Explore your education and career options in database administration. See what topics you'll study in an associate's degree program. Get information about the career outlook in this field, including certification information and earning potential.
What are the Requirements for an Associate's Degree in Database Administration?
Associate's degree in database administration programs don't generally have any prerequisites. Proficiency in English, math and keyboarding is a requirement for this program. You'll need to complete the designated number of credits required for graduation, including all general education courses and necessary courses related to your program. You must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in your courses.
This program is typically a 2-year program. Although you may find some individual courses offered online, fully online associate's degree programs in database administration are rare.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully online programs are rare, but some online courses may be available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Topics Discussed</b></td><td> Computer repair, networking, server platforms, Oracle programming, database theory</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $98,860 (<i>for all database administrators</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>10% growth (<i>for all database administrators</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>You'll learn to assess, organize and store information in the database server. As a database administrator, you'll have the training required to analyze a computer database, determine the needs of the user and create an appropriate database, including integrating two systems, if necessary. You'll also have the knowledge to troubleshoot problems and ensure the system works correctly.
</p><p>Your curriculum will combine technical courses along with hands-on training with computers. Upon completion of this program, you'll be prepared to take certification exams in Microsoft and other vendor-specific software.
</p><p>Some of the topics of study may include:
</p><ul><li>Theory of databases and query languages
</li><li>Configuring server platforms
</li><li>Learning to use Linux
</li><li>Networking concepts
</li><li>Java and C++ programming
</li><li>Basic computer repair
</li><li>Oracle programming with SQL
</li><li>Algorithms in computer science
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>As a graduate of a database administration associate's degree program, you'll have the training for entry-level employment as a database administrator, database coordinator, DBA SQL server, programmer analyst or database analyst. Although employers generally prefer to hire workers with at least a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, an associate's degree is often sufficient if you have enough work experience. Certification in relevant areas of database administration will also enhance your employment opportunities.
</p><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of database administrators should grow by 10% from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). With businesses continuing to grow, use and store more data, the need for experienced database administrators will continue to increase. The BLS also reported that the annual median wage for database administrators was $98,860 in 2020.</p>
