Senior network architect education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a senior network architect. Senior network architects usually study electrical engineering, computer science, or business. 63% of senior network architects hold a bachelor's degree, and 17% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 541 real senior network architect resumes to see exactly what senior network architect education sections show.

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

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

There are certain senior network architect certifications that you should consider. These senior network architect certifications include CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE) and CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP).

What education do you need to become a senior network architect?

What degree do you need to be a senior network architect?

The most common degree for senior network architects is bachelor's degree, with 63% of senior network architects earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 17% and associate degree degree at 14%.

Bachelor's, 63%

Associate, 17%

Master's, 14%

Diploma, 3%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a senior network architect?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a senior network architect. 22% of senior network architects major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a senior network architect include computer science and business.

Electrical Engineering, 22%

Computer Science, 22%

Business, 7%

Information Technology, 6%

Other Majors, 43%

Most common colleges for senior network architects

Senior network architects often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, New York University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Here are the most common colleges for senior network architects in the US based on their resumes.

Senior network architect common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	11.11%
New York University	7.94%
New Jersey Institute of Technology	7.94%
University of Maryland - College Park	7.94%
Syracuse University	4.76%

Show more common senior network architect colleges

Best majors for senior network architects

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Electrical Engineering	21.9%
2	Computer Science	21.5%
3	Business	6.5%
4	Information Technology	6.2%
5	Computer Information Systems	6.2%

Show more common senior network architect majors

Best colleges for senior network architects

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

A senior 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 senior 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 senior 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 senior 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. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

(604)

Learn how to write powerful network applications...

4. Cisco ASA Firewall Training

4.3

(617)

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

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

4.5

(444)

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

6. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

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

7. 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...

8. 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!...

9. 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...

10. 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...

11. Design & Deploy an Enterprise WiFi Network

(250)

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

12. 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...

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. 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...

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. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

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

17. 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...

18. Virtual Private Networks - Zero to Hero (VPN)

4.5

(316)

A comprehensive coverage of Virtual Private Networks from basic level to advanced...

19. Cybersecurity of Networks from Scratch to Advanced

(2,359)

Computer Networks Security Technologies and Tools for Network Admins and Cyber Security Officers...

20. 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...

Top 10 most affordable universities for senior network architects

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

If the best universities for senior 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 senior 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 senior network architects

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

Some great schools for senior 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 senior 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 senior network architects

The easiest schools for senior 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 senior 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 senior 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 senior network architect salary by education level

Senior network architects with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $128,686 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, senior network architects earn a median annual income of $124,129 compared to $112,253 for senior network architects with an Associate degree.

Senior network architect education level	Senior network architect salary
Master's Degree	$128,686
High School Diploma or Less	$110,801
Bachelor's Degree	$124,129
Some College/ Associate Degree	$112,253

Senior network architect education FAQs

What is the best college for Senior Network Architects?

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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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