Students interested in studying networking and systems administration should refer to one of the following MS programs: information sciences and technologies or computing security, or contact Graduate Admissions for more information.

Trends in network communications—unifying wired and wireless infrastructures, Cloud computing, scalability, collaboration tools, and security—can only be coalesced into reliable communication services if there are highly educated and technically proficient networking and systems administration professionals who understand both traditional and emerging communication technologies as well as how to apply these technologies to organizational needs and opportunities.

The explosion in ubiquitous computing today means an increased need for greater efficiency and for better management oversight in the provision of IT services. Network environments are not only becoming increasingly complex, there is a greater recognition of the power of information technology to be a strategic enabler of corporate growth and adaptation.

The MS degree in networking and systems administration provides both the knowledge and the technical skills needed to successfully compete in this environment. the program is uniquely focused to address current issues in networking and systems administration through investigation of both the theoretical and the practical aspects of this continually evolving field. Course work examines the organizational and technological issues involved in enterprise scale networking, including emerging network technologies, network processing, high performance computing, network programming, and security.

The program prepares graduates to assume leadership positions in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations dealing with evolving networking solutions or to continue their education through advanced degrees. It is available for full- and part-time study both online and on-campus.

Plan of study

The program consists of five required core courses, up to four technical electives (depending upon the capstone option chosen), and a capstone thesis or project.

Study options

This program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, through on-campus or online learning. Full-time students may be able to complete the program in two years; part-time students may take approximately four years.

Maximum time limit

University policy requires that graduate programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program. Bridge courses are excluded.