Degree Overview: Master in Systems and Network Management Degree Program
Majors Overview July 8, 2015This article talks about Master in Systems and Network Management degree programs and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and certification and continuing education choices.
Master in Systems and Network Management Programs
Students enrolled in master’s degree programs in systems and network management complete topics in information technology, networking, and business. Coursework is devised to equip currently employed professionals in the field with knowledge about using networking technologies to resolve business problems. Coursework is devised to impart advanced knowledge to students about wireless networks and network design, in addition to working knowledge of the pricing tradeoffs inherent in each service. Students seeking admission to these programs are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related major, such as information technology.
Coursework
Students enrolled in these programs gain an awareness of the various ways to use technology. They also learn about how technology and information systems interface with vendors, budgets, and clients’ needs. Students can learn concepts in services and security, network design, information technology management, networking technology, applied economics, operating systems, and project management. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Data administration
•Network security
•Local area networks
•Computer systems
•Telecommunication systems
•Network technology
•Computer programming
•Multimedia networks
•Information Policy
•Information system management
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek jobs in the general areas of systems administration, network engineering, project management and network security. They can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Senior network specialist
•Communications Technician
•Network Architect
•Systems administrator
•Technology associate
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 15% has been predicted for computer network architects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the same decade, computer systems and network administrators are expected to see a 12% job growth. In May 2012, computer architects brought in an average annual wage of $91,000, while systems administrators banked $72,560 (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may enroll in doctoral programs in information management or information science and technology. Coursework in these programs is devised to train graduates to assume senior management or executive positions with government organizations and businesses, among other work settings.
CompTIA and Cisco offer professional certifications that graduates may use to boost employment potential as they serve to validate salient skill-sets. More than a dozen certifications are available through CompTIA, each with a different purpose. For example, those seeking networking jobs may pursue the CompTIA Network+ credential. Those with the skills to configure, install and operate medium-sized routers and switched networks and want to validate these professional skills may seek the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
