Database administration has become one of the most important and in-demand careers in the world. The use of database management systems has drastically increased over the last couple of years. This means that the number of companies in need of database administrators to manage their databases has skyrocketed. This is why you should consider a database administration master’s degree program.
Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Database Administration is an excellent way to further your career and climb the corporate ladder. Earning one of the best master’s degrees in database administration is, overall, a great career move. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best database administration master’s degrees and the jobs that they can lead to.
What Is Database Administration?
Database administration encompasses the set of strategies carried out by a specialist to keep a database system accessible for every team member. Database administrators also oversee the security of the system. To achieve that, they perform constant monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
The best colleges where you can get a master’s degree in database administration are located all over the country as well as online. All of the best database administration programs are accredited and offered by reputable colleges.
What Schools Offer the Best Database Administration Master’s Degrees?
- Bellevue University
- DeVry University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Touro University Worldwide
- Western Governors University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
The admission requirements for a master’s degree in database administration are similar to those of most graduate programs. You will need to meet the minimum requirements for education and experience, and will likely need to provide a resume and letters of recommendation.
To enroll in a master’s degree, you must have an undergraduate degree. Most programs will also require you to have a certain number of years of experience under your belt as well as a minimum undergraduate GPA, usually 3.25 or higher.
Database Administration Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in same or similar field
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25+
- At least one to two years of experience in the field
- Professional resume
- Letters of recommendation
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Administration
You can get a database administration master’s degree by first earning an undergraduate degree in a similar field, like database management or data analytics. Then, you will need to enroll in a master’s program and pass all of your required courses.
The best way to get a database administration master’s degree is to go into the program with the mindset that this is a full-time job, not just school. Prioritize your education, study hard, and ensure all of your grades meet the minimum requirements.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
You need 30 to 50 credits for a master’s in database administration. Some programs will require fewer or more credits, but it is abnormal to have anything far outside of this range. You will gain a lot of valuable knowledge and hands-on experience while earning these credits.
Database Administration Degree Requirements
- 30 to 50 core education credits
- Lower-level courses such as Database Concepts
- Higher-level courses such as Advanced Database Management
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0+
- Thesis or capstone project
Best Database Administration Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Master of Science in Computer Information Systems: Databases Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| DePaul University | Master of Science in Information Systems: Data Management Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| DeVry University | Master’s of Information Technology: Data Administration and Managerment Emphasis | Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Technology: Database Administration Emphasis | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Information Technology Administration and Security | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northwestern University | Master’s in Information Systems: Database and Internet Technologies Specialization | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Information Technology: Database Design Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Stanford University | Databases Graduate Program | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Denver | Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology: Database Design and Administration Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of South Florida | Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Database Administration: Top Database Administration Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for database administration master’s degrees are accredited, reputable, and can be found all over the country. These are schools future employers will see on your resume and be impressed by.
Below, you will see the best database management programs in the nation. These schools were chosen based on their curriculum, reputation, and the quality of the program. All the information is taken from the schools’ websites.
Best Online Database Administration Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic International University | Master of Database Administrator | Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities |
| Boston University | Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems: Database Management and Business Intelligence Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Champlain College | Master of Science in Information Technology with Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Colorado Technical University | Master of Science in Management: IT and Project Management Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Lindenwood University | Master of Science in IT Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Regis University | Master of Science in Data Science | Higher Learning Commission |
| Touro College | Master of Science in Data Analytics and Database Systems | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Master in Information Technology: Database Systems Technology Specialization | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Applied Data Science | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Western Governors University | Online Master’s in Data Analytics | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Colleges for Database Administration: Top Online Database Administration Master’s Degree Programs
If you prefer to study remotely, we have also prepared a list of the best online database management programs. Online programs provide flexibility in scheduling and location, and can seriously ease your stress as a student with other responsibilities.
Without sacrificing quality in the curriculum and teaching method, these online programs allow the student to pursue an advanced degree in database administration from anywhere around the world. Many of these programs are ideal to prepare for certification exams in the industry.
What Is a Database Administration Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree in database administration is a graduate program that prepares you for senior positions in database administration. Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Database Administration will take you approximately two years. You will learn about the new technologies being used and the most valuable tools to improve your work.
A database administration master’s degree is important in securing high-level jobs in this field. Most employers will either require a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree for any database administrator position. Even if your dream job only requires an undergraduate, earning a master’s will benefit you in many ways.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
It is very important to have a master’s degree in database administration for most jobs in this field. It is the required degree by many employers, and for those who do not require it, you will still be seen as the preferred candidate over those without a master’s degree.
The main reasons why a database administration master’s degree is important are:
- It is typically required to become a database administrator
- If not required, it will greatly improve your employability
- Leads to a higher annual salary
- Teaches important skills, concepts, and technologies for this field
- Prepares you for a wide variety of data-related careers
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Database Administration?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees for database administration:
- Master’s degree
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Information Technology (MIT)
- Master of Arts (MA)
Is It Better to Get a Master’s of Information Technology or Master of Science in Database Administration?
It is better to get a master of science degree in database administration if your career goals focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of working with data. But, if you want to get more hands-on and learn about more areas of tech, a master’s of information technology is better.
The difference between an MIT degree in database administration and an MS degree boils down to what exactly you learn and how. An MS degree will focus more on the scientific processes and theories behind data, while an MIT degree focuses more on the technologies used and how they work.
What Is the Difference Between a Database Administration Master’s Degree and a Database Administration Certificate?
The main difference between a database administration degree and a certificate in database administration is that one can get you a job on its own while the other can’t. Database administration is a job that requires at least an undergraduate degree, so you wouldn’t have much luck job hunting with a certificate alone.
You should get a database administration master’s degree instead of a certificate if your primary goal is to simply find a job and get hired. Earning certificates, however, can boost your employability by teaching you specialized skills.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
A master’s degree in database administration costs $12,171 per year if you choose to attend a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you opt for a private school, you will pay upwards of $26,000 per year.
There are various payment options available for graduate students, depending on your university. Some of the payment options available for a master’s degree include loans, scholarships, and grants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Database Administration Master’s Degree?
It take one to three years to get a master’s degree in database administration. You have a bit more control over the length of a graduate program than an undergraduate, and you can take between one to several years depending on the program and your pace.
For the fastest option, we recommend checking out an accelerated online program and attending full-time. This will allow you to finish up in as little as one year. But, if you want to take it slower, most programs allow part-time schedules to help you out in your learning.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
A master’s degree in database administration can be hard to get. A database administration master’s degree is hard to get because it requires a lot of prerequisite knowledge and experience, and continues to teach complicated subject material.
Why Should You Get a Database Administration Master’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a master’s degree in database administration are:
- Qualification for numerous database administration and other data-related jobs
- Learn valuable skills, theories, concepts, and technologies
- Boost employability
- Increase starting and average annual salary
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Database Administration?
The required courses for a database administration master’s degree are accredited and taught by experienced faculty. Most courses are considered upper-level and tend to require at least one or two prerequisites.
Database Concepts
One of the lowest-level courses for a database administration master’s degree is Database Concepts. This course is often seen as a refresher, as it covers many basic and more advanced concepts that are crucial to understanding databases.
Strategic Management of Technology
Strategic Management of Technology is one of the commonly required database administration courses for a master’s degree. This course focuses on management and leadership skills, and how they mix and interact when technology and databases come into play.
Networking Concepts and Applications
Another one of the courses required for a database administration master’s degree is Networking Concepts and Applications. While this course isn’t strictly about databases and management, it offers valuable course materials about how networks and networking function with various applications.
Database Programming and Applications
Database Programming and Applications is often considered an upper-level database administration master’s degree course. This course focuses solely on programming for and within databases, as well as programming and using the various applications needed to work with your data.
Advanced Database Management
Another one of the higher-level classes required for a database administration major for a master’s degree is Advanced Database Management. As you can guess from the name, this course focuses on the more advanced concepts and technologies you will use in future database administration positions.
Continuing Education Paths for Database Administration Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a database administration master’s degree is straight into the workforce. While earning a doctoral degree in this field can be useful, you should really only prioritize it if you plan on teaching this subject at a collegiate level.
Related Database Administration Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
What to Look For in the Best Database Administration Master’s Degree Programs
The best database administration master’s degree programs are accredited, taught by knowledgeable faculty, and affordable. You can expect a thorough and quality education from a database administration master’s degree program. Below are five things to keep in mind when choosing your program.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essentially the proof that a school and/or program meets predefined standards set forth by a reputable crediting institution. This is important because it ensures the school you attend will provide you with a credible, high-quality education.
Cost
College is expensive, especially when you make it to grad school. Finding a program that fits your budget is crucial to avoiding insane student debt, alleviating stress, and providing an overall better learning experience.
Faculty Credentials
Faculty credentials are proof that the faculty of your program are experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Finding a program with good faculty credentials provides you with the opportunity to learn from people who have worked the job you want, giving you access to valuable industry information.
Flexibility
If you are working, raising a family, or have other personal obligations, earning a degree can seem impossible. While flexible programs are still time-consuming, they provide you options to attend only nights and weekend courses or to even study online, from home, and only when you are able to.
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student to faculty ratio is not often considered, but it can be the key to a good education. A student to faculty ratio describes how many students there are, on average, for each faculty member. Finding a lower student to faculty ratio will allow you to have more one-on-one learning opportunities with your instructors.
What Is the Most Affordable Database Administration Master’s Degree?
The most affordable master’s degrees in database administration are:
- University of South Florida’s Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Systems
- Atlantic International University’s Master of Database Administrator
- Western Governors University’s Online Master’s in Data Analytics
- University of Maryland Global Campus’ Master in Information Technology: Database Systems Technology Specialization
- Lindenwood University’s Master of Science in IT Management
Salary and Job Outlook for Database Administration Master’s Degree Graduates
In this section of our guide, we will dive into common database administration master’s degree jobs, details about those jobs, how much you can earn, and the average master’s in database administration salary. Keep reading to find your dream job and just how much you could earn in it.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Database Administration Master’s Degree?
It can be hard to get a job with a database administration master’s degree. This is because the job outlook for database administrators is about the national average, meaning there is a demand for workers but not a high demand. Having a master’s degree will make job hunting significantly easier though.
What’s the Average Database Administration Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a master’s degree in database administration is $88,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, a database administrator can expect to earn an average of $98,860 per year.
However, this figure can vary widely depending on factors like experience, seniority, and location. For example, the lowest 10 percent of database administrators earn less than $54,070, while the top 10 percent earn over $155,660.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Database Administration Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a database administration master’s degree are high-paying and in demand. Most people who work these types of jobs report high job satisfaction and are able to live very comfortable lifestyles with their pay.
Database Administration Degree Jobs
- Database Administrator
- IT Director
- Database Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Systems Administrator
Potential Careers With a Database Administration Degree
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Database Administration?
You can make between $63,000 and $104,000 per year with a master’s in database administration. Your pay is primarily dependent on your experience, job title, and location. For higher salaries, research where your job title is paid the most and consider moving there.
If you don’t want to relocate for work, try working or pursuing an internship while earning your degree to gain more experience. You can also look for jobs similar to your dream job with slightly different descriptions to increase your pay.
Highest-Paying Database Administration Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Database Administration Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| IT Manager with Database Skills | $103,274 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| IT Director with Database Skills | $102,500 |
| Database Administrator and Architect | $98,860 |
| Oracle Database Administrator | $98,253 |
| Computer Programmer | $93,000 |
| Database Engineer | $88,267 |
| IT Specialist with Database Skills | $80,000 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $72,277 |
| Systems Administrator | $63,601 |
Best Jobs for Database Administration Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for database administration master’s degree grads are listed in the table above. Below, we dive into their average salaries, job outlooks, number of jobs, and which states pay the highest for these positions.
*Information sourced from BLS statistics on Database Administrators and Architects
Best Jobs According to Your Major
[query_class_embed] jobs-for-*subject-majors
Database Administration Bootcamp vs. Database Administration Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A master’s is an advanced degree that you can use to further your education after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. A bootcamp, on the other hand, is a quick training program that you can take without any previous experience and in which you will learn the technical skills needed for a specific field of study.
If you are thinking about one of these options, you should consider where you are in your desired career path and how quickly you want to achieve your goals. Below, we take a closer look at the benefits of each educational option.
Benefits of a Database Administration Master’s Degree
- Better jobs. With a Master’s Degree in Database Administration, you can expect to have access to higher positions and more career opportunities.
- Enhanced CV. A Master’s Degree in Database Administration is an advanced degree that will give you more credibility as a professional.
- Specialized training. During a master’s degree, you will explore the specialization of your choice. This means you will focus on classes that help you develop the technical and soft skills you need for your chosen career path.
- Higher salary. Earning a master’s degree is one of the best career moves you can make to increase your annual salary.
Benefits of a Database Administration Bootcamp
- Short-term commitment. A bootcamp is much more concise than a master’s degree program. Bootcamp programs usually last only a few months.
- Practical skills. Bootcamps are known for their hands-on approach. You will focus on the technical skills you need rather than theory. The professional experience you’d acquire will help you land a job right after graduation.
- Project-based curriculum. During a bootcamp, you will work on different projects that you can add to your portfolio. This will make the job hunt much easier for you.
- Career support. The best database management bootcamps offer career services to help you land a job as quickly as possible. As part of your program, you’ll enjoy networking opportunities to meet the bootcamp’s hiring partners. You’ll also receive mentorship and have access to interview prep lessons, among other services.
Is a Master’s Degree in Database Administration Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in database administration is worth it if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and wish to further your education. This degree is also worth it for anyone hoping to advance their career in this field.
These graduate degrees are highly respected amongst industry professionals and can open the door to tempting job opportunities. A master’s degree is the perfect credential to add to your resume if you are looking to advance your career in database administration.
Additional Reading About Database Administration
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/careers/database-administration/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-database-administration/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-much-do-database-administrators-make/
Database Administration Master’s Degree FAQ
The best degree for a database administrator is a bachelor’s in database administration. For most jobs, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree but some require a master’s. Either way, you should consider obtaining a higher degree if you want to climb within your company.
With a degree in database administration, you can do work in a wide variety of tech fields. By obtaining your database administration degree, you will be able to work as a database administrator, database architect, database engineer, and IT specialist.
Database administration is a good career. Most database administrators report high job satisfaction. If you pursue this career, you should have no trouble finding a job with a graduate degree due to the demand for professionals in this field.
Yes, database administrators are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of job opportunities in this field to grow by eight percent within the present decade, which is slightly faster than the national average of seven percent.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
