US Colleges >> By Career >> Network And Systems Administrators >> Illinois


Career and School Info for Network and Systems Administrators in Illinois



  School and Career Overview

Network And Systems Administrators photo

 

Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Network And Systems Administrators

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Truman College, Daley College, Harold Washington College, and Wilbur Wright College.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Midstate College, Judson, Roosevelt University, and Blackburn.
  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider The College of Office Technology, MacCormac, Midstate College, and Rasmusssen.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Olive-Harvey College, The College of Office Technology, Kennedy-King College, and Daley College.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider John A Logan College, University of St Francis, Frontier, and Governors State.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Northwestern University, North Park University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Loyola University.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Monmouth College, Morrison Institute of Technology, Blackburn, and Illinois College.

Excellence

  • SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Loyola University.
  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Saint Xavier University, Northwestern University, University of St Francis, and Blackburn.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Northwestern University, Illinois College, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Morrison Institute of Technology.

 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

Spotlight Schools Search

1. ZIP Code near where you want to attend school?
2. What subject are you interested in?
3. What degree level are you looking for?
4. Where do you want to attend class? Online Campus Either

Spotlight Illinois Schools Related to This Career

DeVry University

  • Locations: Addison, Chicago, Tinley Park
  • Programs: 6 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Strayer University

  • Locations: Downers Grove, Schaumburg
  • Programs: 19 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma, Master, Post- Bachelor's Certificate

University of Phoenix

  • Locations: Chicago, Mokena, Schaumburg, Warrenville
  • Programs: 6 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor, Master

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Burr Ridge, Mount Prospect, Orland Park
  • Programs: 19 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management

  • Locations: Chicago, Downers Grove, Elgin, Gurnee, Lincolnshire, Naperville, Schaumburg, Tinley Park
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Master, Post- Bachelor's Certificate

Argosy University

  • Locations: Chicago, Schaumburg
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Doctorate, Master

International Academy of Design and Technology

  • Locations: Chicago
  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Rasmussen College

  • Locations: Mokena, Rockford, Romeoville
  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Vatterott College

  • Locations: Quincy
  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Diploma

See these schools on a map

Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career

University of Phoenix Online

  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

DeVry University Online

  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Kaplan University

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate

Walden University

  • Programs: 18 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor, Doctorate, Master

AIU Online

  • Programs: 8 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Master

Ashford University

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

Sort Reviews By:

Harper College • Paletine, IL
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2011)

• 7/2/2011

"Harper College was above average. My only complaint is that I wish they had prepared me more for a career in IT."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noI would say that if your college does not have an IT program, you are better off focusing on certifications and work experience. A good program that is focused on IT is hard to find at a university.
Program Reputation8Harper College has a good reputation. It is a very large and respected Jr. College in the area.
Program Quality6Computer science is mostly programming and hasn't really been helpful in my career. Microsoft Certifications have helped a lot more.
Instruction5Harper College was much more interested in making money then teaching. My college was not focused on my major.
How Difficult7The hard classes were calculus, English, and art while others were much easier. The computer science portion was easy as well.
Hands-On vs. BookishHands on learning was abundant at Harper College. Chemistry was very focused on Lab work while computer science was focused on writing programs.
Schedule Flexibility8Harper was very flexible. My class schedule was very open due to things like online classes and night classes. I was able to work during the day.
Academic Facilities8The building was nice. Our computer labs were very nice. Teachers had a lot of open hours and our chemistry equipment was state of the art.
Social Life7We had many clubs but I did not participate in any of them. I had a very good relationship with most of my teachers.
Placement Services4Job placement and career services was almost non-existent. They did not make an effort to reach out to students about this.
Alumni Network9I took several online classes and was satisfied. If I forgot my password I could call and get it reset. I was able to access the school's network via SSH to program.

Keller Graduate School Of Management • Addison, IL
Studying Information Systems Management (completion in 2007)

• 7/11/2011

"I regret that I didn't get the traditional brick and mortar experience. However, I am thankful that I have a degree. I was able to work full-time as a Network Technician while receiving the degree, and that was helpful."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIf the individual has a full-time job and a traditional brick and mortar facility is not an option, I would recommend the distance learning opportunity provided by Keller. I also think that the student would need to know a lot about the field and about IT beforehand. The particular degree taught more management related courses for professionals that are looking to advance than courses that would help in the field.
Program Reputation5There are many challenges that this private institution has when it comes to the trust of non-traditional learning in the industry. However, I haven't felt like it caused me difficulty in securing employment.
Program Quality5Since my education was distance training, there wasn't as much hands on training as I would have liked. However, much of my knowledge was self-taught, so I do now have the degree to provide me with backing and it helps me get my foot in the door.
Instruction3Again, the instruction was distance learning. We communicated with threaded discussion forums. Much of the topics discussed in my particular degree program were more management related than IT related.
How Difficult5I didn't find the material to be particularly difficult. However, the work load was challenging. There were many assignments that had to be submitted and the due dates were not generous for the amount of work given.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe coursework was more book oriented than hands-on oriented. There were some hands on lab exercises, but the majority was book related.
Schedule Flexibility10Since this was a distance learning program, it was extremely flexible. I had the opportunity to log in to the site 24/7 to complete my coursework.
Academic Facilities1Tutoring was not an option. The professors often didn't respond to e-mails. The library was "virtual." The "labs" had to be completed utilizing my own equipment.
Social Life1Again, since the school was online, there were no social events. In some ways I regret that I missed out on the traditional brick and mortar school because of the lack of a social environment.
Placement Services1I would say that Monster is just as good. They provided simply a web site with job opportunities without much consideration for the student's locale. The opportunities that were provided were across the country.
Alumni Network2While there is an alumni network, since Keller is a distance learning organization, it is difficult to be involved. I never used the career services or alumni network to help search for a job.

Elgin Community College • Elgin, IL
Studying Management In Computers (completion in 2014)

• 7/8/2011

"I am not very satisfied because I don't have all the classes I need. The school says you need a class to graduate, and then they don't offer it. You have to wait several semesters for it sometimes."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would recommend the school because I got to where I am today. You'll learn the basics to get into the field.
Program Reputation5My school doesn't have a great reputation with computers. There is more of a nursing focus where I go because of the hospitals in the area.
Program Quality7There aren't many class times available. I wish the professors were more knowledgeable.
Instruction9I am provided with a lot of useful information during classes. A drawback, though, is that it isn't the most current info.
How Difficult4The program is really good, but really easy, too. I wish I can get challenged more because I don't have too many things that force me to think critically.
Hands-On vs. BookishEverything is a mix now. There is a lot of computer stuff and internet classes. Teachers post grades and Powerpoints online.
Schedule Flexibility7The school is pretty flexible with entry classes that a lot of people take. They aren't flexible when it comes to higher level classes, though.
Academic Facilities10The school has a bunch of academic facilities. There is a lot of help when it comes to studying and there are mentors in the school.
Social Life7My social experience is good and I have developed relationships and friends, but I can't always socialize. Classes really involve listening to the teacher more than anything else.
Placement Services7There isn't much placement when it comes to jobs. There is a career center that people can go to for help in finding jobs, and the people at the center are always willing to help and counsel.
Alumni Network10The alumni in my school is really good and everyone is recognized. There are mailings you receive once you graduate.

McHenry County College • Woodstock, IL
Studying Information Systems (completion in 2010)

• 7/8/2011

"For what I paid, I got a pretty good education. I would go back to that school for refreshing my knowledge."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIf you live in the area, look into it. Just be sure that you can easily transfer courses to another school.
Program Reputation4Most students will take the classes they need at a neighboring college. This is because the school does not offer the required courses for the degree.
Program Quality6My school was pretty small for a college. The course selection is very limited.
Instruction8I had a good personal relationship with my teachers. The facilities were also well maintained and updated.
How Difficult9The career requires a lot of troubleshooting. Sometimes a simple problem turns out to be much more complicated than whats on the surface.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe lectures would sometimes go on for too long. It was hard to simulate real network problems in the class environment.
Schedule Flexibility4The school is very small and has a lot of students. The college is unable to raise funds to expand.
Academic Facilities8The labs were always the priority of the administration. The rooms and hallways were always very clean.
Social Life7Everyday there would be a new group of like minded people in the main hall. There was no shortage of activities.
Placement Services8The school has an entire department devoted to finding employers. I took only a few weeks before I got a job offer.
Alumni Network5The school has a good range of help for graduates to find who they need. The school is limited by being a local college, though.

Moraine Valley • Palos Hills, IL
Studying MCSE (completion in 2001)

• 7/17/2011

"I got the cert, so I got everything I needed."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIt was just OK. Again, average.
Program Reputation5Community college. Average rating.
Program Quality5Bored instructors. Certificate isn't worth much.
Instruction5Not much insight. Students seem bored and spent time sleeping.
How Difficult5Very easy. Lots of tests, though.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt's a certificate. Of course it's hands on.
Schedule Flexibility5Pretty flexible. Able to choose many times.
Academic Facilities5Decent labs. Decent equipment.
Social Life5Students seem to lack interest. Not a lot of 'school spirit' for cert programs.
Placement Services3No help. Again, just average.
Alumni Network5Not sure what it's like. Sorry.

University Of Illinois • Champaign-Urbana, IL
Studying Information Systems And Information Technology (completion in 2011)

• 10/7/2011

"I really enjoyed my 4 years there. I would absolutely recommend the school and the program."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesCan't say that many negative things about it. And for the price it is definitely a great option if you live in the state.
Program Reputation8I think it is a great degree with a lot of potential growth in the future. I would recommend a similar career path.
Program Quality9Fantastic program. I am confident anyone in this field will do great. It is something you need to be passionate about.
Instruction7Top notch teachers and great experiences. I had instructors with decades of knowledge, and a lot of input on the importance of keeping up to date.
How Difficult7At times the workload is tough, and the curriculum abstract. But it's something that can be mastered with dedication.
Hands-On vs. BookishNot very centered on book learning. Definitely more of a hands on approach. This is somewhat expected.
Schedule Flexibility4Certain classes made it really hard to work around. I was able to take everything I wanted, but not at the most ideal times.
Academic Facilities9Great buildings and services were available to me. BIFF is brand new and fantastic for my field.
Social Life8A lot of fun. Great traditions and a lot of opportunities to network and meet friends. Had a blast.
Placement Services7The career services at U of I is fantastic and staff was more than willing to work hard for you. I was lucky to have such services.
Alumni Network8Great opportunities with internships and career fairs to help get started. Stay active on campus!

American Intercontinental University • Hoffman Estates, IL
Studying Information Technology In Project Management (completion in 2011)

• 12/26/2011

"I could not be any more satisfied with my school. They gave me everything I needed to further and better my career."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would completely recommend AIU to anyone, because the flexibility with their classes and the curriculum that is provided allow for a wide variety of knowledge.
Program Reputation10The current position I hold in my career went hand-in-hand with the school's reputation. My employer was knowledgeable about the school and was able to provide me with a great start in my career.
Program Quality10I am very satisfied with the school where I obtained my degree. I learned a lot of valuable information that is helping me completely in my career.
Instruction10The instruction was very thorough. It contained a wide array of information that I still have not used, but my career is very young, so one day in the future, I am sure it will come in handy.
How Difficult7The academic challenge was not too hard. The curriculum allows for someone with a busy schedule and is flexible to fit that schedule.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere is a good mix of the amount of work that has to be done that goes hand-in-hand with the book. Without the book, one would be completely lost and would not know where to start.
Schedule Flexibility10The classroom flexibility is very loose. This allows for anyone with a bus schedule to go to school and obtain their degree, to make their life not so busy.
Academic Facilities10AIU provided many services that helped with my courses. They provided an online library with millions of articles to help. There was also a group project for each course that had to be completed by every member of the group.
Social Life5There was no opportunity to display school spirit, because the college was an online experience. I was able to meet a lot of friends, and I still keep in touch with them today.
Placement Services3Job placement services at AIU are very slack. I had to hit the road searching for a job and the online job market to seek out the job that fit my career.
Alumni Network5The alumni services through AIU have kept me in touch with many people I worked with in school, and I still keep in touch with a lot of them outside of the network.
Review your current or past school and help others make better career decisions.