Master’s Degrees in Database Management can help you find a highly in-demand and reputable career in the IT sector. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and are looking to broaden your technical skillset, consider advancing your career by gaining one of the best database management master’s degrees.
While many students interested in database management might want to further their education, they don’t always know where to start searching for reputable database management master’s degree programs. In this guide, we provide detailed descriptions of the best Master’s Degrees in Database Management and the database management master’s degree jobs you can land after you graduate.
What Is Database Management?
Database management is a discipline that consists of organizing and managing a database system to enhance accessibility and security. Some of the responsibilities of a database manager include creating data retrieval systems, updating databases, and maintaining security protocols.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
You can get a Master’s Degree in Database Management at top colleges including Florida Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Central Washington University, and Northwestern University.
What Schools Offer the Best Database Management Master’s Degrees?
- Florida Institute of Technology
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- Central Washington University
- University of South Florida
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
Some common Master’s Degree in Database Management admissions requirements are a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study with an undergraduate GPA of around 3.0 and letters of recommendation.
Some other requirements for a Master’s Degree in Database Management program include GRE scores, a resume, and relevant work experience. International students will likely need to provide test scores showing their English language skills.
Database Management Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- GRE scores
- 1 – 3 letters of recommendation
- Bachelor’s degree
- GPA of 3.0
- Resume
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Management
You can get a Master’s Degree in Database Management by completing around 33 credit hours and maintaining a GPA of at least 2.5. Some database management master’s degree programs will also require students to complete a capstone project.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
You usually need between 30 and 35 credits for a Master’s Degree in Database Management. This takes most students around two years to complete. Some accelerated programs can help you complete the required credits for a database management master’s degree in 18 months or less.
Database Management Degree Requirements
- 15 – 25 core credit hours
- 10 – 15 elective credit hours
- GPA of at least 2.5
- Completion of a capstone project
Best Database management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Database Management Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Database Management and Business Intelligence Concentration | Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Central Washington University | Master of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| DePaul University |
Master of Science in Information Systems, Database Administration Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Duke University | Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Data Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science In Information Technology, Database Administration Specialization | 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 of Science in Information Systems, Database Technologies Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Denver, University College | Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology, Database Design and Administration Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of South Florida | Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Database Management: Top Database Management Master’s Degree Programs
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in database management, you might be interested in learning more about the best database management master’s programs. Below, we’ve compiled detailed descriptions of the most relevant and best schools for a Master’s Degree in Database Management.
Best Online Database Management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Technical University | Master of Science in Management, IT and Project Management Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Regis University | Master of Science in Information Technology Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Information Technology, Database Design Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Touro College | Master of Science in Data Analytics, Data Analytics and Database Systems Concentration | 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 |
Best Colleges for Database Management: Top Online Database Management Master’s Degree Programs
If you are interested in distance learning, take a look at the following list of schools where you can get a database master’s degree online. We have compiled some of the best online Master’s Degrees in Database Management in the country.
What Is a Database Management Master’s Degree?
A database management master’s degree is a graduate program that takes up to two years to complete. This advanced program covers complex database management topics like data mining, database programming, database structures, and computer systems architecture.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
A Master’s Degree in Database Management is very important if you want to land high-level or managerial roles in the database field. While you can start a successful career in tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Management, gaining a database management master’s degree can help you stand out to potential employers down the road.
Another reason why a database management master’s degree is important is that it can help you gain more specialized and advanced technical skills than an undergraduate program. It can also set you up if you want to further your education with a doctorate degree.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Database Management?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees for database administration:
- Master of Science
- Master of Business Administration
The best type of Master’s Degree in Database Management is a Master of Science because it has a focus on mathematical and technical skills. This is also the most common type available at most schools.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Database Management?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Database Management because it will provide better instruction on the technical skills you need in this field. A Master of Business Administration will have a greater focus on how a business is run.
If you are trying to decide which is better, a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Database Management, consider your long-term career goals. You will need to decide whether you are more interested in furthering your technical skills or in gaining stronger business acumen.
What Is the Difference Between a Database Management Master’s Degree and a Database Management Certificate?
The main difference between a database management master’s degree and a certificate in database management is that a certificate program will require fewer credits and less of a time commitment. If you are hoping to land advanced roles, it is better to get a Master’s Degree in Database Management because it looks better on your resume and provides a more comprehensive education.
Many students use graduate certificate programs to master a specific skill or prepare to transfer to a new career. Look carefully at the required qualifications of your chosen career if you are trying to decide between a master’s degree vs certificate in database management.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
A database management master’s degree costs an average of $19,792, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This figure includes private, public, and non-profit institutions. Your Master’s in Database Management cost of tuition will vary greatly depending on the program you choose.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Database Management Master’s Degree?
It takes around two years to get a Master’s Degree in Database Management. Most programs require students to complete between 30 and 40 credits. Some accelerated programs allow students to graduate in only 12 to 18 months.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
It can be hard to get a Master’s Degree in Database Management because these programs provide advanced technical skills. Master’s degree programs are not built for beginners, and most schools require students to have a bachelor’s degree in a similar subject or years of work experience. Getting a database management master’s degree is hard, but you will find it worth it if you want to land advanced or managerial roles.
Why Should You Get a Database Management Master’s Degree?
You should get a Master’s Degree in Database Management if you want to land advanced jobs like computer and information systems manager, senior database administrator, or computer network architect.
A major benefit of a Master’s Degree in Database Management is that most careers in this field have very strong job growth rates. Another benefit of getting a Master’s Degree in Database Management is that it can help you negotiate a higher salary and stronger benefits.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Database Management?
Master’s Degree in Database Management courses cover subjects like information systems, database administration, and software development. Your Master’s Degree in Database Management course list will also include a variety of elective options.
Information Systems
A graduate-level information systems course will cover development life cycles, systems design, and important performance considerations. Students will use strategic tools to work with all the systems relevant to a business organization.
Database Administration
This course will prepare students with the technical skills they need to work as database administrators. Some of these skills include disaster planning and recovery, user authorization, performance analysis, data modeling and analysis, and database design.
Software Development
Learning about all aspects of the software development process can help students progress in the field of database management. Students will learn about software development methods and tools and programming concepts.
Computer Systems Administration
This course will cover how to implement, develop, maintain, and design computer-based software systems. Students will practice the skills they need to provide information technology-related services to companies.
Network Management and Security
A network management and security course will help students learn practical techniques to protect essential data from network-based attacks. The curriculum will cover the various types of security attacks and security standards.
Continuing Education Paths for Database Management Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a database management master’s degree after you graduate is to gain industry-relevant certifications. This will further prove your skills and abilities to potential employers. If you want to return to school, you can also earn a Doctorate Degree in Database Management or Information Technology.
Related Database Management Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Database Management Master’s Degree Programs
The best database management master’s degree programs provide the advanced technical skills for your chosen career path. If you are wondering what to look for in a college for a Master’s Degree in Database Management, take a look at our list of potential criteria below.
Flexibility/Format
Many schools these days offer online programs with the same curriculum and advantages as their in-person programs. Studying remotely can help you save money and is generally a more convenient option. If you have an especially busy schedule, you may want to consider earning your Master’s Degree in Database Management remotely.
Cost
Master’s degree programs can be very expensive with tuition and fees. Pay attention to the cost per credit at the schools you consider, and remember that public schools are often more affordable than public schools. You can also save money by attending a school in your state.
Curricular Content
If you already know what career path you are working towards, make sure the master’s degree program you choose provides all the skills you will need. Read through the curricula of the core courses and look into the available elective courses and specialization options.
Graduation Rate
Oftentimes, looking at a school’s graduation rate can tell you how much support students receive. Master’s degree programs can be challenging, and you want to attend a school that provides the support you will need to master all the skills you want to.
Barriers to Admission
Many schools that offer Master’s Degrees in Database Management only accept students that have a very high GPA or multiple years of industry experience. Look into the admission requirements for all your chosen schools and make sure you meet all their criteria so you don’t waste money on application fees.
What Is the Most Affordable Database Management Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Masters’ Degree in Database Management program on our list is offered by the University of South Florida, where in-state students pay $7,840 per year. Some other affordable database management master’s programs are offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus and Central Washington University.
Salary and Job Outlook for Database Management Master’s Degree Graduates
Database management master’s degree jobs generally come with a high annual wage and strong benefits. Below, we provide details about the careers you can land after you graduate and your Master’s in Database Management salary projections.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Database Management Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a Master’s Degree in Database Management because professionals with this degree can work in a wide range of fields. These technical skills are in high demand, and with a master’s degree, you will stand out from much of the competition.
What’s the Average Database Management Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Master’s Degree in Database Management is $79,000, according to PayScale. This figure may vary depending on your skills, qualifications, job title, work history, and location of employment.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Database Management Master’s Degree?
Some of the jobs you can get with a database management master’s degree include senior database administrator and database developer. Some of the highest-paying database management jobs for master’s degree holders include computer and information systems manager and computer and information research scientist.
Database Management Degree Jobs
- Senior database administrator
- Database developer
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer and information research scientist
- Chief technology officer
Potential Careers With a Database Management Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Database Management?
You can make between $79,000 and $159,000 with a Master’s in Database Management. In general, people with a database management master’s degree can negotiate a high annual salary, especially if they have a few years of hands-on experience.
Highest-Paying Database Management Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Database Management Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| Senior Database Administrator | $111,877 |
| Database Developer | $110,140 |
| Chief Technology Officer | $98,980 |
| Database Manager | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $80,600 |
| Post-Secondary Database Management Teacher | $79,640 |
Best Jobs for Database Management Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs with a Master’s Degree in Database Management are generally upper-level or managerial roles. Below we provide details about some of the best jobs for database management master’s degree graduates.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Database Management Bootcamp vs Database Management Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A Master’s Degree in Database Management is better than a database management bootcamp if you want to land an advanced or managerial role. Bootcamps are short-term training programs that teach you highly technical topics and provide you with a certificate of completion. Below, you will see the benefits of both career paths.
Benefits of a Database Management Master’s Degree
- New career opportunities. With a master’s degree, you can advance your career and find higher-paying positions. You’ll have more stability and options to choose from in the job market.
- More reliability. Graduate students have more reliability because they took an extra step forward in preparing for their careers. They demonstrate that they are highly competent in doing complex database administration tasks.
- Better job positions. With a Master’s Degree in Database Management, you can find higher job positions or even obtain a promotion.
- Higher earning potential. A master’s degree could give you the possibility to have a higher salary compared to those without an advanced degree.
- In-depth learning. These programs are complex and advanced, so you’ll learn highly technical computational methods and different programming languages. These techniques will make you more valuable to companies.
Benefits of a Database Management Bootcamp
- Cost of tuition. Most bootcamps have affordable tuition rates compared to the cost of traditional higher education.
- Short-term. Coding bootcamps are relatively short compared to a master’s degree. Many coding bootcamp programs can be completed within less than six months.
- Career services. These schools offer career services like networking opportunities, interview preparation, resume evaluation, and coaching.
- Online courses. Bootcamps have flexible schedules so that you can choose between full-time, part-time, and on-demand learning.
- Professional experience. The best database management bootcamps offer hands-on experience. They include different practices, including a capstone project that you can use in a professional portfolio. They go beyond teaching you theory and database concepts.
Is a Master’s Degree in Database Management Worth It?
Yes, getting a Master’s Degree in Database Management is worth it if you want to advance further in your career. An advanced database management degree is a great way to prepare for high-level roles.
You will find getting a Master’s Degree in Database Management worth it if you want to learn advanced database concepts that could help you stand out from others in your specific field. It is also often a necessary step for industry leaders who want to earn a doctoral degree.
Additional Reading About Database Administration
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Database Management Master’s Degree FAQ
The difference between data managers and data administrators is that data administrators can create, manage, and delete databases, whereas data managers are limited to organizing and maintaining the databases.
Yes, database administrators are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for database administrators is expected to increase eight percent from 2020 to 2030. This job outlook is as fast as the average occupations in the country.
Yes, database management does occasionally require coding. You must be proficient in database languages like SQL and XQuery.
Some of the soft skills you need to work as a database manager include logical thinking, communication, patience, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
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