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Career and School Info for Network and Systems Administrators in Texas



  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 Richland College, San Antonio College, TCC, and Blinn.

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 Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas Wesleyan University, UTEP, and Texas A&M.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Laredo Community College, Texas Southern, TAMIU, and UT Brownsville.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider University of Houston-Victoria, Northwood University, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and Lee College.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Central Texas College, University of Dallas, SMU, and Texarkana College.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of East Texas Baptist University, Schreiner University, Texas Lutheran University, and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Excellence

  • SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at SMU, The University of Texas, University of Dallas, and UT Dallas.
  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Prairie View A & M University, Houston Baptist, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and The University of Texas.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Southern, SMU, and St Marys University.

Working as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator in Texas

Network and computer systems administrators, also known as network administrators, are responsible for designing and installing the computer systems of an organization. They provide a support system by organizing intranet and Internet systems, and by installing WANs, LANs, and other network segments. Network administrators are also responsible for testing computers, software, and networks to ensure smooth performance of these machines. Read a detailed Network and Computer Systems Administrator job description and schools overview.

Aspiring network and computer systems administrators may contact Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) University of Texas Chapter. This group provides resources to students who are interested in computer science related fields.

State Requirements

The practices of network and computer systems administrators are not regulated by the state of Texas.


 


Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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University Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying MBA (completion in 1997)

• 6/25/2011

"The curriculum was not as stringent as other universities. I felt that I wasn't learning as much as I possibly could."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe curriculum is okay, just not fantastic. You get the same amount of education of you pay for.
Program Reputation6The instructors were average. They didn't teach too much or too little.
Program Quality5The curriculum and instruction was about average. It was an easy to follow program.
Instruction5The teachers were knowledgeable of their specific subjects. I had no trouble with the material.
How Difficult6Some of the classes were easier than others. I always studied for the tests.
Hands-On vs. BookishMost of the work we did was out of the textbook. There aren't many hands on experiments in the administrative field.
Schedule Flexibility9This school is extremely flexible when it comes to classes. You can take classes online, at night, and during the Summer.
Academic Facilities9There were many libraries available to work on projects. We got things done punctually.
Social Life6The school didn't provide very many organized events. We still got together and hung out between and after classes.
Placement Services7They provided great career opportunities. I'm making a lot of money right now.
Alumni Network6The network is good, as there are many people involved. They always come up with good activities.

Texas A&M • College Station, TX
Studying Physics (completion in 1994)

• 7/13/2011

"The only part of the school that left me unsatisfied was inevitable given its size. While dealing with the physics department was always wonderful, dealing with the school administration frequently made me feel like a number rather than a person."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesTexas is a booming state for the tech industry, and Texas A&M is stepping up to provide graduates that are ready to work. The people in my field that have come from Texas A&M perform well at their jobs, and the Texas A&M spirit is a source for camaraderie for me even now, seventeen years after graduation.
Program Reputation9Texas A&M works directly with the CERN and Fermi labs. Some of the code that I wrote was live at CERN as well as at A&M. Even if you haven't heard of CERN, you've likely heard of their current Large Hadron Collider project.
Program Quality9While I didn't take a typical path into programming, while working in the physics department I began coding for the physics department at Texas A&M. There's an on campus cyclotron running active experiments, and all of the data is gathered and sorted by programs that, at the time, were Fortran and C.
Instruction9As the coding I was doing at college was for live experimental data, I received direct instruction on the types of tasks that I was expected to perform. I think that I ended up with a better programmer's education than if I'd taken the normal Comp Sci track - working on real code for real results pushed me harder than class assignments.
How Difficult7The actual programs that needed to be written weren't all that difficult. Sorting through data streams to find outlying data was probably the most complex part of the code.
Hands-On vs. BookishAs should be obvious,it was almost entirely hands on. The only book learning portion of my study was looking up reference material.
Schedule Flexibility10Texas A&M offers all of the above for classes, as well as satellite campuses. The university makes it easy to get the coursework for earning a degree. Of course, how well you succeed at that coursework is up to you.
Academic Facilities10When I was a student, A&M's facilities were top of the line. The computer science department had a Cray, the libraries were up to date, and the classrooms in specialized classes were well taught (though, some generic freshmen level classes are very large).
Social Life10School spirit is very important at Texas A&M, and they make a strong point of encouraging participation. With a large club and student center program, there will be something available for whatever interests a student might have.
Placement Services5I don't necessarily think that A&M's job placement center is anything above and beyond what you'd find at other large universities. The student body is too large and too diverse for any student to get that personalized of a touch.
Alumni Network10Texas A&M's alumni network is amazing, especially if you've stayed in Texas, like I have. The "Aggie Ring" will open many doors for you.

Westwood College • Dallas, TX
Studying Computer Network Engineering (completion in 2007)

• 7/14/2011

"The amount it cost to receive an associate's degree was too high. I paid too much for what I received."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noThe job placement help was non existent. There is no internship for my program.
Program Reputation4Other programs had an internship program. My program was very difficult to learn.
Program Quality3My program was the only one that did not require an internship. You cannot get employed without experience in this field.
Instruction3You cannot get employed with no experience in my field. I did not receive any job placement assistance.
How Difficult9This was a very difficult field to learn. The work load was very heavy.
Hands-On vs. BookishMost of the curriculum was book oriented. The best part was the hands on classroom labs.
Schedule Flexibility8They were very flexible with class schedules. They offered morning, evening, and weekend classes.
Academic Facilities5The school library was poor. The class labs were great.
Social Life1Social events were pretty non existent. We had no athletics, parties, or organized social events.
Placement Services1Job placement for my program was up to the student. Career services only helped with our resumes and not with job placement.
Alumni Network1My school's alumni network is almost non existent. I did not receive any support in terms of career placement.

Texas State Technical College • Waco, TX
Studying Computer Maintenance Technology (completion in 1996)

• 8/2/2011

"I was very satisfied because I was able to complete the program in the scheduled time and found a job before graduation."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIf the person is very technical or wants to learn more about computers, this would be a wonderful school. All programs are 2 year programs which helps you get out and get a job sooner.
Program Reputation8Always hear great things from companies about them hiring people from the school. There are 3 or 4 others in my department that graduated from there.
Program Quality7School gives you a basic understanding of computers. Learned a lot more once I got a job.
Instruction7Instruction was good and thorough. Teachers were all experienced in their fields.
How Difficult5Computer classes were easier than the other classes. For example I had to take PreCalculus and Electronic classes. At this college we worked in quarters instead of semesters.
Hands-On vs. BookishHad labs more than book study. Learned most electronics and computers through the labs.
Schedule Flexibility7Class schedule flexibility was great. They were able to work with me during our last quarter to make sure I made a class to graduate.
Academic Facilities4Didn't ever use any tutors except in math. They were OK. Teachers were pretty much available but the facilities were old. They have recently (over the last 10 yrs) built new buildings.
Social Life5Not real good. Lived at home while going to school so I didn't really hang around anyone too long.
Placement Services7School helped with my resume and they also helped set up interviews and placed me at a job.
Alumni Network4Not a member of the Alumni, but I do know a few people that are and they are satisfied.

Texas State Technical College • Waco, TX
Studying Computer Systems Networking Technology (completion in 1996)

• 8/13/2011

"It only took 2 years to complete and I was able to start a nice career out of school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would recommend it, especially to those with families because it offers 2 year Associate's programs and is more cost effective than bigger colleges.
Program Reputation7We have recently hired a technician from the same school and he is doing well.
Program Quality9I received very good hands on training. I learned more about technology than I did in other non important classes.
Instruction9Learned a lot of the basics about everything about computers and had a good foundation for when I got a job.
How Difficult8Wasn't real easy, but was not too bad. I was able to graduate on time.
Hands-On vs. BookishAll studying and tests were hands on in labs.
Schedule Flexibility8I was able to still take certain classes to graduate even though there weren't enough students to make the class.
Academic Facilities4Buildings were old and falling apart. They have built new facilities since I graduated.
Social Life4I lived at home with parents, so I was only there during classes.
Placement Services10I was able to find a job, and most others were as well before graduating.
Alumni Network5I'm not a member.

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX
Studying Computer Engineering (completion in 2007)

• 8/14/2011

"I wish I had known when I started what I know now, as I would have been unlikely to go. The school was great for everything but my degree."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noI wouldn't recommend a 4 year degree program to anyone looking to be a Network Administrator. Nothing you learn will be of use, and what would have learned would be outdated by the time you graduated.
Program Reputation5I have heard nothing about the program since I left. I would assume it continues to be held in a decent regard.
Program Quality2Nearly everything I learned while in the program was useless by the time I graduated. I learned more in the first 6 months after graduating than I did in the 4 years previously.
Instruction10What I did learn was taught in clear, concise ways. I also felt it was complete in coverage.
How Difficult10It was an engineering degree. It required at least 50+ hours of work a week.
Hands-On vs. BookishAfter the second year almost all classes were hands on. Several involved implementing and deploying industry current (at the time) products.
Schedule Flexibility10There were many classes offered at many times. Never did I run into conflicts.
Academic Facilities10Large, well maintained computer labs. Also, they had a dedicated Engineering library.
Social Life10It was Texas, and full of southern hospitality. Football was big despite being a terrible school for it.
Placement Services1They didn't offer ANY placement or assistance. It was basically a "Thanks for all the money, now get out."
Alumni Network1Since graduating the only time I hear from them is when they want money. Even then they get my name or gender wrong occasionally.

Southwest Texas State University • San Marcos, TX
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2002)

• 1/2/2012

"I received a degree from my Southwest Texas that helped me find the job I am in. I also was able to learn many things that help in my current job, although I didn't realize it at the time."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesSouthwest Texas has branched out in their area of computer studies. There are more specialized branches now than when I was there.
Program Reputation7The reputation was neither good nor bad. There were some places that I applied that had graduates from Southwest Texas.
Program Quality9I am not 100% satisfied because the programming aspect of my degree wasn't helpful in my current position. I would have liked to have had a degree plan that would have allowed for more networking classes.
Instruction9The quality of the instruction, for the most part, was very high. There were a few professors who did not have the ability to teach the subject matter.
How Difficult8The early classes were easy. As I progressed in my degree, the courses became more challenging.
Hands-On vs. BookishI would have liked to have seen more hands on training with other subjects beyond programming. However, there was plenty of hands-on experience for programming.
Schedule Flexibility9I had no trouble with scheduling classes. There were usually plenty of options.
Academic Facilities10There were computer labs all over campus that were readily available to students. The library was centrally located on campus with plentiful parking.
Social Life7Parties were always easy to find. There were a lot of opportunities to get involved. School spirit was only lacking when the university's name was changed.
Placement Services1Career services provided little to no help. I only received minimal help on writing my resume. After that it was useless to talk to them. At that point in time they were not prepared for helping find work in a technology field like programming.
Alumni Network2I was left almost in the dark when it came to alumni networking support for finding work after graduation. I had some professors who were willing to write letters of recommendation.

Central Texas College • Killeen, TX
Studying General Studies (completion in 2012)

• 1/9/2012

"It was a great experience and I was able to knock out almost all of my general classes. I'm still currently enrolled and taking classes to transfer to a more tech-oriented college."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeNot many advanced computer classes or options for certificates. If you just want to knock out your general studies then it is one of the best colleges to do that in my opinion.
Program Reputation4They only offer lower level IT classes for absolute beginners.
Program Quality5Most of the classes they offer are introduction into computing. The most advanced course was Network+ which was self paced.
Instruction7All of the Computer Science courses I took through CTC were online and self taught/paced. So I didn't really get much instructor interaction.
How Difficult4All of my work was self paced. So after four years in the IT field all of the work was rather easy.
Hands-On vs. BookishThey offered online labs for us to work on to get hands on experience working with various networking components. Most of the material was pulled directly out of the books though.
Schedule Flexibility9They offer many options to meet their students' needs. I was able to take all my classes online away from campus.
Academic Facilities8I was always able to get in contact with my professors. They had many resources available to study from and tutoring available everyday of the week.
Social Life6I did all of my classes online and was never at the actual college campus much of the time. They encouraged us to use the message boards to communicate with other students in our class.
Placement Services5I never used their job placement assistant. I was already employed before I started taking classes through the university.
Alumni Network5I'm still currently enrolled and taking classes.

University Of North Texas • Denton, TX
Studying Emergency Administration And Planning (completion in 1993)

• 2/27/2012

"I enjoyed the experience more than the work. I regret leaving the field, but I do enjoy the technical work I do now. I do a lot of work on my own after planning and mainly coordinate with team members."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI don't know what programs they have currently. I still think it's a great school to attend.
Program Reputation9They have an excellent reputation for the people in this field. They mainly provide it to current PD/FD as ongoing education.
Program Quality5I did not attend UNT for network administration. I came into the field via lower-level support and worked my way up. I'm unaware of their current computer-related degree programs.
Instruction6I took 1 computer class at UNT that taught me the basics. From there, I was self-taught and learned more through on-the-job training and a few classes.
How Difficult5While coming up in the early dawn of home/personal computing, I was able to see the early foundations of network setup and security. Personal use allowed me to set up networks for LAN parties. At work, we created domains and network connections from few products available at the time.
Hands-On vs. BookishBecause we worked with emergency situations, we mainly discussed theory and hindsight reviews of situations. It's very difficult to have hands on work in this field.
Schedule Flexibility10This was a program populated mainly by currently employed PD/FD workers. Lots of classes were scheduled at night and 3 hours at a time.
Academic Facilities8Good, but not great. They had access to great content, but they failed at getting FEMA, who was officed in that very same city.
Social Life10I loved my time at UNT. I participated in a community service group that promoted athletics and school spirit. I even got my son to attend the same school because of my experience.
Placement Services1I got no help. I didn't benefit from it at all. I know they have a program and that's about it.
Alumni Network5My school was one of the few in the nation to have a degree in Emergency Administration and Planning. I could not get a job in this field at the time of my graduation (1993). I had specialized in terrorism, which was seen as a "less than desired" background. Even today, I get little communication from that area of my school.

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