Focus on high-level computer network design with a foundation in hardware and software to manage networks and solve networking challenges.

Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology

Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology Major

A major in the Computer and Information Technology Program
in the Department of Computer and Information Technology

The world operates on the back-end of computers – networks of computers. Whether it is wired or wireless, information must be able to travel the network securely, efficiently and accurately. The computing infrastructure and network engineering technology major focuses on high-level design and planning of networks, with a foundation in hardware and software needs to solve computer networking problems. Coursework within your first year includes information technology architecture, systems development and software development concepts.

During your pursuit of a network engineering degree, you’ll work with faculty in the Department of Computer and Information Technology who have years of experience in industry or government. They conduct research on topics such as cybersecurity, high-performance computing, homeland security, cyber forensics, robotics, and health and bioinformatics.

Special Features

  • Information technology careers are among the fastest growing in the country (and around the world).
  • Labs held in specially designed information technology facilities give valuable real-world experience.
  • Focus on communications, business and teamwork skills in anticipation of an information technology career.
  • Mold your curriculum to fit your talents and interests. Your plan of study is a hybrid of set courses and selective.  As you start to gain interest in one of the key components of network engineering technology – networks, hardware or software, you have the opportunity to dive deeper into those disciplines.
  • Network engineering students have the opportunity to take courses abroad at partner institutions in Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Peru, Australia and Korea.  Opportunities range in duration from 1 week to a full semester.
  • Perfect your skills with student competitions and other opportunities with student activities.
  • Utilize the Polytechnic learning environment to become a career-ready graduate
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What can I do?

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Systems Administrator
Operations Engineer
Network Engineer
Cloud Security Engineer

Where can I go?

Cisco Systems
West Monroe Partners
Microsoft
Verizon Wireless

ABET

The computer and information technology program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s general criteria and program criteria for Information Technology and similarly named computing programs.

CIT is a lot more than just IT. I didn’t know beforehand that it has a lot of group projects and teamwork, but it has improved my ability to problem-solve in groups. I want to do something with cybersecurity, and I’m minoring in Russian. The culture is absolutely fascinating!
Anna Larson
Network Engineering Technology
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About the school/department

The Department of Computer and Information Technology provides educational opportunities that apply information technology to solve societal challenges. From cyber forensics and Big Data, to databases and analytics, impactful research is improving society and enriching the constantly updated academic programs.

Additional Information

Talk to a Student Services Professional

Prospective students

Prospective students can reach out to cit@purdue.edu to request an appointment to speak with a Department of Computer and Information Technology student services professional.

Current students

Current students can schedule an appointment to meet with academic advisors in person or virtually via BoilerConnect.

Learn more about advising

Related Degrees

Continuing Education