Systems Administration Colleges

Systems Administration majors at colleges and universities will learn how to install, configure, repair, maintain and support computer systems including software, hardware, data and users. Several types of degrees can qualify you for positions supporting computer operations at businesses and organizations.

Many students seek a bachelors degree from a college or university in Systems Administration to ensure the best career opportunities. Masters degrees can open even more doors and give you even more technological expertise. However, Systems Administration majors who want to complete school in two years or less can earn an associates degree or certificate from a technical school, career college, community college or online school to qualify for support specialist positions.

The best Systems Administration students are computer savvy and great puzzle and problem solvers. To succeed in this program, you’ll need to work on computer systems both individually and as part of a team, so communication skills are important.

If you’re interested in this major, you should also consider other Technology majors including Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Computer Installation & Repair; Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst; Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications; Computer Systems Security; Computer Systems Technology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management; Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician; System Administration/Administrator; and System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.

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Choosing a Systems Administration School

Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s or masters degree from a college, online school or university, or attain a certificate or associates degree from a technical school, career college, community college or online school the options may appear endless for Systems Administration programs. To spot a reputable program fast, check out the computer labs—they should be state-of-the-art and stocked with the latest equipment and software. A look at the careers of recent grads and current instructors can paint a picture of the school as well.

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Systems Administration Degree Programs

Systems Administration majors have several options when it comes to choosing a degree program. Certificate and associates degree programs offered at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges and online schools prepare students for support specialist positions. One and 2-year programs often include customer service and trouble shooting courses in addition to information system management and hardware technology courses.

Many Systems Administrator careers require a bachelors degree. Students in 4-year college and university programs not only develop more skills in hardware technologies, programming, security and networking, they also gain a general education base, both of which are favorable to employers. College and university masters degree programs in Systems Administration will continue to build on your technological expertise.

Systems Administration Degree Programs:

Online Systems Administration Degree Programs at Online Schools

If you wish to study the Systems Administration major at an online school, you can earn your online degree on your own time. You’ll find certificate programs as well as associate, bachelor’s and masters degree programs. When you choose from the technical schools, career colleges, 4-year colleges and universities offering a program in Systems Administration, be sure to check the technology requirements. To earn an online degree at home you may need to make significant personal computer upgrades and software purchases.

Online Systems Administration Degree Programs:

Online Systems Administration Schools:

High School Preparation

During high school, prospective Systems Administration majors should focus on building computer, communication and math skills. If you can, take AP Computer Science A or AB. To learn more of the latest programs, you can enroll in a summer intensive program in computer science or attend computer science camp. If you know how to program, you can also compete in an ACM High School programming contest.

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Popular Careers in the Field of Systems Administration

The career outlook for Systems Administration degree-holders is excellent as the demand for experts is expected to grow with the advancement of the industry and technological needs across all businesses. Graduates will find work configuring computer systems and providing support to clients for corporations, schools, computer systems companies, health care facilities and wired telecommunications carriers.

Entry-level positions can be found doing maintenance and monitoring computer systems. Other lower-level degree holders or recent grads will find work as Computer Support Specialists handling help desk or customer support phone requests at a business or software company. Average annual salaries range from $32,000 to $54,000. Support positions at software and hardware companies see the best opportunities for quick job growth, leading to higher paying positions.

Careers with higher earning potential include running the computer systems of a business, or senior-level systems administrator roles, which often require giving presentations to executives regarding the state of the company’s computer systems. Average annual salaries range from $49,000 to $79,000. These jobs generally go to bachelor’s and masters degree holders. Internet security is a growing sector of Systems Administration, so any expertise in that area can lead to impressive job prospects.

A career in Systems Administration can lead to a career as a Software Engineer, or other related careers Commercial and Industrial Equipment Repairers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer Repairers, Computer Support Specialists and Systems Analysts.

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