Careers in Service Oriented Architecture: An Overview of Options
Research career options related to service-oriented architecture. Learn about the job duties, education requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about becoming an information technology professional.
Service-Oriented Architecture Career Options
Software Developer
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) allows multiple computer programs and databases to communicate with one another more easily. Software developers determine the needs of different organizations in terms of technical communications. They then design the computer and networking systems needed to implement the SOA.
Computer Programmer
After software developers design the SOA, computer programmers bring those designs to life. Computer programmers use complex computer codes and algorithms to build software programs, operating systems and software applications. After they write the codes, programmers run tests to make sure that everything works correctly. Sometimes programmers take existing SOA software and add on new features.
Computer Analyst
Professional organizations often purchase technology and develop computer systems for each department; however, each system may not sync together. SOA computer analysts help businesses make decisions about investing in equipment that can effectively link all systems together.
Analysts identify what current systems are being used, the effectiveness of each system and how different systems presently communicate. After gathering this information, analysts make recommendations on which SOAs to purchase. Some analysts may work with teams of software developers and computer programmers. In these scenarios, analysts work as liaisons between businesses and SOA designers.
Technical Support Specialist
After SOAs have been installed and implemented, technical support specialists maintain those systems. Preventative maintenance duties may include running regular tests to verify if the SOA is working properly. If applications on one department's system cannot be viewed correctly by another department, specialists analyze the problem and try to fix the issue. Sometimes specialists have to fix problems with individual software programs, but other times they may make repairs on the SOA itself. Some repairs may require specialists to communicate with SOA developers.
Service-Oriented Architecture Career Requirements
Education
Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that most employers prefer software developers and computer analysts to hold bachelor's degrees in fields such as software engineering, information technology or computer science (www.bls.gov). Not all employers require computer programmers to hold bachelor's degrees, but the BLS did state that a large amount of employers preferred programmers who held a minimum of an associate's degree. Technical support specialists often possess some postsecondary training, but not all positions require workers to hold degrees.
Workers who want to specialize in SOA may consider elective courses on the topic. Some universities also offer SOA certificate programs. SOA courses may cover systems migration, software architect duties, design principles, systems security and implementation strategies.
Certification
There are many certification options for information technology professionals. For example, computer programmers are often certified in various computer codes, including Java, HTML and C++. Technical support specialists may have certification in using or fixing different operating systems.
Earning computer-related certification usually requires passing one or more exams. Some certifications may require applicants to have sufficient academic training and work experience, but this varies significantly. Depending on the type of certification, some individuals may have to complete continuing education coursework as part of the certification renewal process. As computers change over time, some workers may have to re-certify by taking updated versions of certification exams.
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6 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (4)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma - AutoCAD
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
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- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Interior Design
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Interior Design
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Associate
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- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
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- Associate in Interior Design
- Associate in Kitchen & Bath Design
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Residential Planning
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- Diploma in Residential Planning
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban and Regional Planning
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
