The Best Online Systems & Network Administration Undergraduate Programs of 2021
Systems administration facilitates the organization of strategic, qualitative, and quantitative data for any company. Systems and network administrators drive business growth by using financial and logistics data to optimize day-to-day operations.
If you’re interested in starting a career in tech, consider pursuing one of the best online systems & network administration bachelor’s degrees. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 degrees available online and included tuition information and other key details.
Top 10 Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degrees of 2021 at a Glance
A network & systems administrator degree is among the most valuable academic degrees on the market. The era of digitization and globalization demands professionals who know how to manage a company’s technological resources.
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Below is a list of the 10 best online systems & network administration bachelor’s degrees in the United States. The information has been pulled from the official websites of each university.
| School and Degree | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University Bachelor of Science in Systems and Network Administration |
$430 per credit | All students |
| Champlain College Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems |
$250 per credit $318 per credit |
Students in the military All other students |
| Dakota State University Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration |
$355 per credit $465 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Management |
$105 per credit $219 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Fort Hays State University Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems |
$227 per credit | All students |
| North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Computer Networking |
$120 per credit $576 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Rogers State University Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology: Computer Network Administration |
$3,735 per semester $8,190 per semester |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Southern New Hampshire University Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Networking and Security |
$320 per credit | All students |
| St. Petersburg College Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management |
$127 per credit $128 per credit $402 per credit $441 per credit |
In-state, lower-division In-state, upper-division Out-of-state, lower-division Out-of-state, upper-division |
| Western Governors University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management |
$3,625 per term | All students |
Benefits of an Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degree
Online degrees are designed for students who need more flexibility. You can earn a bachelor’s degree from anywhere and create a schedule that works for you. Some colleges and universities even offer accelerated programs, which allow students to graduate in less than four years. Online programs also tend to be more affordable than traditional degrees.
Below are a few of the top benefits of studying in an online bachelor’s program.
- You will study for a career in tech using the latest advances in distant learning technology.
- You will receive an attractive, profitable, and competitive salary.
- You will have high-quality training at a low cost.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degree?
Most schools require high school transcripts or a GED, SAT or ACT scores, and an application letter or essay. Some may also request letters of recommendation. Most online programs require a minimum GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0.
Before applying, you should also inform yourself about the fundamentals of the career. Selecting an online network administration degree requires reflection on your long-term goals. This career requires precision, decision-making skills, and self-discipline. An online degree can help you acquire or enhance those skills.
Choosing the Right Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degree Program
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right program for you. Consider the program’s cost, length, and student resources. We cover some other important factors below.
Quality of Education
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Administration is educational quality. A program curriculum that focuses on teaching students how to lead systems projects is best. This is because an administrator’s objectives are to improve processes and maximize productivity and resources.
You can gauge the quality of education by reading student reviews and considering the graduation rate of the institution.
Salary Prospects
If you have the opportunity to select a concentration, you may want to consider the potential salary for each of those specializations. For example, system administrators for finance and insurance companies earn $89,910 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In computer companies, they earn $87,190, and in educational services, they earn $75,230.
Job Outlook
The goal is to turn your degree into a high-paying job. According to BLS, network and computer systems administrator jobs are projected to increase by four percent between 2019 and 2029. This is not much faster than the average growth across all occupations, so make sure the program you choose has a strong track record of placing graduates in jobs.
Best Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor’s Degrees in 2021
Below are details about our top 10 universities and the bachelor’s degrees they offer.
Bellevue University | Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
Bellevue University is an open-access university serving around 50,000 students per year. This school is well-positioned in the US education system and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Its systems administration bachelor’s program provides specialized preparation for a successful career. Bellevue’s program helps students develop skills in business research and communication, management of innovations in information systems, and strategic systems management.
Champlain College | Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems
Champlain College focuses on providing accessible education for first-generation students and young professionals. Its online programs are flexible and effective.
As they study for their Bachelor’s Degree in Information Management Systems, Students will learn vital technical competencies and develop solutions to problems in computer systems. Course topics include database systems, information systems design and analysis, and an introduction to Python programming.
Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration
While the main campus is located in Madison, South Dakota, this degree is offered on the school’s Desire2Learn platform. While this is a Bachelor of Science, Dakota State’s program focuses mainly on business practices.
Students will learn valuable skills like web design, computer programming, and operating systems. They will also take advanced classes in database systems management, offensive-defensive computer security, and Linux/Unix administration. The university offers scholarships and grants for students.
Florida State College at Jacksonville | Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Management
Florida State College offers this applied science degree on its online platform, Canvas. Its applied study program focuses on developing practical skills in information technology management, a highly sought-after quality by today’s companies.
This program provides competitive advantages for its students. It prepares them for telecommunications and computer networking, Java-oriented programming, and software and hardware configuration. Students will also learn how to design research and ecommerce systems.
Fort Hays State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems
This school offers over 200 online programs for career-oriented students. The BBA in Management Information Systems focuses on business law, marketing principles, and production operations management. The dual focus of the program means that it could lead to a tech career or to one of the best business intelligence careers.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Computer Networking
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, this century-old university is a public research center with approximately 12,000 registered students. Its study program requires 125 credits and includes online courses in areas such as security network applications, computer-human interaction, and more.
Paired with a computer networking concentration, this information technology undergraduate program prepares young people to enter the network administration job market. You will take classes in optimal integrated systems and architectures, database management, and information security applications.
Rogers State University | Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology: Computer Network Administration
RSU is the first university in Oklahoma to offer a bachelor’s degree entirely online. Those who enroll in the business information technology program can specialize in computer network administration and learn about operational network systems and emerging technologies, which are the future of the global economy.
With this degree in hand, you will step into the future of the global economy. You will be prepared for a novel career that includes data modeling, operational network systems, and marketing with technological applications.
Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems: Networking and Security
This university serves more than 100,000 students through online study programs. Southern New Hampshire University offers prospective students the option to transfer credits from work experience or certifications towards their degree.
SNHU’s computer information systems bachelor’s program consists of several eight-week terms. In these short sessions, you will learn SQL, technology platform management, and IT service management. Students will learn to mine, compile, and analyze data within operating systems. This knowledge is essential for communicating with clients.
St. Petersburg College | Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management
St. Petersburg College offers a number of specialized courses as part of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management. The degree prepares students to manage information technology infrastructures for businesses. Many graduates of the program have successfully landed jobs as systems and network administrators.
Western Governors University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management
Western Governors University offers an outstanding distance learning program. Its online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Management teaches principles of accountability, data management, and quantitative analysis. Students will also learn how to use management tools and issue tracking systems to support business continuity.
What Can You Do With an Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree?
Graduates with this degree can be valuable parts of many organizations. They are responsible for solving server problems and managing information technology infrastructures, which is something that most companies need.
If you have a BS, BAS, or BBA in Systems & Network Administration, you can become a network administrator, a computer and information systems manager, a computer hardware engineer, a computer network architect, a programmer, a computer systems analyst, a database administrator, or an information security analyst. The possibilities are endless.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degree?
According to BLS, network and computer systems administrators earn, on average, $84,810 per year. Not everyone with a degree in this field will choose this career path, of course, but the degree itself is worth a lot. PayScale estimates that someone with a BS in Network Administration stands to earn around $73,000 per year.
Suffice it to say that this degree could lead to any number of lucrative IT careers. As information technology is a strategic asset for modern companies, the demand for network administration skills has increased exponentially.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor’s Degree Careers
| Profession | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $119,560 |
| Computer Network Architect | $116,780 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,590 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
| Computer Programmer | $89,190 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $84,810 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,450 |
Is It Better to Get a BA or BS in Systems & Network Administration?
In systems administration, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is better if you want to focus on the human and social aspects of information systems, while a Bachelor of Science (BS) is better if you prefer to focus on the technical aspects. That being said, a BS in Systems & Network Administration is much more common than its BA counterpart.
You should know, moreover, that employers often prioritize applicants with technical skills, and a BS is a great way to signal that you have the technical chops to do the job well.
Is an Online Systems & Network Administration Bachelor's Degree Worth It in 2021?
Yes. This bachelor’s degree provides knowledge to make companies more competitive and productive. In our globalized and digitized economy, investing in a systems & network administration bachelor’s degree will position you as a professional with high-quality and employable skills.
The combination of technical and administrative skills is of particularly high value. With a network & systems administrator degree, you might just be on your way to one of the best jobs in tech.
