Education Requirements of a Database Administrator

Database administrators may find job opportunities in any industry that uses electronically stored information.

The demand for qualified database administrators who can analyze, organize and store computer data is slated to increase as the demand for Internet database connectivity and security increases, reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals seeking to become database administrators must consider their previous work and educational experience, technology specialization and desired income potential when selecting an educational path. Federal 2010 wage statistics indicate salaries ranges from $ 41,570 to $ $115,660 per year.

Bachelor Degree

Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree with an academic concentration in computer science, information science or management information systems. This degree helps assure employers that the database administrator has the educational, technical and practical experience needed to oversee the administration of complex database systems.

Associate in Science Degree

An associate in science degree offers individuals the opportunity to enter the database administrative field. Two-year degree programs focus student education in areas such as database concept design, database network installation and data management. An associate’s degree is ideal for individuals seeking to work in small organizations with smaller database systems. Associate degree course work often covers the rudimentary concepts of database administration that is best suited for companies with small to mid-range data architectures, according to Miami Dade College.

Database Certifications

Database certifications offer opportunities into the database administrative field for college graduates or individuals already in the computer industry seeking a career change. For existing database administrators, a certification in a new database technology helps keep technical skills current and assures some level of employment security. Database certification programs prepare students to take the manufacturer’s database certification test. These accelerated programs often last only weeks and require students to have some technical experience to understand complex data administrative concepts. Manufacturer certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified Professional indicate that individuals have an in-depth understanding of database products.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems offers experienced database administrators an opportunity to advance their careers into higher management or technology architectural positions. Entry-level students entering the data administrative career field should obtain several years of work experience before pursuing a master’s degree, since practical experience is essential to succeed in most master’s programs concentrating in information systems, reports the BLS.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook--Computer Network, Systems and Database Administrators
• National Institute of Health Office of Science Education: Job Description for Medical Database Administrator
• Miami Dade College: Associate in Science Degree Program of Study Database Technology--Microsoft Database Administrator
• Merrimack College: Database Administrator--OCA and OCP DBA
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages--Database Administrators
• University of Phoenix: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology