2024 Best Online System Administrator Degree Programs
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on October 1, 2024
A system administrator degree program can prepare you to work with the information technology systems in an organization.
You can learn how to install hardware, update software, maintain servers, protect data security, and manage user accounts. System administrators are vitally important for many modern businesses that depend on technology for their everyday activities.
Degree programs in systems administration can help you develop both the computer know-how and the management skills necessary for this field.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Champlain College has an online program for a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. Students in the program have 24/7 access to coursework, and courses are just 7 weeks long. Up to 90 qualifying credit hours can be transferred into the program. Courses include Networking Fundamentals, Introduction to Python, Enterprise Database Systems, and Information Systems Design.
Champlain College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado State University offers a B.S. in Management Information Systems. The degree can be completed 100% online to help students fit their studies into their own schedule.
The curriculum covers leadership, information systems analysis, basic programming, financial accounting, web analytics, database concepts, data mining, and business analytics. Colorado State also offers online degree programs in computer science for students interested in this career path.
CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Network Management. Course scheduling options are highly flexible.
Courses include Introduction of Programming and Introduction to Computer Security. Others are Unix Fundamentals, Fundamentals of Database Systems, User Interface Design, and Structured Query Language for Data Management.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Network and Security Administration. The curriculum covers how to establish network confidentiality, assess and amend application vulnerabilities, utilize testing procedures, and configure firewall and security systems. The program emphasizes networking between students, faculty, and professionals in the field, and students can attend online and in-person.
Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dallas Baptist University offers a BBA in Systems Technology and Information Management. DBU provides a Christ-centered education to help students become ethical leaders. Classes begin four times a year and are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. The curriculum covers user interfaces, network and data communications, information systems analysis, and web page design.
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Systems Networking. The degree program covers operating systems, information security, network fundamentals, and project management. Admission occurs on a rolling basis, and students may get credit for prior learning.
Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fort Hays State University offers a degree in Management Information Systems. The program is designed to provide students with a strong background in business, including business law, accounting, management principles, and managerial finance. Technology courses cover computer hardware, software, networks, and security. Students can also take electives in web development, human computer interaction, and more.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Maryville University offers a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems program that is 100% online. It is designed to give students experience in programming, problem-solving, project management, analytics, and network security. The courses in the program use a hands-on, project-based approach. The curriculum also includes courses on business.
The Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Computer Information Systems degree program. It offers hands-on experiences with a variety of business intelligence applications. It is designed to help students learn how to serve as intermediaries between business and IT units and develop information systems that support organizational goals. SNHU also offers information technology online degree programs.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. It is 100% online, and technical help is available 24/7. Coursework includes Business Programming, Database Management, Business Data Communications, Systems Analysis, Project Management, and Basic Marketing.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Computer system administration is a technology degree. Students in this field learn about the various aspects of organizations’ information technology setups. If you become a system administration major, your studies will cover hardware, software, networks, and operating systems.
You’ll also study how to use, improve, and secure computer systems. Your courses will likely cover topics on:
Through your college courses, you can also learn how to communicate technical information to the non-IT people in your organization who have to use those systems. Learning teamwork and leadership skills will be important, too.
While system administration can be a standalone field, it is often studied as a subset of another degree program. For example, some schools offer bachelors degrees in computer science with a concentration in system administration. It can also be a specialization for an informatics or information technology degree.
Network and computer systems administrators often work in finance, education, business, computer design, or insurance settings. Some professionals break into the field by working as network support specialists.
With experience, network administrators may qualify to become computer systems managers or computer network architects. Earning industry certifications or a masters degree can help you advance toward a leadership position. For example, some universities offer a master’s in cloud computing program that may lead to acquiring advanced leadership skills in the industry.
Computer administrators support the IT activities in an organization. They can handle responsibilities related to hardware, software, servers, security, and more.
Because computers are so integral to today’s business environment, many different employers hire for this role. Some of the top sectors for system administration employment are computer systems design, education, information, finance, insurance, and business management.
Entry-level professionals with a system administration degree may work as computer support specialists. Their responsibilities focus on maintaining networks or assisting individual computer users. Network or system administrators often supervise support specialists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for computer and information technology occupations is $91,250 per year.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $151,150 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $119,560 |
| Computer Network Architects | $116,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | $103,590 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $93,730 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,190 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $84,810 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $65,450 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $52,690 |
Your eligibility for the above jobs may depend on the nature of your college degree, your work experience, and any additional certificates that you hold.
System administrators’ knowledge of network security and computer components can make them candidates for security or systems analyst roles as well. Analysts evaluate various aspects of organizations’ technology systems and recommend changes or upgrades.
The IT knowledge that a sys admin holds can also be useful for designing various computer systems. Some professionals work as computer hardware engineers or network architects. Others may build software through programming work or head up database development.
IT professionals from many backgrounds can become computer and information systems managers. People in managerial roles are responsible for tech processes and decisions, and they also supervise the team members who carry out those jobs.
To prepare for a career in system administration, your college program will typically include a variety of technology-focused courses, such as the ones listed below.
Before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer system administration, you will typically earn at least 120 credits.
The process of becoming a system administrator can take several years. Here’s what you can expect as you pursue this career.
Your career path may not follow these steps exactly, and different employers have different requirements for their IT professionals. Your training may also depend on which certifications you choose to pursue.
Getting into a college bachelor’s degree program often involves turning in the following materials:
Some online sys admin programs are designed for degree completion, meaning they offer only junior- and senior-level coursework. For these types of programs, you’ll likely need an associate degree or professional experience that can be converted into college credit.
For a respected degree in system administration, it’s necessary to choose a regionally accredited college. Regional accreditation provides assurance that a school is respected in academia and the professional world.
There are seven organizations in the US that provide regional accreditation. They evaluate the merits of colleges based on factors like academic standards, ethical leadership, and financial responsibility.
Accredited classes more easily transfer to other colleges, and an accredited degree can help you qualify for admissions to masters degree programs. Also, an accredited degree may increase your chances of being chosen for a competitive job opportunity.
A degree is one sign that you’ve received IT training. Certifications are additional ways to demonstrate your skill sets. A certificate program is a strategic way to develop your expertise in a particular area of this field.
Here are some examples of system administrator certifications:
Certifications often build on each other, so you can continue to add credentials to your resume.
If you qualify, government and private financial aid can help you pay for a college degree in system administration or a related field. The first step to learning about your assistance options is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Based on your FAFSA results, you may be eligible for grants or loans. Grant eligibility usually depends on income level. Loans, which are available to a wider range of students, are funds that you borrow from the government, so you’ll pay the money back after graduation. Interest will be added, but the rates on government loans are usually lower than those on private loans.
Your college may also have scholarship funds for qualifying students. These can pay a portion of your schooling costs or even cover the entire thing. Outside organizations may offer scholarship money to deserving students as well. Even some employers chip in toward their employees’ college costs.
System administration is a discipline that’s centered around technology. System administrators take care of the information technology (IT) aspects of an organization.
Administrators are often known as “sysadmin” or “sys admin.” They oversee how an organization’s computer system is used. They can also be in charge of managing user accounts or creating responsible technology policies.
System administrators also ensure that the right technology components are in place. They can install and upgrade hardware and software. Troubleshooting is another important aspect of this job. Quickly fixing computer and server problems reduces costly downtime.
Most employers require system administrators to have bachelors degrees. Qualifying programs can include network administration, system administration, computer science, or information technology.
Professional experience can help you secure this type of job as well. Many employers prefer at least 3 to 5 years of experience in the field. Getting started as a computer support specialist might help you give your resume a boost.
Employers may also want to see industry certificates. The requested credentials may depend on which computer system the organization uses. Cisco Certified Network Professional and Microsoft Certified System Administrator are common certificates.
System administrators’ responsibilities can include upgrading hardware and installing software programs. Sys admins can also manage accounts for the users in an organization, manage databases, create data backups, and keep apprised of security issues.
In addition, administrators respond when computer systems aren’t working correctly. When a particular user has an issue or there’s a system-wide outage, the sys admin will be called in to fix the issue. In large organizations, a system administrator may have a narrow set of responsibilities. In smaller organizations, one administrator may be responsible for all IT tasks.
A bachelor’s degree is the most common educational requirement for a career as an IT systems administrator. Some students major in sys admin, and others study computer science, informatics, or information technology.
There are associate degree programs in system administration, too. Some employers accept an associate degree or industry certification as sufficient educational preparation for this line of work. On the other hand, some employers may prefer their administrators to hold a masters degree in a computing field, especially when it comes to leadership roles.
Recent graduates may maintain networks or address individual users’ computer issues as computer support specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network support specialists make a median salary of $65,450 per year.
Network and computer system administrator roles are some of the most popular jobs for professionals with this degree. The typical salary ranges from $52,830 to $134,970. Others with this degree may become database administrators. The median salary for this position is $98,860.
Computer system analyst is another potential job for professionals with sys admin training. The median salary for analysts is $93,730 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If a program follows traditional 16 week semesters, you can expect it to take about 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Online schools with accelerated academic calendars may allow you to complete the process more quickly. With that approach, courses may be offered year-round.
Some online colleges give credit for previous certifications or professional experience. Previous college courses or an associate degree may count toward your bachelor’s degree progress as well. With such credits, you may shave some time off of your college studies.
Network administrators and system administrators do similar jobs in an organization, but you might prefer one discipline over the other. Here are some comparisons between the two.
| Network Administrator | System Administrator |
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Some college programs combine system and network administration degrees, and others focus on just one of these disciplines.
Yes, a system administrator degree is worth it for many students. After graduating with this degree, many get started as computer support specialists or systems administrators. In time, management roles may be available.
The computer and IT field is increasingly in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% job growth for computer support specialists over the next decade. Jobs for sys admin are expected to grow at a 5% rate, and there’s an 11% growth rate expected for computer systems management positions.
Today’s organizations depend on the expertise of system administrators who can oversee their IT hardware and software components.
Administrators can be responsible for tasks like fixing computer problems, selecting new hardware, assigning user permissions, and installing software upgrades. If this sounds like the job for you, then getting a bachelors degree in system administration may be your next step. For flexibility and accessibility, you can even earn this degree online. At an accredited online college, you can count on learning up-to-date information in today’s sys admin world.
You can start yourself off on the path toward this lucrative field by exploring accredited system administration programs.
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