by our College Data Analytics TeamComputer systems are essential in almost every company to allow information to be shared, and work to be completed. If you would like to play an integral role in the daily operations of many businesses, consider majoring in Computer Systems Networking.
The job of computer systems networking technicians is to configure the computer system of businesses and ensure that they are kept up to date and running smoothly. Students take classes in computer applications, computer network design, computer science, and mathematics to learn everything about networks, firewalls, and routers.
Studying Computer Systems Networking explores Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications. Continue reading for the important information every computer systems networking student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer systems networking programs.
Across the country, computer systems networking is a widely-pursued major, with 15,034 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Systems Networking Schools ranking analyzes these 497 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer systems networking students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer systems networking programs later in this article.
Coursework for Computer Systems Networking build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer systems networking graduates commonly enter.
Those who are successful in Computer Systems Networking have a strong background in computers and operating systems. Students must also have strong problem solving and analytical skills so they can successful assess and fix network problems. Multitasking skills will allow professionals to work on multiple networks and operating systems at once.
Computer Systems Networking professionals are often employed full time in office environments. Since computer networks can go down at anytime, professionals may work overtime or on weekends to fix problems and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Internships and summer jobs are beneficial to students pursuing a career in Computer Systems Networking. These experiences will allow students to work hands-on with networks and operating systems while learning from professionals in the field.
The skill set developed in a computer systems networking program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a computer systems networking major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer systems networking degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 5,031 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3,086 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,165 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,856 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 4 |
People currently working in careers related to computer systems networking tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.3% |
| Master’s degree | 27.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 4.2% |
| Some college courses | 2.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer systems networking careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Since computers are used in almost every business and organization, Computer Systems Networking graduates are employed at a variety of locations including hospitals, educational institutions, financial corporations, and government agencies. Since this major teaches students all aspect of computer networks, graduates are good candidates for any career dealing with computer systems.
Majoring in computer systems networking can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer systems networking.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer systems networking.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of computer systems networking graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $49,235 |
| 4 years | $57,619 |
| 5 years | $64,395 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer systems networking graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer systems networking grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Information Security Analysts | $111,930 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
With 497 different computer systems networking programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer systems networking school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer systems networking, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 13,753 |
| Cloud Computing | 1,229 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other | 52 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
