by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 491 U.S. colleges awarded 16,765 degrees and certificates in Computer Systems Networking. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 33% of graduates. College Factual ranks 235 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Networking Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $49,181 one year after completing, rising to $64,713 after four years.
Computer systems are essential in almost every company to allow information to be shared, and work to be completed. If you would like to play an integral role in the daily operations of many businesses, consider majoring in Computer Systems Networking.
The job of computer systems networking technicians is to configure the computer system of businesses and ensure that they are kept up to date and running smoothly. Students take classes in computer applications, computer network design, computer science, and mathematics to learn everything about networks, firewalls, and routers.
Studying Computer Systems Networking explores Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, computer systems networking is a widely-pursued major, with 16,765 degrees awarded annually. 491 colleges award computer systems networking degrees, an average of 34 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,427.
By level, the 16,765 awards include 5,123 certificates, 3,488 associate degrees, 1,404 bachelor’s degrees, 5,584 master’s degrees and 2 doctorates.
Women earned 20% of computer systems networking degrees and certificates in the latest year (3,379 of 16,765). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (7,064) and Black or African American (3,329), and international students earned 689.
College Factual ranks 235 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Networking Schools ranking, including 109 for associate degrees, 21 for bachelor’s degrees and 15 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer systems networking schools within 30 states. In all, 491 colleges offer computer systems networking programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Systems Networking Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer systems networking credential is the master’s degree: 5,584 of the 16,765 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer systems networking call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Those who are successful in Computer Systems Networking have a strong background in computers and operating systems. Students must also have strong problem solving and analytical skills so they can successful assess and fix network problems. Multitasking skills will allow professionals to work on multiple networks and operating systems at once.
Computer Systems Networking professionals are often employed full time in office environments. Since computer networks can go down at anytime, professionals may work overtime or on weekends to fix problems and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Internships and summer jobs are beneficial to students pursuing a career in Computer Systems Networking. These experiences will allow students to work hands-on with networks and operating systems while learning from professionals in the field.
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How long a computer systems networking degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 5,123 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3,488 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,404 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,584 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer systems networking, at 34.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.3% |
| Master’s degree | 27.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 4.2% |
| Some college courses | 2.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
13 occupations are related to Computer Systems Networking, with an average median salary of $104,044; the strongest outlook belongs to Software Developers, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Information Technology Professor (IT Professor), Computer Engineering Professor, Assistant Professor and Instructor.
Since computers are used in almost every business and organization, Computer Systems Networking graduates are employed at a variety of locations including hospitals, educational institutions, financial corporations, and government agencies. Since this major teaches students all aspect of computer networks, graduates are good candidates for any career dealing with computer systems.
The occupation related to computer systems networking with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
Computer Systems Networking graduates earn a median $49,181 one year after completing their program, $64,713 after four years and $64,878 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $49,181 |
| 4 years | $64,713 |
| 5 years | $64,878 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer systems networking is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $156,714 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Information Security Analysts | $111,930 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
Computer Systems Networking includes 3 concentrations that together award 16,765 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (15,091), Cloud Computing (1,612) and Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other (62). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 361,450 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,091 |
| Cloud Computing | 1,612 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other | 62 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
