If you’re fascinated by all aspects of data manipulation and analysis, and you’re considering the prospect of working in the ever-advancing field of digital technology, a career in database management might be something for you to look into.
With a variety of degree-related opportunities, ranging from an associate degree up to a master’s or even doctorate program, there is an option that is the perfect fit for you. Read up on the colleges and universities listed below to select the institution that appeals to your location, timeframe, and specialty options. Then, check out the different levels of education available to match your needs with the programs that could best launch your career in database management.
What is an Online Database Management Degree?
Earning a degree in database management allows you to choose from numerous career opportunities in an array of work environments. Pursue a career as a business intelligence analyst, computer network analyst, data mining expert, or a cybersecurity team member. You’ll learn team-building skills, problem-solving techniques, and leadership skills as you master emerging information systems technology. This degree is highly technical and frequently requires specific software systems capabilities. Whether you stop at an associate degree or go on to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in database management, you’ll be expected to complete project work, engage in hands-on instruction, and in some cases, get to complete an internship.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Database Management Degree?
Projections for employment in the computer and IT job markets are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics to increase faster than the national average as they grow 12 percent through the year 2028. The median annual wages across IT and computer jobs in 2019 were $88,240. So, database management jobs of any kind have great potential regarding salary and opportunity expansion moving forward. In 2020, the median pay for a database administrator with a bachelor’s degree was $98,860 annually. Computer and information systems managers in 2020 earned about $151,150 annually and sometimes need a master’s diploma. Computer systems analysts earned $93,730 annually, and financial analysts earned about $83,660.
What Is Required For an Online Database Management Degree?
Pursuing an online degree in database management requires a high school transcript at the associate’s level and at the bachelor’s level. Elective high school courses in computer or related fields are also recommended. Pursuing a master’s degree in database management requires an undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering field, typically with a minimum GPA in the degree field of 2.5 or better. Job-related experience in computer technology, cybersecurity, database support, or computer analysis is recommended and sometimes required at the master’s level. You can expect to take introductory computer courses as part of a bachelor’s or master’s program requirements. Note, most programs will have student software access requirements. Database management degrees are predominantly hands-on and feature real-world, problem-solving project interaction.
What Are the Best Online Database Management Degree?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need computer experience or IT skills to earn a degree in database management?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, database administrators are tasked with using specialized software to store, organize, and analyze data. Because of this, job opportunities for degree holders in the field vary greatly. According to Rasmussen, whether in the health, retail, or even finance industry, all companies need data. Therefore, they all require a level of data security, making the demand for database management skills at all levels continue to increase.
Consequently, tech-savvy individuals with an interest in computer languages, computer software design or troubleshooting, cybersecurity, or even just the statistical analysis of social media platforms can find career opportunities to pursue. While many colleges and universities recommend mathematics classes, computer science classes and engineering-related high school courses for incoming students, a high level of interest is the key element for anyone entering the field.
Are there different levels of database management degrees available?
Depending upon your interest level and area of specialization, students can commit to as little as two years of study for an associate’s degree in database management. A career in web development or digital design is available to associate degree holders. To go on to the next level of opportunity in IT, a bachelor’s degree opens up job possibilities in computer programming, financial analysis, information security analysis, market research analysis, and even network systems administration. Most bachelor’s programs offer a high level of real-world problem-solving projects to prepare graduates to transition seamlessly into multiple areas in the business world.
Typically, master’s degree programs in database management are leadership-oriented. They are geared to specifically integrate managerial and team-building skills with the most emerging technology to prepare existing IT professionals to take the next level in their business organization. Mini-master’s programs are less prevalent but are available for professionals with less time or resources for the full commitment of a traditional master’s program.
How will I benefit from earning a database management degree?
According to simplilearn, some of the fastest-growing tech jobs available do not require a college degree and pay $55,000 annually or more. And with the demand for technology talent keeping pace with the emerging digital markets, the projection for growth in the IT industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, will just continue to climb.
So, if technology jobs do not require advanced degree training, what are the tangible benefits? The simple answer is that degree holders in the computer science and database management fields increase their potential for career advancement, leadership roles, and higher salaries. More specifically, master’s degree holders in technical arenas can expect to secure managerial roles in almost any corporate environment.
Coursework in a bachelor’s or master’s database management program should include data analytics, cybersecurity, data mining, and data acquisition. Certification in a professional specialty like Oracle SQL Expert can count as course requirements toward your degree at some institutions.
An online degree in database management opens doors for graduates in the exciting and ever-changing technology job market. Since the future of business success will continue to be linked with the ability for companies to understand, manipulate and utilize information technology, career prospects in database management will continue to increase. In addition, the field offers the unique opportunity for degree holders to start with just an associate’s degree and incorporate invaluable professional experience with emerging technology training through additional online education.
