Opportunities in technology: An associate degree in database administration technology

One of the top reasons to earn a degree in a specific industry is because that industry is vibrant and growing. IT and computer technology is a rapidly expanding field in which job prospects are excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations between 2008-2018, with some 286,000 new jobs being added during that time.

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There are excellent job prospects across the board, but some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a college degree. An online associate degree in database administration technology can get you started in a career in computers.

Database administration

Database administrators work with information to find ways to store it, organize it, make it available, analyze it and use it. They have to understand how the business works that the database is for, and how to organize the material so workers in the business can access it.

Database administrators often integrate old information management systems into new systems, and need to be available to troubleshoot whether they're employees of the company or consultants. They're also responsible for database online security and in some cases for creating the database, though that's usually done by database designers. In 2009, database administrators made mean annual wages of $74,290 according the BLS.

Related top careers in the computer network, systems and database field include network engineers who create and test systems like local networks within businesses and work with communications systems. Computer security specialists keep business' information safe and provide security for networks and cyber attacks. Network and computer systems administrators earned mean annual wages of $70,930 in 2009.

Database administration technology degrees in action

A database administration technology degree can start you in the career that employed 108,089 in 2009, according to the BLS. An associate degree will probably require 60 to 95 credit hours. If you choose to earn an online associate degree in database administration technology, you'll have flexibility in scheduling your classes and doing coursework. For more information on online degrees including degrees in computer science and information systems/information technology, you can check out WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to College Majors.

Why an online degree?

Online degrees often offer hybrid programs that allow you to take classes both on campus and online. Hybrid or blended programs may offer students more instruction and more study time. Some of the courses you may take in the process of earning an online associate degree in database administration technology are:

Systems analysis and design
Database management systems
Operating systems
Applied computer technology

If finances have been preventing you from attending school and maybe working toward an associate degree in database administration technology, there may be federal student aid programs that can help you out. Federal student aid comes in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.

Once you do have a chance to earn a degree in database administration technology, you can still continue learning. There are certification programs available through many product vendors in the computer systems industry, and many employers expect you to keep up certifications with some of these products.