AFFORDABLE MASTER'S IN NETWORK MANAGEMENT ONLINE DEGREE

Updated December 6, 2022

Students who are interested in information technology and also want to obtain a leadership position at work should consider earning an online master's degree in network management. This graduate program can help train IT professionals for advanced positions at some of the nation's most prominent tech corporations. Network managers are vital to any organization that ...

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Students who are interested in information technology and also want to obtain a leadership position at work should consider earning an online master's degree in network management. This graduate program can help train IT professionals for advanced positions at some of the nation's most prominent tech corporations. Network managers are vital to any organization that uses technology. Not only do they manage networks, but they most also have the skills to build, troubleshoot, and improve them. They help keep both internal company members and outside affiliates connected and working together efficiently.

In our modern society, fewer and fewer of us are focusing all are talents on one venture. We are often working, going to school, and raising families simultaneously. Online classes make it easier than ever to pursue all of your goals without sacrificing your time or sanity. Network management programs are no exception, and numerous schools offer master's degrees in this area online, knowing full well that those in need of advanced training are even more likely to already have career and personal commitments.

Methodology

True to form, our research in this area has focused on the schools that are the best value. We tracked down every school in the country with an online master's degree in network management or a related field, and organized them by their average annual tuition as reported by the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator database. After weeding out the schools without accreditation or reliable reviews, we were left with the 15 most affordable master's degree programs in the nation. We have listed them from most to least expensive, and you can see right away that even the most expensive of our selection is still less than $16,000 a year to attend. Given that full-time students can often earn a degree in just 18 months to two years, this is quite the bargain!

#1 Trident University Cypress, CA
#2 Grantham University Lenexa, KS
#3 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT
#4 American Sentinel University Aurora, CO
#5 Colorado State University Global Aurora, CO
#6 University of Maryland University College Adelphi, MD
#7 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
#8 Webster University Saint Louis, MO
#9 Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO
#10 Capella University Minneapolis, MN

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Trident University
    Location

    Cypress, CA

    Tuition

    $3600

    Trident University's M.S. in Information Technology Management gives students a thorough grounding in all aspects of the field while remaining highly affordable. The Trident program teaches graduates how to manage systems IT development, implementation, and emerging technologies, in addition to many other skills. Students can choose to concentrate and get certified in four related subjects, including Information Security Digital Forensics, IT Business Intelligence, IT Project Management, and IT Systems Analysis and Design. Students who reviewed Trident's online courses on CollegeProwler were positive and appreciated the individual attention they received from the professors.In addition, many note TU's practically unbeatable tuition as a reason to choose this university for their cheap online master's degree in network management.

  2. Grantham University
    Location

    Lenexa, KS

    Tuition

    $3900

    in Information Management that is perfect for information technology professionals with a background in the military. The university makes its already low tuition rates even more affordable with a significant number of scholarships for military students and families, and Military Advanced Education has named Grantham a Top Military Friendly University for six years running. The school's Information Management is focused on keeping up with current technology trends while developing graduates' business and managerial skills. Curriculum highlights include a final Capstone Project, which gives students a practical application for their newly learned abilities. Despite its quality programs Grantham keeps its tuition prices below $4,000 a year, putting even the most affordable online master's degrees in network management from other schools to shame.

  3. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6500

    Western Governors University is a unique, self-driven program that gives students total control over their education. Instead of basing their degree on classes or credits, Western Governors uses a system of assessments to measure students' competency. Students pay a flat rate per six month term and can choose how much of their work they would like to complete in that time. The cheap online master's degrees in network management program covers topics in IT Project Management and Managing Human Capital, among others. The United States Distance Learning Association awarded the innovative university the 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning.

  4. American Sentinel University
    Location

    Aurora, CO

    Tuition

    $8730

    University's Information Systems program, much like an online graduatedegree in network management, is tailored to help graduates take on the challenge of managing information systems and networks. Designed specifically for those in the healthcare industry, the program is dedicated to preparing its students for careers in the continually expanding world of medicine, insurance, and healthcare technology. However, the curriculum gives a solid foundation in basic information management, meaning that graduates are prepared to work in a variety of industries if they ever decide to leave the healthcare field. Students who reviewed the university on CollegeProwler said that they enjoyed the classes and the work-life balance the online format allows.

  5. Colorado State University Global
    Location

    Aurora, CO

    Tuition

    $9000

    University offers a top online master's degree in network management that centers on topics related to information technology. The curriculum builds leadership skills through unique classes such as Innovative Solutions in Complex Organizations, Ethical Considerations in Managing Information Technology, and Effective Communication and Business Alignment of IT Initiatives, and encourages graduates to become leaders who stand out in the field.. Students can also choose from a wide variety of specializations, from Healthcare Administration to Criminal Justice Leadership. The university has an innovative approach to education that led to U.S. News to recognize it as the 60th Best Public School in the country. Yet CSU retains its affordability by guaranteeing that students' tuition rates will not increase for as long as they are enrolled.

  6. University of Maryland University College
    Location

    Adelphi, MD

    Tuition

    $8244

    The online M.S. in Information Technology: Telecommunications Management at the University of Maryland University College gives students a number of choices in how to pursue their degree at an affordable cost. The affordable online master's degree in network management includes 6 core classes in addition to specialized training in subjects like Industry Structure Environment and Satellite Communication Systems. Graduates who would like to improve their communication skills have the the option to take a course in Academic Writing. The degree also gives students the option to double major in Business Administration or Cybersecurity with just a few extra courses. UMUC is a great choice for military or veteran students; Military Times named it a Best for Vets School.

  7. East Carolina University
    Location

    Greenville, NC

    Tuition

    $4223

    Network Technology is dedicated to providing a balanced curriculum that integrates managerial and technical learning at an affordable price. Forbes recognized ECU as 36th on its list of "American Best Buys." The Network Technology program covers a wide range of topics, such as Research Methods and Legal Ethical Issues in Information Technology. Students can individualize their degree by choosing to concentrate in Computer Networking Management, Digital Communications Technology, Information Security, or Web Technologies. The Computer Networking Management focus in particular mirrors other accredited online master's degrees in network management. Students can also choose between a thesis track, practicum track, or comprehensive exam in the final semester of their degree.

  8. Webster University
    Location

    Saint Louis, MO

    Tuition

    $11610

    MA in Information Technology Management that gives students a broad foundation in the skills necessary to succeed in an upper-level position in the information technology industry. The curriculum covers topics from Organizational Behavior to Basic Finance to Information and Communications Security. Students have a high level of independence in choosing their classes, with an equal number of required courses and electives making up the degree. This allows learners to craft an online master's degree in network management that will best prepare them for employment. Webster University recently won recognition from U.S. News when it was ranked the #26 Best University in the Midwestern Region.

  9. Colorado Technical University
    Location

    Colorado Springs, CO

    Tuition

    $12622

    Colorado Technical University stands out for its specific focus on Network Management. Functioning very similarly to other comprehensive master's degrees in network management online, the program is structured to teach graduates how to analyze the needs of a business, design network infrastructure, and implement networks to unite the various arms of widely dispersed organizations. Students also learn how to take advantage of innovative technologies such as virtual servers, cloud computing, and the newest software. U.S. News has already ranked CTU's Online Graduate Information Technology degree among the Best Online Programs, guaranteeing its continued excellence. The university's virtual campus also lets students learn on the go with a CTU Mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

  10. Capella University
    Location

    Minneapolis, MN

    Tuition

    $13338

    Information Systems and Technology Management is an excellent choice for highly-motivated professionals who want to earn their degree as efficiently as possible. Capella's online degrees have an option called FlexPath, which lets students pay one flat rate and take as many classes as they would like per semester. The most ambitious FlexPath students earn their entire online master's degree in network management in just one year. By the end of the program, students are able to manage risk mitigation, design enterprise architecture, manage enterprise information systems, and evaluate data to create business intelligence models. The university database Online U ranked the university as the 23rd Best Online College in the nation.

Sources:
College Navigator
College Prowler
U.S. News & World Report
Wikipedia - East Carolina University
Wikipedia - Colorado State University

About the Author:
Iris Stone began her writing career when she started working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Her interests actually span far beyond writing, and she is currently studying to be a physicist! Check out her Google+ Profile.

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