System Administrator

Today’s businesses need computer systems that help them stay competitive and efficient. As a System Administrator, you are responsible for setting and editing user rights, adding users to company systems and working with network applications. Your problem-solving and technical skills are highly valued in this role to quickly diagnose system issues and determine work-around solutions. 

You also are responsible for installing and testing numerous systems such as Novell, Linux, Windows OS, web server apps, client/server apps and email applications. 

Your career can start in just two years. An associate’s degree in system administration from Southeast Tech gives you the skills to install, test and support your organization’s computer system. Your degree will launch a career where you will:  

• Troubleshoot system problems  
• Instruct users on proper use of software/hardware Optimize system performance  
• Analyze system needs  
• Perform upgrades/repairs to applications  
• Oversee user access

Compare: System Admin vs. Network Admin  

System Administrators have oversight of internal computing resources such as servers, desktops and an organization’s valued applications. You will install software updates, manage backups, and recover and track licensing. For today’s Network Administrator, user access is most important. They oversee data center connectivity, network availability and response times.

Why study System Administration at Southeast Tech  

(paragraph) During your system admin training in Sioux Falls, you will learn the troubleshooting skills and technical proficiency necessary to solve a problem using computer programs as well as the ability to determine work-around solutions in time-sensitive situations.   Your Associate of Applied Science degree also helps you:  

Demonstrate Professionalism / Communication: Working with STC’s faculty, you will gain confidence in outlining new technologies to inform users, writing manuals on operating systems and upgrades, and documenting operational statuses.  

Enhance Your Critical Thinking Skills: You will become adept at analyzing and communicating the impact of new technologies and upgrades on your organization’s existing system.  

The Extended Learning Advantage: As an I.T. technician, you will benefit from membership in professional organizations and pursuing other professional development and training opportunities.

What can you do with your STC degree

System Administrators find careers in a wide range of industries, including education, manufacturing, software publishing, finance and insurance, and computer system design.

Explore classes  

Southeast Tech’s program curriculum for System Administration totals 68 credits, including classes in Server Virtualization, Internet Systems Scripting, Advanced Windows Server OS, Advanced Linux, and Network Services and Security. 

View Curriculum ADMISSION CRITERIA

Cost  

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $249 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs

 See Cost & Fee Breakdown

Faculty

Kenneth Schaffer

Computer Network Security Instructor
Information Technology - Networking
Technology Center 107

Call 605-367-5866
Email Kenneth

Merrel Pepper

Network Administration Instructor
Information Technology - Networking
Technology Center 107

Call 605-367-5513
Email Merrel

Todd Wohlwend

System Administration Instructor
Information Technology - Networking
Technology Center 107

Call 605-367-5562
Email Todd

All I.T. programs

Other Programs Related to System Administration  

If you’re interested in becoming a system admin, you might also be interested in these other I.T. programs at Southeast Tech:  

Information Technology Security Network Administrator Java Programming