To adopt the vigorous development of computer network technology and application in 1990s and to respond the "Certain Principles and Suggestions Concerning Ordinary Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Discipline Structural Adjustment" issued by the Ministry of Education in November 2001, Network Engineering Major (NEM) was separated from Computer Science and Technology Major, and started its independent enrollment in 2003. 

  NEM enrolls science students scored above the local minimum mark for applying to key universities within the National Enrollment Plan and grants Bachelor of Engineering Degree to qualified undergraduates.

  The personnel training objects of NEM are to cultivate new high-tech talents with moral, intellectual, physical all-round development, solid computer network basic theory, knowledge, skills and methods, network engineering practical and innovative ability, able to teach and to do scientific research, network engineering design and application development in scientific research departments, education departments, institutions, technical sectors and administrative departments.

NEM of South China Agricultural University (SCAU) is Comprehensive Reform Pilot Specialty of Guangdong Colleges and Universities and Guangdong Network Engineers Training Mode Innovative Experimental Area, owning Guangdong Off-campus Practice Education Base for College students, Guangdong Application-oriented Personnel Training Demonstration Base, and Guangdong Universities Network Engineering Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center.

NEM attaches great importance to personnel training. According to the "South China Agricultural University Social Demand and Training Quality Annual Report" released by MyCOS Corporation, NEM keeps ranking among the top 5 on the SCAU Employment Competitiveness Index List.