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Associate Degrees

Pursue a Career in IT – Learn Networking Essentials

Network Your Way Toward a Career Path

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Networking Essentials

At DeVry University, our goal is to meet you where you are – whether you are already a part of the workforce, or are a prospective student looking to drive tomorrow’s workplace. If your future goals are in the networking field, we can help you build your understanding of the tools and technologies that qualified computer networking professionals must know.

Our 100% online computer Networking Essentials Certificate program can help get you started. This program can teach you how organizations and businesses are networked to exchange secure information in wireless and hardwire formats. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and projects.

Elements of our curriculum will also help you prepare to pursue industry certifications like:

  • CompTIA Linux+:

    An industry certification that proves your proficiency with the Linux operating system. It is especially useful for those who want to work with devices or operating systems.

  • CompTIA NETWORK+:

    A certification that verifies your capability to understand and interact with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and cloud computing.

  • CompTIA Cloud+:

    A certification that proves you are capable of working with cloud technologies. People with this credential are able to set up, maintain and manage cloud-computing systems. It's recommended to pursue this certification as cloud technology becomes more prevalent.

  • CCNA:

    The Cisco Certified Network Associate is awarded by Cisco Systems to those who are capable of troubleshooting small to medium enterprise networks. It also touches on network access, security fundamentals, IP services, programming and automation.

Let us help you earn your Undergraduate Certificate in Networking Essentials in as little as one year1— or even faster with qualifying transfer credits.

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Tech Essentials Grant for Computer Networking Certificate Students

This program is eligible for a Technical Essential Grant, which is available to new and readmitted undergraduate students. This grant offers $2,400 toward the cost of your networking essentials certificate program upon completing the program.2

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Earn your  Undergraduate Certificate in Networking Essentials in as little as 1 year*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
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Quick Facts
How long is the computer Networking Essentials Certificate program?

  • 8 courses

  • 23 minimum credit hours

  • Can be completed in as little as one year1

  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Embedded Programs
  • 03 Career
  • 04 Program Courses
  • 05 FAQs
  • 06 Catalog Download
Knowledge & Skills

Online Networking Essentials Certificate Program – What You Can Learn

This program will help you develop the essential skills needed to find your place in the broad field of wireless and hardwired networking. To facilitate your development, DeVry’s Networking Essentials Certificate covers the following topics:

Networking

Gain working knowledge of the underlying technology of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and the Internet. Explore concepts related to networking media, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), routing and switching and small network configuration and troubleshooting.

Problem-Solving

Apply critical and analytical thinking to identify problems, evaluate options and implement solutions. Learn new ways to approach complex problems and present coherent solutions to a group.

Data Analysis

Learn to draw conclusions by finding patterns and relationships in numerical data with pertinent tools. Develop your ability to present findings through both presentations and written formats.

Digital Devices and Digital Literacy

Explore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the IoT. Topics include networking, securing and deploying digital devices and applying appropriate technologies.

Networking Essentials Certificate Admissions Requirements

Students must place in MATH062 and ENGL062 or above. To begin program coursework, you must first complete transitional studies courses, if applicable.3 Please see the catalog for complete admissions requirements.

Networking Essentials Certificate and Financial Aid and Grants

We can help make your Undergraduate Networking Essentials Certificate more affordable. For example, during the 2020-2021 award year, DeVry University has assisted students by awarding  more than $57 Million in student financial assistance4 through partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and university grants.

Explore Financial Aid Options
Embedded Programs

Build Skills with Stackable Degrees

Earn a Credential at Every Step

You don’t have to wait four years to show a credential on your resume. At DeVry, several programs are designed to stack.

  • Start by earning a credential that is flexible to fit your lifestyle

  • Flexible online and on-site classes build your professional skills right away

  • Every course counts toward the next degree level7

How Do Credentials Stack?

Here’s an example: When you earn an undergraduate certificate in networking essentials, every course you complete in the program applies to an Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Network Systems Administration or any specialization of a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking.6

Find Out More
Bachelor's
+60
Credit hours remaining
120**
Total
Associate
+37
Credit hours remaining
60
Total
Certificate
23
Credit Hours
Career

Job Opportunities in the Computer Networking Field

From industry-relevant insights to professional development services designed with your career goals in mind, our networking essentials certificate program can help you pursue your goals. Graduates of our online Networking Essentials Undergraduate Certificate program may consider entry-level opportunities in positions such as:

  • Computer Network Support Specialist

    Also called technical support specialists, they analyze, troubleshoot and evaluate computer network problems. Often, network support specialists combine technology skills with communication skills in order to better convey concepts to customers. In special cases, a network support specialist will remotely take over a computer in order to troubleshoot complex issues.

  • Local Area Network Administrator

    A LAN administrator spends most of their time upgrading computers and helping the system administrator coordinate software updates. They ensure an organization’s technology is up to date to help prevent breaches in security. Additionally, LAN administrators perform basic upkeep on the local area network of their organization using a server.

  • Network Technician

    Network technicians are responsible for supporting end users of data communications networks. They do this by installing, troubleshooting and maintaining computer hardware. Technicians also manage software and data communications equipment to ensure that it is all functional and up to date.

  • Network System Administrator

    A network system administrator designs, deploys and administers wireless and wired infrastructure and supporting network systems. They are responsible for keeping systems within a company functioning and also play a vital role in keeping those systems secure.

Program Courses

Networking Essentials Courses

Mathematics
MATH114
Algebra for College Students
Tech Core
CEIS101C
Introduction to Technology and Information Systems
CEIS106
Introduction to Operating Systems
NETW191
Introduction to Information Technology & Networking

NETW211
Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
Network Systems Administration
NETW260
Intermediate Information Technology and Networking I
NETW270
Intermediate Information Technology and Networking II
Career Preparation
CEIS299
Careers and Technology

Computer Networking FAQs

Computer networking is the act of setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting connected devices. In the past, computer networking almost exclusively referred to computers that were connected to one another. But as technology has improved, the definition now encompasses phones, laptops, servers, tablets and even smart devices.

Computer networking is used to support applications and services, but a computer network can be set up in a way that supports numerous functions. Common uses for a computer network include running servers, accessing the internet, creating and sharing video and audio files, and running email functions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for network and computer systems administrators is growing, on a national level, at the average rate of 5%, which may lead to more than 24,000 new jobs in the field between 2020- and 2030.5 It's also worth noting that the skills needed to be a successful computer networking professional may lend themselves to other industries including cyber security.

At DeVry, our Certificate in Networking Essentials is an undergraduate-level credential that can help prepare you for a tech career in a broad range of industries. Earning your certificate is one way that you can add a credential to your resume while demonstrating to employers that you have developed core skills and knowledge in the networking field.

Our certificate in Networking Essentials can help prepare you to pursue entry-level networking jobs and industry certifications, whether you are just getting started in the industry or looking to advance in your current role. Better yet, when you earn your online networking certificate at DeVry, you may be able to apply your qualifying credits toward an  Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Network Systems Administration or a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking should you choose to continue your education.6

To earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Networking Essentials at DeVry, you will complete eight courses that total a minimum of 23 credit hours. This includes classes like Introduction to Technology and Information Systems and Introduction to Operating Systems.

Graduates of DeVry’s Networking Essentials Undergraduate Certificate program may consider, but are not limited to, the following careers:

  • Network System Administrator

  • Computer Network Support Specialist

  • Local Area Network Administrator

  • Network Technician

Businesses need computer networking to grow, share resources, increase flexibility, cut costs and more. There are essentially no limits to problem solving and creativity thanks to the multitude of uses for computer networking and programming. Understanding network essentials, operating systems and cloud computing can help you pursue a wide variety of roles in various industries.

Academic Catalog
2023-2024 Academic Catalog
View Academic Catalog
Program Guides
Program Overview
View Program Guides

1Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
2Restrictions apply. Please see Scholarships and Grants page for complete details.
3Transitional studies coursework may affect program length and cost.
4Data is inclusive of all partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and grants for the period for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm. Job growth indicated on a national level. Local growth will vary by location.
6At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
7The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
**The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.