by our College Data Analytics TeamComputer Systems Networking and Telecommunications was the 145th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 14,314 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 3.1% reduction in computer systems networking and telecommunications degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 14,763.
Our 2023 Best Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools ranking analyzes 122 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer systems networking and telecommunications students. Explore this or one of our many other custom computer systems networking and telecommunications rankings further below.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in computer systems networking and telecommunications is using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Required skills include understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most computer systems networking and telecommunications degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic computer systems networking and telecommunications program qualifications, to serve in some computer systems networking and telecommunications careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different computer systems networking and telecommunications degree levels. You can get anything from a in computer systems networking and telecommunications to the highest computer systems networking and telecommunications degree, a . Different computer systems networking and telecommunications degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer systems networking and telecommunications, with approximately 44.2% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for computer systems networking and telecommunications workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 45.3% |
| Master’s Degree | 16.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 12.7% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 9.9% |
| Some College Courses | 6.3% |
Most workers in computer systems networking and telecommunications have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in computer systems networking and telecommunications have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which computer systems networking and telecommunications career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your computer systems networking and telecommunications degree? Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications careers are expected to grow 10.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer systems networking and telecommunications.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysts | 654,900 | 9.1% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 215,200 | 8.2% |
| Computer Network Architects | 173,200 | 6.5% |
| Information Security Analysts | 128,500 | 28.5% |
As you might expect, salaries for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer systems networking and telecommunications grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $111,130 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,470 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $93,610 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $68,050 |
With over 1,028 different computer systems networking and telecommunications degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer systems networking and telecommunications school rankings to help you with this.
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications is one of 2 different types of Computer Systems Networking programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cloud Computing | 386 |
View All Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Related Majors >
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