Associate degree programs in computer networking

Computers are the engine of an information society. From social networking to space exploration, from air travel to health care, all of it would essentially grind to a halt without computers. It is the interaction among multiple computers that is the basis for today's constant exchange of information. The widespread presence of those complex systems is the reason that computer networking is such a promising career, and online associate degree programs in computer networking could be your entry point into this field.

Degree programs in computer networking: What you can expect

Computer networking involves bringing many elements together to work smoothly in concert with one another. This includes terminals, servers, telecommunications equipment, databases, software, power sources and security measures. As you might expect then, an education in this field represents a wide-ranging journey through all aspects of computer networking. Coursework is likely to entail some or all of the following:

• Computer engineering
• Computer programming
• Computer science
• Database management
• Electronics
• Mathematics
• Networking
• System design
• System security

There are several levels of computer network administration degrees, including associate, bachelor and master degrees. Online associate degree programs in computer networking can be a cost-efficient way to get started in the field. Add some hands-on experience to that, or continue your education, and you could make yourself eligible to move up to higher-level positions.

Careers for graduates with computer network administration degrees

There are a number of different career paths available to people with computer network administration degrees, and they typically have two things in common--above-average job growth prospects and above-average compensation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some specific jobs you can pursue with a degree in computer networking, and their median salaries for May 2009 include the following:

• Computer support specialists troubleshoot and help implement changes to networks. This job is an excellent starting point for someone with an associate degree in computer networking: $47,360.
• Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day running of overall networks and their components: $70,930.
• Database administrators facilitate the storage, stability, and security of systems data: $74,290.
• Computer systems analysts design networks to meet an organization's needs, or examine existing networks to see how they might be improved: $80,430.
• Computer and information systems managers need a substantial amount of experience and/or additional degrees to compete for top management jobs, but networking backgrounds are well-suited to these management positions, because they tend to touch on all aspects of a system: $120,640.

Investing in a computer networking education can pay off in terms of both income and job security. To find out more about computer networking administration degrees, check out the Guide to College Majors in Computer Networking on WorldWideLearn.com. If your

As society becomes more and more dependent on computer networks, earning a degree in this field could give you skills that make society more dependent on you, as well.

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