The best database administration associate degrees are accredited by nationally and internationally recognized associations. This article lists the best two-year database administration associate degree programs that will help you master database administration, start your career, or get a bachelor’s degree.
Through this guide on Associate Degrees in Database Administration, you’ll also find top-paying database administration jobs, job outlooks, and the states with the highest salaries. By the time you finish reading, you will know what database administration is and where you can attain the skills you need to become a database administrator and break into tech.
What Is Database Administration?
Database administration is the management and maintenance of database management systems (DMBS) software. Database administrators ensure that a company has access to its servers at all times. The most common database management systems are Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, IBM Db2, and FoxPro.
Database administrators are responsible for database security, database tuning, and backup and recovery. This ensures high system performance for companies and that collected data is reliable and secure. An Associate Degree in Database Administration is one of the best ways to enter this field.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Database Administration are nationally and internationally accredited schools in the United States. These schools are also determined by curriculum content, cost, and reputation. Below are five of the best database administration associate degree colleges.
What Schools Offer the Best Database Administration Associate Degrees?
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- North Central Texas College
- Ohlone College
- Remington College
- Southern Crescent Technical College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Database Administration often require students to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some community colleges require students to have a certain GPA before applying.
Overall, requirements for obtaining a database administration associate degree vary between colleges. Some schools may require knowledge of programming languages like SQL, R, and Python.
Database Administration Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of approximately 3.0
- Standardized test
- Transcripts
- Application fee
How to Get an Associate Degree in Database Administration
You can get a database administration associate degree by applying to any of the accredited postsecondary institutions listed in this guide. To successfully graduate from your program, you must excel in the technical aspects of your program, including mastering programming languages like R and SQL.
The best way to get a database administration associate degree is by applying to a program at a school that interests you and that has affordable tuition and payment methods that work for you, as well as a reputable curriculum that coincides with your interests. Selecting the right school program depends on you, so choose based on your high school experience and interests.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
You need 60 credits for an Associate Degree in Database Administration. How many credits you need for an Associate Degree in Database Administration may vary depending on the school. However, the typical amount of credits remains at 60 credits for an Associate in Database Administration. The credit requirements encompass technical skills like researching, mathematics, and programming, as well as soft skills like communication and presentation.
Database Administration Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 60 credits
- A grade point average of 2.0 or above
- Completion of general education requirements
- Programming competency
- Adherence to catalog rights
Best Database Administration Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration – Database Management Systems | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Associate of Applied Science – Database Specialist | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Metropolitan Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology – Data Centre Technician | Higher Learning Commission |
| Mt. San Antonio College | Associate of Science in Database Management Systems | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| North Central Texas College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Ohlone College | Associate of Science in Database Administration | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Pierce College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Management and Design | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Remington College | Associate Degree in Database Management and Administration | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Specialist | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southwestern Illinois College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Development and Management | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Database Administration: Top Database Administration Associate Degree Programs
The best schools for database administration associate degrees are colleges that offer excellent value and can give you a leg up in your career. We’ve taken the time to list the best associate degree programs available for database administration.
Find out more about the top database administration associate programs, both in-person and hybrid formats, that teach you everything you need to know about database administration in the section below.
What Is a Database Administration Associate Degree?
A database administration associate degree is a two-year program that helps students master basic and advanced skills required to maintain database management systems. The two-year degree program takes students through relational databases, SQL server development, database design, programming, access fundamentals, and project planning.
The associate degree program in database administration is popular among professionals who want to become systems managers or database administrators. It’s also a beneficial choice if you want to transition to a bachelor’s degree program later in your career.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
It is very important to have an associate degree in database administration because it prepares you for what the database administration entry-level jobs entail. Another reason why a database administration associate degree is important is that it equips you with the fundamental knowledge needed for the field and acts as a stepping stone for career advancement.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Database Administration?
You can get an Associate of Applied Science in Database Administration or an Associate of Science in Database Administration. Although they seem the same, the difference between these database administration associate degree types is that the former prepares you for further education while the other prepares you for the job market.
Depending on what your plans for the future are, like if you want to go immediately into the field or obtain a bachelor’s degree, carefully choosing the type of Associate Degree in Database Administration is crucial.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science in Database Administration?
It is better to get an associate of applied science if you want to transition to the job market immediately after graduation. Since the difference between an associate of applied science and an associate of science is that one allows for further education while the other ensures you’re job-ready, you must determine before applying what your future will look like.
If you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after your associate degree, then choose an Associate of Science in Database Administration. Determining which is better between an associate of science and associate of applied science is based on your needs.
What Is the Difference Between a Database Administration Associate Degree and a Database Administration Certificate?
The main difference between a database administration associate degree and a certificate in database administration is that the associate degree teaches you the necessary skills to be a successful database administrator while a certificate demonstrates your abilities in a subject.
It is better to get an Associate Degree in Database Administration first before getting a certificate, as having a database administration associate degree carries more weight than a certificate. Potential employers are less likely to hire you if you only have a certificate, so if you’re deciding if you want an associate degree or certificate in database administration, get your degree first.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), an associate degree costs an average of $4,230. However, if you choose to attend a non-profit private institution, you will be paying an average annual tuition of $18,631. Students who attend public in-state institutions pay approximately $3,812 per year.
These numbers only refer to tuition and fees, so the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and other expenses can increase the toll on your pocket. This is why online degrees are the most affordable option. Factors like living at home and buying used textbooks can also help you save money during your associate degree.
Database Administration Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Database Administration Degree
There are plenty of database administration associate degree financing options to help students pay tuition. Most community colleges have a section on their website dedicated to the different options available to help students pay for their tuition. This level of education is more affordable than others, but it can still be expensive.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Database Administration Associate Degree?
It takes two years to get an Associate Degree in Database Administration. The Associate in Database Administration length may depend on the college you choose, with some colleges having a fifth semester. However, the average length for this degree is two years.
How long it takes to get an Associate Degree in Database Administration also depends on the credits. The average credit count for an associate degree is 60 credit hours, with four semesters and 15 credits per semester. It is best to research how long your chosen Associate Degree in Database Administration takes, though.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
An Associate Degree in Database Administration can be difficult to get. Since a database administration degree requires mathematics and programming, it makes getting database administration associate degrees harder.
Although getting a database administration associate degree can be hard, there are ways to lessen the difficulty. Contact your professors if you’re struggling with a certain aspect of the course, reach out to fellow classmates, hire a tutor, or allocate more time to studying to master the subject.
Why Should You Get a Database Administration Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Database Administration are that you can become job-ready in two years and apply for entry-level jobs to start your career in database administration. Associate degrees prepare you for the job market, teaching you valuable skills for your chosen subject.
Other benefits of an Associate Degree in Database Administration are that you can easily get into a bachelor’s degree program postgraduation to further your education on the subject or narrow down your specialization. A bachelor’s degree will allow you to apply for higher-paying jobs.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Database Administration?
The required courses for database administration associate degrees are classes that teach the fundamentals of database administration, the programming languages necessary to be a successful database administrator, and algebraic mathematics.
Associate in Database Administration courses will provide you with a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in database administration tasks and functions. When checking your Associate in Database Administration course list, ensure it has courses similar to the ones listed in the section below.
Information Systems
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and skills necessary to be successful in their future computer technology profession. Students should have a basic understanding of computer systems prior to taking this course to make the course content easier to understand. The topics covered in this class include hardware, computer ethics, and security.
Computer Programming
In this course, students explore the foundational concepts of computer programming using mathematics and logic needed for problem-solving. Students use pseudocode, algorithms, and flowcharts to find solutions to computer problems.
Data Center Management
Students learn about data center infrastructure and how to create, manage, and maintain a working server. Students learn what a day in the life of data center management is like as they monitor the server.
Implementing a Database on Microsoft SQL Server
Using the Microsoft SQL server, students will learn how to implement database solutions. Students will also be able to create views of data, stored procedures, and triggers, describe the various elements of Microsoft SQL server, and configure data storage architecture of the SQL server. This is a crucial course as it teaches the important tasks of database administration.
Elementary Statistical Methods
This is a math course where students learn how to collect, analyze, and present data and the interpretations made through data analysis. Some mathematical processes you can expect to learn include using statistical methods to create and test hypotheses, compute linear regression, and interpret theoretical probabilities.
Continuing Education Paths for Database Administration Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a database administration associate degree is to apply for a bachelor’s degree program or certificate program postgraduation. The path after an Associate Degree in Database Administration should include furthering your education if you want to receive a high-paying job. If you want to immediately enter the workforce in an entry-level position, you can also do that.
Related Database Administration Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Database Administration Associate Degree Programs
The best database administration associate degree programs have a curriculum that covers programming languages, mathematics, and data collection while offering student services to support them during their time at the school. Below is a detailed list of what to look for in an Associate Degree in Database Administration program.
Accreditation
The accreditation of a school is important because it proves the school’s reputation and ability to grant degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Ensure your chosen school is accredited so that your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions.
Cost
The cost of a program can determine whether or not you apply. Financial aid can cover the brunt of the cost but chances are you will have to pay some tuition out of pocket. Choose a school with affordable tuition for you and see if you can get a scholarship or fee waiver.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the program should cover programming languages, handling data, and mathematics like algebra and statistics. Look into the programs offered and ask an academic advisor any questions or concerns you may have.
Barriers to Admission
Some schools have strict requirements including minimum GPA, SAT and ACT scores, and minimum education. Ensure you meet the requirements to make the application process as smooth as possible.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio represents how many students there are compared to faculty. If the student-faculty ratio is 10:1, that means there are 10 students for every faculty member, meaning you are more likely to have personal relationships with faculty. The higher the student number, the less likely it is that you will have personal relationships.
What Is the Most Affordable Database Administration Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degree in Database Administration can be obtained from Metropolitan Community College Area. Its tuition per credit amount for in-state students is only $68, while its tuition per credit for out-of-state students is $102.
Salary and Job Outlook for Database Administration Associate Degree Graduates
The average salary for a database administration associate degree holder is between $63,312 and $67,926. Below we feature a variety of the top database administration associate degree jobs and salaries to help you decide which job is best for you. The information has been sourced from ZipRecruiter and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Database Administration Associate Degree?
It can be somewhat difficult to get a job with a database administration associate degree. How hard it is to get a job with an Associate Degree in Database Administration is determined by where you’re located, the number of jobs available, and the competition. To increase your chances of getting hired, build a strong portfolio, obtain certification, and have top-notch references on your resume.
What’s the Average Database Administration Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Database Administration is $56,391. Since the highest job level you can get with an associate degree is entry-level jobs, the average salary for Associate Degree in Database Administration holders is lower than what a bachelor’s degree holder would make.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Database Administration Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a database administration associate degree are developer, administration, analytics, and data architect jobs. All the jobs with database administration associate degree holder positions are entry-level. The highest-paying database administration jobs for associate degree holders have higher competition among candidates.
Database Administration Degree Jobs
- Database developer
- Systems administrator
- Business analyst
- Database specialist
- Network architect
Potential Careers With a Database Administration Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Database Administration?
You can make between $63,312 and $67,926 with an Associate Degree in Database Administration. How much money you can make with an Associate Degree in Database Administration depends on where you live, who you work for, and how much experience you have.
When job hunting, it is wise to conduct your own research into the companies you apply for. You can determine the average money database administration majors make out of college at these companies.
Highest-Paying Database Administration Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Database Administration Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Junior Application Developer | $68,876 |
| Junior Network Architect | $68,129 |
| Entry-Level SQL Database Administrator | $67,353 |
| Junior Database Developer | $62,491 |
| Junior Security Analyst | $61,222 |
| Entry-Level Database Architect | $58,742 |
| Entry-Level Database Administrator | $56,391 |
| Junior Systems Administrator | $54,052 |
| Entry-Level Database Specialist | $52,814 |
| Entry-Level Business Analyst | $51,444 |
Best Jobs for Database Administration Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for database administration associate degree grads are developer, architect, and administrator jobs. The best jobs for database administration associate degree holders will typically be entry-level positions. Below is a list of the best-paying database administration associate degree jobs.
*Job outlook and the number of jobs have been sourced from BLS information on database administrators and architects
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Database Administration Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Database Administration is worth it if you want to master the skills and knowledge necessary to land entry-level job positions in database administration. You will have a wide array of job opportunities to choose from in any industry, which is part of what makes an Associate in Database Administration worth it.
If you’re still wondering if an Associate in Database Administration is worth it, you’ll be happy to know that these two-year degree programs in database administration can help you get ready for certification exams.
If you want to climb up the career ladder, getting certified should be a priority. By earning an associate degree, you will get hands-on experience, skills, and the knowledge to get certified and start your career in tech.
Additional Reading About Database Administration
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Database Administration Associate Degree FAQ
You can pursue the Oracle DB Certified Associate, Oracle DB Certified Professional, IBM Analytics Certification, MCSE, or SAP HANA. These are excellent industry certifications that will help validate your skills in database administration.
Yes, you can get a high-paying job position once you acquire an Associate Degree in Database Administration. Some programs offer career services and job placement support, which can lead to a wide range of well-paying job opportunities.
Yes, you can land a database administration job without experience. An associate degree gives you the foundation to start your career, although it won’t get you any of the tech jobs that pay more than $100,000 per year. Pursue a bachelor’s degree to increase your annual salary potential.
The job requirements for a career in database administration are skills in operating systems, database systems design, and database security administration. Some hiring managers require proficiency in SQL, UNIX, Linux, Oracle, and Microsoft Access.
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