Network support manager education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a network support manager. Network support managers usually study business, computer science, or electrical engineering. 67% of network support managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 388 real network support manager resumes to see exactly what network support manager education sections show.

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

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

There are certain network support manager certifications that you should consider. These network support manager certifications include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA).

What education do you need to become a network support manager?

What degree do you need to be a network support manager?

The most common degree for network support managers is bachelor's degree, with 67% of network support managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 18% and associate degree degree at 10%.

Bachelor's, 67%

Associate, 18%

Master's, 10%

Diploma, 3%

Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a network support manager?

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

Business, 21%

Computer Science, 14%

Electrical Engineering, 10%

Computer Information Systems, 7%

Other Majors, 48%

Most common colleges for network support managers

Network support managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Northeastern University, and Wesleyan University. Here are the most common colleges for network support managers in the US based on their resumes.

Network support manager common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	8.33%
Northeastern University	8.33%
Wesleyan University	6.25%
Western Washington University	6.25%
Mercer University	6.25%

Show more common network support manager colleges

Best majors for network support managers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	20.6%
2	Computer Science	13.9%
3	Electrical Engineering	10.3%
4	Computer Information Systems	6.7%
5	Information Technology	5.7%

Show more common network support manager majors

Best colleges for network support managers

The best colleges for network support managers are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A network support 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 support 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 support managers.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. Maine Maritime Academy

Castine, ME • Private

In-state tuition

$13,478

Enrollment

979

5. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

6. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

7. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

8. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,308

Enrollment

6,819

9. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

10. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$49,880

Enrollment

4,177

20 best online courses for network support managers

Advertising disclosure

1. Network Support Fundamentals

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...

2. 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...

3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

4. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

4.5

(1,653)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...

5. 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...

6. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

7. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

4.7

(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

8. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

4.2

(1,443)

Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

9. Networking Essentials

4.5

(618)

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

10. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access

4.7

(4,916)

Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...

11. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

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

12. Computer Networking Fundamentals

4.2

(309)

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

13. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

(604)

Learn how to write powerful network applications...

14. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk

4.7

(1,561)

Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Learners...

15. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

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

16. 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...

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

4.5

(444)

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

18. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack

4.5

(888)

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

19. Computer Networks Fundamentals

4.6

(487)

Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...

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

4.6

(1,427)

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

Top 10 most affordable universities for network support managers

The most affordable schools for network support managers are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and baruch college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for network support 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 support managers.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Cost of attendance

21,567

8. USF Sarasota-Manatee

Sarasota, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,587

Cost of attendance

13,043

9. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Cost of attendance

22,990

10. Clayton State University

Morrow, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$5,419

Cost of attendance

17,697

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for network support managers

The hardest universities for network support managers to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for network support 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 support 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. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

7. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

8. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,338

9. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

Admissions rate

40%

SAT average

1,376

10. Brandeis University

Waltham, MA • Private

Admissions rate

31%

SAT average

1,398

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for network support managers

The easiest schools for network support managers to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, notre dame de namur university, and holy names university.

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

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

3. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

4. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

7. Life University

Marietta, GA • Private

Admissions rate

94%

SAT average

979

8. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

9. Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,050

10. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

Average network support manager salary by education level

Network support managers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $104,324 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, network support managers earn a median annual income of $99,860 compared to $88,396 for network support managers with an Associate degree.

Network support manager education level	Network support manager salary
Master's Degree	$104,324
High School Diploma or Less	$87,011
Bachelor's Degree	$99,860
Some College/ Associate Degree	$88,396

Network support manager education FAQs

What is the best college for Network Support Managers?

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

Search for network support manager 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

Browse computer and mathematical jobs