Best Online Database Management Programs

Learn how completing an online bachelor's in database management can prepare you for several well-paying and in-demand careers.
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Earning an online bachelor's degree in database management can provide students with the skills and qualifications necessary to work in tech. Graduates help companies, nonprofits, and government entities maximize the utility of their data and keep sensitive and private information securely stored.

Costs of these programs can vary significantly depending on where a student attends school and how much funding they receive in the form of scholarships, grants, and other awards. Students on a budget tend attend in-state public schools to receive resident tuition rates.

Database management programs usually require students to complete four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. That said, some institutions offer accelerated online bachelor's degrees in database management, which take three years or fewer to complete. Jobs for new graduates are expected to expand in the coming years, and salaries often hover just below six figures.

Keep reading to learn about the top online schools for database management, common course requirements, and available jobs for graduates.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Database Management Program?

While all online bachelor's in database management programs vary slightly, you can expect similar outcomes from any course of study. These programs train students in the latest technologies and methodologies related to database management, including security protocols.

Students who thrive in these programs typically enjoy working on technical, specific projects and find meaning in troubleshooting and solving complex issues. They also enjoy working with others on a team to meet goals and educate colleagues on how to maximize database usage.

The majority of programs consist of 120 credits and require students to complete four years of full-time study to graduate. In addition to coursework, many schools require students to participate in semester-long internships so they can gain valuable real-world experience prior to earning their degree.

When looking at online bachelor's degrees, students may come across both BBA and BS program options. The BBA, or bachelor's of business administration, includes more business classes. The BS, meanwhile, includes more classes focused on science and technology.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

Popular Online Database Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Database Management Program?

Introduction to Database Systems

Typically taken in the first semester, this foundational course introduces students to common terminology and concepts, as well as the most frequently used database management systems.

User Experience and Interaction Design

This course emphasizes how technology and humanity must work together to create effective and useful database systems. Students learn how to identify areas of interaction and accessibility to create more usability.

Data Governance and Stewardship

Students taking this course learn about the ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations that they must take when handling sensitive and/or private data. They also learn how data processes must be shaped to keep information secure.

Database Administration

An upper-level requirement, this course examines a database administrator's responsibilities. These professionals oversee the processes of keeping databases updated, usable, safe, and effective.

Managing Data Integration

As part of their responsibilities, database managers must often integrate new data into existing systems. This course looks at the tools available for this process and how to manage data quality along the way.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Database Management Program?

While online and campus-based admissions processes typically remain the same regardless of institution, individual admission requirements can vary from program to program. Additionally, some particularly competitive programs may use interviews to help differentiate candidates.

Application

The first part of the process for gaining entrance to a bachelor's in database management program includes completing an undergraduate application. Students can usually submit these online, but some programs still allow degree-seekers to send in paper applications. Required information typically includes a student's full name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status.

Test Scores

While much has changed in the past few years in terms of college entrance exams, many schools still require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores. These can help admissions panelists identify which students are prepared for the rigors of higher education. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, some schools have stopped requiring applicants to submit exam scores.

Letters of Recommendation

Colleges and universities typically request that students submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. These reference letters help school officials to get a sense of students' college preparedness. Letters of recommendation typically come from former and/or current teachers, supervisors, mentors, and faith leaders who can provide unique perspectives on the student.

Essays

When writing a college application essay, students must think carefully about how to set themselves apart from other candidates. Essays allow applicants to tell panelists about a unique or catalyzing experience that helped shape who they are and explain why they want to study database management at college.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts help admissions officers confirm a student's stated GPA and ensure they took all the required prerequisites during high school. For students transferring from community college to university, official transcripts also help registrar offices decide which classes count for credit.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Database Management Degree?

Career Outlook

Before pursuing an online bachelor's in database management, prospective degree-seekers usually want to ensure they can find work after graduating. With more and more organizations relying on databases to manage large amounts of information, professionals who pursue this popular major are sure to be in demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for database administrators will grow 8% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, these professionals typically earn high salaries. According to the BLS, database administrators earned a median annual wage of $98,860 as of May 2020.

Many industries and fields rely on database management, allowing graduates the opportunity to work in many settings.

See where a bachelor's in database management degree can take you. Learn more about database management careers.

Career Paths

Database Administrators and Architects

Whether administrating databases filled with sensitive patient medical data or financial information, database administrators and architects work with user needs and security requirements in mind. They also make modifications to existing databases and may oversee other employees.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $98,860

Information Security Analysts

Whether working on databases or networks, information security analysts spend their days making sure an organization's information remains secure. They conduct regular searches for security breaches, contract ethical hackers to look for weak points of penetration, and keep up-to-date on the latest security trends.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $103,590

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Also known as IT managers, these professionals look at an organization's information and computer systems needs and make recommendations. This can include updating existing systems or installing new ones that work better with current company functions. They also stay connected with personnel to determine individual information systems needs and often oversee other employees.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $151,150

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

These professionals oversee the day-to-day networking and computer systems of companies, including data storage and data communication systems. They look for ways to optimize existing systems, train new users on systems, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. These administrators may focus on data storage and the integration of new data with existing information.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $84,810

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts help companies operate in more streamlined ways, with the goal of bringing information technology and business needs together. They research new systems that can enhance productivity, implement new systems based on individualized specifications, and conduct testing to ensure everything works properly.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $93,730

Database Management Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

After working in an entry-level database management position for a time, some professionals may decide to enhance their job prospects by pursuing a master's in database management. Earning a graduate degree can help professionals stand out from other candidates and put them in consideration for more senior-level positions.

In addition to full degree programs, many database management certifications exist for those who want to build advanced skills in specific areas of the discipline. For instance, Oracle provides several different database management certification paths, as does Microsoft.

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Database Management Program?

Cost

Cost plays an important role in the decision-making process for many students. Learners on a budget often select an in-state public school rather than a more expensive private institution. Understanding the true cost of a program is an important step in the process. Students should compare costs between online and on-campus programs and consider additional fees besides tuition.

Program Format

As students evaluate different bachelor's in database management options, they will need to make several decisions about how and when they learn. Many online programs offer synchronous and asynchronous formats for added flexibility. In addition to full-time and part-time learning paths, some schools now also provide accelerated bachelor's programs for motivated degree-seekers.

Location

When deciding whether to go to college online or in-person, location plays a critical role. Many online bachelor's in database management programs require no campus visits, making it possible for students to select a program anywhere in the country. If the program does require visits, however, learners may want to pick a campus within driving distance.

Accreditation

Before selecting a online bachelor's in database management program, learners must ensure the school holds proper accreditation. Students who attend nonaccredited schools may have issues transferring credits, finding work, and seeking advanced degrees in the future. Some programs also possess subject-specific, programmatic accreditation.

Student Support

Student support services can make a difference in how well a learner does in their program. The best bachelor's in database administration programs offer college mentoring, internship opportunities, and a comprehensive career center. Many schools now also provide specialized support services for online students, so ask about these as well.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Database Management Programs

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Best Online Bachelor's in Database Management Programs

  1. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6670

    WGU delivers an online bachelor's degree in database management and data analytics that prepares learners to take raw data and transform it into usable information. Students can also earn a Udacity Nanodegree — a key certification that helps secure high-paying jobs in the IT field.

    This 36-course bachelor's in database management program covers topics like network and security, data manipulation, technical communication, and data science. Students also complete a capstone project to conclude their studies.

    The program accepts students who possess an associate degree, at least two years of professional IT experience, significant college-level IT coursework, or a transferable IT certification. Nearly 70% of WGU students finish their bachelor's degree within two years. All distance learners pay the same tuition.

  2. Baker College
    Location

    Flint, MI

    Tuition

    $12877

    Located in Flint, Michigan, Baker offers an online computer science bachelor's degree with a concentration in database technology. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as database and IT experts at a variety of organizations.

    The 121-credit curriculum includes classes like computer architecture, trends in computer science, and net-centric computing. Participants also take 18 credits in the database technology concentration. Additionally, students complete two 150-hour work experiences, in which they learn skills from established professionals. Each of these experiences takes place over at least 10 weeks.

    Applicants must submit their official high school transcripts or GED scores. However, Baker does not require applicants to provide ACT or SAT scores. Online coursework is delivered asynchronously, and all students pay the same tuition rates.

  3. University of Maryland Global Campus
    Location

    Adelphi, MD

    Tuition

    $13672

    UMGC's information systems management bachelor's degree examines how database administrators collect, analyze, and communicate data to drive an organization's internal processes and growth strategies.

    This 120-credit online program is delivered asynchronously. The curriculum includes a course on business continuity planning, in which students examine potential risks and create disaster recovery strategies based on an organization's needs and industry best practices. Learners are also required to complete a capstone project prior to graduation.

    Students in this program may transfer in up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution. Eligible transfer students must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA across their previous 60 credits of college coursework.

  4. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $27432

    Liberty — a conservative, evangelical university located in Lynchburg, Virginia — offers a BS in information systems with a database management concentration. This program features all online classes and several start dates throughout the year.

    Students in this 120-credit, ACBSP-accredited program learn to design and build effective data networks. They also become familiar with Cisco, Java, and Oracle. All participants complete an internship as part of the program, andmost can finish their degree within 3.5 years.

    Applicants should hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit their transcripts. All distance learners pay the same tuition rates.

  5. University of Maine at Augusta
    Location

    Augusta, ME

    Tuition

    $9899

    With an emphasis on database design, project management, and web application development, UMA's bachelor's degree in computer information systems prepares graduates for a variety of database management and IT careers.

    The 121-credit program features concentrations in data science, information systems security, networking, software development, and web development. Students also complete an internship, during which they work directly with an experienced computer science professional. Most classes take place online using an asynchronous format.

    To apply, prospective students must submit their official high school and/or college transcripts. However, the school does not ask applicants to provide their ACT or SAT scores.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Database Management Programs

Is a bachelor's in database management worth it?

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Earning an online bachelor's in database management can be a great option for students who want to enter a growing field with above-average salaries. These programs take only four years to complete, but graduates often make wages similar to those with master's degrees.

If you are unsure whether an online degree is worth it, consider how a bachelor's program would fit in to your lifestyle. If a learner plans to work or handle other personal and/or professional obligations while enrolled, a virtual program can add the flexibility they need to graduate on time.

What can I do with a bachelor's in database management?

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Graduates of online bachelor's in database management programs can choose from a variety of career paths. Some students decide to go the freelance route, developing portfolios of clients they rotate between to address database issues.

Others go the more traditional route, working for corporations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or even governmental entities. This field values experience, and students can often work their way up the career ladder to take on more responsibility and earn higher salaries.

Are database management majors in demand?

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As with other tech and information technology positions, database management graduates are in demand and should be for years to come. The BLS projects that jobs for database administrators and architects will grow 8% between 2020 and 2030, leading to the creation of 13,200 new positions in addition to the existing 168,000 roles.

Because more companies will come to rely on both server- and cloud-based databases in the coming years, positions for these professionals will likely continue to expand.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in database management?

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As a database management professional, you stand to earn substantially more than the national median wage across all occupations. According to the BLS, database administrators and architects earned a median annual wage of $98,860 as of May 2020. The top 10% of earners brought home more than $155,660 that same year.

Salaries for graduates of bachelor's in database management programs can vary substantially based on factors like location, experience level, and type of employer. For instance, database administrators living in rural areas or smaller towns with a lower cost of living typically earn less than those based in New York or San Francisco.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's in database management?

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To earn the highest wages with a bachelor's in database management, you will likely need to work in the industry for a while. Professionals can work their way up to more senior-level positions with managerial responsibilities.

Computer and information systems managers earned a median annual wage of $151,150 in May 2020. The top 10% of these professionals earned salaries in excess of $208,000.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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