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Senior network support specialist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a senior network support specialist. Senior network support specialists usually study business, electrical engineering, or computer science. 54% of senior network support specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 31% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 210 real senior network support specialist resumes to see exactly what senior network support specialist education sections show.

The most common colleges for senior network support specialists are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

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

What education do you need to become a senior network support specialist?

What degree do you need to be a senior network support specialist?

The most common degree for senior network support specialists is bachelor's degree, with 54% of senior network support specialists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 31% and associate degree degree at 7%.
  • Bachelor's, 54%
  • Associate, 31%
  • Master's, 7%
  • Diploma, 4%
  • Other Degrees, 4%

What should I major in to become a senior network support specialist?

You should major in business to become a senior network support specialist. 23% of senior network support specialists major in business. Other common majors for a senior network support specialist include electrical engineering and computer science.

Most common colleges for senior network support specialists

Senior network support specialists often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Phoenix, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Here are the most common colleges for senior network support specialists in the US based on their resumes.
Senior network support specialist common collegePercentages
DeVry University19.51%
University of Phoenix17.07%
University of North Carolina at Greensboro4.88%
Colorado Technical University4.88%
American InterContinental University4.88%

Best majors for senior network support specialists

Best colleges for senior network support specialists

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

A senior network support specialist 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 support specialists. 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 support specialists.

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. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$3,926

Enrollment

9,835

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

5. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Enrollment

2,120

6. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

8. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • Private

In-state tuition

$9,242

Enrollment

20,592

9. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

10. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

20 best online courses for senior network support specialists

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1. Network Support Fundamentals

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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

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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 Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

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4
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Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

4. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp

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4.5
(1,653)

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

5. Introduction to Technical Support

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Technical Support professionals are in great demand! This is the first course in the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate program, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in technical support. You will begin this self-paced course by learning what Informational Technology (IT) support is all about. You'll find out the roles and responsibilities of Technical Support professionals and become familiar with all the different career paths you can take in Technical Support. You will also...

6. IBM IT Support

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Prepare for an in-demand career in Information Technology (IT). In this program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in IT fundamentals, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing to get job-ready in as little as 3 months, with no prior experience or degree needed to get started.\n\nAlmost every organization, business, or individual relies on technology. A career in IT Support is about providing technological assistance to better optimize organizational efficiency. This can include...

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

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

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

9. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

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

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

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

11. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk

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

12. IT & Technical Support Guide to Helpdesk, Desktop & Servers

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4.2
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Learn how the different levels of IT technical support work, from service desk to infrastructure and server support...

13. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

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

14. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives

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Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...

15. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience

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Customer service, customer support, and customer experience training. Loyal clients through world-class customer service...

16. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

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Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

17. Advanced IT Troubleshooting for Helpdesk Support Technicians

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Learn some of the less common IT troubleshooting techniques for Windows computers...

18. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell

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[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...

19. Introduction to Networking 2 Hour Crash Course

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

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

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Learn how VPN works and discover protocols like PPTP, L2TP, IPSec and SSL. Build your own VPN network at home. Security...

Top 10 most affordable universities for senior network support specialists

The most affordable schools for senior network support specialists are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for senior network support specialists 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 support specialists.

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. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

10. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for senior network support specialists

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

Some great schools for senior network support specialists 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 support specialists 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

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

10. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for senior network support specialists

The easiest schools for senior network support specialists to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, capitol technology university, and oregon institute of technology.

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

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

4. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

5. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

6. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

9. Pennsylvania State University - Fayette (The Eberly Campus)

Lemont Furnace, PA • Private

Admissions rate

80%

SAT average

1,067

10. Pennsylvania State University - DuBois

DuBois, PA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,079

Average senior network support specialist salary by education level

Senior network support specialists with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $90,763 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, senior network support specialists earn a median annual income of $88,930 compared to $84,013 for senior network support specialists with an Associate degree.
Senior network support specialist education levelSenior network support specialist salary
Master's Degree$90,763
High School Diploma or Less$83,397
Bachelor's Degree$88,930
Some College/ Associate Degree$84,013

Senior network support specialist 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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