Degree Programs to Be a Network Engineer

Students who want to become network engineers may choose majors in network engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.

These degrees are widely available, so how do you choose the right one? We've listed our top degree programs to be a network engineer below.

1. DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university based in Chicago, IL. It offers network engineering programs through its Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media.

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Security. This program delivers both the theory and practice behind the design and maintenance of diverse network infrastructures.

The degree takes four years to complete and includes courses such as:

• Applied Networks and Security
• Introduction to Local Area Networks
• Network Interconnection Technologies
• Wireless Communications Networks

The college also offers a Master of Science in Network Engineering and Security. This degree is offered both on campus and online and includes courses like:

• Advanced Network Technologies and Design
• Computer Networks and Data Systems
• Foundations of Network Technologies
• Protocols and Techniques for Data Networks

Students in the program must complete at least 48 graduate credit hours as well as a capstone project in computer networks.

2. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is a public research university based in West Lafayette, IN. Its Polytechnic Institute offers programs in network engineering and computer technology.

The bachelor's in computing infrastructure and network engineering technology focuses on high-level design and planning of networks, with a foundation in hardware and software needs.

The program allows for personalization and students can also take part in study abroad opportunities around the world. Courses include:

• Advanced Internetwork Routing And Switching
• Advanced Network Services
• Internetwork Design And Implementation
• Network Engineering Fundamentals

At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Science in Computer and Information Technology with a specialization that focuses on networking and infrastructure. Courses include:

• Advanced Network Security
• Advanced System And Network Administration
• Cyber Infrastructure for Big Data Analytics
• Network Forensics

The master's program is available on campus and online. Students in the program will have access to the school's computing resources and research laboratories.

3. Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology is a private research university in Rochester, NY. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in networks and network engineering.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering offers a concentration in networks and security. It takes five years to complete and includes courses like:

• Computer Architecture
• Data and Communication Networks
• Digital Signal Processing
• Interface and Digital Electronics

The Master of Science in Communication Networks offers three concentrations: fiber-optic and photonic communications, wireless communications, or network design and management. Courses include:

• Converged Network Concepts
• Network Planning and Design
• Telecommunications Network Engineering
• Wireless Networks

The Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering offers a research concentration in communications, networking, and security.

The Ph.D. program takes a minimum of three years to complete and requires a research dissertation.

4. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles, CA. It offers networking programs through its Samueli School of Engineering.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a track in network embedded systems.

The program takes four years to complete and includes courses like:

• Computer Network Fundamentals
• Data Communications and Telecommunication Networks
• Introduction to Engineering Design: Internet of Things
• Logic Design of Digital Systems

Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Computer Network Engineering. This is an online program with courses like:

• Advanced Computer Networks
• Data Communications and Telecommunication Networks
• Internet Architecture and Protocols
• Network Protocol and Systems Software Design for Wireless and Mobile

The program is designed to expose students to key applications and research areas in the network and distributed systems field.

5. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university with a campus spread across the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The bachelor's degree in computer engineering offers a specialty in networks and communication. It includes courses like:

• Data Communications and Computer Networks
• Foundations of Advanced Networking
• Introduction to Computer Networks
• Introduction to Computer Security

Students in the Master of Science in Computer Science program can personalize their curriculum.

Students can choose electives and research topics centered around computer networking. Examples of courses include:

• Advanced Computer Networks and Their Applications
• Architecture and Implementation of Database Management Systems
• Data Communications and Computer Networks
• Foundations of Advanced Networking

The master's program also offers several options for completion, allowing students to tailor their program to their strengths and schedules.