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Network security administrator education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a network security administrator. Network security administrators usually study computer science, computer information systems, or business. 62% of network security administrators hold a bachelor's degree, and 23% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 834 real network security administrator resumes to see exactly what network security administrator education sections show.
The most common colleges for network security administrators are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.
There are also many online network security administrator courses to help get the education required to be a network security administrator.
There are certain network security administrator certifications that you should consider. These network security administrator certifications include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
What education do you need to become a network security administrator?
What degree do you need to be a network security administrator?
- Bachelor's, 62%
- Associate, 23%
- Master's, 9%
- High School Diploma, 3%
- Other Degrees, 3%
What should I major in to become a network security administrator?
- Computer Science, 17%
- Business, 9%
- Other Majors, 53%
Most common colleges for network security administrators
| Network security administrator common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| DeVry University | 12.33% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 9.59% |
| Texas A&M University San Antonio | 8.22% |
| University of Phoenix | 6.85% |
| St. Louis | 6.85% |
Best majors for network security administrators
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | 17.0% |
| 2 | Computer Information Systems | 13.2% |
| 3 | Business | 9.3% |
| 4 | Computer Networking | 8.2% |
| 5 | Electrical Engineering | 8.2% |
Best colleges for network security administrators
The best colleges for network security administrators are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.
A network security administrator 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 security administrators. 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 security administrators.
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 network security administrators
Advertising disclosure
1. Juniper Networks Security Fundamentals
The Juniper Networks Security Fundamentals specialization provides students a brief overview of cybersecurity problems and how Juniper Networks approaches a complete security solution with Juniper Connected Security. Key topics include configuration tasks for initial system configuration, interface configuration, security object configuration, security policy configuration, IPsec VPN configuration, and NAT configuration. The specialization delves into foundational knowledge of security objects,...
2. Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals
In this Network Security Fundamentals course you will gain an understanding of the fundamental tenants of network security and review the general concepts involved in maintaining a secure network computing environment. Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to describe general network security concepts and implement basic network security configuration techniques...
3. CCNA Security Real World Labs - Cisco ASA, Network Security
Identify, lock down, and secure vulnerabilities in a small to medium enterprise branch network - real world training...
4. The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security!
Volume 2 : Network Security, Wi Fi Security, Wi Fi Hackers, Firewalls, Wireshark, Secure Networking. + Password Managers...
5. Networks and Communications Security
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...
6. Network Security Support Fundamentals
Explore network security with the Network Security Support Fundamentals online course. Designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of network security, this course is crucial in today's digital world. By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the role of enterprise networks, explain enterprise network security basics, and understand network security operations. Perfect for beginners aiming for a cybersecurity career or professionals looking to enhance their skill set, this...
7. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack
Learn Ethical Hacking with Network Security, Sniffing, Subnetting, Networking, Password Cracking & implement Mit M attack...
8. 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!...
9. Managing Network Security
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...
10. AWS: Network Security, Compliance and Governance
AWS: Network Security, Compliance and Governance is the third course of Exam Prep ANS-C01: AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty specialization. This course will help learners designing and implementing AWS Security and compliance. You will also get a chance to evaluate monitoring strategies in support of security and compliance objectives. Learners will also get a chance to manage, optimize and troubleshoot AWS Network. The course is divided into two modules and each module is further...
11. Ethical Hacking: Network Scan Nmap& Nessus Network Security
Scan networks with vulnerabilities by using Nmap& Nessus. Master Cyber Security, ethical hacking, network hacking skills...
12. Network Security Auditing with nmap
Learn to perform network security scanning with nmap in the right way...
13. DNSSec - Secure DNS
Learn how DNSSec is used to secure and protect DNS...
14. CCIE Security ASA 9.6.1 Deep Dive: Labs
Master Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA). Learn About Cisco ASA OS 9.6.1 in An Easy Way.....
15. The Complete Nmap Ethical Hacking Course: Network Security
Become an expert in the ethical hacking and network security tool Nmap!...
16. CCIE Security v5 by Khawar Butt
CCIE Security Lab Bootcamp...
17. Internet Security: A Hands-on Approach
Network security, attacks on ARP, TCP/IP, DNS, & BGP protocols; Sniffing/Spoofing; Firewall; VPN; How the Internet works...
18. Cisco Network Security Master Class
Learn how to secure Cisco networks...
19. Cybersecurity of Networks from Scratch to Advanced
Computer Networks Security Technologies and Tools for Network Admins and Cyber Security Officers...
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 network security administrators
The most affordable schools for network security administrators 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 network security administrators 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 security administrators.
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 network security administrators
The hardest universities for network security administrators to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.
Some great schools for network security administrators 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 security administrators 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
8%
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
4%
SAT average
1,497
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
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 network security administrators
The easiest schools for network security administrators 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 network security administrator 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 security administrators.
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 network security administrator salary by education level
| Network security administrator education level | Network security administrator salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $92,337 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $79,769 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $89,138 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $80,791 |
Network security administrator education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025