Senior network manager education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a senior network manager. Senior network managers usually study business, computer science, or electrical engineering. 64% of senior network managers hold a bachelor's degree, and 16% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,456 real senior network manager resumes to see exactly what senior network manager education sections show.

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

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

There are certain senior network manager certifications that you should consider. These senior network manager certifications include CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

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

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

The most common degree for senior network managers is bachelor's degree, with 64% of senior network managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 16% and master's degree degree at 16%.

Bachelor's, 64%

Master's, 16%

Associate, 16%

Diploma, 1%

Other Degrees, 3%

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

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

Business, 21%

Computer Science, 17%

Electrical Engineering, 15%

Computer Information Systems, 7%

Other Majors, 40%

Most common colleges for senior network managers

Senior network managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland - College Park, and Pennsylvania State University. Here are the most common colleges for senior network managers in the US based on their resumes.

Senior network manager common college	Percentages
University of Phoenix	18.82%
University of Maryland - College Park	9.14%
Pennsylvania State University	8.60%
Strayer University	6.45%
Rochester Institute of Technology	5.38%

Show more common senior network manager colleges

Best majors for senior network managers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	20.9%
2	Computer Science	16.7%
3	Electrical Engineering	14.7%
4	Computer Information Systems	6.9%
5	Information Technology	5.4%

Show more common senior network manager majors

Best colleges for senior network managers

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

A senior network 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 senior network 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 senior network 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 senior network managers

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3. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

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

4. Introduction To Telecom Networks: Fixed/Wireless Networks

4.4

(364)

PSTN, Voice Over IP Systems (Softswitch, IMS), Internet, Mobile/cellular systems, Optical Fiber Systems (OFAN, DWDM)...

5. 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...

6. Managing Network Security

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7. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell

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10. Networking Essentials

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11. Microsoft 70-741 - Networking with Windows Server 2016

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Networking with Windows Server 2016 MCSA Training Course...

12. Design & Deploy an Enterprise WiFi Network

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

13. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

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Learn how to write powerful network applications...

14. TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016

4.6

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Identity, Access, and Authentication with Microsoft AD and Identity with Windows Server 2016...

15. 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!...

16. TCP/IP Training Video A Definitive & Easy To Follow Course

4.3

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Essential TCP/IP Training Course For Professionals Who Manages Servers, Networks Or Any Other Network Connected Device...

17. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

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

18. Networking Concepts with Socket Programming - Academic Level

4.6

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

19. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

4.8

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

20. 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...

Top 10 most affordable universities for senior network managers

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

If the best universities for senior network 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 senior network 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 senior network managers

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

Some great schools for senior network 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 senior network 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 senior network managers

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

Senior network managers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $130,239 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, senior network managers earn a median annual income of $126,199 compared to $115,580 for senior network managers with an Associate degree.

Senior network manager education level	Senior network manager salary
Master's Degree	$130,239
High School Diploma or Less	$114,272
Bachelor's Degree	$126,199
Some College/ Associate Degree	$115,580

Senior network manager education FAQs

What is the best college for Senior Network Managers?

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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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