Online Master’s in Database Management Programs
Earning a master's in database management can lead to new career opportunities. Here, we list the top programs available.
Updated August 24, 2023
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Database Management Degrees
Database management degrees prepare learners to ensure the smooth, secure, and profitable operations of companies and organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for database administrators to increase 10% from 2019-2029, which is much faster than the average projected growth rate of 4% for all occupations. These professionals earn a median salary of $93,750 per year.
After completing a master's in database management, graduates often enjoy a variety of job prospects with ample opportunities for career advancement.
View Our Rankings List HereMaster's in Database Management: Prospect Students Questions
Q. What kind of jobs can you get with a database management degree?
A database management degree can qualify holders for positions including computer systems analyst, information security specialist, software developer, and database administrator.
Q. How long does it take to get a database management degree?
Master's in database management degrees usually comprise 40-50 credits and require about two years of full-time study.
Q. How much money can you make with a database management degree?
According to BLS data, database administrators earn a median annual salary of $93,750, which is much higher than the median salary of $39,810 for all occupations.
Q. What does database management mean?
Database management refers to the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital information. Professionals in the field may also complete tasks related to data security and distribution.
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Why Get a Degree in Database Management?
A database management degree can lead to career paths in industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, energy, and aviation and aerospace. Companies and organizations in many fields require database administrators to facilitate the efficient and secure organization, storage, and retrieval of information.
The BLS projects a faster-than-average growth rate for database administrators, and many colleges offer online database management programs. Online learning can benefit both in-state and out-of-state students. Degree-seekers in online programs often save money on costs associated with housing and transportation.
How Much Does a Database Management Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs for the 2017-2018 academic year was $11,926 at public institutions and $27,350 at private nonprofit schools. However, several factors impact the cost of earning a degree, including program format and the student's enrollment status and field of study.
Students who pursue a master's in database management online often save money on costs such as rent and transportation. Distance learners can also continue working full time or part time while earning their degree. Although master's in database management programs do not typically include lab fees, students need a computer that can run industry-specific software.
How Much Do Database Management Majors Make?
Many database management degree-holders work for companies that provide computer systems design services. According to the BLS, more than 20,500 database administrators and architects work in the industry. Among the top five industries with the highest levels of employment for database administrators, computer design companies pay the second-highest average salary ($101,620). Database administrators with credit intermediation agencies earn the highest average salary ($107,460).
The states with the highest employment levels for database administrators and architects include California (13,530), Texas (11,620), New York (7,730), Florida (7,510), and Virginia (6,520). The highest-paid professionals work in New Jersey and earn an average salary of $115,600 per year. The next-highest-paying locations for database administrators include Washington, California, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia.
Earning a master's degree or specialized training in the field can lead to increased career prospects and salary potential.
Courses in Database Management
Database management master's degrees usually require 40-50 credits, including coursework in object-oriented application development, operating systems, backup recovery, and database modeling and design. Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as digital forensics, health informatics, and IT project management. Online students typically follow the same curriculum as on-campus enrollees.
Some database management courses include hands-on training to help students develop the professional skills necessary for careers in database administration. Learners may complete an internship or a capstone project.
Students in this course examine various functions of database applications and learn how to use database optimization queries to enhance system performance. Coursework covers topics such as normalization techniques, SQL language, the relational database model, and multi-user commercial applications. Degree-seekers typically complete individual and group projects.Database Development
The course explores structured data modeling, visual analytics, and data integration. Students develop SQL coding skills, gain an understanding of data warehouse design, and work with large data sets to create dashboards. Coursework emphasizes the role of data warehousing in business intelligence.Data Warehousing
Students learn how to maintain secure and reliable computer systems, manage infrastructure servers, and back up and recover data. Learners become familiar with cloud-based infrastructures and the latest industry tools for managing data and improving user productivity. Students also learn to design and implement IT processes for various types of organizations.System Administration and IT Infrastructure
Certifications and Licensure for Database Management
Database administrators can pursue specialized certifications to improve their job prospects. Many vendors offer widely accepted and highly regarded industry certifications. The following credentials can help database management degree-holders focus their career and learn about the latest advances in their specific professional arena.
Scholarships for Database Management
Many schools offer scholarships and fellowships to learners pursuing a master's in database management. Students can also seek financial assistance from state and federal agencies, nonprofit private groups, and professional associations.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
BETF Scholarships |
Varies | The Black Data Processing Associates Education and Technology Foundation administers several scholarships for African American undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must demonstrate enrollment in an accredited program in database management or another eligible IT field. |
Stan Yellott Scholarship |
Up to $4,000 | The Rocky Mountain Oracle Users Group funds this scholarship for students pursuing a degree in computer science or other IT major. Applicants must submit official transcripts, recommendation letters, and an application statement detailing their achievements and interest in pursuing a career in the IT field. |
Online Master's in Database Management Programs
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University of Southern CaliforniaLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate92%
USC in Los Angeles offers an MS in applied data science for learners with an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Graduates may pursue data science careers in various fields and industries. Examples include aerospace, cybersecurity, and bioinformatics.
Available both on-campus and online, this master's in database management program builds advanced data informatics and analytics skills. Core coursework covers database management, machine learning, and data mining. Participants build skills in Python programming. They learn how to apply data analytics, artificial intelligence techniques, and data visualization to the real world. Elective topics include geospatial information management and user experience design and strategy. Students also learn applied natural language processing.
Full-time learners can finish the 32-credit database management degree in 18-24 months. Part-time enrollees usually take 30-36 months. USC's master's program boasts a 92% graduation rate.
USC is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission.
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DePaul UniversityLocation
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate71%
DePaul University, a private, nonprofit university in Chicago, Illinois, runs a 100% online MS in data science. The degree focuses on real-world applications in many industries. Program graduates seeking jobs report a 93% employment rate and a median salary of $80,000 within six months of graduating.
The master's in database management program features many curriculum concentrations. Options include healthcare, hospitality, marketing, and computational methods. Course requirements vary by concentration. Students may also participate in DePaul's data science group or visual informatics and data analytics group. DePaul maintains a center for data science that fosters collaboration with nonprofits and industry professionals.
DePaul's MS offers four possible start times per year. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. They also need a "B-" or higher in Calculus I and II. Application materials include official transcripts and a resume. Applicants may also submit optional recommendation letters or industry certifications.
DePaul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Lewis UniversityLocation
Romeoville, IL
Graduation Rate64%
Lewis' online MS in data science (MSDS) prepares participants for private or public sector data management careers. Graduates may work as machine learning engineers or public policy specialists. They can also become financial analysts.
The MSDS focuses on real-world applications. MS students learn about statistical programming, data mining, and data storage systems. Curriculum also covers natural language processing, data visualization, and artificial intelligence. The program builds skills in problem-solving, cloud computing, and data analytics.
Available 100% online or on campus, Lewis' master's in database management provides five concentration options. Enrollees may specialize in cognitive and prescriptive analytics. Or, students may choose data engineering or cybersecurity data science. MS students may also focus on data science research or computational biology and bioinformatics. Participants who seek a more general MSDS program do not need to choose a concentration.
Lewis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Regis UniversityLocation
Denver, CO
Graduation Rate69%
Regis University, a nonprofit school in Denver, Colorado, offers an accelerated, online MS in data science. The master's in database management emphasizes project-based learning. The degree builds advanced skills in data analysis, prediction, and engineering. Students create portfolios that showcase their work to potential employers.
The 36-credit program includes 18 core credits, 12 data science elective credits, and six practicum credits. The core curriculum covers statistics, information technology research methods, and data collection ethics. Data science electives include business intelligence and geographic information systems. Regis offers an optional data engineering specialization.
Depending on enrollment pace, learners can complete this database management degree in 12-24 months. Regis offers six, eight-week terms and many annual start dates. Applicants submit resumes, essays, and transcripts. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA and a relevant bachelor's degree or professional experience. Applicants must also show prior coursework or experience in statistical computing.
Regis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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