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In an increasingly digital world, many businesses and organizations rely on managing and analyzing available data to identify trends and gain insights that are useful to their success. However, rapidly growing data may have negative impacts, particularly in terms of poor application performance and compliance risk.
Earning a master’s degree in database management can help prospective students immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of technological innovation. This graduate degree equips graduate students with knowledge, skills, and experience in designing and implementing operational databases.
It also covers other essential elements of database management, including data mining, data warehousing, database security, data analytics, and database architecture, among others.
Additional Resources:
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Risk Management
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Business Intelligence
- Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Management Information Systems
Overview
Students pursuing a master’s in database management program will find many universities and colleges that offer this master’s degree online. Online programs in database management offer the flexibility that working professionals need to juggle their personal obligations and academic pursuits.
It can help them land leadership positions in the evolving field of advanced database management and boost their earning potential. Federal data reveal that database administrators and architects have a median annual salary of $112,120.
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Methodology
All of the world’s industries are largely or entirely reliant on digital infrastructure. Businesses in particular are built on a foundation of one or more database systems, which they rely on for a variety of operations.
This signals a constant need for database experts that take on the task of developing and maintaining these systems. Those who intend to enter this highly technical field are well served to gain access to the best educational preparation that they can.
We can help you make that choice! We have put together a list of graduate schools that offer online master’s in database management programs, selected based on the following criteria:
- Offers the graduate degree in Data Management online, enabling students to balance their coursework with any existing professional career commitments,
- Feature well-designed curricula that cover a wide range of fundamental and advanced knowledge in database management, as well as other key related skills,
- Readies students for a doctorate program, as well as their pursuit of professional careers,
- Taught, developed, and kept up to date by expert faculty, who have extensive industry experience,
- Feature competitive tuition rates, as well as a range of financial aid options that let students manage the costs of their tuition,
- and, Hold relevant regional and programmatic accreditation credentials from academic agencies.
Visit our Methodology page today!
Best Online Master’s in Database Management Programs
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD
Master’s in IT: Database Systems Technology
For more than 75 years, the University of Maryland Global Campus has remained committed to providing quality education that empowers and transforms students’ lives. The online classes are designed to serve working adults and military service members for their higher education needs.
To date, interested students can choose among over 125 degree programs and certificates, with most of them fully available online.
- The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Master’s in Information Technology with a concentration in Database Systems Technology to help students develop expertise in relational and distributed databases.
- Online students are also expected to acquire a solid knowledge and understanding of data warehousing, modeling, mining, security, and other areas integral to database management and administration.
- To earn the degree program, it is required that students complete a total of 36 credits, covering core courses such as Computer Systems Architecture, Information Systems Infrastructure, Information Analysis, Modeling, and Design, and Information Technology Project Management.
Standout Features:
The program stands out from other master’s degrees of its kind because of its hands-on curriculum designed to prepare students for various certifications, including ICCP Certified Data Management Professional, Oracle Certified Associate, Oracle Certified Professional, and Oracle Database Administration. Students are expected to explore the latest database management methods and tools important to today’s data-driven world.
They will learn how to build advanced databases with the use of object-oriented modeling and NoSQL modeling. Also, graduate students develop expertise in managing data by utilizing database administration and security techniques.
Did You Know?
As an accredited institution, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers credibility and quality. It is also known for its commitment to serving the military. Military service members and veterans can take advantage of the comprehensive tuition assistance and veteran benefits to help them fund their college education.
Touro University Graduate School of Technology
New York, NY
MS in Information Systems – Concentration in Data Analytics and Database Systems
Founded in 1970, Touro University has since grown to serve more than 19,000 students across 35 schools in four countries. Their degree offerings span a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, law, liberal arts, technology, education, and business. Many of their programs are fully available online.
- Touro University is one of the higher learning institutions with database management programs among its degree offerings. Its online Master of Science in Information Systems has a concentration in Data Analytics and Database Systems, an ideal choice for those who want to advance their careers in database management.
- The database management program allows students to explore the current competencies when it comes to database management systems, including designing, managing, and securing complex information systems.
- Graduate students who wish to earn the program need to complete a total of 33 credits, including courses such as Database Management and Administration, Multi-Dimensional Analytics and Visualization, Principles of Data Analysis, and Advanced Data Visualization, among others.
Standout Features:
This program requires students to take preparatory courses for the Data Analytics and Database Systems concentration. Some of their options include Technology Concepts and Essentials, Introduction to Programming, Database Concepts and Design, and Computer Hardware, Software and Systems Security.
Did You Know?
Touro University is home to the Graduate School of Technology. It offers graduate programs and four advanced certificate programs. The expert faculty focuses on providing not only a comprehensive and engaging curriculum but also imparting hands-on experience and real-world knowledge to arm students with the means to upgrade and fine-tune their technology skills.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence
Boston University is a private research university located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1839 and was originally located in Vermont (as the Newbury Biblical Institute) before being moved to Boston in 1869 and is chartered as Boston University.
At present, Boston University has over 36,700 students and is one of the members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
- Boston University offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree program, with a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence.
- The program consists of 10 courses for a total of 40 credit hours and can be completed in around 18-24 months.
- This program covers skills in database design and implementation, as well as data mining, data warehousing, business intelligence, and other key content areas.
Standout Features:
This highly-ranked program features small class sizes and makes heavy use of case studies and real-world projects, which give students a solid base of in-depth, practical experience in a wide range of industry-standard technologies and tools. Boston University also offers competitive tuition rates, and a wide range of financial assistance options, including scholarships and payment plans.
Did You Know?
Among its many firsts, Boston University holds the distinction of being the first American university to award a Ph.D. degree to a woman: Helen Magill White was a classics scholar and got her doctorate in 1877.
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology, Concentration in Database Design & Administration
The University of Denver is a private research university in Denver, Colorado. It was first established in 1864 as the Colorado Seminary and is the oldest independent private university in the country’s Mountain States region. At present, it has a population of over 13,700 students, and is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”.
- The University of Denver offers an online Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology program, with a Concentration in Database Design & Administration, which trains students on a wide range of advanced database management-related skills and technologies.
- This program is designed to develop students’ skills in developing appropriate database architecture & design, as well as skills in data modeling, data warehousing, and performance tuning.
- The program consists of a total of 48 credit hours, made up of 4 core courses, 4 concentration courses, and 4 electives. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months, with courses delivered through evening classes or online.
- Admission doesn’t require either GRE or GMAT scores. Meanwhile, on top of the program’s curriculum, all students are also required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Standout Features:
This program features a wide range of electives that let students hone in on particular areas of expertise, which include Python programming, database security, cryptography, geospatial intelligence, and many others. Students also get trained in industry-standard tools & database platforms, including Microsoft SQL and Oracle.
Did You Know?
The University of Denver also offers Database Design & Administration as a Certificate Program, split into two distinct programs that feature either 4 or 6 courses. The 6-course certificate features room for 2 electives.
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Master of Science in Information Technology – Database Administration
The Florida Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Florida Tech/FIT, is a private research university in the city of Melbourne, Florida. It was founded in 1958 as the Brevard Engineering College by Dr. Jerome P. Keuper, a physicist, with its campus in Melbourne opening its doors in 1961.
Florida Tech also offers a number of graduate degree programs in a number of off-campus sites located within Florida and other neighboring states in the country. At present, the university has over 5,500 students, and is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity”.
- The Florida Institute of Technology offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology program with a Specialization in Database Administration, a program that combines technical knowledge in database administration & management with a solid foundation of business applications.
- The program contains 33 credit hours, with 24 credit hours’ worth of core and major courses, and 9 credit hours of electives.
- Students are not required to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, information systems, or information technology to be considered for admission. GRE scores are also not required.
- With the program having a business skills component, the program’s curriculum also includes courses on Organizational Behavior, Project Management, and Software Systems Management.
Standout Features:
Florida Tech’s tradition of excellence in Technology and Business comes to the fore in this degree program. The program’s curriculum covers major key areas such as database optimization, security, data warehousing, as well as recovery planning. The program also covers skills in data analysis.
Did You Know?
Florida Tech was originally conceived as an institution that would provide support & professional education for NASA, which was also established in 1958, as the Cold War-era space race was in its early stages.
The Importance of Database Management in Today’s World
Data is an integral part of every business and organization. Processing and analyzing data can help organizations boost their profits and contribute to their longevity and relevance in an ever-changing world dominated by technological innovations.
At the heart of this lies the importance of data management. This field involves managing database systems to enhance performance, optimize storage, ensure security and privacy, and maintain efficiency. With data management, businesses are able to control data throughout its lifecycle. This helps them prevent events that negatively impact efficiency and boost data integration for better business decisions.
Here are some benefits of database management:
Seamless Source of Information
Database management is even more important now that almost every company is undergoing a digital transformation. Data now comes from different sources and there is a great need to integrate all of these data into a single system that can efficiently house them, allowing the easy collection, retrieval, and analysis of available information.
Better Decision-Making
With an efficient data management process in place, businesses are able to gain insights into their operations by analyzing the data at their disposal. They can also improve data quality, enhance security, and make better business decisions.
Eradicate Data Redundancy
Duplicate data is common with the wide range of sources they are coming from. Storing the same data in multiple locations can be inefficient and a waste of storage space. With a single source of all data, businesses can enjoy a more accurate data analysis.
Popular Career Paths for Online Master’s in Database Management Degree Programs
There are many career opportunities in the field of database management, often spanning several industries. Graduate students who have earned an online master’s in database management can take on leadership roles in an in-demand field.
Recent Labor Statistics data indicate that the job outlook for database administrators and architects will grow by 8% in the period between 2022 and 20323.
Database Administrators
A database administrator is responsible for the management of the software database that often holds user accounts, records, and similar items. They can provide access to this database as necessary. They also take care of the database, testing, managing, and maintaining it in the process.
Database Managers
Like the database administrator, the database manager also manages and maintains the database for an organization. Their role also encompasses the supervision of databases and staff to ensure that everything is secure and running efficiently. They are also responsible for the development of advanced database systems along with safety measures and procedures.
Data Analysts
Big data analytics is something that data analysts deal with. They specialize in data analysis and interpretation. They gather data and translate data sets into readable reports. Their findings often help businesses make informed decisions.
Data Modelers
Responsible for designing an organizational data structure, data modelers’ roles also extend to producing and updating data structures and sometimes repairing or revising them. They may also need to analyze existing data structures and address redundancy issues.
Software Engineers
The job of a software engineer often involves software development. They may also deal with the development of business applications, network control systems, and operating systems. They collaborate with other developers to conduct research on the latest trends in the market and create products.
Common Courses for Online Master’s in Database Management Programs
Master’s in Database Management Programs are typically built on a core of Information Technology-related courses, which cover a range of advanced skills and technologies, as well as a number of sub-fields where databases are applicable. Here are some of the common courses in these degree programs at a glance.
Database Administration
This course forms part of the set of core courses and serves as an overview of key database administrative processes, which include database performance, security, backup and recovery, and others.
Information/Database Systems
This course relates the various database systems, related technologies, and their specifics with the needs and particularities of business organizations.
Database Design, Database Implementation
This course covers the entire cycle and specific phases of database design, which spans the initial design stage of a specific database system, right up to its physical implementation.
Database Security
This course covers the highly crucial topic of data protection and includes overall and platform-specific database security concepts.
Data Mining
This course covers the key concepts and technologies involved in the necessary business process of gathering and analyzing large amounts of data.
Project Management for Information Technology
This course forms part of the business skills component of most database management programs and sets forth the various needs, approaches, and strategies that are specific to handling information technology-related projects.
Data Warehousing
This course covers key concepts related to the process of data warehousing, which involves gathering and storing disparate data points that may be useful in business/organization-specific decision-making processes.
Database Backup and Recovery
Like any other data storage medium and system, databases are prone to various vulnerabilities and hazards such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, etc. This course covers strategies and technologies associated with safeguarding against data loss.
Enterprise Architecture
This course serves as a discussion on Enterprise Architecture, the process by which businesses harmonize and organize their IT needs and solutions to align with overall business & organizational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn an online Master’s in Database Management degree program?
Like any other graduate program, an online master’s in database management can be completed in a matter of two years or less. This can vary depending on the higher learning institution and the student’s status. Full-time online students can finish the degree within two years.
Those enrolled part-time will need more time to earn the graduate degree. Still, there are many universities and colleges that offer accelerated program options, making it faster for students to earn their master’s degree in database management.
What are the common admission requirements for online programs in Database Management?
Generally, most master’s in database management programs require prospective students to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, information systems, or other relevant disciplines. It is also strongly encouraged for students pursuing this master’s degree to have a background in fundamental skills such as software programming, logic, and statistics.
There are schools that require a minimum GPA and even GRE scores. Other admission requirements may include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, updated resume, and personal statement.
Summary Points
- Most, if not all, of the world’s industries and businesses (especially global ones), rely heavily on one or more database systems as part of their core operations. The constant trend towards data-driven business processes means there is expected to be a constant need for database managers, and other key experts who can design & implement databases, as well as maintain these systems in a variety of scales.
- Master’s in Database Management programs cover skills related to designing/developing, implementing, and maintaining database systems that cater to various processes and needs. These programs also train students on a number of tools and technologies most commonly used in the industry.
- Since a master’s in database management comes from the field of information technology, most students are expected to have a similar background and/or bachelor’s degree, however, there are some programs that cater to students from a wider range of engineering, sciences, and even business-related educational backgrounds.
