Computer network courses can help you learn about network architecture, protocols, security measures, and troubleshooting techniques. You can build skills in configuring routers and switches, managing firewalls, and optimizing network performance. Many courses introduce tools like Wireshark for packet analysis, Cisco Packet Tracer for simulation, and various network monitoring software, allowing you to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios and enhance your technical expertise.

Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Network Administration, TCP/IP, General Networking, Routing Protocols, Network Protocols, Networking Hardware, OSI Models, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Security, Wireless Networks, Network Model, Data Integrity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Networking Hardware, Network Security, TCP/IP, Network Protocols, Network Administration, Endpoint Security, Routing Protocols, Network Routing, Cybersecurity, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Firewall, Network Infrastructure, Network Architecture, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Local Area Networks, General Networking, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Routers, Data Loss Prevention
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

NVIDIA
Skills you'll gain: OSI Models, TCP/IP, Data Centers, Network Protocols, Network Infrastructure, Local Area Networks, Network Architecture, General Networking, Networking Hardware, Network Planning And Design, Computer Networking, Network Switches, Network Routing, Network Model
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: TCP/IP, Local Area Networks, Routing Protocols, Network Routing, Digital Communications, OSI Models, Network Protocols, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Network Routers, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Planning And Design, Network Security, Network Switches, General Networking, Virtual Networking, Network Performance Management, Computer Networking, Network Architecture, Network Engineering, Wireless Networks
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Cryptography, Public Key Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Security, Data Security, Firewall, Cyber Attacks, Data Encryption Standard, Penetration Testing, Network Security, Information Assurance, Encryption, Exploit development, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Cryptographic Protocols, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Metasploit, Application Security, Security Testing, Cyber Security Policies
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Routing Protocols, TCP/IP, Network Troubleshooting, OSI Models, Network Switches, Data Centers, Network Routers, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Network Protocols, Network Security, Network Administration, General Networking, Network Routing, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Computer Networking, Virtual Machines, Network Monitoring, Network Model, Networking Hardware, Local Area Networks
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Hardening, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Network Architecture, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, TCP/IP, Vulnerability Assessments, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, General Networking, Network Model, Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Security Controls, Cloud Computing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Networking Hardware, Network Monitoring, OSI Models, Routing Protocols, Software-Defined Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, General Networking, Network Security, TCP/IP, Network Routing, Computer Networking, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Cloud Technologies, Network Infrastructure, Hardening, Network Performance Management, Authentications
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Skills you'll gain: Routing Protocols, OSI Models, Remote Access Systems, Network Architecture, TCP/IP, General Networking, Network Protocols, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Networking, Networking Hardware, Network Administration, Network Security, Network Model, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Wireless Networks, Network Routers, Network Routing, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Network Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: OSI Models, Network Security, Cloud Services, TCP/IP, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Software-Defined Networking, Network Architecture, Virtual Networking, Wide Area Networks, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Platforms, Network Routing, Linux Administration, Network Troubleshooting, Linux, Kubernetes, Network Switches, Terraform
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Infrastructure, Networking Hardware, Cybersecurity, Digital Communications
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Digital Communications, OSI Models, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Routing Protocols, Network Routing, Network Architecture, Network Planning And Design, General Networking, Computer Networking, System Programming, Data Integrity
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Top networking courses include Computer Communications from the University of Colorado and Google's Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking. These cover key topics like network protocols, IP addressing, DNS, routing, and cybersecurity.
Yes. Many networking courses offer a free audit option, which lets you access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete assessments, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.
No prior experience is required for most beginner-level networking courses. They introduce concepts step by step and are suitable for learners looking to build a solid foundation in IT or computer science.
Yes. Networking is a core skill in many IT roles, including technical support, systems administration, and cybersecurity. Completing a course or certificate program can help you build job-ready skills and prepare for industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco’s CCNA.