Computer Databases Bachelor’s Degree Online
Is a Computer Databases Degree Right for You?
If you are detail-oriented, diligent, and interested in working with different technologies, you should consider pursuing a computer databases degree. The field involves problem-solving, research, and consistent work with different database technologies. Though some schools do offer standalone computer databases degrees, others offer it as a concentration within a major. For example, many computer science degrees offer computer databases as a specialization.
Advice for Earning your Computer Databases Degree Online
If you own a computer at home and you prefer learning at your own pace, an online degree may be suited to your needs. When you are enrolled in online programs, you can study course material at your own convenience. The most important step in choosing an online college is making sure the school is accredited. This ensures that it is being held to a high standard of education and increases the favor with which potential employers will view your educational background. Because of the nature of the computer databases field, it is a good idea to get internship or work experience while pursuing your education. During your studies, you will get a more theoretical background in different databases and the technologies used to manage them. An internship in the field will help you put those theories into practice.
Required Courses
During your time as a computer databases student, you will need to develop a solid understanding of how to create databases, integrate data from external sources, and logically store a company or organization's data. Most importantly, you will need to learn how to design and program data into a given storage program. You will also learn about the different technologies available, as the field is constantly being updated with new programming software. Required courses include computer programming, algorithm design, information security, database architecture, and technical communications. After completing these courses, you can usually specialize in database security, information systems and optimization, or database planning and development. As in any other program, you will still have to take some core courses outside the major, like English, history, and humanities courses.
Common Career Paths
As this is a specialized field, there are many job opportunities for graduates from computer databases degree programs. You can choose to work for the government, in the banking sector, in the health care industry, or for a private company. Common careers include (but are not limited to):
- Database Administrator
Database administrators 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.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment growth in this specific career path will be about 20% between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for other jobs. According to the BLS, the annual median salary of database administrators in 2008 was around $70,000, and the highest 10% of database administrators made over $110,000 that year.
- Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers work in a 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.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May of 2008, the median annual salary of information systems managers was around $112,210. The middle 50% 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 BLS projects a significant amount of employment growth for the period of 2008 to 2018.
- 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 assist other users in maintaining computer security. They 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. 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer support job field will see tremendous growth in the next few years, with a projected growth rate of around 30%. In general, computer support specialists made relatively high salaries, earning an average salary of $66,310 in May of 2008. The middle 50% 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.
