Computer Networking Career Pathway
Is your student a natural problem solver with a knack for technology? Do they enjoy taking things apart to understand how they work? Are they the one who family and friends turn to for help with their devices? Then a career in computer networking might be a perfect fit!
Students can make the most of their high school years by receiving guided career exploration, developing real-world practical skills, and gaining work-based learning experiences. Computer networking is an in-demand field with many entry points and opportunities for promotion. Many people enter the field as a computer support specialist, troubleshooting network problems and sometimes staffing IT help desks—positions that often do not require a college degree. Some use this as a launchpad for an eventual career as a network and computer systems administrator or a computer network architect.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
At Stride Career Prep,* we offer a rigorous, project-based learning curriculum designed to hone students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. This curriculum is taught by experienced IT professionals and includes a foundation in computer science principles and two semesters of in-depth computer networking study.
Get ahead of the competition.
Our curriculum prepares students to take the exams for the necessary credentials to embark on a career as computer support specialist right after graduation, making upwards of $40,000 per year1—without the hassle or expense of additional training or degrees. The tuition-free program includes exam prep for the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam, a highly regarded industry credential.†
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working business professionals and entrepreneurs through Nepris.**
Our Networking Curriculum in Detail
All students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes students take as part of the Networking pathway, and the industry-recognized certification exams they can prepare to take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Find a school near you that offers networking.
Stride Career Prep programs with the Networking pathway are available at tuition-free Stride K12-powered, public online schools in the following states:
Don’t see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in Networking! There are also tuition-free options in related pathways: Programming and Cybersecurity.
Occupational Spotlight
Network and Computer System Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators install, manage, and support their employers’ computer networks, hardware, and software. They make necessary upgrades or repairs, evaluate and optimize network performance, manage user accounts and permissions, and train users.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$72,991
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
-16,000
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
4% (average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree; some may enter the profession by working their way up as a computer support specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists (also called technical support specialists), analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play an important role in the routine maintenance of their organization’s networks, such as performing file backups on the network. They may also staff help desks that document and resolve users’ IT-related issues.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$43,947
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
67,300
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
8% (much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Certification such as NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$77,116
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
8,000
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
5% (much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree, or multiple years of experience in IT roles such as computer support specialist plus relevant certifications
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts research and recommend IT solutions to optimize their employers’ business performance and then present the business case (including an analysis of the cost effectiveness) for adopting different solutions to senior executives. Once approved, they then work with computer programmers and architects to purchase, install, build or customize selected IT solutions and deploy them effectively and efficiently.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$74,411
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
46,600
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
7% (faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to get a job as a network and computer systems administrator?
Most network and computer systems administrators have college degrees, although some may enter the field without a degree after several years as a successful computer support specialist.
Can you get a job in computer networking without a college degree?
The first step on the computer networking career ladder is a job as a computer support specialist, and a college degree is not required for that role. It is helpful, however, to have relevant certifications, such as the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification, as well as relevant coursework and experience.
The Networking pathway is excellent preparation for entering the workforce as a computer support specialist, and we help prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals certification exam. Membership to Business Professionals of America (BPA) is included in this tuition-free program.** BPA sponsors competitions in computer networking; winning one of these competitions would certainly bolster any résumé!
Most network and computer systems administrators have college degrees, although some may enter the field without a degree after several years on the job in an entry level IT position.
Computer network architects typically have bachelor’s degree, but some may enter the field through a combination of significant work experience and relevant industry certifications.
Computer systems analysts have bachelor’s degrees.
How can you prepare for a career in computer networking while still in high school? What classes should you take?
While in high school, courses in computer science and networking are helpful, as well as working toward relevant industry certifications and participating in networking competitions.
Networking pathway students take computer science, computer literacy, and two semesters of networking. We also prepare students to take the NOCTI Computer Networking certification exam and include membership to Business Professionals of America,** which sponsors résumé-building networking competitions and offers opportunities for professional networking and scholarships.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
Hear how Stride Career Prep can work for your teen.
Think this might be a good fit for your student? Want to learn more about the program from current participants? Email your questions and hear what Stride Career Prep students have to say.
1Burning Glass Labor Insights, accessed October 16, 2020. Data is median salary for job postings with that job title, with typical minimum education requirements for that job title (as shown in chart on this page) and 0-2 years of experience, from October 1, 2019, to September 20, 2020.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. At some schools, career exploration is offered in middle school.
**Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
†Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
