by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 463 U.S. colleges awarded 15,091 degrees and certificates in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 33% of graduates. College Factual ranks 223 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications 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.
A major in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications involves the study of Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications. A Program That Focuses On The Design, Implementation, And Management Of Linked Systems Of Computers, Peripherals, And Associated Software To Maximize Efficiency And Productivity, And That Prepares Individuals To Function As Network Specialists And Managers At Various Levels. Includes Instruction In Operating Systems And Applications; Systems Design And Analysis; Networking Theory And Solutions; Types Of Networks; Network Management And Control; Network And Flow Optimization; Security; Configuring; And Troubleshooting. Examples: [Computer Systems Telecommunications], [Computer Systems Networking].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., computer systems networking and telecommunications is a widely-pursued major, with 15,091 degrees awarded annually. 463 colleges award computer systems networking and telecommunications degrees, an average of 33 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,427.
By level, the 15,091 awards include 4,908 certificates, 3,336 associate degrees, 881 bachelor’s degrees, 5,039 master’s degrees and 2 doctorates.
Women earned 20% of computer systems networking and telecommunications degrees and certificates in the latest year (3,050 of 15,091). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (6,352) and Black or African American (3,053), and international students earned 575.
College Factual ranks 223 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools ranking, including 105 for associate degrees, 20 for bachelor’s degrees and 12 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer systems networking and telecommunications schools within 29 states. In all, 463 colleges offer computer systems networking and telecommunications programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer systems networking and telecommunications credential is the master’s degree: 5,039 of the 15,091 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer systems networking and telecommunications 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, Oral Expression and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a computer systems networking and telecommunications degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 4,908 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3,336 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 881 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,039 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer systems networking and telecommunications, at 30.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 30.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 6.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 5.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, with an average median salary of $104,915; the strongest outlook belongs to Information Security Analysts, at 12.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Information Security Systems Instructor, Computer Science Assistant Professor, IT Adjunct Faculty Member (Information Technology Adjunct Faculty Member) and Computer Technology Instructor.
The occupation related to computer systems networking and telecommunications 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% |
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | 415,445 | 3.5% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 142,406 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 58,841 | 10.2% |
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications 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 and telecommunications 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 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Information Security Analysts | $111,930 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $71,253 |
| Computer Network Architects | $63,411 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications has 2 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 1,674 degrees a year; the largest are Cloud Computing (1,612) and Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other (62). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cloud Computing | 1,612 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other | 62 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
