Earning your associate degree in computer science

Now more than ever, Americans depend upon computer systems, programs, operating systems, applications and gadgets. If you love computers, solving problems and helping people figure out their technology challenges then a career in information technology (IT) might be ideal for you. A campus-based or online associate degree in computer science can be your ticket to become a network administrator, database administrator, systems administrator or one of many other IT-related positions.

A computer science degree: the basics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most network and computer systems administrators hold a bachelor's degree, but in many cases, an associate degree combined with a significant amount of work experience is sufficient to get started in this competitive and promising field. Most recent graduates work as computer support specialists before moving on to more specialized positions.

IT professionals help corporations, government agencies and private parties share and store information through computer networks, systems and computer databases. The vast majority of IT professionals work in corporations or in the government or non-profit world, and a mere 7 percent are self-employed. They typically work in comfortable office environments and might be on call at night and during weekends as needed. The BLS expects the employment of computer network, systems and database administrators to grow much faster than average at 30 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Career outlook with an associate degree in computer science

As of 2009, the median annual wage for network and computer system administrators was $67,710 or $ $32.55 per hour, the BLS reports. The highest-paying positions, according to the BLS, can be found in New Jersey, Maryland and California. The median annual wage for database administrators was $71,550 or $34.40 per hour, with the highest wages being paid in the states of Maryland, Delaware and New York.

While there is no national government-issued certification, most employers require applicants to present certification credentials issued by private organizations, such as computer vendors, computer associations or other training groups. In this rapidly evolving field, technology changes almost at the touch of a button, and IT professionals must invest a significant amount of time into staying abreast of changes and new developments.

Earning a computer science degree

To enter this high-tech field, aspiring IT professionals need to obtain at least an associate degree. Getting an online associate degree in computer science allows you to get your degree on your schedule and at your own pace. Those who enjoy the direct face-to-face interaction with classmates in a traditional classroom setting can also obtain their computer science degree on-campus.

Classes to obtain an associate degree in computer science typically include:

1. Mathematics and statistics
2. Computer science, programming and engineering
3. Database management, systems design and networking
4. Systems security

Does an associate degree in computer science sound like the right degree for you? Get started today and begin the process of working toward your associate degree either online or on-campus. Highly sophisticated technology is here to stay and so are information technology professionals.

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