Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other.: The DTI for this program is 58.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $43899) to the average debt ($25620) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 58.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($43899) against the typical student debt ($25620), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $43899, and the average student debt is $25620, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.58—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 13734 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other (CIP 11.0999) is a specialized and evolving field that focuses on the infrastructure of our digital world. While a standard networking degree covers the basics of routers and switches, this "Other" category is often used for programs that integrate high-level telecommunications, wireless signal technology, or niche connectivity solutions like satellite communications and undersea cabling. It is the study of how information travels across the globe, whether through light (fiber optics), radio waves (5G/6G), or electrical signals.
This degree is ideal for students who want to be the "architects of the invisible." It’s for those who are fascinated by the physical and digital pathways that allow a video call to travel across an ocean in milliseconds. It is a path for technical experts who want to build, protect, and optimize the nervous system of modern society.
What Is a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Other) Degree?
A Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Other) degree focuses on the design and maintenance of large-scale communication networks. This field bridges the gap between traditional IT and electrical engineering. Programs under this code often dive deep into the specific physics of signal transmission and the complex protocols that keep global data traffic organized. It covers not just the "software" of a network, but the "hardware" and the "physics" of how devices talk to one another over vast distances.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train specialists in mobile and wireless infrastructure (5G, LTE, and beyond)
- Prepare engineers to manage the convergence of voice, data, and video communications
- Address the growing need for specialized satellite and microwave communication experts
- Provide a foundation for "Smart City" connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT)
This structure emphasizes reliability, speed, and the technical precision required to keep massive networks online 24/7.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn to visualize and manage the flow of data across complex, interconnected systems.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Design and implement Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)
- Configure and troubleshoot high-end hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls
- Master the protocols that govern the internet, such as TCP/IP, BGP, and OSPF
- Analyze signal strength and interference for wireless and cellular networks
- Implement encryption and security measures to prevent "eavesdropping" on communications
- Use network monitoring tools to predict and prevent system crashes
These skills make graduates the primary guardians of an organization's connectivity.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program's focus, coursework often includes:
- Advanced Telecommunications Theory and Signal Processing
- Wireless and Mobile Communication Systems
- Fiber Optic Technology and Installation
- Network Security and Intrusion Detection
- Voice over IP (VoIP) and Unified Communications
- Cloud Networking and Virtualization
- Data Center Design and Infrastructure Management
- Satellite and Microwave Communication Systems
- Python Scripting for Network Automation
This curriculum transforms a technician into a systems engineer who understands the entire "stack" of communication technology.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in the "Other" category of networking leads to high-demand roles that are essential for internet service providers, tech giants, and government agencies.
Common job roles include:
- Network Engineer or Architect
- Telecommunications Specialist
- Wireless Systems Engineer
- Network Security Analyst
- VoIP Engineer (Voice/Telephony)
- Data Center Technician or Manager
- Field Service Engineer (Telecom)
- Network Automation Specialist
Many professionals in this field eventually move into specialized consulting, helping companies build custom communication infrastructures for remote or high-security locations.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in this field are found wherever massive amounts of data are being moved:
- Telecommunications Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Major Tech Companies (Google, Meta, Amazon)
- Government and Defense Agencies (Managing secure military networks)
- Financial Institutions (Ensuring "high-frequency trading" speeds)
- Healthcare Systems (Managing networks for telemedicine and imaging)
- Aerospace and Satellite Companies (SpaceX, Boeing, NASA)
- Large Global Corporations with international offices
These environments value individuals who can handle high-stakes technical environments where even a few minutes of "downtime" can cost millions of dollars.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because networking and telecom are critical to every business, salaries are consistently among the highest in the IT sector.
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators typically earn between $75,000 and $105,000.
- Network Engineers often see salaries ranging from $95,000 to $135,000.
- Computer Network Architects (high-level designers) typically earn between $125,000 and $175,000.
- Telecommunications Managers often earn between $110,000 and $160,000.
Professional certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or the CompTIA Network+, are often required to reach these higher salary tiers.
Is This Degree Hard?
The coursework is technically intense. You will need a strong grasp of logic and be comfortable with "binary math" and IP addressing. You must also be prepared for a "continuous learning" career, as the equipment and standards in telecommunications change every few years. The most challenging part is often the troubleshooting—you have to be a "digital detective" who can find a single broken link in a network of thousands.
Success in this program requires patience, a systematic approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure during a network outage.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are designed to get you into the workforce with varying levels of expertise:
- Associate Degrees and Certificates focus on "hands-on" skills for entry-level technician or support roles.
- Bachelor’s Degrees provide the engineering and design knowledge needed for architect and management positions.
- Graduate Certificates are popular for IT professionals who want to specialize in a new area like 5G or Cloud Networking.
Many of these programs use hybrid formats, where you study theory online but visit a "Networking Lab" to practice cabling, configuring physical servers, and setting up wireless towers.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Are the person who always fixes the Wi-Fi at home
- Enjoy working with both hardware (physical things) and software (digital things)
- Like solving puzzles and "detective work"
- Are interested in how the "Internet" actually works behind the screen
- Want a career that offers high pay and the ability to work in almost any industry
- Thrive in fast-paced environments where every day is a new challenge
It is the perfect path for the "digital plumber" who wants to build the pipes and valves that keep the world's information flowing.
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in networking and telecommunications can prepare by:
- Taking classes in Mathematics (especially Algebra and Logic), Physics, and Computer Science
- Joining a Robotics or E-sports team to understand basic network setup
- Experimenting with a home network—learn how to log into your router and change settings
- Studying for an entry-level certification like CompTIA A+ or Network+
- Volunteering to help with AV or IT support at your school or church
You don't need to be a "computer genius" to start. A logical mind, a steady hand, and a curiosity about how things connect are the most important tools for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor