Network Engineer

Education required for this profession

Due to the wide range of skills required, there are many paths of entry to a job as a computer support specialist or systems administrator. Training requirements for computer support specialist positions vary, but many employers prefer to hire applicants with some formal college education. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is a prerequisite for some jobs; other jobs, however, may require only a computer-related associate degree. And for some jobs, relevant computer experience and certifications may substitute for formal education. For systems administrator jobs, many employers seek applicants with bachelor’s degrees, although not necessarily in a computer-related field. A number of companies are becoming more flexible about requiring a college degree for support positions. In the absence of a degree, however, certification and practical experience are essential. Certification training programs, offered by a variety of vendors and product makers, may help some people to qualify for entry-level positions.

Relevant Degree/Diploma/Certificate

Masters in Computer Science, networking, communications

Quick Facts

Growth in computer support specialist jobs will be about as fast as the average, while growth in network and computer system administrator jobs will be much faster than average. There are many paths of entry to these occupations. Job prospects should be best for college graduates with relevant skills and experience; certifications and practical experience are essential for people without degrees.

Salary

Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary computer support specialists are $41,470 . The middle 50 percent earn between $32,110 and $53,640. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $25,290, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $68,540.

Featured Universities Offering Degrees for this Profession

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences	Abilene Christian University	American InterContinental University Online	American Sentinel University	Antonelli College

Online Universities Offering Degrees for this Profession

A A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Abilene Christian University American InterContinental University Online American Sentinel University Antonelli College Argosy University Online Ashford University B Baker College Online Bay Path College Bellevue University Benedictine University Boise State University Boston University Bowling Green State University Bryant & Stratton College Bush School of Government - Texas A&M University C California Coast University California InterContinental University California State University, Monterey Bay Capella University Chamberlain College of Nursing Chancellor University Clarion University of Pennsylvania Cleveland Institute of Electronics Colorado Technical University Online Columbia Southern University Concord Law School Concordia University Irvine Creighton University Cumberland University D Daniel Webster College DePaul University DeSales University DeVry University Dominican University Drexel University Online Duquesne University E Eastern Kentucky University eCornell Ellis University Everest College Phoenix Everest University Online Everglades University F Fielding Graduate University Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Florida Tech University Online Fort Hays State University Full Sail University G Golden Gate University Gonzaga University Graceland University Grand Canyon University Gratz College H Harrison College Henley-Putnam University Herzing University Hodges University

I IIA College Independence University Indiana State University Indiana Tech International Academy of Design and Technology Iowa Central College Online Ivy Bridge College J Jacksonville University Jones International University K Kaplan University Keiser University Keller Graduate School of Management Kent State University L LA College Online Lehigh University Lesley University LeTourneau University Lewis University Liberty University Online Lincoln College Online Loyola University New Orleans M Malone University Marylhurst University McKinley College Minnesota School of Business Missouri University of Science and Technology Mountain State University N National American University New England College New England Culinary Institute New Jersey Institute of Technology / NJIT New York Medical College - School of Public Health Nova Southeastern University O Ohio University Oklahoma Wesleyan University P Post University Online S Strayer University Syracuse University T The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division U UMassOnline University Alliance University of Phoenix W Walden University