Best Network Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Network Engineering Programs

According to the US News & World Report, Arizona State University is the most innovative university in the country. It is a public school founded in 1885 and has a robust research program. It offers more than 800 academic programs online and on campus and had a Fall 2021 enrollment of 135,729 students. 

Arizona State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #117
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #132

Best Arizona State University Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Computer Systems. This degree requires a total of 120 credit hours, completed in four years. Its curriculum combines engineering, programming, data science, and systems engineering. You’ll acquire advanced technical skills in systems design, enterprise networks, data structures, and engineering statistics. 
• Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. This bachelor's degree teaches operating systems, software construction, and project management. It is offered both online and in person and requires a total of 120 credit hours. 
• Master of Science in Computer Engineering. This two-year master's degree offers concentration options in electrical engineering and computer systems. The computer systems specialization will help advance your career in cyber security and networking. You can choose between a 30-credit thesis or a written exam plan of study.
• PhD in Computer Systems Engineering. This PhD program helps students establish advanced careers in software development, network architectures, or computer hardware. It contains 84 credits of research, electives, graduate courses, and a dissertation. 
• Online Master of Computer Science- Cyber Security. This cyber security degree can help you land jobs in information security, network operations, applied cryptography, or systems analysis. This online degree takes 30 credit hours in 18 to 36 months to complete. You will learn artificial intelligence, software testing, operating systems, machine learning, and data processing. 

Arizona State University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

Arizona State University is an innovative institution that offers robust programs in network technology and computer science. 

Cornell University is among the top private universities and was established in 1865. It has high-quality journalism, electrical engineering, computer science, and biology programs. It offers more than 200 advanced degrees and had a Fall 2021 total population of 25,582 students. 

Cornell University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #22

Best Cornell University Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information Science Systems, and Technology. Information technology bachelor's degrees can help you become a network administrator, systems analyst, or penetration tester. It takes four to five years to complete and consists of advanced programming, technical and electrical electives, and general courses. 
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This computer science program is 120 credit hours of introductory and advanced tech-based core courses. You learn object oriented programming, embedded systems, Python, and network functions. 
• Master of Science in Computer Science. The job outlook for computer scientists is 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and this degree helps you land senior jobs with high job outlooks. It takes four semesters to complete and you can choose from artificial intelligence, systems, and scientific computation concentrations. 
• PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This PhD is based on research and obtaining advanced technical skills in hardware and software programs. Your projects focus on network engineering, robotics, electromagnetics, or computer architecture. There are candidacy exams, dissertation process, and thesis defense to complete. 

Cornell University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

Cornell University is a world renowned university with highly-reputable computer science and engineering programs. These programs make landing a lucrative job in the network engineering sector an easier process. 

DeVry University is a private school where students can study through online or in-person programs. It was established in 1931 and has focused on teaching technological skills since its inception. It currently offers programs in business, healthcare, technology, and accounting.

DeVry University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor’s, master's
• US News Ranking: #119-157
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best DeVry University Network Engineering Programs

• Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration. This degree helps students prepare for cyber security analytics or network security careers. It prepares you for the Cisco Certified Network Certificate and teaches networking, operating systems, and systems analysis.
• Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking Degree with a Specialization in Cyber Security. The best network engineering bachelor's degrees can help you get cyber security, database architecture, or information assurance jobs. This online degree requires 120 credit hours and teaches the skills relevant to CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA PenTest+ certification exams. 
• Online Master’s in Network and Communications Management. If you want to advance your computing career into a managerial position then get this 45-credit online degree. It offers two specializations in information security or project management. 

DeVry University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

DeVry University’s network engineering and cyber security programs are a great choice for students looking for affordable and flexible online college degrees. Students in DeVry’s technology-based programs are also given free laptops.

North Dakota State University is a public research institution founded in 1890 and currently offers 231 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. According to the US News & World Report, North Dakota State University ranks 277th among the best national universities. 

North Dakota State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 94%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #277
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #401-500

Best North Dakota State University Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering. This computer engineering degree takes 126 credit hours to complete. It focuses on computer architecture, cyber systems, embedded systems, and computer systems. Some popular career outcomes include data scientist, network engineer, information security analyst, or game developer. 
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In this 120-credit hour computer science program you learn software engineering, programming languages, computer systems, and discrete mathematics. You can get computing, network, or data science jobs.
• Master of Science in Computer Science. You can opt for a thesis-based 32-credit plan or culminating experience-based 36-credit plan. You’ll learn software development, cyber security, network security, artificial intelligence, and database systems. 
• PhD in Computer Science. This PhD requires between 30 to 51 credit hours depending on your academic accolades and pathway. You can focus your doctoral dissertation on cyber security, artificial intelligence, software development, or database systems.

North Dakota State University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

North Dakota State University’s national university ranking paired with its good academic reputation provides students with a fruitful network engineering education.

Purdue University is a globally recognized school best known for its tier-one research programs. It is most popular for its computer science, English, business administration, and mechanical engineering programs. It was founded in 1869 and offers both online and in-person degrees across tons of states. 

Purdue University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #49
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #105

Best Purdue University Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology. This program will allow you to master computer systems design and architecture. You will gain advanced skills to get employed in network security and architecture positions through courses in operating systems, computer security, software testing, and embedded systems.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology. This technology bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours. It covers systems development, design thinking, cyber security, and data management. You can enter systems or network engineering administration professions with this degree. 
• Master of Science in Computer and Information Technology. This master’s program requires 25 credit hours of graduate and research courses. It focuses on quantitative methods, information technology, network security, and engineering programming. 
• PhD in Computer Science. A PhD in Computer Science provides you with advanced research and programming skills. Purdue’s PhD timeline is five years and includes research, core courses, preliminary exams, thesis, and defense components. 

Purdue University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

Getting an advanced degree from a tier-one research school such as Purdue University will boost your candidacy for network engineering and other jobs.

Rochester Institute of Technology is a research-based private school established in 1829 in New York. It is best known for its computer science, engineering, design, and business programs. It has a total enrollment of 19,000 students and more than 135,000 alumni. 

Rochester Institute of Technology Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #117
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #800-1000

Best Rochester Institute of Technology Network Engineering Programs

• Associate in Occupational Studies in Applied Computer Technology. This degree is for students wanting to enter the network security or network engineering fields with two years of education. It requires 63 credit hours and covers network security, web design, data security, and digital systems integration. 
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. With a 98 percent graduate outcome rate, this computer engineering degree is for those looking for a high job placement education opportunity. It requires 129 credits that can be completed in five years. You learn software engineering, C, communication networks, and computer engineering.
• Master of Science in Computing Security. This computing security master’s program specializes in cryptography and computer systems. It takes 30 credit hours in a two-year timeframe. With this degree, you can become a backend developer, network systems engineer, cyber security analyst, or security engineer. 
• PhD in Computing and Information Sciences. Rochester Institute of Technology reports a 100 percent graduate outcome rate for its computer science doctorate students. This PhD covers research topics across artificial intelligence, software engineering, network security, and data science topics.

Rochester Institute of Technology Network Engineering Key Takeaway

Rochester Institute of Technology reports a high graduate outcome and job placement rate for its popular degrees in computer science and engineering.

San Jose State University is a public institution founded in 1857. According to the US News & World Report, San Jose State University ranks 22nd on the 2022 Best Regional Universities West list. It is recognized for its journalism, engineering, computer science, and psychology programs. 

San Jose State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• US News Ranking: #22
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #1001-1200

Best San Jose State University Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The average salary for a computer science bachelor’s degree holder is $87,000. This degree will help you land high-paying jobs in the tech and data fields. It requires 120 credit hours with courses in computer architecture, programming paradigms, information security, and network management. 
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Computer Network System Management Concentration. Majoring in engineering technology and systems management is a great way to land lucrative networking engineering jobs. This program consists of 120 credit hours with a curriculum covering software quality management, network security, cyber security, and cloud computing. 
• Master of Science in Software Engineering. Software engineering master’s degrees advance your career in software development, network engineering, or computer science sectors. This program requires you to complete 33 credits in network security, computer network design, application development, and software systems. 

San Jose State University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

San Jose State University offers a wide range of reputable programs in computer science and network engineering. 

The Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 and is a top-tier research university. It offers more than 275 undergraduate majors and has 24 campuses and online programs. According to the US News & World Report, Penn State ranks 63rd among National Universities and 34th among the most innovative schools. 

The Pennsylvania State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #63
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best The Pennsylvania State University Network Engineering Programs

• Associate in Information Sciences and Technology. This two-year program covers systems analysis, networking, web design, programming, and data organization. You can apply for entry-level network administration, data administration, or system security positions or further your education by completing a bachelor’s degree program.
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Analytics and Operations. If you want to venture into cyber security, network security, or systems engineering, this degree is for you. It requires 123 credits in network security, information security management, application development, and programming courses. 
• Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. Master’s Degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering help you build a fruitful career across countless tech fields. This program requires 31 credits of courses, thesis, and research. Its focus areas are computer architecture, operating systems design, and algorithms. 
• PhD in Computer Science. This PhD requires between 21 to 33 credits depending on the student's qualifications. It is an extension of the computer science master’s program and focuses its research on computer architecture and data structures.

The Pennsylvania State University Network Engineering Key Takeaway

The Pennsylvania State University has a high national university and innovative school ranking making it a great choice for pursuing a network engineering education.

University of Michigan was established in 1817 and is a popular public research school, especially for its education, liberal arts, and research programs. It had a total enrollment of more than 50,000 students for its Fall 2021 cohort. 

University of Michigan Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #24

Best University of Michigan Network Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The core courses of this computer science degree cover computer architecture, cryptography, software engineering, and operating systems. You need to complete 55 to 56 credits of core courses and can venture into game design, artificial intelligence, network engineering, or software development fields. 
• Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science that covers data architecture, database management systems, and information systems can help you enter data network engineering professions. This degree requires a minimum of 42 credits that include core, capstone, and elective courses. 
• PhD in Computer and Information Science. This PhD consists of 34 credits of thesis work and core courses. It covers advanced research topics in software engineering, system security, and data science. 
• Master of Science in Data Science. If you want to advance your career in database networking and systems fields, then this data science master’s degree is for you. It requires 25 credits of coursework and residency work. You will learn big data computing, machine learning, advanced database systems, and data structure engineering. 

University of Michigan Network Engineering Key Takeaway

University of Michigan offers a variety of computer science, data science, and software engineering courses that will help solidify your career in network engineering.

University of Phoenix is a private university with robust online and on-campus educational programs. It was founded in 1976 and offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees to its student body. 

University of Phoenix Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: Open admission policy
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
• US News Ranking: #299-391
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best University of Phoenix Network Engineering Programs

• Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology with an Information Assurance and Security Certificate. Having a professional certificate paired with a higher-ed degree is a great resume booster. This 60-credit online associate program is a great way to land entry-level network engineering or IT jobs. 
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security. Cyber security and network security are closely related subject areas that encompass the study of security in cyber space. This bachelor’s program requires 120 credit hours and is offered online. It covers computer infrastructure, ethical hacking, and enterprise management. 
• Master of Information Systems. This information systems master’s degree helps students enter senior information technology or networking professions. It is offered online and requires 36 credit hours for completion. You can choose between its flexible online or traditional delivery formats. 

University of Phoenix Network Engineering Key Takeaway

University of Phoenix is a good choice for students wanting a flexible online education. Its got very affordable programs that help its students fulfill their network engineering career goals.

A network engineering community college certificate showcases your proficiency in the field. It isn’t counted among the higher education degrees and can be completed in one to two semesters. 

You’ll learn foundational information technology, network communication systems, and computer systems. You can use this certificate to get a job in networking and accumulate industry experience to move up the career ladder.

Associate Degrees in Network Engineering are two-year programs that cover foundational to intermediate computer science and networking subjects. You can get them at community colleges, state colleges, and some four-year institutions. 

Some of the common courses in these programs include information assurance, network administration, information technology, and software development. You can apply for entry-level positions in cyber security analytics, network engineering, or information assurance with this degree.

Network engineering bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete and universities require anywhere between 120 to 130 credit hours. Bachelor’s degrees are the industry standard educational requirement. 

The core subjects will vary depending on your choice of network engineering majors and cover programming, computer science, database systems, network security, software engineering, cyber security, and data science subjects. You can apply for network engineering, software development, cyber security, or computer science positions with this degree.

A Master’s Degree in Network Engineering is a graduate program that can take up to three years to complete. The typical elements of a master’s degree include graduate courses, a thesis, and capstone courses. 

There are tons of network engineering specializations you can choose to focus on for your master’s thesis. You may want to consider specializing in cyber security engineering, network engineering, information technology, computer architecture, or database management systems. Your specialization will depend on your professional and academic goals.

A network engineering graduate certificate is for bachelor’s degree holders looking to add higher educational qualifications to their resume without committing to a formal degree. They can take around one to one and a half years and offer specializations in network security, computer architecture, or computer engineering. 

You can also get a network engineering graduate certificate to prepare for a doctorate degree and gain the advanced programming and software engineering skills needed to excel in a PhD program. 

Network engineering doctorate degrees are for students looking to pursue an academic or research career in network engineering. You can get a PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Database Systems to advance a career in network engineering. 

Depending on your research topic approval and dissertation process, your degree can take between five to 10 years to complete. It covers advanced subjects and research related to computer architecture, cyber security, computer science, and information assurance.

The best network engineering associate degree jobs are junior or entry-level positions that include technical support or administration duties. Your job duties include assisting network security engineers or information technology managers to meet the company’s network needs. 

Top Network Engineering Careers With an Associate Degree

• Network Specialist: $59,583
• Junior Data Analyst: $51,668
• Information Technology Support Specialist: $51,208

The best Bachelor’s Degree in Network Engineering jobs are in the computer science, cyber security, information assurance, or database systems fields. They require an intermediate to advanced understanding of computer architecture and system security that a bachelor’s degree will provide. 

Top Network Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Computer Network Architect: $120,520
• Information Security Analyst: $102,600
• Network Systems Administrators: $80,600

The best network engineering master’s degree jobs are typically managerial or senior positions. A master’s program specializes in teaching the advanced network engineering, systems architecture, and software development skills needed for these information technology positions. 

Top Network Engineering Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Machine Learning Engineer: $110,855
• Cyber security engineer: $97,766
• Computer Scientist: $82,477

The best network engineering doctorate jobs are in research, academic, or executive professions. A PhD displays your expertise and advanced understanding of network engineering and information technology subject areas. 

Top Network Engineering Careers With a PhD

• Director of Cyber Security: $170,208
• Chief Security Officer: $168,687
• Computer Science Professor: $86,712

The best internships opportunities for network engineering students stem from the software engineering, cyber security, or computer science fields. You can use your internship opportunities to solidify your network security and engineering skills. 

Top Network Engineering Internships 

• Emerson Cyber Security Engineer Intern: $81,204
• InfoSec Engineer Intern: $75,858
• Amia Networks Inc. Software Engineer Intern: $42.50/hour