Missouri Tech offers the following programs in Network Administration:
- Bachelor of Science in Network Administration Security
- Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration
- Network Administration Diploma
What does a Networking Engineer do?
A network engineer is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining local area network hardware and software components. The tasks associated with this involve planning for new systems or upgrades to the system, installing hardware and software, maintaining system security and data integrity, monitoring the operation of the network, and diagnosing and fixing network problems. The hardware components comprising a network could include PCs, servers, printers, wireless components, routers, switches, and possibly phone systems. Software-related activities would involve maintaining and monitoring large software systems, managing email systems, as well as managing databases systems for proper operation and security.
Almost any business has some form of network administration. A small business may get by with part-time-help; however a huge company may employ dozens of network engineers. Hence, the work environment is very diverse.
A network administrator would be involved in planning new networks or network upgrades, all of which must meet performance requirements. Also, a network engineer must continually monitor status and performance of his systems. When a system fails, he must detect and correct the root cause. Hardware or software can fail; the network engineer must monitor both.
Network Administration security professionals would be involved in development, implementation, and maintenance of network security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus products. The tasks may also involve creating or reviewing network security architecture, computer and users policies, and information security policies. Security professional may be asked to provide training on topics such as security awareness, Information and Privacy laws, policies and ethics.
Backup, Disaster recovery, LAN (Local Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Networks) monitoring, in addition to assessment of network security vulnerabilities are other tasks involved with the profession.
Other aspects of Network engineering make the job challenging. For example:
- Networks usually employs hardware and software components made by many different companies.
- Computer technology is constantly changing.
- Networks can grow to be very large, with many remote locations.
Engineers usually work in offices, labs, or industrial plants. Many work a normal 40-hour week, but at times, they work longer to address emergencies or meet deadlines.
How do you get ready?
Students training in the network engineering field take a cluster of courses to develop their computer and network skills. These include operating systems such as Windows and Linux, servers, network administration, network infrastructure and management, Email systems, and computer software and hardware courses along with Database systems. Network Security Administration professionals will add other courses such as Web server administration, Database administration, system and network Security, computer forensics and Investigations, hacking countermeasures and cloud computing along with web-based classes like graphics design and Web Design. Script writing and programming languages are also part of these degrees.
Since Networking engineers work on systems and projects that support non-technical end-users, courses are required that develop communication and social skills, for example: writing, team building, project management and oral communication courses.
How much does this job pay?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators had average yearly wages of $72,200 in May 2010.†
How many jobs are there?
In 2010, there were about 333,210 Network and Computer Systems Administrators.† They worked in businesses, schools, government, and many other places. More of these workers will be needed because the number of computers and their level of complexity is rising. Workers will also be needed to teach people how to use new tools and programs. In fact, Network and Computer Administrator jobs are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2008 and 2018.†
Network and Computer Systems Administrators who have strong backgrounds in computers and are up to date with the latest skills will have the best chance of getting jobs.