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What is Database Administration?

A database administration degree allows professionals to manage and direct the activities of an organization associated with managing a vibrant database environment.  The ultimate responsibilities of a DBA the design, creation, implementation, management, and maintenance of a database system.  Database managers will take that knowledge and help an organization establish prudent policies, security measurements, and database management systems.   A Database Administrator (DBA) leverages specialized software applications to perform any number of tasks including:

  1. Configuration
  2. Installation
  3. Capacity Planning
  4. Database Design
  5. Performance Monitoring
  6. Security
  7. Data Migration
  8. Back-up
  9. Diagnostic
  10. Data Recovery

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Database Administration Degree

The MSE in Data Modeling Science at UPenn is a leading program in this field of study in a crowded field of degree-granting programs.  Earning a Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science posture graduates to step into data-centric careers in consulting, engineering, technology, education, science, policy-making and more.  The constructs of the program are science, math, and technology-laden to ensure students can harness the requisite big data analytics and machine learning necessary to process massive data.  This interdisciplinary approach to data science provide a solid foundation for enthusiasts of data to make a demonstrable dent in the world of data science. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California’s Department of CS is well-known of offering literally over a hundred quality courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. For those searching for an undergraduate degree, there are four (4) majors offered: Computer Science, Computer Science (Games), Computer Science & Business Administration, and Computer Engineering & Computer Science. Also available is an undergraduate minor in Computer Science in which regardless of your primary field of interest will provide fundamental programming skills and technical knowledge. On top of that is a Progressive Degree Program where outstanding undergraduate computer science students can get an M.S. degree with only an extra year of study. Additionally, if you’re interested in information system and technology fundamentals, data management among others, Bachelor of Arts in Data Modeling Science is for you under the USC Viterbi Data Science Program.  

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The top ranked Data Modeling degree at Northeastern University is a vital degree program that can be taken full-time or part-time.  The degree program is an interdisciplinary program that melds computer science and computer engineering.  As a result, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has married up with Khoury College of Computer Science to roll out the data science degree program.  At its core, the MSDS program helps students understand and execute data collection, integration, storage, retrieval, processing, modeling, visualization, and analytics.  The sheer complexity of data requires solid decision making skills and access to top-tier technology to process big data. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The data modeling degree at UM is a top-tier program was first introduced to the world in 2015 under the guidance of UM faculty and staff.  The technical rigor and applicability of data science continues to rapidly grow across all industries and all sectors of the economy.  Untangling thorny problems with disparate data is not small task.  For this reason, alumni and industry professionals have been asking higher education institutions for a pathway to help solve these issues.  Data science engineers are experts tasked to extract solutions from large datasets to illuminate business insights and locate viable associations.  Find your place in this highly complex, in-demand area of study today. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The UVA’s Department of CS is known nationwide as frontrunner in computer science research and education. This is all possible because of the active participation of their faculty in fundamental computer science and engineering research plus interdisciplinary initiatives with humanists, scientists, engineers in other disciplines and medical personnel. As a result, a quality degree of B.S. in Computer Science (BACS) offered through School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and B.A. in Computer Science (BSCS) offered through College of Arts and Sciences. The BACS curriculum concentrates on the deep understanding of computing and critical thinking skills that will enable graduates to become academic, cultural, and industrial leaders. On the other hand, BSCS curriculum focuses on methods and tools for implementing, describing, and analyzing information processes.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Boston University Center for Computing and Data Science is home to the highly regarded Database Administration degree.  Faculty at BU understand the massive migration to online activities that include social sharing and commerce of all types.  This movement online has created an information and data explosion we have not seen in human history.  In addition to the raw data, the volume of information and trends that are being formed can only be seen using big data tools and high-level thinking.  As a result of this convergence, the popularity and importance of data science will only grow in the years to come.  Learn more about the Boston University difference by collecting admission information about this highly regarded degree program.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Brandeis University offers qualified graduate students access to a high-quality, leading master’s degree in Data Analytics.  The crux of the program helps to prepare students to analyze data, extract truths, and make decisions based upon that data.  Data-driven decisions can apply to education, weather, business, finance, and economics to name a few applicable industries.  Students at BU are taught to leverage sophisticated technical analysis skills and employ big data thinking in data science to arrive at prudent solutions. Students enrolled in the MA in Data Analytics will complete coursework in marketing analytics, big data, data forecasting, system dynamics, business systems, and financial modeling. 

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The faculty and administration at George Washington University understand acutely the explosion in data across all industries and sectors.  This fact helped propel the university to launch a MSDS program for qualified students.  The MS data modeling certificate from GWU offers a structured curricular design with application skills along with essential foundational knowledge of data science.  Through the use of data-driven decisions, students can attack thorny problems that plague government agencies and private industry to arrive at novel, elegant solutions.  The leading-edge technology employed by GWU provide students access to process big data and extract valuable insights. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The NC State Data Modeling Science is embedded in the Department of Computer Science.  The academic program proudly shares that it is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and named by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance for the AY 2008-2019. With this academic recognition, the department confidently offers degrees of Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Networking, and Ph.D. in Computer Science. Its modern curriculum concentrating on scientific and engineering principles and methods, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to work on problems with practical impact. The department consistently provides competitive programs because of their strong multidisciplinary and collaborative long-term ties with other North Carolina State departments, divisions, centers and programs, other universities, industry, government agencies and laboratories.  

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

In the computer-related industries, employers are looking for graduates with a mastery of elements in the discipline of computer science, well-developed social, analytical and problem-solving skills, and broad intellectual base which you can acquire at Truman State University’s Computer Science degree program. The curriculum is fitted to meet the demands of a competitive field by providing relevant and updated coursework, latest theories of computation and design from the practical problem-solving context of programming applications. No matter your interest, whether it’s gaming or database management, Truman State University has a place for your development. However, if majoring in computer science is not your option but you want to pursue training in computer-related skills and concepts, you can choose among the four minors offered in this program.              

Acceptance Rate

62.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

DePaul University’s B.S. in Computer Science is well-known to produce quality graduates in the foundations of information processing, computing and data storage. Under this program, students develop a profound understanding of computer systems and mastery of software development and programming skills which are substantial in various industries. Additionally, the curriculum includes robotics, computer vision, data mining and mobile systems, intelligent systems and gaming to mold well-verse computer scientist. The program belongs to the College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) which is strategically located on the Loop Campus because it is in the heart of Chicago’s technology and business districts. With this, students are exposed to opportunities in working professionally with leading companies in information systems which will provide career opportunities.      

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

No one can deny the vital role of technology in the success of every industry and company that employers’ primary objective is to hire competent technology navigators and users. With this demands in employment, the University of Utah’s Information Systems DBA degree is a frontrunner when it comes to producing competitive Information Systems graduates. The degree offers tools to manage the technical course of businesses, resolve technology-related issues, and implement technological advances to expand business operations. Some of the in-demand fields that Information Systems graduates thrive in are cyber security, database administration, business intelligence, project management, analytics, network administration, and systems architecture among others.  

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of North Carolina rolled out an MS degree in Data Modeling Science and Analytics with much fanfare.  The program is embedded within the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at UNC.  Students in this graduate degree program understand this can be a stand-alone terminal degree or posture them to earn a PhD in natural sciences, economics, math, physics, sociology, psychology and many more areas of specialty.  Coursework in the MSDS program are math and technology-laden with requisite classes such as probability, stochastic modeling, machine learning, optimization, and applied statistics.  With the increased use of data and data science, the future looks bright for students investing in MSDS degree programs. 

Acceptance Rate

65.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Lewis University is a private Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois.  The total student population hovers around seven thousand students with more than eighty undergraduate programs and nearly two dozen graduate programs.  The online data modeling science degree at Lewis University blends theory and real-world applications to help ensure students understand the big and small picture when it comes to data.  In addition to the MSDS degree at Lewis, the university also offers students adjacent degree programs in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics along with a robust Computer Science degree.  Learn more about the Lewis University data science program today and find your academic path. 

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Managers of various industries are giving positive feedback regarding their interns and graduates from Stockton University. They are quite satisfied with how SU prepared their Data Science to fit in the working environment. Specifically, the MS degree in Data Modeling Science and Strategic Analytics has earned an exceptional reputation in a short period of time given the robust curricula and feedback from industry professionals.  In fact, professionals from entertainment, sports, business, healthcare, criminal justice, and education have provided solid feedback about the graduate students from Stockton University.  Learn more about this exceptional program today from Stockton University. 

Acceptance Rate

76.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

As a private Christian college founded in 1955, Dordt College has continued to advance the quality and breadth of their curricular design year over year.  As an example of this academic evolution, Dordt College introduced a data modeling science degree program that continues to earn accolades.  Data science is used in online shopping to advertising algorithms and agriculture to weather predictions.  As a highly competitive STEM degree program, the data science program is offered as a bachelor’s degree at Dordt.  The degree program blends statistics, math, and science to help students prepare for a vibrant career after graduation. 

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Rowan University is a public academic and medical university based in Glassboro, New Jersey.  The Data Modeling Analytics Master’s degree has earned the school a top ranking in this years study.  This STEM degree program offers qualified students access to data modeling, data mining, statistical analysis, and machine learning courses.  The math-laden program is supplemented with several courses in computer science and object-oriented programming in addition to data structures.  The advanced curriculum allows students to learn the latest industry techniques and updated fundamentals of computing which prepare them into the competitive world of employment.

Acceptance Rate

74.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Bellarmine University offers qualified students a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science.  The BU program has quickly become a leading program by producing graduates equipped with quality and real skills within a short period of time. In fact, enrollees have options in choosing weekend, day and evening classes with the purpose of acquiring the training they deserve without compromising the quality especially if they have other job or responsibilities. The IT industry demands graduates with hands-on and real skills which Bellarmine has been giving consistently and effectively. The academic programs at Bellarmine University provide students the first-hand exposure to the myriad challenges in the IT industry in addition to the hands-on experience to prepare students for a variety of careers after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

66.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The MS in Data Science at Eastern University has quickly garnered attention of academia and private industry across the region.  This degree program allows graduate students to harness the power of technology in a data-driven era under the tutelage of exceptional EU faculty.  Graduate students will gain specific skills in DS standard programming, data analysis, math, science, machine learning, and skills associated with writing code.  The self-paced online MS in Data Science at Eastern University will typically result in students moving on to assist research facilities, marketing agencies, business organizations, and technology companies across the globe.  

Acceptance Rate

61.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Rochester Institute of Technology’s degree in B.S. in Computer Science effectively molds students into good computer scientists who understand techniques and tools of mathematics, science, data modeling, and technology trends in an effective manner. In fact, this degree is better suited to enrollees who are mathematically skilled and dreaming of becoming a computing professional. Aside from strong technical skills, employers also prioritized computer science graduates who understand mathematics, science, and the significance of effective communication. In addition, to meet these demands students are required to complete a cooperative educational experience and extensive set of laboratory experiences as members of a team.    

Acceptance Rate

70.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Appalachian State University’s Computer Information Systems Department is well-known for producing in-demand graduates for the IT industry or other technology-related companies. The department is housed in the Walker College of Business hence molding them to be an asset in companies who are looking for IT Project Managers, Systems Managers, Network Administrators, Database & Analytical Modeling, Database Administrators, Security Administrators and Business Analytics Specialist among others. To produce such highly-skilled graduates and future information systems leaders, the department inculcated strong analytical and critical thinking skills and capable of analyzing, designing and implementing innovative business information systems projects. Ultimately, the program is building up students to serve as the bridge between professionals in functional business and information technology (IT).

Acceptance Rate

76.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

In a data -driven world, a solid background on both data modeling theory and practical application are both vital for a computer science graduate to have a place in a competitive industry. Fortunately, University of St. Thomas’s B.S. in Computer Science program develops their students’ knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary manner with emphasis on resolving real-world problems with modern technology and techniques. Aside from an effective program, students have the power to shape their future career into their interests by learning skills from faculties who have expertise in artificial intelligence, computer security, and robotics among others. You will be happy to know that the graduates of this program now have careers as database administrators, software developers and network architects and others.  

Acceptance Rate

80.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Cincinnati-main campus proudly shares that it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This signifies the quality of its program and curriculum in producing competitive and high-caliber computer science graduate. In fact, the objective is all about the development of the students in hands-on training on computational information systems, data modeling and software development among others. Eventually, they will be able to build impressive resume and network through the co-op program.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

For the past several years, computers have been in the center when the world innovates and finds solutions among others that industries have required high standards in hiring computer-related graduates. In particular, these industries look for knowledge and skills in specialized fields, effective communication and critical thinking which are the primary objectives at Towson University’s Computer Science major. Under this program, the curriculum ensures a quality graduate equipped for careers in industry and education, government and business. In fact, coursework puts emphasis on solid theoretical foundation, research and internship, the latest technological developments, interpersonal communication and teamwork.    

Acceptance Rate

76.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Regis University is a private, Catholic university based in Denver, Colorado.  The school offers a robust Data Science and Data Modeling degree that has landed on our top ranked list this year.   The Data Science degree at RU is a highly competitive, intensive program that leverages the best technology with the industry know-how of Regis professors.  Students that graduate from this program will typically enter public or private industry in professions such as a data scientist, data architect, statistician, data engineer, or BI analyst.  For those looking for an abbreviated program to sharpen their existing skills may consider the data science certificate program at Regis University. 

Acceptance Rate

70.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What is Data Modeling?

Data modeling is the process of creating viable, formal models for a system or organization. As associated with software engineering, a data modeling professional will support, define and analyze the data requirements of business processes given the set of existing information systems. The three primary types of data models a data modeling administrator will utilize include:

  1. Conceptual Data Model
  2. Logical Data Model
  3. Physical Data Model

Database Management Programs & Data Modeling Degrees

Both DBA and data modeling encompass intensive expertise in a variety of specializations essential to their jobs. Specializations in data modeling and DBA include the following areas of expertise: system design, software systems, software application design, system connectivity, computer programming, application design, network system design, information technology, data manipulation, and system networking. Each discipline requires professionals to gain proficiency and expertise across a variety of operating systems, devices, and applications.

As a burgeoning field, data modeling will likely begin to create new academic tracks in the near term. Academic professionals and trade groups may help the division between devices & software and design and security administration. Regardless, students pursing a database administrator degree or DBA will become fluent in various data models, network variations, hardware, software applications, coding languages, and operating systems.

Top Degrees in Database Admin

A variety of database management degree programs await students entering the field of data modeling and database administration. Students will have the ability to choose from undergraduate programs like the ever-popular bachelor degrees to graduate degrees in addition to a preferred modality. In other words, students will have the ability to select the databases degree of choice along with traditional classroom courses or online learning.

Online database management is one of the fastest growing segments within higher education given the many unique benefits from cost savings to flexibility and independence within an accredited program. To help you make the best decision possible for your future, you can find a summary of the most popular database management programs and database management degrees below.

Online Database Management Associate Degrees

Online associate degrees in database administration and data modeling are conferred as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS). Both on-site and online degrees in DBA administrator will take students approximately 2 years to complete on a full-time basis. Part-time students will take longer to earn an AAS or AS degree depending on the schools requirements and course load. Additional information on database degrees and database management degrees can be gathered from computer information schools.

Much like bachelor degrees, an associate degrees blend liberal arts education with core technical classes to provide a well-rounded education. Liberal arts classes will typically include classes such as communications, statistics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, and creative writing. Core classes in data modeling will focus on computer basics, mathematics, computer technology, computer science, database management, and advanced SQL.

Database Management Bachelor Degree

A bachelor degrees can also be earned in class or online for database management. Bachelor's degrees in the field are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) given the heavy emphasis placed on math and science. Database management students may elect to obtain a dual major with a computer science degree inside the database management bachelor program. Akin to an associate degree, a bachelor degree melds liberal arts courses with core technical skills. Study after study reveal the importance of holistic and integrative thinking found in liberal arts courses which is embedded within most database management concentration bachelor degrees.

Core classes in database administration and data modeling will vary by school for high powered bachelor degrees. Examples of an award-winning database administration program include the following bachelor courses:

  • Introduction to IT
  • IT Applications
  • Data Visualization
  • IT Foundations
  • Management Information Systems
  • Networking
  • Security Foundations
  • Web Development
  • Scripting and Programming
  • Data Analytics
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Business IT
  • Project Management
  • Database Management Theories & Applications
  • Database Server Administration
  • Data Science
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Analysis

Bachelor in database management and database related degrees continue to gain popularity. In fact, entry-level database administrators and database veterans understand the power of big data and the importance of database management information in the computer driven age in which we live. A bachelor database administrator student will learn valuable computer skills, database management, information management, and databases constructs on a path to graduating and becoming a database administrator.

Master Degrees in Data Modeling and DBA

A masters degree in data modeling will be conferred as a Master of Science (MS). Graduate degrees in the database administration field will take students 1-2 years to complete depending on the pace and overall school requirements. Classes taken in a database management master degree will typically be created by the student and academic advisor. In this way, no two programs are identical as resources and areas of interest are different for each student. A sampling of courses you may find in a MS program in database management include statistics, management of databases, data analytics, data science tools, data mining, advanced SQL, computer science, and computer programming.

Employment Information & DBA Specializations

Undergraduate and graduate students investing the time and resources to earn a DBA administrator degree will have many career paths to research. Specializes fields of study for a database administrator include vocations in disparate fields such as information research science, computer programming, actuary, database research science, systems engineering, system network architect, database security analyst, database administrator, network administrator, software developer, web developer, or database project manager.

Industries you will find a databases administrator include virtually every sector of the economy as technology has infiltrated everything from education, insurance, banking, and retail management. An administrator can be found managing databases for a little league organization. Likewise, an administrator can protect databases and IP of government agencies. An administrator of these databases will work to gather valuable data, aggregate the databases, create useful constructs, and produce databases that help people make good decisions.

Top Jobs of Database Administrators

Careers in data modeling and database administration will depend on timing, location, your effort, employment dynamics, supply, and demand. That being said, students will learn latent skills such as designing desktop applications and developing web-based apps with an emphasis on logic and data-driven solutions.

Students will likely be proficient in XML, Python, SQL, client-side Java, server-side Java, and database development. Jobs in DBA may span to include industries such as education, manufacturing, finance, insurance, software, healthcare, and government agencies. A sampling of job titles across these disparate industries include:

  • Business Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
  • Database Specialist
  • Software Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Technical Writer
  • Programmer/Analyst
  • Software Trainer
  • Database Developer
  • Programmer
  • Software Tester

Database Administrator Salary

Prospective college students wondering how much a database administrator makes will be pleasantly surprised. The median annual income of DBAs is $87,020 according to the BLS. To provide a realistic range for all candidates, it is important to understand the bottom 25% of DBA's average around sixty-four thousand dollars a year while the top twenty-five percent average $115,000 per year.

The range in compensation include total benefits offered by an employer, your work experience, demand for a specific set of skills, scope of the job, and city of employment. Top employers of an administrator include technology companies followed by consulting firms, universities, and insurance carriers. All institutions rely upon computer data to manage the flow of information and IP databases. An administrator of such databases will have access to raw data plus actionable insights into high level business strategy. Computer scientists and database managers leverage computer knowledge to maximize database contents.

Database Admin Information

To learn more about data modeling and DBA, consider reading the Data Administrator Newsletter found here. The helpful articles, blogs, events, resources, and archives will help experts and novices better understand the world of DBA's. A complete list of accredited colleges offering data modeling degrees can be found by utilizing our degree finder tool. Key information about a variety of computer database programs are available for research today.

Admissions information and database management courses are available for students and alumni alike. In fact, computer courses and databases can be accessed through various MOOC's. Utilizing a computer and an internet connection, you can take database management classes without cost. Math and databases are the foundational components in database management. Accredited universities take the database courses a step further by utilizing computer based case studies and delving deep into theories and applications in database management.

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