by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications involves the study of Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications. A Program That Focuses On The Design, Implementation, And Management Of Linked Systems Of Computers, Peripherals, And Associated Software To Maximize Efficiency And Productivity, And That Prepares Individuals To Function As Network Specialists And Managers At Various Levels. Includes Instruction In Operating Systems And Applications; Systems Design And Analysis; Networking Theory And Solutions; Types Of Networks; Network Management And Control; Network And Flow Optimization; Security; Configuring; And Troubleshooting. Examples: [Computer Systems Telecommunications], [Computer Systems Networking]. Read on to learn the key facts every computer systems networking and telecommunications student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer systems networking and telecommunications programs.
In the U.S., computer systems networking and telecommunications is a widely-pursued major, with 13,753 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools ranking analyzes these 475 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer systems networking and telecommunications students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer systems networking and telecommunications programs later in this article.
Coursework for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a computer systems networking and telecommunications program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer systems networking and telecommunications major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer systems networking and telecommunications 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 | 4,839 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,948 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 769 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,444 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 4 |
People currently working in careers related to computer systems networking and telecommunications tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 30.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 6.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 5.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer systems networking and telecommunications careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in computer systems networking and telecommunications opens doors to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer systems networking and telecommunications.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer systems networking and telecommunications.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 142,406 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 58,841 | 10.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of computer systems networking and telecommunications 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 and telecommunications graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer systems networking and telecommunications grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Information Security Analysts | $111,930 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $71,253 |
| Computer Network Architects | $63,411 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
With 475 different computer systems networking and telecommunications programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer systems networking and telecommunications school rankings to help you.
Students interested in computer systems networking and telecommunications, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cloud Computing | 1,229 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other | 52 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
