Computer Databases
A degree in computer databases requires that you study computer science, database technologies, and have an intense interest in understanding how to put together secure and efficient computer databases. A degree in computer databases prepares you to work in a variety of positions within IT companies or the IT departments in companies and organizations. Due to the importance of information, especially information delivered via computers, students who have graduated with a computer databases degree will have a good opportunity to find steady employment. In fact, their chances of employment have increased exponentially in the past few years will skyrocket through the coming decade.
Common Career Paths:
Database Administrator
One job you can do with a computer databases degree is that of a database administrator. Database administrators basically manage, categorize, store, secure, sort, and use data within a database system. They use data management software to help them do this efficiently. They look for ways to constantly improve the database, either by transitioning to new systems or by implemented fixes in the current one. Database administrators also help other users interact with and access the database by assessing their needs and trying to meet them. A degree in computer databases will give database administrators the knowledge to be able to do their jobs well. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree in computer databases, you should also consider looking into computer database certification programs, as these will make you a better job candidate. The good news for database administrators is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment growth in this specific career path will be about 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for other jobs. The amount of job growth is good news for those with computer databases degrees, as is the average salary that database administrators make. According to the Bureau, the annual median salary of database administrators in 2008 was around $70,000, and the highest 10 percent of database administrators made over $110,000 that year.
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers work in a bit broader capacity than database administrators; however, their job is similar in that they work to manage how information systems deliver information to users. Information systems managers are vital to the successful transfer of information within companies and organizations as well as helping the company or organization process external information. The systems they set up are meant to make the technology the most efficient in helping the organization meet its goals. A computer databases degree paired with training in more general information technology courses or computer science will give information systems managers the important educational background to help them meet the responsibilities of their job. Generally, a bachelor's degree is fine; however, you may find that some employers will want you to earn a master degree in business, especially if you are going to be in an administrative position. The extra education might be worth it given that, depending on the level of their positions, information systems managers can make a range of salaries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in May of 2008, the median annual salary of information systems managers was around $112,210. The middle 50 percent of information systems managers earned between $88,240 and $141,890 in 2088. With these high salaries, computer databases degree holders should also be happy to see that the Bureau projects a significant amount of employment growth for the period of 2008 to 2018: 17 percent growth.
Computer Security Specialist
Computer security specialists use their understanding of computer security to create secure and safe databases, networks, and other information systems to keep company or organization information confidential. Computer security specialists also help other users maintain computer security. They also help companies and organizations respond to security breaches and work to save data that has been compromised by hackers and cyber attacks. They can also aid criminal investigations by providing evidence that could help investigators solve a cyber crime case. Usually, computer security specialists come to their job having taking a degree in computer science or computer databases or anything relation to information technology, and then they receive on the job training in computer security. Because computer security is about preventing security breaches, computer security specialists often have to keep up with the latest technological innovations in computer science so that they can provide their company with the best security possible. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer support job field will see tremendous growth in the next few years, with a project growth of around 30 percent, which includes opportunities for computer security specialists. In general, computer support specialists made relatively high salaries, earning an average salary of $66,310 in May of 2008. The middle 50 percent of computer support specialists was between $51,690 and $84,110; however, a computer security specialist should expect to work his or her way up to that pay grade, especially if starting out as an entry-level worker.
