What Type of Job Can I Get With a Master’s Degree in Network Administration?

Master's Degree in Network AdministrationWhen future job seekers look for challenging employment with competitive pay, they often evaluate Master’s degree in network administration jobs. Network administrators maintain the infrastructure on which business software and hardware systems operate. These jobs become more challenging as computer systems become more technologically advanced. While it is important that information technology professionals keep their skills updated with continuous education, a firm foundation in network and system administration gained through a graduate degree in the subject is often a great start to a profitable career for many people.

Network Architect

Very few businesses attach their computer systems to a generic network without laying out a network design called an architecture. Computer professionals charged with designing communications networks use principles of design to organize a network’s physical components by their functions, operational procedures and data formats. These network architects are aware of the industry standard Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and often document their architecture based upon the seven OSI layers. The results of the work done by network architects are seamless, secure and efficient interactions among all applications, hardware systems and any other network devices.

Network Engineer

Once a network’s architecture is designed, it is the job of network engineers to install computer system software, hardware and other devices on the network. They perform routine and emergency maintenance on networks as they are often held to stringent performance standards regarding how long network systems are allowed to remain inoperative. Network engineers provide support to network users by assigning their permissions as well as adding new users and their credentials to the system. The job activities of network engineers vary by the type of network they support, and the common network types are local, wide area ad metropolitan areas of network.

Network Security Manager

Since computers are used throughout all segments of modern society, a great deal of valuable data is stored on networks. This is an open invitation to data thieves looking for a challenge. To protect network systems and the data located on the network, network security managers work with system architects to design security features into the network from the start, according to an article on Watchgaurd. When dealing with legacy systems, network security managers conduct audits of their networks to identify vulnerabilities and determine risk mitigation options. These mitigation plans could include both technical solutions and procedural updates. Additionally, network security managers monitor network traffic and flag anomalies for further investigation.

Database Administrator

Database administration is a related career for network administration professionals. In this position, network administration professionals install, configure, maintain and secure database systems. Their primary objective is to improve database performance. Database administrators also develop data storage plans that help them to determine capacity for current and future requirements. Besides demonstrating proficiency in specialized database specific skills, database administrators use their general knowledge of distributed computing systems and storage options gained from network administration degree programs.

Related Resource: Master’s in Information Assurance

Conclusion

Today’s business computing systems all rely on secure, efficient networks, and jobs abound in this career field for those with the right skills and credentials. Since the skills taught in graduate level network administration programs are applicable to many related fields, prospective students find great variety in Master’s degree in network administration jobs.