Online Database Degree Programs

Online Database Degree Programs

Databases are an essential part of information technology infrastructure and provide a vital business role by storing data and making it easily accessible. Databases are used in nearly every industry. Online database degree programs provide students with a solid foundation in database concepts and prepare them for a variety of careers in many different fields. Database degree programs provide a rich technological education that enables students to gain and build upon analytical, problem solving, and cognitive skills. The sound knowledge and skills will prepare students to lead a successful and meaningful career working with databases. Read more about online database degree programs.

Some Stats

In 2006, there were 69 bachelor degrees conferred in data modeling/warehousing and database administration (1). In 2006, database administrators held 119,000 jobs (2). According to Payscale.com, people with database skills had average annual salaries from around $45,000 to $71,000 depending on the position and field (3).

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook for database careers varies greatly among field, degree, and position. Employment of database administrators is expected to grow much faster than average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing 29% and adding 34,000 new jobs (2). Database administrators with less than 1 year experience earned average annual salaries between $38,702 and $54,757 (4).

Specialties

Database degree programs offer many different specialties for students to focus their studies and pursue a meaningful career. The database specializations include database technology, database administration, database development, database management, database design, database systems, database communication, database networking, database programming, software development, database information technology, database organization, analytical databases, operational databases, hierarchical databases, relational databases, and network databases. Students who are interested in a particular specialty should choose schools that offer strong programs in that specific area of interest.

What to Expect

Database degree programs provide students with instruction on the theoretical database concepts and practical learning experiences. Undergraduate database programs require general education courses in English, composition, mathematics, science, history, and electives. Core coursework varies by program, but many database programs require courses in database design, foundations of databases, database application, principles of database systems, database concepts, database programming, information technology, and statistics. Many programs also provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning to lab assignment, simulations, and projects. Graduate database degree programs require more intense study and prepare individuals for higher positions. Many students pursue Master of Science in Database Administration degrees.

The End Result

Undergraduate database degrees can be applied to many different career fields. Many database professionals are employed by college and universities, insurance companies, computer and systems design companies, merchant wholesalers, franchises, school districts, and non-profit organizations. Students who pursue graduate degrees will be able to transition into upper-level higher paying positions. Career opportunities for database graduates include:

  • Database Administrator
  • Database Manager
  • Database Developer
  • Database Analyst
  • Information Technology Business Analyst
  • Information Technology Consultant
  • Support Services Technician
  • Software Developer
  • Legal Secretary
  • Web Programmer
  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst
  • SQL Server Database Administrator
  • Database Architect

A career in databases will be rewarding for individuals who enjoy working with database systems and applying their knowledge to many different areas. Database professionals carry out a wide range of tasks such as database design and implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting, improving systems, recovering information, and taking security measures. They often work in teams of many other professionals in different departments and must have excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills.

(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey for Skill: Database
(4) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report