Network Systems Administration
Associate's Degree
- Next Start Dates
- May 13, 2026
- July 06, 2026
25 courses to complete the Network Systems Administration program
90 credit hours required for graduation
Online Network Systems Administration Program
Our online Network Systems Administration Associate’s degree helps provide the technical knowledge that is currently in demand. The growing digital economy means more computer networks and information technology, which are critical parts of nearly every organization. Businesses—and the technology they use—also continue to change. From working with industry computer hardware and software to understanding computer networks, operating systems and network security, you can graduate with your online Network Systems Administration degree in as few as 18 months with the skills to start building a career in technology.1
On This Page:
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Fundamentals of Networks
By learning the fundamentals of information technology in our online Network Systems Administration degree, including working with industry hardware and software, and developing an understanding of networking and network maintenance, operations and network security and network analysis, you can turn your interest in technology into a reliable career. You'll gain confidence supporting an organization's computer networks and local area networks, as well as implement solutions and security measures.
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Network Administration Industry Certifications
Our online Network Systems Administration degree curriculum helps you prepare for testing prior to sitting for industry-recognized certifications that employers are looking for, such as the Cisco®3 CCNA, CompTIA®4 A+ (parts 1 and 2), CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ exams and Microsoft®5 Windows 10 MD-100. Plus, we’ll help cover the application costs of your first attempts for up to three exams, if you qualify.2
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Institutional Accreditation and Industry Alignment
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The online Network Systems Administration degree program is aligned with industry leaders such as CompTIA and Microsoft IT Academy, so you can feel confident pursuing optimum IT training and job outlook.
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Self-Directed Assessments
Save time and money on your Network Systems Administration Associate's degree with self-directed assessments. These $149 online, interactive assessments allow you to show that you already achieved the skills and knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it. We'll provide prep materials and you can work with a peer tutor to prepare at no additional cost. Learn more about self-directed assessments and other Knowledge Credit® options.
What Types of Network Systems Administration Courses Will I Take?
As a pioneer in the field of career-focused and online education, Rasmussen University recruits and leverages industry leaders’ expertise to ensure program innovation and dynamic curriculum. This is why our Network Systems Administration program’s content and structure was created and reviewed by a team of industry experts. Courses are project-based and simulate real-world experience with relevant applications and hands-on labs. Here are some example courses that you would take as you prepare to pursue a career in the network and computer systems field.
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Linux Administration
CTS 2321 / Online / 3 Credits
- Introduces the Linux operating system.
- Studies how to install, configure, maintain, administer and use programming features of the Linux operating system.
- Teaches how to download and install source applications from the internet, run Windows emulation and apply Linux at the enterprise network system.
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Windows Directory Services
CIS 2647C / Online / 4 Credits
- Provides in-depth coverage of the skills necessary to install, configure and administer Network Directory services in a virtual environment.
- Utilizes a combination of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, online assignments and hands-on labs.
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Systems Analysis and Design
CDA 2725C / Online / 3 Credits
- Covers analysis and design of information systems, including networks, server environments and business solutions.
- Focuses on how to improve the efficiency of systems.
- Explores different projects that have complex systems and asks students to create analysis and design documents and diagrams.
Your Future is Full of Opportunities in Network and Computer Systems
Through career-focused curriculum in your online courses, you can prepare to pursue a career in the network systems administration and computer systems fields. Our Network Systems Administration program is designed to help you gain job-ready skills and strategic thinking that employers seek in future employees.
Plus, with our laddering approach to curriculum, our Cyber Security programs stack together into one cohesive Cyber Security ladder system. This means that you’re earning more than credits—you’re earning every credential along the way. No matter where you start, credits transfer from one credential to the next: Network Support Certificate to Network Systems Administration Associate's degree to Cyber Security Bachelor's degree.
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Network Support Certificate
Intended for:
Students looking to take that first step in their network support career or those who want to advance their credentials with a range of IT, network admin, network security, and other skills.
Common careers:
- Network administrator
- Systems/network analyst
- Information security specialist
- Network technician
- Network and operations support specialist
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Associate’s Degree in Network Systems Administration
Intended for:
Students who are curious about networks and technology as a means to problem-solve and optimize workflow. Students that are interested in advancing into an entry-level position that offers job security and a path for advancement.
Network and computer systems common careers:
- Network administrator
- Systems/network analyst
- Information security specialist
- Network technician
- Network and operations support specialist
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Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security
Intended for:
Students looking to take that first step in their network support career or those who want to advance their credentials with a range of IT, network admin, network security, and other skills.
Common careers:
- Information assurance analyst
- Information security analyst
- Information security manager
- Information systems security analyst
- Information technology security analyst
Pursue potential job growth:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than average.7 A Cyber Security degree from Rasmussen can help you pursue this career path.
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
Tuition Cost & Savings
Do the Math:
With multiple start dates a year and a total of 25 courses, students who enroll can finish in as few as 18 months.1
$322 tuition per full-time credit
x 90 total credits
_______________________
$28,980 total tuition
+ $6,250 total fees
_______________________
$35,230 estimated full-time total tuition and fees
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how our degrees are designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, self-directed assessments, grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military grants for those who qualify.
Find more about:
Estimate Your Tuition
Rasmussen University is committed to making education more affordable for all students. Our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.
Rasmussen University believes in helping you make your education as affordable as possible.
Our interactive tuition estimator is designed to help you discover how much you could save on a degree from Rasmussen University.
Simply enter your ZIP code, select the program and credential you're interested in, and click “next”.
Right away, you can see the total estimated cost of your selected degree.
As you engage with the tool, you may see this number start to go down.
You also have the option to see how attending full-time or part-time could impact your tuition—and what your tuition estimate looks like, broken down by quarter.
The tuition estimator walks you through a number of ways you could reduce your overall tuition.
Click the tabs or the “back” and “next” buttons to move through the tool.
Within each tab, answer the question shown as accurately as you can, by interacting with the slider, select menu or radio buttons shown.
You might not feel totally confident in all of your answers. That's okay. This tool is just generating an estimate of how much your degree might cost.
The last tab of the tool shows you your results, including how much you could potentially save on your Rasmussen degree.
Remember, the numbers shown here are just estimates, and the true cost of your degree will vary.
Talk with an admissions representative for more information about how to make your Rasmussen degree as affordable as possible.
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What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements vary by School of Technology program. We do not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores; however, every entrant must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. No background check is required for this program, but pre-employment screenings, like background checks, may be required for future job opportunities.6
Transfer Credits
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions representative today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with self-directed assessments, credit for prior learning, grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military grants for those who qualify.