20 Best Affordable Online Computer Networking Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2021

20. Regis University

Denver, Colorado

Regis University is a private, nonprofit institution offering bachelor's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs.

Regis has an accredited online networking degree in the form of their high-value Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) – General Information Technology track. It prepares students for careers that include aspects of:

• networks

• mobile applications

• enterprise systems

Include are installation, integration, administration and updating. Security issues are also covered.

Graduates of this program find careers that include, but are not limited to:

• Network Architect

• Network Engineer

• Systems Administrator

This is a 120-credit online degree program allowing up to 87 qualified transfer credits. Courses run in 8-week terms and include:

• Networking Infrastructure

• Management of Enterprise Networks

• Wireless Networks

A capstone is part of the curriculum.

Alternatives: BSIT with Cybersecurity track; accelerated BS + Master's track (e.g. Information and Cybersecurity, or Information Technology Management).

Additional Information

19. Herzing University

Menomnee Falls, Wisconsin

Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through master's degrees, plus certificate programs. It serves students at nine campuses and online. Previously a for-profit institution, Herzing became nonprofit in 2015.

Herzing offers an online Bachelor's in Computer Networking degree program. Classes are 100% online, and students choose between an internship or an IT capstone project. The program takes under three years and provides the skills students will need for roles in:

• network infrastructure administration

• security

• cloud computing and more

Graduates of this high-value online degree program can sit for certification exams from Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft (cost included in tuition).

The program allows up to 90 qualified transfer credits. Sample courses include:

• Network Security

• Network and Server Operating Systems

• Wireless Networking Fundamentals

Up to 12 credits can be applied for dual-credit in Herzing's MBA program, which offers concentrations in Technology Management and Project Management, among others.

Alternatives: Bachelor's degrees in Cybersecurity or Information Technology.

Additional Information

18. Hallmark University

San Antonio, Texas

Hallmark University is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through master's degrees.

Hallmark has a networking bachelor degree in the form of an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSC) degree program, which offers seven core courses in networking.

Graduates of this top-value online degree program are qualified to sit for two industry certification exams covered by tuition:

• Security+; Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• CCNA or (ISC)2 SSCP

Additionally, students may qualify through additional training for other professional certifications: A+; Linux+; MD-100: Windows 10; Network+.

This is a 28-month degree with 8-week terms (six terms/ year). Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Network Management and Convergence

• Networking Essentials

• CCNA: Scaling Networks.

Alternatives: AAS in Information Technology, which prepares students for careers that includes Network Administrator.

Additional Information

17. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through doctorate degrees.

BU has one of the least expensive online networking degrees: an online B.S. in Systems and Network Administration Program degree. Students learn to manage and configure operating systems and servers both physically and virtually. They gain knowledge of hardware and software that includes:

• database management systems

• messaging systems

• information security

• Web servers and more

Knowledge gained is applicable to both computer and networked systems. Graduates of this best-value online degree program qualify to sit for a number of professional certification exams. Career roles in either computer networking or network security are typical.

This is a 127-credit online degree program with courses in the Major comprising 36cr, and Electives covering 54cr. Sample online courses include:

• Introduction to Networking

• Advanced Networking Administration

• Web Server Administration

Alternatives:

• Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology

• Computer Information Systems

• Cybersecurity

• Software Development.

Additional Information

16. Point University

West Point, Georgia

Point University is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through master's degrees.

Point offers a 100% online B.S. in Information Technology (BSIT) with an option in Network Administration.. Students gain knowledge of network administration as well as:

• data management

• project management

• web development

Graduates of this high-value online degree program qualify to sit for a variety of professional certification exams – depending on courses taken – including:

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Linux

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Project+

• CompTIA Security+

• MCSA Installing and Configuring Windows Server

• MCSA Administering Windows Server

This is a 120-credit online degree program grounded in the Christian faith that students can complete at their own pace within limitations. It typically takes four years. Courses in the major comprise 45 credits, while General Electives make up 29 credits. Sample courses include:

• Networking Fundamentals

• Introduction to Network Security

• Network Security Applications

Note that a Tech Fee of $250 applies for each 16-week term in which a student is enrolled.

Additional Information

15. Kent State University

Kent, Ohio

Kent State University is a public institution offering bachelor's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs. It serves students on its main campus, multiple regional campuses, and online.

Kent offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with a concentration in Networking. Students gain knowledge of various aspects of computer networks, including:

• installation

• administration

• security

• maintenance,

• servers

• workstations

• virtualization

This is a 120-credit online degree program, with 18 credits allotted to the Networking concentration. Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Operating Systems and Networking Technology

• Local Area Network Security Fundamentals

• Scripting for Network Administrators

A technical/ applied studies capstone is part of the curriculum.

Alternatives: BSIT with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Forensics. This has a strong emphasis on "security of computer and network systems," including four courses relevant to networking.

Additional Information

14. Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Dakota State University is a public institution offering associate's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs.

DSU offers the online Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration (BSNSE) through the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Skills gained include:

• configuration of networking hardware

• defensive hacking

• penetration testing

• network forensics

• scripting and testing

• knowledge of both Microsoft and UNIX/ Linux systems.

The 120-credit online degree program includes 74 credits of Major courses, and 16 credits of Electives. Sample courses include:

• Routing and Switching

• Offensive Network Security

• Defensive Network Security

Students will choose a capstone of either an Internship or Undergraduate Research/ Scholarship.

Alternatives: 4+1 track: BSNSE, followed by Master of Science in Cyberdefense.

Additional Information

13. Colorado State University-Global Campus

Aurora, Colorado

Colorado State University-Global Campus is a public institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees, plus certificate programs, all of which are distance programs.

CSUG has an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT). While the program does not have a networking concentration, networking courses are part of the curriculum, with career roles such as Network Engineer being a possible outcome. The university also offers an online undergraduate certificate in Networking.

In addition to studying curriculum courses, students also prepare for one or more professional certifications, including:

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Cloud+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

• CompTIA Project+

• Microsoft Server 2016;

• Microsoft 2012 Databases

• Microsoft 2012 Enterprise Administrator

This is a 120-credit online degree program allowing up to 90 transfer credits. The curriculum is divided into:

• General Education (31cr)

• Core (39cr)

• Specialization (optional, 15cr)

• Electives (35cr)

Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Networks

• Advanced Network Systems

• Network Enterprise Solutions.

Alternatives: Undergraduate certificate in Cyber Security.

Additional Information

12. Rogers State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology – option in Computer Network Administration

Claremore, Oklahoma

Rogers State University is a public institution offering associate's through master's degrees, plus certificate programs. It serves students at the main campus and two branch campuses, plus online.

RSU has a high-value online B.S. in Business Information Technology (BINT) with an option in Computer Network Administration. Students gain experience in various aspects of computer networking, including:

• configuration

• security

• (network) operating systems

• emerging technologies

Typical careers for graduates include:

• Network Specialist

• System Network Administrator

• System Specialist

This is a 120-credit online degree program with 42 credits allotted to the networking option. Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Networking

• Networking Operating Systems

• Network Routing

The curriculum has Practicum and Capstone requirements.

Alternatives: minor in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.

Additional Information

11. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University is a public institution offering associate's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs. The university has received a "Most Innovative" designation (regional universities) from US News & World Report since 2015.

SNHU has an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (BSCIS) with a concentration in Networking and Security. Students learn both technical concepts and skills such as being an intermediary between IT and Business departments in organizations. Concepts in cybersecurity are also covered. Students will design "a secure computing environment, complete with a network, server, client system and firewall."

This is a low-cost, 120-credit online degree program that allows up to 90 qualified transfer credits. It requires no SAT/ACT scores for admission. The BSCIS curriculum includes:

• 30 credits of Business Core courses

• 21 credits of Major courses

• 9 credits for the concentration

Concentration courses include:

• Computer Operating Systems

• Introduction to Computer Networks

• Computer Systems Security

A Information Systems capstone is required.

Alternatives:

• BSCIS with concentration in Project Management for Cybersecurity

• BS in Information Technologies with a concentration in Computer Support Specialist or Computer Systems Analyst

• BS in Cybersecurity

All three of these degrees have courses in networking. Job outcomes include Network and Computer Systems Administrator and other networking roles.

Additional Information

10. Champlain College

Burlington, Vermont

Champlain College is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through master's degrees, plus certificate programs. They are ranked by US News & World Report as offering among the best online bachelor's programs.

CC has one top-value online computer network degree: a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems (BSCIS). Students learn the skills necessary for a range of computer and information technology jobs, including that of Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, and more.

This is a 120-credit online degree degree program allowing up to 90 transfer credits. CC has three semesters per year (two 7-week terms per semester). The program requires 10-17 hours/week commitment, depending on your choice of part- or full-time studies. Sample online courses include:

• Networking Fundamentals

• Network Design

• Linux Systems Administration

• Foundations of Cybersecurity.

Additional Information

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, Maryland

University of Maryland Global Campus was formerly known as University of Maryland University College (UMUC). UMGC is the online division of UM, and offers bachelor's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs.

UMGC offers a low-cost 120-credit, online B.S. in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity (BSCNC), which accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Graduates of the program qualify to sit for over a dozen professional industry certifications, including:

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security

• CCNA

• MCSE Cloud Platform and Infrastructure.

Major courses in the BSCNC comprise 33 credits. Sample courses include:

• Fundamentals of Networking

• Network Security

• Ethical Hacking.

Alternatives: undergrad certificate in Computer Networking.

Additional Information

8. Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees, plus certificate programs.

WGU offers the Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security (BSNOS). The online degree program is designed for students seeking career roles, including in network design or operations, and security management. Students learn about IT subjects that range from programming and web development to security, networking hardware, and business aspects of IT.

Graduates of this online degree program can earn up to 11 relevant industry certifications, including:

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist

• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

This is a best-value, 36-course program. Classes fall into over a dozen IT or business IT areas, as well General Education and General Science. Sample courses include:

• Network and Security – Applications

• Implementing and Administering Networking Solutions

• Managing Cloud Security

A written capstone project is also required.

Note: WGU charges tuition by the term, so tuition can be reduced by taking more courses per 6-month term. This leads to a significant savings in tuition and fees. The default study plan for this program is nine terms. Students with a suitable Associate's degree may be eligible for entry, and would thus require less to complete the BSNOS.

Alternatives: BS Information Technology Management; BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.

Additional Information

7. University of Maine-Augusta

Augusta, Maine

University of Maine-Augusta is a public institution offering associate's and bachelor's degrees, plus certificate programs.

UMA offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (BSCIS). This comes with a concentration in Computer Networking, and is delivered by the College of Professional Studies. In addition to gaining knowledge of networks, students will also pick up skills in:

• database maintenance

• web page design and development

• writing computer code

• creating reports

• learning the use of various software applications

The BSCIS is a top-value 121-credit degree which allots 87 credits for the Major, including 27 credit for courses in the Networking concentration. Sample courses include:

• Wireless Networks

• Scaling Networks

• Introduction to Network Security

An internship is part of the curriculum requirements. Note: check the website or contact admissions to determine if you qualify for UMA's Zero Tuition offer for qualified undergraduates.

Alternatives: Computer Networking minor; Cyber Forensics minor; Cyber Security minor.

Additional Information

6. Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Fort Hays State University is a public institution offering associate's through doctorate degrees, plus certificate programs.

FHSU offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications (INT) with a concentration in Computer Networking and Telecommunications. The program is ideal for students interested in careers related to communication networks, including roles in:

• consulting

• design

• engineering

• management

• regulations

• sales

The INT program is 124 credits, including 39 credits for Core concentration and Cross concentration courses. Graduates of this concentration are eligible to sit for these professional certifications:

• CCENT

• CCNA; CCNP

• CompTIA

Sample courses include:

• Internetworking (I-III)

• Network Architecture and Data Communication (I-II)

• Fundamentals of Network Security

Note that some elective courses may be on-campus-only. On-campus courses are charged at a different per-credit rate than online courses.

Additional Information

5. Independence University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Independence University is a private, nonprofit institution offering associate's through master's degrees. It is the online branch of Stevens–Henager College.

IU offers an affordable online B.S. Cybersecurity and Networking (BSCN). This is a 36-month, 120.33 semester credit degree program. It provides students a laptop and tablet computer, as well as books and supplies. It is aimed at providing the knowledge and skills necessary for entry- and mid-level career roles. These include:

• network administrator

• security expert

• systems analyst

• entrepreneur

The BSCN covers a range of topics in networking and security, as well as entrepreneurship. Students learn about:

• cloud and mobile computing

• computer forensics

• cryptography

• ethical hacking

• infosec management

• database management

• networking computers

• network communications

• operating systems

• workstation and server administration

Courses are offered as four-week modules. Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Networking Concepts

• Network Communications

• Architecture, Structure, and Function

• Server Administration.

Additional Information

4. Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington

Central Washington University is a public institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees, plus certificate programs. It has earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine over recent years, and ranks in both Washington Monthly College Guide) Money Magazine

CWU offers Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management with a Specialization in Network Administration and Management. The online degree program covers both soft and hard skills, including:

• management and leadership

• project management

• ethics

• wireless communications

• server management

• workstation administration

• database management

This is a 102- to 106-credit online degree program with 28 credits allotted to the networking specialization. Sample courses include:

• Advanced Networking

• Computer Network Management

• Network Security

A Network Capstone is part of the curriculum, as is an 8- to 12-credit Internship. Note: CWU caps its undergrad tuition at 10 credits per term, allowing up to an additional eight credits at no extra cost.

Alternatives: BS-ITAM with focus in Cybersecurity; BAS-ITAM with focus in Cybersecurity.

Additional Information

3. Middle Georgia State University

Macon, Georgia

Middle Georgia State University is a public institution offering associate's through master's degrees, plus certificate programs.

MGSU has an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with a focus in Network Technologies and Administration (NTA). This low-cost online degree program is for students interested in career roles in networking or system administration.

This is a 120-credit online degree program, with classes running seven weeks each. Concentrations vary in credit allotment, with 21credits for Networking. Sample courses include:

• Network Essentials

• Network Security

• Network Forensics and Incident Response Planning

Note: online eCore and eMajor courses have slightly different per-credit tuition rates than most online courses, but may be optional for the BSIT.

Alternatives: BSIT with a focus in Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics or Critical Infrastructure Management.

Additional Information

2. Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida

Indian River State College is a public institution offering affordable associate's and bachelor's degrees, plus certificate programs. The university is a winner of the respected Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

IRSC the online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security (BS-ITMCS). This program provides students with computer networking skills, including "building, operating and maintaining computer networks." It teaches students how to troubleshoot network technology and data problems. It also helps students gain people interaction skills for dealing with various business units.

This is a 120-credit online degree program, with 39 credits allotted to the concentration. Sample courses include:

• CCNA1: Introduction to Networks

• Network Security and Cryptography

• Network Technologies for Information Professionals

A capstone in ITM is required. Admission to the BS-ITMCS requires prior completion of a suitable Associate's degree. The most relevant such degree that IRSC offers is an online Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology (ASCIT)- Networking Concentration. As such, we've estimated the cost of IRSC's networking BS degree by including the cost of the AS.

Alternatives: BS in Computer Information Technology (CIT).

Additional Information

1. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Florida State College at Jacksonville is a public institution offering low-cost associate's and bachelor's degrees, plus certificate programs.

FSCJ offers the online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, delivered by the School of Technology and Industry. It provides students with both technical and management skills applicable to a variety of computer networking roles, including:

• network management

• network flow optimization

• network configuration and troubleshooting

• information security

Grads of the program can sit for any of three professional certifications:

• CompTIA A+

• Security+

• Server+ and Cisco CCENT CCNA

This is an accelerated program with a 20-month timeline.

Sample online courses include:

• Network Fundamentals (Cisco 1)

• Fundamentals of Information Security

• Routing and Switching Fundamentals (Cisco 2)

A Capstone is part of the upper division course requirements. The program also requires 36 credits of General Education courses in:

• Communications

• Mathematics

• Humanities

• Natural Sciences

• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Alternatives: Associate of Science degree in Network Systems Technology, and three online networking-related technical certificate programs.

Additional Information