What a Systems Administrator Does

When considering an IT degree and the variety of career options that come with it, you might be wondering what is a systems administrator. These professionals are in charge of the daily operations of computer networks and systems within a singular business or a multi-operational chain. Systems administrators plan, install, support and secure computer systems along with various networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, network segments and intranets to streamline business operations and improve efficiency.

Systems administrators work closely with department managers and other organizational leaders to determine network and system needs prior to installation. Once these needs are determined, they will install the necessary networks and computer systems. The majority of their workday will be maintaining operations of these networks and systems, including their security to promote the company’s efficiency and security. Part of their maintenance duties is to collect data to evaluate system performance and efficiency. These professionals may also be required to train other employees on how to use the implemented computer systems as well as how to navigate the various networks.

How to Become a Systems Administrator

Careers as a systems administrator require a bachelor’s degree in information technology or other computer-related fields for successful job placement. Continued education, including a master’s degree, is often required for many managerial positions in this field.

An online information technology degree establishes a solid foundation for academic and career success. You will gain valuable skills and industry insights that will propel you forward in the tech field as a systems administrator through most online degree programs. Core courses in King University’s online degree program offer a comprehensive study of technology concepts that include subjects relevant to a career as a systems administrator. The job-ready courses include:

• Principles of Management
• Introduction to Programming
• Foundations of Information Technology
• Data Management
• Cloud Computing

Students of King University’s online bachelor’s in information technology degree are also required to complete additional credits in a chosen concentration field, which allows you to focus your degree on a chosen career path. Concentrations include the following:

• Web design
• Network management
• Database management
• Programming
• Security
• Health informatics
• Business

Professionals considering a career as a systems administrator will likely want to focus their additional credits in the database management concentration. This concentration includes courses in database design, data management, database information assurance and structured query language.

Job Outlook for Systems Administrators

Information technology is a fast-growing industry; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS) systems administrators are expected to see a 28 percent growth in employment through the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is being pushed by the increased demand from big businesses for complex networks and computer systems to streamline operations and improve overall productivity and efficiency. Company leaders are also seeing the importance and value in securing their networks and systems to protect against cyberattacks and other digital threats.

According to the BLS, among some of the top employers include the health care industry, as hospitals and other large wellness facilities look for opportunities to improve patient care through simplified processes and administrative procedures.

Similar Careers

A college degree can set you up for real career opportunities. If a career as a systems administrator isn’t right for you, consider one of these information technology careers:

Computer systems analyst: Help companies improve their tech strategy and grow their profits as a computer systems analyst. These professionals are focused on developing current tech processes and introducing new technology to bolster revenue and streamline operations.

Web developer : The Web is home to a growing sector of information and commerce. A Web developer works with companies to ensure they are a viable presence online through a functional website.

Computer and information research scientist: These professionals work in some of the most technical industries and help to organize and implement computer-related activities within businesses.

Software developer: Understanding market demand and user needs is critical to the role of software developer. These professionals create programs and applications with the user in mind.

Computer programmer: A computer programmer creates useable languages for computers. These professionals write code that is read by computers to operate and perform complex functions.

Operations research analyst: Turn complex technological problems into high-tech solutions. Operations research analysts create operations and applications that answer market needs through consumer behavior research and analytics.

King University has a reputation for academic excellence that goes beyond the classroom. Our online degree programs position graduates for an exceptional career or continued educational opportunities. More than 80 percent of King graduate survey respondents indicated they received admission to their first choice of graduate programs. Make an investment in your future with an online degree from King University.