Help Technology Keep Information Flowing
Get ready to build, maintain and protect network systems. Secure, always-on networks are critical to business success today, and companies need experienced professionals to help build and maintain those networks.
Gear up for your future with an Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration from DeVry University. With this degree program, you can take steps toward a more fulfilling new chapter by earning your associate in network administration online, or in a blended campus and online setting.
Get to Know Our Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration
Computer and communication networks support all kinds of technologies, from long-distance file sharing to instant messaging. Network systems administrators are responsible for building and maintaining these networks. An Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration from DeVry can help prepare you to pursue work in the technology field by helping you develop the skills needed to build and maintain these systems. Our degree program also gives you the opportunity to prepare for certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
While enrolled in this program, you'll work with experienced professors to learn the tools and techniques embraced by industry leaders such as Cisco Systems. You'll also find out how to install and configure routers and switches, troubleshoot common problems and monitor network performance. Throughout your time in this program, you'll become familiar with technologies that form the foundation of the modern workplace.
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
Earn your Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration in as little as 1 year + 8 months*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
Availability
Why DeVry?
Complimentary Laptop
You’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program1. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.
Work With IoT Technologies & Systems
Immerse yourself in the Internet of Things (IoT) world and obtain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud, software and security technologies and systems.
Certification Exam Reimbursement
Several of our tech programs are designed with industry-recognized certifications in mind. Qualified students may receive up to a $300 reimbursement for the cost of one exam attempt across a wide range of certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Linux+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Cloud+
Other certifications may also be eligible for reimbursement. Speak to your Student Support Advisor for additional information.
What You'll Learn
The Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration program from DeVry University covers the following:
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Critical Thinking
Learn how to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. -
Voice and VOIP Administration
Explore technologies and systems that serve voice traffic. This includes enterprise switches (e.g., private branch exchanges and Centrex), networked telephony solutions, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), call centers, voice processing and wireless systems. -
Interacting with Computers
Improve your ability to use computers and computer systems to program hardware, write software, set up functions, enter data and process information. -
Networking
Gain working knowledge of the underlying technology of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and the Internet. This topic also covers networking media, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), routing and switching and small network configuration and troubleshooting. -
Information Ordering
Identify new ways to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures or mathematical operations). -
Systems Analysis
Determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes. Learn to observe systems and identify weaknesses and potential areas of improvement.
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Routing
Understand router configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting. Explore Internet protocol (IP) addressing techniques, routing protocols; IPv4 and IPv6, and access control lists (ACLs), and network address translation (NAT). -
Network Operating Systems
Study the basic operation and management of local and wide area networks using the Microsoft or UNIX network operating systems (NOSs) Learn the installation of server and workstation software, physical network configuration, network security, policy domain controllers, and performance monitoring and troubleshooting techniques. -
Switching
Understand switch configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting. Explore Ethernet frame switching techniques, switch-port security, virtual area networks (VLANs) and VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP).
Did You Know?
Cisco-centric courses offered at DeVry University teach networking and IT skills that can prepare you for industry-recognized certifications. For example, elements of the curriculum align to the Cisco CCNA certification.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our network systems administration associate degree program may consider careers such as:
- Computer Digital Forensic Investigator†,††
Computer digital forensics investigators work alongside law enforcement or a company's cyber security specialist to uncover clues about who performed a cyberattack. It's appropriate to think of them as the digital equivalent of an investigator or detective.
- Computer Network Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists work at companies to maintain and update networks. They also provide direct support to employees who need assistance with tech concerns.
Learn more about careers in Network Systems Administration
†Applicants for jobs in the justice administration field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, drug and/or alcohol testing, physical and/or psychological examinations and credit checks. Unsatisfactory screening results may disqualify an applicant for a position in the justice administration field. Additional government-required training programs may be necessary to obtain employment in this field.
††Employment in this occupation may require years of relevant experience.
Skill Focused Curriculum
Elements of the curriculum are aligned to industry certifications to help you validate your knowledge and skills as you prepare to pursue such certification exams as:
- CompTIA A+: A certification that confirms your capability to demonstrate foundational security and IT skills.
- CompTIA Linux+: A credential that verifies your ability to use Linux operating systems. It is most useful for those who wish to work with devices or operating systems.
- CompTIA Network+: This certification is an excellent addition to the resume of any aspiring network systems administrator. It shows your ability to work with emerging technologies and work with both wired and wireless devices.
- CompTIA Cloud+: A certification proves your capability to work with cloud-computing networks and systems. This is likely to become ever more essential as cloud systems increase in usage.
General Education Courses
Communication Skills
| ENGL1122 | Composition |
| ENGL135 | Advanced Composition |
One of:
| SPCH275 | Public Speaking |
| SPCH276 | Intercultural Communication |
Humanities3
One of:
| ETHC232 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions |
| ETHC334 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace |
Social Sciences
| SOCS1854 | Culture and Society |
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
| MATH114 | Algebra for College Students |
| PHYS204 | Applied Physics with Lab |
Personal and Professional Development
| CARD205 | Career Development |
| COLL148 | Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving |
Program-Specific Courses
Tech Core
| CEIS101 | Introduction to Technology and Information Systems |
| CEIS106 | Introduction to Operating Systems |
| CEIS110 | Introduction to Programming |
| CEIS114 | Introduction to Digital Devices |
| NETW191 | Fundamentals of Information Technology and Networking |
| NETW211 | Fundamentals of Cloud Computing |
| SEC285 | Fundamentals of Information Systems Security |
Information Technology and Networking
| NETW260 | Intermediate Information Technology and Networking I |
| NETW270 | Intermediate Information Technology and Networking II |
| NETW310 | Wired Optical and Wireless Communication with Lab |
| NETW320 | Converged Networks with Lab |
| SEC310 | Principles and Theory of Security Management |
Career Preparation
| CEIS299 | Careers and Technology |
FAQs
What does a network administrator do?
Network administrators are responsible for building and maintaining networks at a company. The goal of their job is to foster networks that are efficient to use, unlikely to break, and secure. In the day-to-day of their job, they perform a mixture of research and maintenance tasks, and are often relied upon to solve issues with technology.
How long does it take to become a network administrator?
What soft skills do I need to be a network administrator?
Academic Catalog
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*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
1As part of this program, one complimentary laptop is provided to students enrolled in the Associate in Information Technology and Networking, Associate in Engineering Technology, Associate in Network Systems Administration, Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s in Software Development, Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s in Network and Communications Management and Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. The laptop is issued during the student’s second session. Certain restrictions apply.
2Students enrolled at a New Jersey location take ENGL108 in lieu of this course.
3Students enrolled at a Pennsylvania location must take HUMN451 as part of this requirement.
4Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 in lieu of this requirement.
All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some coursework online and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.
