Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Database Administration

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.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information