Do you keep up with the latest technology? Are you interested in a career that requires knowledge of hardware, software, programming and data? If you answered yes, look into becoming a network and system administration major. These students learn how to manage computer operations for specific organizations and locations.
Education
According to the College Board, network and system administration majors usually earn an associate’s degree. Consider taking AP Calculus, physics and electronics in high school to prepare for the major. Typical college classes for this program include database management, information systems management and introduction to programming.
What to know before you apply
You will be required to be certified before starting your career, so you should find a school that will train you for your certification exams. Also, it is a good idea to know whether your campus will have the latest and state-of-the-art equipment for you to use. Finally, research the career placement rate and contact recent graduates to see what they are up to.
Colleges offering this field of study
• Indiana Tech: Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Morrisville State College: Morrisville, N.Y.
Salary
A degree in network and system administration will prepare you for careers in computer systems analysis, database administration and software development. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysts earned between $70,180 and $87,200 in 2011, depending on their specialization. Database administrators earned an average of $77,350 in 2011, while software developers earned between $92,080 and $100,420, depending on their specialization.
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