Careers with an associate degree in network systems administration

Do you think about leaving your job and stepping into a higher-paying career where opportunities are plentiful? Perhaps you should consider earning an associate degree in network systems administration. Jobs in database and systems administration are expected to be some of the fastest growing careers in the next decade.

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A network systems administration degree can qualify you for a number of different occupations including:

Network architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Database administrator
Computer security specialist
Web developer or administrator

While each position has different duties, all are responsible for some aspect of creating, maintaining or securing an organization's computer network and/or web presence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network administration positions are expected to see phenomenal growth in the next decade.

From 2008-2018, demand for network and computer systems administrators will increase 23 percent while job opportunities for network systems and data communications analysts will grow by an estimated 53 percent. Overall, the field is expected to see a 30 percent increase in jobs from 2008-2018.

Studying for an associate degree in network systems administration

Network systems and administration professionals can take different paths to gaining employment, but the best way to enter the field is with a degree in network systems administration. While bachelor's and master's degree programs are available, an associate degree in network systems administration can have you ready for your new career in as little as two years.

If you are currently working or have a family, online associate degree in network systems administration programs offer flexible scheduling. In other programs, you may be able to take courses on nights and weekends. Regardless of whether you select an online program, a traditional program or a hybrid that combines the two, your coursework will likely include:

Computer science
Information science
Management information systems
Communications
Mathematics

Students studying for an online associate degree in network systems administration as well as those in campus programs may be eligible for state and federal financial aid.

A new career with a network systems administration degree

Once you have completed work on your network systems administration degree, you could be on your way to joining the ranks of highly paid professionals who provide in-demand services for businesses and organizations across all industry sectors. Although there is no single industry-wide certification for these occupations, many vendors and trade associations offer credentialing for individuals specializing in certain aspects of the field. These designations are optional, but many employers prefer to hire those who are certified.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average salary of network administration professionals in 2009 was:

Network and computer systems administrators: $70,930
Network systems and data communication analysts: $76,560
Database administrators: $74,290
Computer specialists: $78,010

Salaries can vary based upon experience, education and certifications. For example, the bottom 10 percent of database administrators earned a mean average salary of $40,780 while the top 10 percent earned $114,200 in 2009.

If you're going places and want a career to take you there, find out more about associate degrees in network systems administration.