Skip to content

Is a Computer Networking Degree Right for You? Career Paths & Benefits

Posted on April 16, 2025 - Posted in: CW News

Man in business clothes with glasses holding a laptop computer

As technology advances at a rapid pace, every device, from a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other smart gadget, is now connected to a broader network. Understanding computer networking involves grasping nine essential concepts: switches, which manage data flow within networks; Ethernet cabling, the backbone that facilitates wired connections; network hubs that serve as central points of data exchange; routers that direct information traffic; firewalls that protect against unwanted intrusions; Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that uniquely identify each device; the collaborative relationship between clients and servers; wireless access points (WAPs) that enable seamless connectivity; and bandwidth, which determines the capacity of data transfer.

By pursuing a degree in computer networking, you will equip yourself with the expertise and insights needed to support organizations in navigating and optimizing their technological frameworks.

What is a Computer Networking Degree?

A computer networking degree is an area of information technology. These degrees usually provide an overview of principles, theories, and practices encompassing how computers connect. Additionally, programs typically teach you about the different hardware and software a computer utilizes and the operating systems.

For example, The College of Westchester has a 2-year* Computer Networking Administration Degree Program. Within this program, an individual will have the following learning outcomes:

    • Hardware and software competencies through planning and building personal computers
    • Developing, testing, and debugging programs with relevant programming and script language
    • Installing, configuring, managing, monitoring, and securing local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) on various devices to meet logical and physical business design goals
    • Determine the concepts and perform the necessary tasks to ensure the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of network resources related to information security.
    • How to critically think and problem-solve through analyzing and evaluating user, application, host, and network environments to novel situations in network administration

Courses Covered in a Computer Networking Degree

The courses covered within a computer networking degree can vary depending on the program. For example, The College of Westchester offers two different types of programs, a degree program and a certificate program for individuals to pursue.

The 21 to 23 Month* Computer Networking Specialist Certificate Program offers the following courses to individuals:

    • PC Technology (A+)
    • Operating System Technologies (A+)
    • Cisco Networking Basics
    • Linux Administration
    • Windows Server Administration
    • Cisco Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
    • Network Essentials (Network+)
    • Cisco Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
    • Network Security
    • Essentials of Public Speaking
    • College Algebra
    • Statistics
    • Ethics and Professionalism
    • One Elective

Whereas the two-year* Computer Network Administration (AAS) Degree Program offers the following courses to individuals:

    • PC Technology (A+)
    • Operating System Technologies (A+)
    • Cisco Networking Basics
    • Linux Administration
    • Windows Server Administration
    • Cisco Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
    • Network Essentials (Network+)
    • Cisco Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
    • Network Security
    • Programming Logic
    • Database Applications (Access)
    • Transformative Learning
    • English Composition I and II
    • Essentials in Public Speaking
    • College Algebra
    • Statistics
    • Ethics and Professionalism
    • Two General Education Electives
    • Two Open Elective Credits

Skills You Gain from a Computer Networking Degree

By obtaining a computer networking degree, you will learn various skills essential to multiple roles, including being a computer networking technician. For example, some of the key qualities of a computer network technician include:

    • Technical Skills: These skills are essential for building and managing data networks with common hardware and software systems, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
    • Cybersecurity Knowledge: As technology evolves, many organizations seek individuals who can assist them with data and sensitive information protection.
    • Critical Thinking: By thinking critically, an individual with a background in computer networking will be able to identify and potentially implement tools to optimize a data network.
    • Attention to Detail: Many professionals in the computer networking space must pay attention to detail to ensure the networking continues operating smoothly and responding to issues on time.
    • Patience: Computer networking technicians often face difficult technical tasks, and by staying patient throughout the process, they can complete the work accurately.

Educational Opportunities  

Individuals who are seeking a computer networking degree can pursue various educational paths depending on their area of interest. Some, for example, may be interested in pursuing a certificate program as a Computer Networking Specialist, such as the one offered at The College of Westchester. Others may be seeking a degree program through The College of Westchester in Computer Network Administration (AAS).

Career Paths with a Computer Networking Degree

Individuals who pursue a computer networking degree have a wide variety of career paths they can explore depending on their area of interest. Some of those career paths include:

    • Network Support Specialist: This role provides assistance to computer users and analyzes information to solve problems.
    • Network Administrator: This role is responsible for maintaining networks, including internet systems, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs). Additionally, they assist with network testing and troubleshooting.
    • Computer System Analyst: A computer system analyst is responsible for studying an organization’s computer systems and finding ways to improve them.
    • Network Engineer: Within this role, they’re responsible for planning and creating organizational computer networks.
    • Network Architect: A network architect is responsible for designing a computer network stem, including cloud networks.
    • Wireless Engineer: This role configures and installs wireless network systems. They often will work in multiple locations to set up wireless systems.
    • Network Technician: An individual within this role is responsible for installing and maintaining a network system, troubleshooting systems, and establishing protection against cybersecurity threats.
    • Field Service Engineer: This role installs and repairs network systems on site. It often involves traveling to clients’ locations to perform the tasks.
    • Technical Architect: In this role, an individual is responsible for managing all aspects of computer networking projects, including designing a network system for their client.

Take the Next Steps, Pursue a Computer Networking Degree

Are you prepared to embark on an exciting career in the rapidly growing computer networking field? A degree in computer networking opens the door to various rewarding career opportunities, including roles such as network administrator, systems analyst, and cybersecurity specialist. If any of these opportunities resonate with your career aspirations, take the first step toward your future today by enrolling in a degree or certificate program at The College of Westchester. Our comprehensive programs are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive tech landscape. Don’t wait—start your journey towards a fulfilling career in computer networking now!

Resources/Additional Information

*Program length when completed in normal time.
https://www.cw.edu/programs/school-of-information-technology-computer-network-administration/
https://www.cw.edu/programs/school-of-information-technology-computer-networking-specialist/
https://www.cw.edu/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/qualities-of-good-computer-networking-technician
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/computer-degrees
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/computer-networking-degree-jobs
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/networking-basics

document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { // Get all accordion toggle elements var accordions = document.querySelectorAll('.accordion-toggle'); // Add click event listeners to each accordion toggle accordions.forEach(function(accordion) { accordion.addEventListener('click', function() { // Get the panel-collapse element directly following this accordion-toggle var panelCollapse = this.nextElementSibling; // Check if this panel-collapse is currently open var isOpen = panelCollapse.classList.contains('open'); // Remove 'open' class from all panel-collapses accordions.forEach(function(acc) { var collapse = acc.nextElementSibling; collapse.classList.remove('open'); }); // Toggle 'open' class only on the clicked panel-collapse if (!isOpen) { panelCollapse.classList.add('open'); } }); }); });