Understanding the Role of a Computer Network Architect

Students considering a career in computer and information systems will find that it’s an ideal time to enter the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034, with about 317,700 openings each year. Professionals in this field are also well compensated, with the median annual salary significantly higher than average. 

One rapidly growing role is computer network architect. While some computer network architects start their careers with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in computer information systems can help them advance their careers to higher levels.

What Does a Computer Network Architect Do?

Computer network architects, also known as network engineers, create and deploy data communication networks, including intranets, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs). These networks are crucial to keeping businesses running, ensuring that organizations stay connected and that available technology meets employees’ needs.

Day-to-day duties of a computer network architect include:

• Designing and implementing plans for data communication networks
• Presenting designs to stakeholders and adapting them to organizational feedback
• Testing data communication networks for points of failure
• Troubleshooting network issues
• Documenting the network’s design and implementation as a reference for future maintenance
• Upgrading and configuring hardware and software to support the network

How to Become a Computer Network Architect

Becoming a computer network architect takes considerable experience in computer science, information systems, and engineering. Students can acquire these skills through degree programs, as well as additional credentials.

Education and Experience

Computer network architects generally have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, computer science, or a related field. However, some employers prefer or even require network engineers to earn a graduate degree, like a master’s in computer information systems.

Many employers look for applicants with at least five years of professional experience. This experience can come from internships or entry-level jobs in roles such as computer systems analyst or database administrator.

Aspiring computer network architects can also demonstrate their skills by earning additional certifications, such as the following:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Foundational-level certification that covers essential information security principles.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Foundational-level Cisco certification that demonstrates the ability to install, implement, operate, and troubleshoot small and medium-sized enterprise networks.
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Routing & Switching (CCIE R&S): Advanced certification that demonstrates knowledge in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting converged enterprise networks.
• CompTIA Network+ Certification: Vendor-neutral credential that demonstrates knowledge of network fundamentals.

Some employers may also expect computer network architects to earn a particular credential related to a specific type of system or software used where they work.

Required Skills

In addition to extensive computer science and information systems knowledge, skills required for computer network architects include:

• Attention to detail: Network architects must be able to build and comprehend complex communication networks and be able to convey the plans for these networks with thorough documentation.

• • Organizational skills: Network engineers need to be highly organized to keep data communication networks running smoothly.
  • Leadership skills: Many computer network architects oversee teams of information systems workers who help maintain data networks.

• Problem-solving skills: Network architects must be able to troubleshoot network issues and quickly find solutions.

Computer Network Architect Career Outlook

The median annual salary for computer network architects was about $130,390 as of 2024, according to the BLS. This field is expanding quickly, with positions projected to increase 12% between 2024 and 2034.

Those looking to advance their careers may find that this can be a stepping stone to higher-level managerial work. Computer network architects can go on to positions like computer and information systems manager, which had a median annual salary of about $171,200 in 2024. 

Build, Implement, and Optimize Computer Networks With NEC

Computer network architect is a rewarding career filled with problem-solving and creative thinking. It’s an ideal field for those looking to take on new challenges every day and do work that impacts everyone at their organizations.

A master’s degree in information systems helps students develop the advanced skills and high-level knowledge that are crucial to a network architect’s work.

In New England College’s Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems program, students expand their technical knowledge of information systems while also furthering their managerial, organizational, and leadership skills. They learn about information systems from a business perspective, gaining a firm understanding of how they relate to key industry concepts. These skills transfer directly to careers as computer network architects, who create data networks that fit the needs of their businesses and industries.

Take your next step to becoming a computer network architect with NEC.