilities in a small to medium enterprise branch network - real world training...

17. Java Network Programming - Mastering TCP/IP: CJNP+ 2023 JVA

4.4

(422)

Learn Java network programming by practical example applications You will develop Client Server,GUI Chat and other apps...

18. Introduction to Networking 2 Hour Crash Course

4.6

(4,667)

Learn the basics of IP, Ethernet, VPNs, WANs, DHCP, DNS, and more with no prior knowledge required...

19. 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...

20. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!

4.6

(16,367)

Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...

Top 10 most affordable universities for network architects

The most affordable schools for network architects are California State University - Long Beach, california state university - bakersfield, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for network architects 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 network architects.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

6. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

8. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

9. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for network architects

The hardest universities for network architects to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.

Some great schools for network architects 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 network architects 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

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

4. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,520

5. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,516

6. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

7. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

8. California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,566

9. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,461

10. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for network architects

The easiest schools for network architects to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, capitol technology university, and pennsylvania state university - altoona.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a network architect 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 network architects.

1. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona

Altoona, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,094

4. Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,072

5. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

6. Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

1,086

7. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

8. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

9. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

10. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

Average network architect salary by education level

According to our data, network architects with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $118,608 annually. Network architects with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $114,409.

Network architect education level	Network architect salary
Master's Degree	$118,608
High School Diploma or Less	$102,131
Bachelor's Degree	$114,409
Some College/ Associate Degree	$103,469

Network architect education FAQs

What is the best college for Network Architects?

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

Search for network architect 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

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