Is a computer networking degree worth it? A computer networking degree is a degree that enables you to pursue a career in information technology that deals with designing, maintaining, and improving computer networks.
What is a Computer Networking Degree?
A computer networking degree is an advanced degree that helps you learn about the functioning of computer networking systems and enable you to take your career to the next level.
It is a field of study where you are required to know about networks, computer security, network administration, network protocol, and network design.
There are a number of different ways to get into this field. One of them is to study computer networking at university level.
Other ways to start your computer networking career are to get a Master’s degree or enroll in an online computer networking degree program.
This online computer networking degree from UCF combines online learning with on-campus experience.
Why choose an online computer networking degree
There are several reasons why you should consider pursuing an online computer networking degree:
- You can learn at your own pace. You do not have to commit to long hours in the classroom.
- You can tailor the program to suit your needs and work schedule.
- You can still maintain your current job.
- You can benefit from discounts on your courses.
- You have the opportunity to complete a program on your own schedule.
- With all these advantages, you would think that online computer networking degree programs are easy to get but that is not the case. There are three things you need to consider before selecting an online computer networking program.
Types of Networking Degrees
There are basically four types of networking degree programs you can study at online universities:
Web Technology – this is a degree that prepares you to build a foundation in computer networking technologies like network management, security, and multimedia.
Computer Networking – this degree prepares you to become familiar with the principles and practices of computer networking in the realm of telecommunications.
Data Networking – this degree prepares you to build knowledge in computer networks and how they apply in networking operations in the web and other digital media.
Digital Media – this degree prepares you to learn about the interaction and impact of digital media and the web on user experience and on the whole digital experience.
The degree you choose depends on your needs.
Computer Science Degree
The traditional approach to computer networking involves maintaining the database and maintaining network links between the devices.
However, in the present time, data communication is carried out online by means of computer networking. This type of network management is termed as network engineering. Network engineering is a degree that involves the management of the computer networks.
This network engineering degree is recognised in numerous universities across the world and hence you can easily find the best online network engineering degree programs offered by reputed universities and colleges.
Network Management Degree
In the modern times, computer networking has been transformed into a powerful tool for managing and developing computer networks.
Computer Engineering Degree
Another computer networking degree is Computer Engineering. Computer engineering is also called Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Digital Engineering.
This kind of degree offers the fundamentals of how computer networking, computers and programming work.
Computer network engineering degrees typically focus on the following:
- Information and Communication Technology Systems
- Network Architecture
- Software Engineering
- Security Engineering
- Network Design
CIS and CISCO are the most common computer network education providers and generally, computer engineering schools have state of the art labs to perform your exams.
In some universities, computer engineering degrees are typically offered in three to six years.
Information Systems Degree
An information systems degree is a degree in computer networking that goes further than an education in computer science. With a university degree in information systems, you can become an IT professional with a clear career path, potentially with a job with a large corporation or other business.
An IT professional is a person who is in charge of a department that works with computing equipment and software in order to enhance business.
Digital Engineering Degree
An engineering degree in information systems is a degree that gives you the expertise to design, build, and maintain information technology-related networks in the IT industry.
What can I do with this degree?
The degree has the capability to open up many job opportunities in the computer networking fields. As a result, the employers and training schools that offer such courses guarantee that you will learn about the latest networking technology and experience hands-on training in a realistic workplace setting.
Computer networking is an important and interesting profession, because it deals with the production and distribution of networking products and network devices such as routers, switches, and network monitors.
The work environment is dynamic, which means that you may have to change the design of networking devices in a short period of time. You have to continually upgrade to a new hardware and software in order to remain ahead of the competition.