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Senior network design engineer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a senior network design engineer. Senior network design engineers usually study electrical engineering, computer science, or computer networking. 60% of senior network design engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 19% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 362 real senior network design engineer resumes to see exactly what senior network design engineer education sections show.

The most common colleges for senior network design engineers are the New York University and the New York University.

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

What education do you need to become a senior network design engineer?

What degree do you need to be a senior network design engineer?

The most common degree for senior network design engineers is bachelor's degree, with 60% of senior network design engineers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 19% and master's degree degree at 18%.
  • Bachelor's, 60%
  • Master's, 19%
  • Associate, 18%
  • Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become a senior network design engineer?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a senior network design engineer. 24% of senior network design engineers major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a senior network design engineer include computer science and computer networking.

Most common colleges for senior network design engineers

Senior network design engineers often get their degrees at New York University, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, and Georgia State University. Here are the most common colleges for senior network design engineers in the US based on their resumes.
Senior network design engineer common collegePercentages
New York University6.12%
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler6.12%
Georgia State University6.12%
DeVry University6.12%
University of Phoenix6.12%

Best majors for senior network design engineers

Best colleges for senior network design engineers

The best colleges for senior network design engineers are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

A senior network design engineer 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 design engineers. 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 design engineers.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Minnesota State University - Mankato

Mankato, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$8,184

Enrollment

11,675

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,832

Enrollment

4,550

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

5. University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$19,080

Enrollment

19,127

6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Bayamon, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Enrollment

4,169

7. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

8. Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,646

Enrollment

5,736

9. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

10. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

20 best online courses for senior network design engineers

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1. Cloud-Based Network Design & Management Techniques

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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...

2. Juniper Networks Security Fundamentals

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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,...

3. Cisco ASA Firewall Training

udemy
4.3
(617)

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

4. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

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4.8
(306)

The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...

5. Akamai Network Engineering

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Are you interested in learning how large global network operations work? Does managing 30% of the internet traffic globally intrigue you? Then the Network Engineering certification is for you. The NOCC is a proactive monitoring and troubleshooting team that monitors and manages globally distributed servers and resolves network bottlenecks in real time. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking,...

6. Fundamentals of Network Engineering

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4.7
(2,316)

Understanding the first principles of networking to build low latency and high throughput backends...

7. Design & Deploy an Enterprise WiFi Network

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4
(250)

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

8. Introduction to Networking 2 Hour Crash Course

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4.6
(4,667)

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

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

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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. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

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4.8
(1,422)

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

11. Networking Concepts with Socket Programming - Academic Level

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4.6
(732)

Networking course with socket programming concepts in depth with TCP/UDP/HTTP Socket Programming for beginners to expert...

12. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

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4.2
(604)

Learn how to write powerful network applications...

13. Python Network Programming for Network Engineers (Python 3)

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4.7
(8,322)

Program networks using Python version 3. Learn network programmability with this practical GNS3 and Cisco course...

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

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4.5
(444)

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

15. GCP - Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer

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4.4
(615)

Pass Google Cloud Professional Network Certification with 15+ Hours of HD quality video and 90+ Hands-on Practical labs...

16. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

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4.7
(2,515)

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

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

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4.4
(740)

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

18. Ansible for Network Engineers: Quick Start GNS3 & Ansible

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4.8
(3,873)

Ansible for Network Engineers with GNS3, Ansible and Cisco IOS. Learn Network Automation & Programmability = the future...

19. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

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4.4
(1,591)

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

20. Python Programming for Network Engineers: Cisco, Netmiko ++

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4.3
(1,300)

Network Programmability and Network Automation using GNS3 and Python for Cisco engineers: Telnet, SSH, Paramiko, Netmiko...

Top 10 most affordable universities for senior network design engineers

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

If the best universities for senior network design engineers 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 design engineers.

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. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

5. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

6. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

8. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

9. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

10. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for senior network design engineers

The hardest universities for senior network design engineers to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for senior network design engineers 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 design engineers 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. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

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. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

5. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

6. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

9. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

10. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for senior network design engineers

The easiest schools for senior network design engineers to get into are Capitol Technology University, oregon institute of technology, and kean university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a senior network design engineer 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 design engineers.

1. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

2. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

3. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

4. Pennsylvania State University - Altoona

Altoona, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,094

5. Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,072

6. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,148

7. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

8. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

9. Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

1,086

10. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

Average senior network design engineer salary by education level

According to our data, senior network design engineers with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $120,852 annually. Senior network design engineers with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $117,281.
Senior network design engineer education levelSenior network design engineer salary
Master's Degree$120,852
High School Diploma or Less$106,707
Bachelor's Degree$117,281
Some College/ Associate Degree$107,869

Senior network design engineer education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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