List of College Majors for Cisco Networking

Cisco networking is a part of several different computer majors.

Cisco networking is a career path that deals with learning how computers interact with each other and form networks. This is a very nuts and bolts type of computer education, and many college students are interested in becoming Cisco certified to help them in their careers. Just because you earn a degree doesn't mean you're Cisco certified, though. You still have to pass those tests and earn your certification separately.

Cisco Networking Major

Some colleges actually offer a bachelor's degree with a Cisco networking major. Westwood College has such a major, and students who participate are likely to have at least the first level of Cisco certification (CCNA, Cisco certified network associate) under their belts by the time they graduate. Students may also be able to earn further certifications, which will make them even more employable once they've finished their degree.

Computer Networking

Many colleges offer a more general major, computer networking. The field of study is broader, and it teaches students other models of computer networking besides the Cisco methods. However, there is a lot of overlap between a regular computer networking major and a Cisco networking major. A student who gets a degree in computer networking could likely pass many of the same certification exams as a student who was specifically a Cisco networking major and would be just as employable.

Minors and Associate

For those who may not have the funds or time to pursue a full-on Cisco networking degree, you can get an associate degree in Cisco networking or you may add a Cisco networking minor. The latter is often done when a student has a related major, such as computer sciences or computer engineering, and he has taken enough Cisco and other networking courses to get the additional benefit. An associate degree in Cisco networking is often enough to get you started on your path as a CCNA, and once you've gotten into the field, you'll have the chance for further education and certification.

References

• Westwood College: Information Technology: Major in Cisco Network Systems
• World Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Computer Networking
• University of Cincinnati: Cisco Networking