If you’re looking for an associate’s degree that will teach you about computers so you can get a great, high- paying job, you might want to look at getting a database administration associate degree.

What You’ll Learn In A Database Administration Degree Program

We’re not going to mince words here: database administration is a technical field.  If you’re only slightly interested in computers you might want to look at some other degrees.

Who’s the perfect candidate for this field?

Well, if you keep your original 1983 Apple IIe computer in a humidity-controlled glass case on your mantle, then database administration might be for you.  Or, if you have more computers in your bedroom than you have family members in your house, then you might be a good candidate for this degree.

You definitely need to love computers to succeed in this field.

Some of the classes you might see while enrolled in a database administration degree program include:

  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Intro to Visual Basic
  • Project Planning and Documentation
  • Programming in Access
  • SQL Server Development
  • Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows (good luck with Vista…)
  • And much more

Careers With An Associate Degree in Database Administration

So, what do database administrators actually do?  Well, the job description can vary pretty widely.

Working in a corporate environment, you might be responsible for some, or all, of these tasks:

  • Testing and installing new software
  • Work with the system administrator to configure new software
  • Setup and maintain database security
  • Proactively ensure that the database is operating at peak performance
  • Help design the first stages of a new database system
  • Assist with database modeling and troubleshooting

As you can see, a database administrator wears many hats, which is why it’s so important to get your database administration associate degree.  There’s a lot you need to know in this field.

When it comes to how much you can earn as a database administrator, it definitely pays to keep going with your education.  There will be more money, and more opportunity for advancement, if you have your Bachelor’s degree in database administration.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary range for database administrators is $48,000 to $82,000.  But, the majority of these are open only to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.  So, if you can spare the time and expense of two more years to get a higher degree, do it.

Another piece of good news is that IT jobs are red-hot.  Because basically every business uses computers, they also need people to help them manage their systems.  According to the BLS, database administration is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the country, and it looks to keep up this pace through 2016.

So, everything is pointing to “go” here.  If you love computers and enjoy working with people, then getting a database administration associate degree might be the perfect choice for you.