Network Technology Master’s Degree

Master of Science in Network Technology

A master’s in technology degree for tomorrow’s leaders

With technology ever changing in a global society, you must be highly capable and adaptable as an information technology professional to stay ahead of the curve. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s in information technology, must provide the education and skills you need to remain competitive in the job market.

At East Carolina University, our accredited Master of Science in Network Technology goes beyond a traditional master’s in network engineering or information technology degree. Our program combines management and technical concepts to help you earn your desired job or promotion. Pursue your degree completely online while you target your education with one of four concentrations. ECU’s master’s in technology degree was designed with your needs—and future—in mind.

A network technology master’s degree for today’s students and tomorrow’s professionals

The world of technology is large and diverse. When evaluating master’s in information technology or master’s in network engineering degrees, look for specialization in the area where you’re most passionate so that you may excel. At ECU, our Master of Science in Network Technology provides concentrations for:

• Computer Networking Management (PDF)
• Digital Communications Technology (PDF)
• Information Security (PDF)
• Web Technologies (PDF)

While you balance life’s demands, enjoy the convenience of completing your network technology master’s degree in computer networking management, for example, from your home or other location. You’ll also benefit from access to ECU’s state-of-the-art labs and facilities to apply your learning and elevate your skills.

Why study network technology at ECU?

As you explore master’s in information technology or master’s in network engineering degrees, you’ll discover that ECU’s ATMAE-accredited program provides a comprehensive yet focused experience. Enjoy the ability to:

Choose from four concentrations

Become an expert in a specific technology area such as with our information security program concentration. Another area for your consideration is our network technology master’s degree in computer networking management, which deepens your understanding of the implementation and maintenance of information technology. Your examination of the use of advanced technologies from a managerial and technical standpoint may offer greater value than a traditional master’s in network engineering degree.

Build your managerial skills

Gain an enhanced understanding of managerial processes and techniques for comprehensive systems management. You’ll solve industry problems through advanced applications in computer network project management and computer network infrastructure management.

Use cutting-edge instructional facilities and labs

Access ECU’s significant IT infrastructure for applied learning and hands-on experience. Our facilities include: an advanced internetworking lab, a cybersecurity lab, a server farm, and an advanced manufacturing environment with internetworked industrial control systems—all operated by dedicated staff ready to help.

Earn PSM designation

Achieve a nationally recognized Professional Science Master’s (PSM) designation when you complete ECU’s practicum option. With the help of our mentors, you’ll demonstrate to employers advanced training, highly valuable skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Courses you will take in network technology

A master’s in information technology or master’s in network engineering should prepare you to lead—and be a part of—a team in a technology-driven organization.

At ECU, your online studies will begin with core classes focused on managerial processes and techniques before you dive into coursework specific to your concentration area.

Our network technology master’s degree in computer networking management includes courses such as Emerging Technology as well as Advanced Topics in Information Infrastructure Design. For our information security concentration, you’ll explore advanced network security, among other topics, to strengthen an information security program.

View ECU’s course catalog for a course list for all Master of Science in Network Technology concentrations.

Hear from our network technology master’s graduates

“When I learned that the Masters in Networking Technology (MSNT) was online at East Carolina University (ECU) I was a little skeptical about it. Taking graduate classes online would make anyone worried how it will go. However, after completing the program in 2 years, i have to say that it is one of the best programs to go through. All the faculty are professional and very knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. They pushed you to think outside the box and to approach issues in a way you are not used to. They keep you focused on the content with excellent hands-on labs that are done in a virtual environment so you can practice what is taught throughout the course. I feel this program helped prepare me for the career path I have chosen, and helped me better myself as a security professional. The course work can be challenging but the knowledge gained from this experience is worth it. Having my MSNT concentrating in information security helped get my foot in the door in places where they may not have considered me otherwise. If you are considering where to obtain a graduate degree in Networking Technology, I would highly recommend ECU.”

—Trevor Dildy, 2019

“I’ll always remember the days completing ECU’s Network Technology master’s program as a very good time. The courses covered in network technology are what we use in the industry. They provided knowledge I use day in and day out at my current job. All professors and the program coordinator were very helpful, supportive, and responsive. This program gave me lots of things—self-confidence, the urge to learn new technology, and the abilities to perform research and write a good paper. I think this program will be helpful for those in the network technology field to grow their career.”

—Vinay Sawant, 2019
Team leader in data center routing and switching, Cisco Systems

“I wanted to be more than just a technology professional; I wanted to be a leader with the skills needed to perform at the highest levels. Now rising through the ranks in the industry, I am confident that ECU’s Master of Science in Network Technology program provided me with the education to achieve those goals as well as endless opportunities to challenge my technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Perhaps the best part of the program was the faculty and staff who were also like family. I knew they cared about me personally, not just my grades or research.”

—Nicholas Hempenius, 2019

“The MSNT program at ECU helped strengthen my technical and leadership skills by providing a holistic view of the IT world.  We, as IT professionals, tend to live in our own networking skill bubbles.  The classes show how the different networking specialties interact and create a cohesive digital world.  The classes allowed me to gain experience with new technologies and concepts that I do not use on my job.  These new experiences helps me to better relate to my customers, design my projects, and communicate with my colleagues.”

—Chreighvon Rodgers, 2019

What can you do with your network technology master’s degree?

Upon completion of your Master of Science in Network Technology from ECU, you’ll be well prepared to manage technologies within any organization. Your training and skills will ultimately help secure data, develop or maintain vital systems, or enable an effective information security program.

The skills and opportunities of your master’s in technology degree

Whether you focus your network technology master’s degree in computer networking management, information security, or other concentration, you’ll strengthen skills that include:

• Creative problem solving
• Technological decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Research and development

These are highly sought skills by government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations for a variety of computer networking, data communication, and information security program occupations.

Where are network technology master’s graduates working?

Organizations within North Carolina and beyond look to ECU for graduates of our network technology master’s program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for graduates with a master’s in information technology or similar degree is only set to increase:

• Computer and information technology jobs are projected to grow faster than average by 2030, creating over 667,000 positions.
• Two in-demand jobs are computer and information research scientists and information security program analysts, which are expected to increase by 22% and 33%, respectively—much higher than the average for all jobs.

There’s never been a better time to earn your network technology master’s degree in computer networking management, digital communication technology, information security, or web technologies from ECU.

Get started on your master’s in technology degree

Take the next step toward earning your degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Programs related to master’s in information technology degrees

• Technology Management Ph.D. program
• Computer Network Professional Certificate
• Cyber Security Professional Certificate
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate

Accreditation for network technology at ECU

East Carolina University’s Master of Science in Network Technology is one of only a few hundred degrees in the U.S. to be accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Our recognition by the ATMAE ensures our ability to meet standards for your education as it relates to the four concentrations of our master’s in technology degree.

Program Requirements

The master of science in network technology is designed to serve the needs of students who possess baccalaureate degrees in networking technology-oriented disciplines. Students take a common set of courses and select one of four concentrations: computer networking management, digital communications technology, information security, or web technologies. The program emphasizes advanced applications in computer networking such as network infrastructure management, networked systems design, network security, and technical problem solving in technology-driven organizations.

The program requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows:

Common Core – 15 s.h.

Concentrations – 12 s.h.

(Choose one of the following)

Computer Network Management

Courses in this concentration emphasize advanced technologies used in the design, implementation, administration, monitoring, optimization, and maintenance of data communication and computer networking systems in industry.

Digital Communication Technology

Courses in this concentration emphasize a broad understanding of communication theory and practice in the transmission of digital data, including signal generation, conditioning, transmission, error detection and correction, and the underlying technologies used to retrieve, process, store, and analyze data in organizations.

Information Security

Courses in this concentration prepare students to design, deploy, manage, and apply techniques of securing and protecting the integrity and availability of information systems and communication networks in governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.

Web Technologies

Courses in this concentration prepare students to design, analyze, configure, implement, and operate web services, computer networks, multimedia objects, data storage systems, and interactive web components for governmental, private, and non-profit organizations.

Options – 3-6 s.h.

(Choose one of the following)

Thesis – 3 s.h.

The student writes a thesis and presents a seminar based on the thesis research. The thesis proposal and the subsequent thesis must be approved by the student’s advisor and the committee composed of three technology systems faculty members.

ICTN 7000 – Thesis
Practicum – 3 s.h.

The student writes a practicum report and presents a seminar based on the report. The practicum project proposal and the subsequent report must be approved by the student’s advisor and the committee composed of three technology systems faculty members.

ICTN 6900 – Practicum
Non-Thesis (Comprehensive Exam) – 6 s.h.

The student’s advisor, the graduate program director, and the chair must approve two electives and student’s course of study.

Admissions

The Master of Science in Network Technology (MSNT) degree is designed to serve the needs of students who possess a baccalaureate degree in industrial technology, technology management, applied engineering, engineering technology and other similar technology oriented disciplines.

Admission into the Master of Science in Network Technology (MSNT) is accepted for the fall semester, spring semester, and the 11-week summer session.

Application Materials needed for the application includes:

Admission information for International students

Interested applicants should forward a resume and unofficial transcripts, if available, to mstechsystems@ecu.edu for consideration prior to submitting an application.

*GRE Waiver – Students applying may request consideration to have the GRE requirement waived based on one of the following considerations:

The Master of Science in Network Technology is accredited by ATMAE