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Network software manager education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a network software manager. Network software managers usually study computer science, computer information systems, or business. 68% of network software managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 14% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 46 real network software manager resumes to see exactly what network software manager education sections show.
The most common colleges for network software managers are the University of Houston and the University of Houston.
There are also many online network software manager courses to help get the education required to be a network software manager.
What education do you need to become a network software manager?
What degree do you need to be a network software manager?
- Bachelor's, 68%
- Master's, 14%
- Associate, 14%
- High School Diploma, 4%
What should I major in to become a network software manager?
- Computer Science, 32%
- Business, 8%
- Other Majors, 44%
Most common colleges for network software managers
| Network software manager common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Houston | 5.00% |
| New York University | 5.00% |
| George Washington University, The | 5.00% |
| Olivet College | 5.00% |
| North Carolina State University | 5.00% |
Best majors for network software managers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | 31.6% |
| 2 | Computer Information Systems | 10.5% |
| 3 | Business | 7.9% |
| 4 | Electrical Engineering | 5.3% |
| 5 | Mathematics | 5.3% |
Best colleges for network software managers
The best colleges for network software managers are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
A network software manager 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 software managers. 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 software managers.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
3. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
5. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
6. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
7. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,530
Enrollment
4,571
8. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
9. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
10. University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$58,230
Enrollment
6,600
20 best online courses for network software managers
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1. Software Defined Networking
In this course, you will learn about software defined networking and how it is changing the way communications networks are managed, maintained, and secured...
2. Software Defined Networking
This course provides an introduction to data center networking technologies, more specifically software-defined networking. It covers the history behind SDN, description of networks in data-centers, a concrete data-center network architecture (Microsoft VL2), and traffic engineering...
3. Software Defined Networking (SDN) Made Simple
Learn about SDN, Open Flow, Mininet, POX Controller, Creating SDN Applications, ovs-ofctl, Custom Topologies & Wireshark...
4. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack
Learn Ethical Hacking with Network Security, Sniffing, Subnetting, Networking, Password Cracking & implement Mit M attack...
5. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102
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...
6. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 101
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...
7. Requirements Engineering: Software Engineering
Everything you need to know about software requirements: elicitation, analysis, documentation, validation and management...
8. Ethical Hacking: Network Scan Nmap& Nessus Network Security
Scan networks with vulnerabilities by using Nmap& Nessus. Master Cyber Security, ethical hacking, network hacking skills...
9. 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...
10. Configure and Test Basic Network Connectivity
Welcome to this guided project about Configuring and Testing Basic Network Connectivity This project is designed for IT security professionals and aspiring network engineers. To succeed in this project, it’s recommended to have a good background in computer networks. A Cisco networking academy ID is also required to use the Packet Tracer in this project. In this project, you will configure and test basic network connectivity by managing configuration on Cisco devices such as IP addresses,...
11. Networking Essentials
Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...
12. 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...
13. Network Function Virtualization
This course covers Network Function Virtualization from the perspective of a systems engineer. It first discusses the proliferation of middleboxes in enterprise networks and the necessity of virtualizing these components just like software applications. It then details several optimizations in operating systems to facilitate efficient networking on virtualized hardware followed by design decisions in user-plane libraries for bypassing the kernel for efficient packet processing. It then covers...
14. Network Installation Fundamentals
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...
15. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals
Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...
16. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics
Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...
17. Software Development: Better Requirements Gathering Skills
Boost Your Software Requirements Gathering Skills Today! Learn The Techniques That Work!...
18. Agile Software Testing
Agile Software Testing: Methodologies and Testing Approaches, Techniques and Tools...
19. Software Architecture Case Studies
Become an even better Software Architect by learning from real-world architecture case studies...
20. Computer Networking Fundamentals
Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...
Top 10 most affordable universities for network software managers
The most affordable schools for network software managers are California State University - Long Beach, baruch college of the city university of new york, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for network software managers 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 software managers.
1. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
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. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
8. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,770
Cost of attendance
21,244
10. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for network software managers
The hardest universities for network software managers to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
Some great schools for network software managers 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 software managers 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. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
3. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
4. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
6. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
7. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
8. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
9. University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,520
10. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for network software managers
The easiest schools for network software managers to get into are Barry University, oklahoma wesleyan university, and la roche college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a network software manager 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 software managers.
1. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
2. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
3. La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
99%
SAT average
1,008
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
6. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
7. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,053
8. University of Houston - Downtown
Houston, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,012
9. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
10. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
Average network software manager salary by education level
| Network software manager education level | Network software manager salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $137,853 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $120,444 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $133,441 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $121,867 |
Network software manager education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025