An online degree in database management equips students with the skills to store, maintain, and manage data, along with the credentials to start careers in this promising field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in database administrator occupations between 2020 and 2030. In addition to this career pathway, graduates can explore other attractive IT professions, such as computer analyst, administrator, and management positions. Here, we rank the best database management degrees and explore what a typical program looks like.
The top 5 online schools for database management
The best online bachelor’s in database management degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology includes carefully collected information from reputable, publicly available national datasets. We then use our proprietary algorithm to determine the following ranking results. Miami, FL Application fee: $30 Corvallis, OR Application fee: $65 Salt Lake City, UT Application fee: $65 Hays, KS Application fee: Free Denver, CO Application fee: Free Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
Database management bachelor’s courses
Every database management degree features its own unique offerings. In general, however, the training aims to teach learners how to effectively manage and organize databases on different servers and operating systems.
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $7,296Years to completion: Three to fourSAT range: 540-650Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $20,016Years to completion: Four (accelerated and part-time schedules may be available)SAT range: 530-660Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 49%Avg. annual net price: $9,805Years to completion: Three to four (self-paced schedules are available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 91%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $12,053Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: Over threeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $25,483Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and full-time schedules are available)SAT range: 510-630Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Over twoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $33,561Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: 540-670Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 51%Graduation rate: 48%Avg. annual net price: $22,707Years to completion: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: 480-580Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 50%Graduation rate: 39%Avg. annual net price: $17,804Years to completion: Two to fourSAT range: 500-620Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Over threeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 70%Avg. annual net price: $15,196Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: Over threeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 72%Graduation rate: 43%Avg. annual net price: $18,869Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $15,616Years to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 27%Avg. annual net price: $16,098Years to completion: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Over threeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 61%Graduation rate: 33%Avg. annual net price: $21,577Years to completion: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Over threeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 34%Avg. annual net price: $12,895Years to completion: Four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 73%Graduation rate: 23%Avg. annual net price: $15,049Years to completion: 460-530SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Students may learn how to design and create databases for various purposes, how to maintain and upgrade them, and how to secure them and the information within. Some courses may help expand the role of the database manager, such as data analytics and data visualizations.
Database management
In this course, students are introduced to database management systems. They learn about the importance and functions of these systems and how to use structured query languages.
Data structures and algorithms
Students in this course learn to identify and use various data structures, such as trees, stacks, and queues. They also learn to design and use algorithms for different structures based on the most effective application.
Data visualizations
This course teaches students about data analytics and how to present data in a clear and appealing manner. The training also shows learners how to use various open source and data visualization tools and techniques.
Database design
In this course, students learn how to plan, design, and produce a working and effective database. They study methods for identifying client needs and user requirements before creating a conceptual and logical model.
Database management degree levels
Database management training comes in different depths and degree levels. Prospective students should identify their career goals and choose the degree that gets them on that path. They can, for example, choose a certificate to specialize, an undergraduate degree for entry-level training, a master’s degree for leadership careers, or a doctorate for research and academic positions.
Database management certificate
Length: 2-12 monthsCost: $100-$10,000Post-grad careers: Computer support specialist, database manager, and computer programmer
A database management certificate can have multiple functions depending on the program. Some certificates offer introductory training, while others feature more advanced or graduate-level materials. Typically, these programs provide condensed and focused training. They may replace the need for a degree in some entry-level careers or help experienced computer professionals expand their skills. Certificate courses usually call for independent and hands-on training.
Associate in database management
Length: One to two yearsCost: $11,389/year in 2018-19Post-grad careers: Computer support specialist, computer programmer, and web developer
An associate degree covers the fundamentals of database management. In addition to learning the basics of database design, systems, and analytics, students complete general education and basic computer science courses. Graduates with an associate degree can pursue entry-level careers in the computer field or continue on with their studies. The programs combine both theoretical and practical training and may include internships and practicums.
Bachelor’s in database management
Length: Three to four yearsCost: $28,123/year in 2018-19 Post-grad careers: Database administrator, network administrator, and information security analyst
A bachelor’s degree in database management provides comprehensive training, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced database management courses. Students also build a solid general education and computer science foundation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can qualify for many computer and information technology professions. They can improve their chances of finding employment in a database-related field by choosing a specialization or focusing their practical assignments, internships, and capstone projects in a specific direction.
Master’s in database management
Length: One to two yearsCost: $19,792/year in 2019-20Post-grad careers: Information research scientist, computer systems manager, and top executive
A database management master’sprogram builds on the foundational computer science training from undergraduate degrees. Students typically develop a specialization at this level, learning to manage, mine, and analyze data from extensive database systems. They also learn to design, implement, and safeguard these systems on different platforms. Most master’s programs feature significant research and practical training. Graduates can pursue most computer occupations, along with management positions in numerous organizations.
Doctorate in database management
Length: Three to six yearsCost: $19,792/year in 2019-20Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, information research scientist, and database developer
Students in a doctoral program in database management conduct a significant amount of research in the areas of their choice. They develop a specialization through their studies in high-level management techniques, security, and database design. Doctoral graduates can pursue careers in academia, research and development, or in management with most organizations. They help drive innovation in the field, designing the databases and processes that improve how businesses store information and creating new models for analyzing it.
In conclusion
An online database management degree can lead to some of the computer industry’s most promising careers. By first figuring out their ideal degree and program direction, prospective students can choose from among the best schools and programs on this list that provide training in their dream field.
