Technology has advanced significantly and become a huge part of our lives in recent years. The demand for workers with information technology (IT) skills continues to increase daily. Getting one of the best PhDs in Network Engineering is an excellent way to become an expert in this growing field.
A network engineering PhD will put you at the top of the industry and open the door to higher salaries and career options. This article will give you information on how to get a PhD in Network Engineering and which PhD programs are the best for your educational path. You will also learn other important details like the highest-paying network engineering jobs and their salaries.
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What Is a PhD in Network Engineering?
A PhD in Network Engineering is a postgraduate academic research degree earned after completing original research in a chosen specification. It is the highest academic achievement that prospective students can get, and it typically takes four to six years to complete, depending on different factors. This degree can set you up for a myriad of opportunities in the industry.
How to Get Into a Network Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to get into a network engineering PhD program are an online application, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, official or unofficial transcripts, statement of purpose, and a current resume/CV. These admission requirements are the standard for most programs.
Some programs may request only a select few of these admission requirements, while others may request all and even more. Some degrees require students to have a master’s degree before the PhD program, while others accept a bachelor’s degree in any relevant field of study.
PhD in Network Engineering Admission Requirements
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in relevant field
- GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose/personal essay/letter of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Current resume/CV
Network Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Network Engineering?
It is not very hard to get into a PhD program in network engineering, especially if you have a degree in a relevant technology field. Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Network Engineering or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or IT and good academic standing are more likely to get into a program. Some schools will also consider those with a degree in other fields.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Network Engineering: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | No |
| DePaul University | PhD in Computer and Information Sciences | No |
| Drexel University | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| Oregon State University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | No |
| Syracuse University | PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering | No |
| University of California-Berkeley | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | PhD in Computer and Information Science | No |
| University of Minnesota | PhD in Computer Science | No |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | PhD in Computer Science | No |
Best Universities for Network Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Network Engineering
The best universities for network engineering PhDs are Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, DePaul University, Drexel University, Oregon State University, Syracuse University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas, San Antonio.
If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in Network Engineering, these schools offer high-quality academic, research, and teaching experience. They offer broad and in-depth curricula and have experienced faculty to instill adequate knowledge and skills in students. Below is more information on each school and program.
Arizona State University is a public research university founded in 1885. It is one of the largest universities in the US by enrollment, with a total of 135,729 students. It offers over 400 undergraduate degrees and over 450 graduate degrees online and in person. The school is ranked sixth in the US for research expenditures among universities without a medical school.
PhD in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems)
This program is designed for students who are skilled in math and physical science. It will give them an in-depth knowledge of engineering principles and prepare them for a career in research, academia, or entrepreneurial innovation. Its core courses cover algorithms and random signal theory.
PhD in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) Overview
- Program Length: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $1,100/credit hour (in state), $1,603/credit (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Federal work study, grants, hourly employment, scholarships, and loans
PhD in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) Admission Requirements
- Admission application
- Application fee
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- 3.0 GPA
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution established in 1900. It has campuses across the globe and offers various degrees through seven schools and colleges, including interdisciplinary programs from undergraduate to graduate level. The school offers many resources to help make students' college experience easier and prepare them for their careers.
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
This program is offered in Pittsburgh, Portugal, Thailand, and Washington, DC. It is a research-intensive program that covers the fundamental principles of electrical and computer engineering. Students can join the program directly with a bachelor's or master's degree. The program covers algorithms, artificial intelligence, software systems, and computer networking.
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Overview
- Program Length: 6 years or 17 semesters
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $644/unit
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, fellowships, hourly employment, or stipend
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Admission Requirements
- Online admission application
- Application fee
- GRE scores
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Three recommendation letters
- Transcripts
DePaul University is a private Catholic institution founded in 1898 by the Vincentians. It is the largest Catholic university in the country, with over 21,670 students. It offers over 130 undergraduate programs and over 175 graduate programs through 10 colleges and schools. The academic year at DePaul is in four quarters, one for each season.
PhD in Computer and Information Sciences
This program is a research-intensive computer science program. It is offered in two tracks, computing and information systems. The computing track is best for those who want to pursue a career in network engineering.
The computing track covers programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, networking, data analysis, and systems. The information systems track covers ecommerce, human-computer interaction, IT project management, and IS analysis and design.
PhD in Computer and Information Sciences Overview
- Program Length: Three to five years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $900/credit hour
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, stipends, scholarships, and grants
PhD in Computer and Information Sciences Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field
- Online application
- Application fee
- Official transcript
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Official GRE score report
- Three letters of recommendation
- PhD addendum form
Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891. It has three campuses with a total enrollment of 23,217 students, 8,850 of which are graduate and professional students. It offers over 200 degree programs through 15 schools and colleges.
The school offers a professional employment experience for students through the Drexel co-op to give them the opportunity to test drive a career before joining the workforce. Co-op employers give 44.9 percent of co-op participants a job offer after the program.
PhD in Computer Science
This program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and education in computer science and related fields. To earn this degree, students must complete four milestones. These milestones consist of qualifying for the course, passing a candidacy exam, proposing a thesis, and defending a thesis.
This program includes breadth and depth requirements covering courses on data structures and algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, programming languages, computer networks, and security engineering.
PhD in Computer Science Overview
- Program Length: Two years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $1,342/credit hour
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, student loans, private scholarships, or a tuition discount
PhD in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- Graduate application
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay/statement of purpose
- Current resume
- Course prerequisites
Oregon State University is a public land-grant university established in 1868. It is one of the three land, sea, space, and sun grant universities in the US. It offers over 200 academic programs through 11 colleges on two campuses.
It also has extension programs in 36 counties. It has a total of 34,108 students with 5,833 graduate students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. It has $383.9 million in research funding, more than any public university in Oregon.
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
To earn this degree, students must complete a qualifying exam and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research. The program requires a total of 108 credits, of which 36 are for total coursework, 36-60 credits are for thesis or project, and 0-15 are for blanket credits.
The program offers courses on artificial intelligence, computer systems, programming languages, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. Its research areas include electronic materials and devices, energy systems, networking and computer systems, health engineering, and integrated electronics.
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Two to three years (full-time study)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $557/credit hour (in state), $1,105/credit hour (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Outstanding Scholars Program (stipends)
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Admission Requirements
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of objectives
- Resume/CV
- 3.0 GPA
- Academic history
- GRE scores
Syracuse University is a private research university founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870. The school offers over 200 customizable majors and more than 100 minors through 13 schools and colleges. It also offers interdisciplinary programs with hands-on research opportunities. It has around 22,000 students and over 6,000 graduate students.
PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering
This program is designed to make students independent professional researchers who can effectively communicate their ideas. Students can specialize in computer and information science and engineering or electrical and computer engineering.
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The programs are designed to meet each student's individual needs. Students will work on coursework, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation throughout the program. They must complete a minimum of 48 credits of technical graduate courses.
PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Five years (time limit)
- Acceptance Rate: 45 percent
- Tuition and Fees: $33,358/year
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Stipends and scholarships
PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer and Information Science, or a related field
- Online application
- GRE scores
The University of California-Berkeley is a public land-grant research university established in 1868. It is ranked as the best public university in the world and offers over 350 degree programs. This institution is renowned and respected for many reasons, including the 32 Noble prizes its alumni hold.
PhD in Computer Science
This program is designed to equip students with research skills and teaching experience. It offers 21 research areas for students to specialize in. These include artificial intelligence, database management systems, education, graphics, human-computer interaction, operating systems and networking, programming systems, scientific computing, security, and theory.
Students looking to pursue a career in network engineering can focus on the operating systems and networking program. This program covers Internet architecture, security, distributed systems, operating systems, network economics, and network measurement.
PhD in Computer Science Overview
- Program Length: Five to six years (with bachelor’s), three to five years (with master’s)
- Acceptance Rate: 5.1 percent
- Tuition and Fees: $10,248.75/semester (in state), $17,799.75/semester (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate research appointment, campus fellowships, and teaching assistantships
PhD in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Personal history statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
- GPA (3.0 minimum)
- Resume/CV
- Application fee
University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public institution founded in 1959. It is a regional university operating under the policies of the University of Michigan Board of Regents. It offers over 100 major programs, 70 minor programs, 60 graduate programs and certificates, and six doctoral programs.
It has a total of 8,331 students, with 1,845 graduate and 131 doctoral students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 25 students. US News and World Report’s school rankings list UM-Dearborn as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest.
PhD in Computer and Information Science
This program provides students with research opportunities, engineering practice, and continuing professional education. It is designed for students with career goals in academia, research, and development. Students of this program will learn to conduct original research and develop innovative technologies in the computer and information science field.
The program offers concentrations in data management, data science, systems and security, and software engineering. Students have to pass the required coursework, qualifying exam, advancement to candidacy, dissertation, and oral defense to earn this degree.
PhD in Computer and Information Science Overview
- Program Length: Five years (target)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $655/credit hour
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Appointment as graduate student instructor or research assistant
PhD in Computer and Information Science Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or Physical Science
- Prerequisite (12 credit hours) in calculus
- One prerequisite course each in linear algebra, data structures, computer organization, operating systems, and calculus-based probability and statistics
- GPA of 3.2 for a bachelor's degree or 3.5 for a master's degree
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic statement of purpose
- Personal statement of purpose
University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public land-grant university founded in 1851. It offers over 550 graduate and professional degrees, 150 undergraduate majors, and 1000 internships and research opportunities.
It has over 50,000 students, 20,000 faculty and staff, 16,000 graduate and professional students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. The school also offers online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.
PhD in Computer Science
This research degree is divided into coursework, research, and thesis preparation. It comprises courses designed to build students' research writing skills, including written and verbal presentations.
Students will have to complete a preliminary oral and written examination, thesis proposal examination, final oral examination, and thesis defense during the program. The breadth coursework subjects include algorithms, architecture systems and software, operating systems, programming languages, data communications, and computer networks.
PhD in Computer Science Overview
- Program Length: Five years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $20,328/semester (in state), $25,212/semester (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, graduate fellowships and grants
PhD in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- Four-year degree or equivalent from an accredited school in computer science or engineering
- Personal statement of purpose
- Diversity statement
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
The University of Texas at San Antonio is a public research university founded in 1969. The school offers 71 undergraduate majors and 98 graduate degree programs both on campus and online through eight colleges. It is a tier-one research school with 32 research centers and institutes. It has a total of 34,734 students, 3,867 master's students, 956 doctoral students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 25 to 1.
PhD in Computer Science
This computer science program offers cutting-edge research experience and expertise to each network engineering student. The program covers core courses in programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, and algorithms.
Throughout the program, students will take exams for their admission to candidacy, doctoral dissertation proposal, and doctoral dissertation, followed by a final oral examination. These are steps seen in most doctoral-level degrees in network engineering.
PhD in Computer Science Overview
- Program Length: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $923.76/credit hour (in state), $1,920.86/credit hour (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, teaching and research assistantships
PhD in Computer Science Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science or related fields
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional resume/CV
- Statement of research experience and interest
Can You Get a PhD in Network Engineering Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Network Engineering online. Various schools offer standard quality PhD programs for students who prefer distance learning to reach their professional goals. This allows them to complete the program entirely from their homes, unless they have to occasionally visit the campus grounds. Some schools with online programs are listed below.
Best Online PhD Programs in Network Engineering
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Online PhD in Computer Science | N/A |
| Northcentral University | Online PhD in Computer Science | 40 months |
| University of the Cumberlands | Online PhD in Information Technology | N/A |
| University of North Dakota | Online PhD in Computer Science | N/A |
| University of Pennsylvania | Online PhD in Computer and Information Science | N/A |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Network Engineering?
It takes three to seven years to get a PhD in Network Engineering. The specific timeframe is dependent on various factors. Students joining a network engineering program directly after an undergraduate degree will take a minimum of five years to complete the program, while those joining after a master’s degree will take a minimum of three years.
A PhD in Network Engineering program takes this long to complete because students have to get through many phases before earning their degree. They have to complete their coursework and take multiple exams to test their preparedness before starting their research. The research is what takes the longest time as it has to be original, which requires a lot of effort and time.
Is a PhD in Network Engineering Hard?
No, a PhD in Network Engineering is not very hard. The process of earning a degree can be stressful for some, but those who are passionate about research and the technology field will find it easier. It will also be easier for those with extensive prior experience in network engineering or related fields as they already have a solid foundation of skills.
What makes a PhD difficult are the multiple examinations and the dissertation. After the exam, students have to work on their research alone. They will have the guidance of their advisor or supervisor, but the personal investment that goes into it cannot be shared. It is essential to be passionate about academia, research, and teaching before getting a PhD.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Network Engineering?
It costs an average of $19,792 a year to get a PhD in Network Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This amount is the total of all institutions, including private and public. The amount it costs to get a PhD in a public institution is an average of $12,171, while it costs $25,929 to earn a doctoral degree in a private institution.
Private institutions are divided into for-profit and nonprofit institutions, and the cost to attend them differs. Getting a PhD in a for-profit private institution is $14,208 on average, while the average price of a nonprofit institution is $27,776. The exact amount it will cost to earn the degree differs based on school, program, learning format, and duration.
How to Pay for a PhD in Network Engineering: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Network Engineering include graduate teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, research fellowships, tuition waivers, scholarships, grants, work-study, and student loans.
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What Is the Difference Between a Network Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a network engineering master’s degree and a PhD is that a master’s degree signifies more specialized knowledge of the subject. A master’s degree is designed to give students more in-depth knowledge and skills in the field to prepare them for careers. In contrast, a PhD is designed to develop students’ research, academic, teaching, and writing skills.
A master’s degree can be earned immediately after a bachelor’s degree, but you will most likely need a master’s degree or equivalent to earn a PhD. A master’s degree requires a capstone project or thesis, depending on your concentration, and this program of study typically takes one to three years to complete.
A PhD requires a qualifying exam, candidacy exam, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and defense and takes three to seven years to complete. A master’s degree will include a higher concentration of coursework, while a PhD will have a higher research concentration. A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement, while a master’s degree is not.
Master’s vs PhD in Network Engineering Job Outlook
When comparing a master’s degree to a PhD in Network Engineering jobs, both job outlooks are quite similar. They all fall under two percent to 33 percent, either slower than average or faster than average. This is because most technology jobs have the same demand for network engineers regardless of their academic level.
Difference in Salary for Network Engineering Master’s vs PhD
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Master’s Degree in Network Engineering is $93,000. There is no information on the median salary for PhD in network engineering jobs, but the median salary for PhD in Computer Science jobs is $131,000 per year.
For comparison, the highest average salary for a master’s degree is $134,668 as a chief information security officer, while the highest average salary for a PhD is $226,883 as a chief information security officer.
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Network Engineering
You should get a PhD in Network Engineering because it will set you up for many career accomplishments. You will have received the highest academic degree in the field and built a solid network of technology professionals. Doctoral-level programs provide more employment opportunities to explore, higher job positions, and increased salary.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Network Engineering
- Personal development. A PhD will expand your knowledge and skills and improve your expertise in the field. Completing the program requires a certain level of self-discipline which will enhance your soft skills. It will provide a sense of accomplishment as you will have reached the peak of your career in your field.
- Increased networking opportunities. PhD programs will give you access to many seminars, conferences, and workshops which will help you build new connections with people from different backgrounds and fields. These will help you boost your network both within and outside your industry.
- Broader career opportunities. A PhD will open up more career opportunities for you as you will be seen as an expert in your field. You will be able to land higher-ranking jobs in various fields. You can also choose to have your own research or practice and get funding.
- Higher salary. Earning a doctoral degree means you have reached the climax of your field. This opens you to higher job positions and increased salaries because PhD holders typically make more than other degree holders.
Getting a PhD in Network Engineering: Network Engineering PhD Coursework
This section covers the courses that you will take in the process of getting a PhD in Network Engineering. These courses are part of network engineering PhD coursework, which is the first phase of the PhD program. They carry a significant amount of credit hours that you will have to get before working on your dissertation.
Algorithms
Depending on the school and the program, students will take different algorithm courses like approximation algorithms and data structures and algorithms. These courses will generally cover divide and conquer methods, elementary data structures, graph algorithms, and techniques for analyzing algorithms.
Programming Languages
Programming languages are taught in virtually all computer and technology programs. Students will improve their programming skills and learn the basic design and implementation concepts of programming languages. They may not be learning or working with any programming languages in particular but will learn their features and implementation.
Artificial Intelligence
Students will be introduced to artificial intelligence before progressing to advanced artificial intelligence, game AI, and robotics. They will learn basic concepts of AI, state spaces and search spaces, Lisp and functional programming, and the difference between game AI and traditional AI.
Software Engineering
This course will introduce students to basic software engineering processes, concepts of security protocol, human-computer interface issues, access control, crypto, and distributed system security. Students will understand security from the viewpoint of companies, criminals, police, and spies.
Computer Networks
This course will break down computer networking and cover every layer, including its duties and responsibilities. Students will learn all about networking protocols and understand systems design. Some topics include physical layer and coding, data link protocol, flow control, congestion control, routing, local area networks, transport layer, cellular (LTE), and 5G networks.
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How to Get a PhD in Network Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements
This section includes all the program requirements you need before earning your degree. These doctoral program requirements are the standard of almost all schools. You will have to complete these requirements step-by-step to get a PhD in Network Engineering.
Students will have to complete coursework which includes core, breadth, depth, and elective courses. The supervisor or advisor will help them select the required courses based on their concentration and degree requirements. There are also a specified number of credits that students have to complete for coursework.
This is an important exam that is important for all PhD students. They have to take this exam to ensure that they are on the right track to getting their candidacy. The exam will test the student's ability to apply the knowledge and skills they learned during the program. The results demonstrate their preparedness for candidacy and readiness to take on independent research.
This exam is required for students to start their PhD research. The purpose of the exam is to test students' preparedness for full-time research toward their doctoral degree. Taking this exam means a student has completed all required coursework and is ready to conduct their research and dissertation. The exam is usually taken in the first or second year of the program.
Like other exams, the comprehensive exam is designed to test students' preparedness for their dissertation. It tests students' academic knowledge, technical skill, and mastery of the field. The exam may be in verbal, oral, written, or verbal/oral format depending on the school. Passing this exam is necessary before proceeding with a dissertation.
A thesis or dissertation is the summary of a student’s research. It is a lengthy document that includes original research on a topic. As a doctoral student, you get to choose what you research and write about, and your dissertation is the product of this project.
The dissertation defense is the last stage of the PhD program. It is an oral examination where students have to present and discuss their dissertation. It is typically headed by a committee that students present to. In some cases, there will be a question and answer section where students will have to answer questions posed by the committee about their study.
Potential Careers With a Network Engineering Degree
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PhD in Network Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
The salary range for a PhD in Network Engineering is between $102,600 and $131,490, and the job outlook is between five percent and 33 percent. The initial amount will vary based on industry, company, job role, and skills. For example, a senior network engineer may make more than a cloud engineer because of the specific company they work for.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Network Engineering?
With a PhD in Network Engineering, you can work as a network architect, network engineer, research scientist, computer scientist, systems analyst, network analyst, or network administrator. You can work in various industries in the technical field, including network administration, research, health, finance, technology, education, and government.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Network Engineering
- Network architect
- Computer scientist
- Network security manager
- Network administrator
- Database administrator
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Network Engineering?
The average salary for a PhD in Network Engineering is $131,000, according to PayScale. This amount may differ based on different factors like the industry, company, job role, skills, and professional experience. For instance, chief information security officers earn an average of $226,883 while senior business analysts earn an average of $102,400.
Highest-Paying Network Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
| Network Engineering PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Scientist | $131,490 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170 |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| Cloud Network Engineer | $106,100 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
Best Network Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate
This section includes some of the best network engineering jobs with a doctorate requirement. They are also some of the highest-paying jobs for network engineers in the industry. You will find details like the job roles, average salaries, job outlook, and highest-paying states for each job. This information can guide you in choosing an area of specialization.
A computer scientist is a professional who conducts research to design, develop, and implement software and hardware systems to advance technology. They use their IT knowledge and skills to create applications that improve user interaction and make using tech easier.
- Salary with a Network Engineering PhD: $131,490
- Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 33,000
- Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington
Computer hardware engineers are professionals who design and supervise the installation and maintenance of computer systems. They conduct research to find new ways to advance computer technology and influence how it's used.
- Salary with a Network Engineering PhD: $128,170
- Job Outlook: 2% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 66,200
- Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Virginia, Oregon, Nevada
Computer network architects design, build, and maintain data communication networks like local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and Intranets. They are employed by telecommunications companies, finance companies, insurance companies, and education systems.
- Salary with a Network Engineering PhD: $120,520
- Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 165,200
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland
Computer network engineers are responsible for designing, planning, and implementing client-specific cloud solutions. They manage how information is shared within an organization. They work at IT firms, consulting technology firms, and telecommunications firms.
- Salary with a Network Engineering PhD: $106,100
- Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 165,200
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland
Information security analysts work to design, develop, install, and maintain IT security systems to protect the computer systems in organizations. They ensure that the computer systems are protected against external attacks and breaches by continuously enhancing systems’ effectiveness.
- Salary with a Network Engineering PhD: $102,600
- Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 141,200
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Maryland, Iowa, District of Columbia
Is a PhD in Network Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Network Engineering is worth it. This degree will help expand your knowledge and skills and enhance your potential in the industry. It will help you build a strong professional network, widen your career opportunities, and increase your salary range. A PhD is especially important for those interested in academics, research, and teaching.
Demand for technical expertise is increasing in all sectors, and with the expertise you will get from a PhD, you stand a higher chance of meeting that demand. You will get the opportunity to explore various fields or even start your own private practice with funding. Recently, students have been able to get a PhD directly after a bachelor’s degree, which makes the process even easier.
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PhD in Network Engineering FAQ
Yes, there is a PhD in Networking. You can get a PhD in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. The program will take a minimum of three years to complete based on different factors like your learning format, the specific program, the school, and your dedication to the program.
The best degree for network engineers is a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. These degrees will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a professional network engineer.
The qualifications for a network engineer are an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Network engineers also need technical skills like programming languages, hardware and infrastructure, analytics and troubleshooting, DNS, and IoT. Soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving are also essential.
Yes, network engineering is a good career. It has a good job outlook which means that professionals are in high demand and earn relatively high salaries, making it a promising career to pursue. An in-depth understanding of network engineering topics can lead to career stability.
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