The field of information technology is an exciting engine for innovation. It is also the basis of how much modern work gets done. That's why the computer science field and its applications are attractive to the career-minded. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers accelerated bachelor's degree programs designed for online adult learners who want to finish their college degree while remaining employed. The B.S. in Information Technology program is an excellent choice for students interested in becoming a network administrator.
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from seven bachelor completion degree programs
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Applied Psychology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
B.S. in Healthcare Management
B.S. in Human Resource Management
B.S. in Information Technology
How to Become a Network Administrator
A bachelor’s degree is necessary for workers who want to enter the job pool of network and computer system administrators. A program of study in computer and information science is preferred, such as our online B.S. in Information Technology degree program.
As computer professionals with a high degree of responsibility, network administrators are tasked with keeping up with new developments in the industry. This means they continue to learn and develop their skills throughout their career. Certifications and licenses may be required by employers or software manufacturers, as this type of educational monitoring ensures that current best practices are used. As
network administrators gain experience in the field, they may move into the management of computer programmers and database administrators, depending on the size of the enterprise.
Network Administrator Duties and Responsibilities
Network administrators often work with their hands, setting up computer hardware and software systems. They find work throughout most economic sectors, including education, finance, and healthcare. They work in manufacturing industries and at government agencies. Working in collaboration with other computer science and information technology professionals, network administrators must be able to communicate well.
Here are some of the other skills and qualities that benefit network administrators:
- Ability to analyze and evaluate technical systems
- Creative problem solving
- Approaching multiple tasks together
- Developing a high degree of technical skill with both hardware and software
Network administrators often are responsible for setting up and maintaining an organization’s internet infrastructure. They help keep all users connected and able to access appropriate data with the proper security precautions.
These are common tasks performed by network administrators:
- Installing routers, switches, and cables
- Monitoring local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs)
- Assisting with designing and analyzing network models
- Managing telecommunications systems
- Troubleshooting network interruptions and problems
- Planning network expansion to match company growth
- Detecting problematic activity or security breaches
- Continually updating functionality and efficiency of computer infrastructure
- Installing new applications and distributing software upgrades
- Enforcing licensing agreements
- Creating and developing storage management for IT systems
Employment projections for network administrators predict steady growth. The average salary for network administrators can be as high as $80,600 annually. This IT career has it all, with nuts-and-bolts activities, plenty of responsibility, and the opportunity to work with organizational teams. It’s also a great role from which to observe new technology and innovative developments in IT.
Details About Information Technology Degree Completion Program
The bachelor’s completion programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are designed to provide quality online education for students who are already engaged in jobs and workplaces. As part of our School of Business and Technology, students can finish the B.S. in Information Technology in as little as one year with full-time attendance. What’s more, this accelerated bachelor’s degree program accepts all past college credits. That means technical college, standardized tests, and even industry and business training can be transferred to the degree program.
We also accept past work and military service experience. We believe your existing knowledge and experience have great educational value and should be recognized. Students can transfer up to 90 credits, which is 75 percent of the Bachelor of Science degree requirement. Just submit your transcripts and one of our counselors will create a personalized degree plan for you. This also is a good time to discuss tuition and fees, as well as financial aid options for eligible students.
This IT degree includes a variety of exciting courses, including foundational information technology, professional communication methods, and options for specialization. Students are immersed in subjects such as:
- Computer network and mobile technologies
- Cloud computing fundamentals
- Data and database management systems
- Introduction to cybersecurity
- Business intelligence fundamentals
Our accelerated bachelor’s degree program features an optional network administration specialization. The additional knowledge and skills gained with six extra credits help prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification, as well as emphasizing principles in information system management.
Finish Your IT Degree With Our Online Degree Completion Programs
If your career dreams include employment in network administration, consider finishing your bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary University of Minnesota. Our accelerated bachelor’s degree program can help you advance an existing career or get a new start. For more information, contact us today. Or you can apply online.