Online Database Management Bachelor’s Degree
Students planning to enter the database management field can receive a quality education with flexible scheduling options by earning their database management degree online. The sections below describe common industries for database managers and the daily responsibilities of professionals in the field. Additionally, this page includes sample curricula and concentration options for bachelor's in database administration programs, along with typical salaries for various database management careers.
The following information about database management programs, jobs, and classes can help learners decide whether a database management degree fits their passions and goals. This guide is a great place to begin searching for an affordable database administration program.
What Is Database Management?
Databases are electronic collections of information and are common in many industries and organizations. Database management involves overseeing, organizing, and developing these systems. Professionals in the field make sure that data analysts, top executives, IT personnel, and other employees can quickly and easily access important information. Database administrators protect data from unauthorized users and hackers. Database managers also back up information, fix bugs, and consolidate databases.
Graduates of database management bachelor's programs can pursue jobs in a variety of industries, since many types of organizations use databases. For example, retail companies keep records of customers' billing information, mailing address, and contact information. Law enforcement agencies keep track of warrants, traffic violations, and fines. Technology companies, including social networks, online retailers, and mobile application developers, maintain records of transactions, user profiles, and user activity. Additionally, academic databases allow professors and students to search for journal articles, e-books, and other publications. All of these organizations need skilled professionals to maintain databases and ensure easy access to information.
Database management specialists can also work in companies that focus on data collection and analysis. Data analytics firms deal with huge amounts of information and demand skilled workers who can store and organize data using specialized software.
Additionally, students completing database management programs online prepare for IT positions that do not deal directly with databases. Learners develop the skills they need to become computer network architects, computer programmers, IT managers, and software engineers.
What Can I Do with an Online Database Management Bachelor's Degree?
Database management students gain foundational and specialized knowledge and skills that are applicable to careers in IT, data analytics, and related fields. Learners can also pursue a minor or concentration to prepare for work in a particular industry. The information below includes sectors in which database management graduates commonly pursue work, along with average salaries for several database-focused jobs.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Accredited database management bachelor's programs include database-focused coursework along with more general classes on information technology, computer programming, and software development.
Through introductory database management courses, students explore basic terminology, the fundamentals of relational databases, and the difference between structured and unstructured data. They also study database security, database design, and various database management systems.
Through more technical classes, students learn about tools and strategies for backing up data, upgrading systems, and managing storage. Learners also develop the skills they need to design and implement databases. Most programs train students to use major database management languages such as Structured Query Language, Data Definition Language, and Data Manipulation Language. Learners may also gain experience storing and retrieving data using common tools like MongoDB and Oracle.
Database management programs help learners develop a broad and versatile skill set, and students can specialize in a particular area. For example, learners interested in data analytics and data science can take extra courses in data visualization and business intelligence. Students with a passion for cybersecurity can choose a program that offers electives in penetration testing, cryptography, intrusion detection, and risk management.
On the other hand, students planning to pursue more general roles in information technology may choose a bachelor's in IT program that offers a concentration in database management. To improve employment opportunities, learners can pursue online database management certificate programs during or after their bachelor's program.
Students can also hone industry-specific abilities outside the classroom. Learners interested in financial services can apply for summer internships at banks and lending institutions, while students planning to work in the healthcare field can look for similar opportunities in facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Careers and Salary Potential
The best database management programs prepare graduates for a variety of careers. Database management students gain specialized, marketable skills that can help them command high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology professionals earn a median annual salary of more than $86,000. Database management professionals can pursue jobs in a variety of industries, including those listed below.
- Colleges and Universities: Higher education institutions collect large amounts of data regarding student information, course offerings, and applications. These institutions also need database managers to keep track of financial records.
- Financial Services: Database administrators at financial services firms maintain records related to financial transactions, bank accounts, and loans. Financial institutions also need professionals to secure sensitive information, such as social security numbers.
- Telecommunications: Companies in this field provide internet, television, radio, and telephone services. These companies amass data on clients, finances, and repairs. Database professionals may also help secure company information.
- Healthcare: Healthcare organizations such as hospitals, doctors' offices, and urgent care centers need to efficiently organize patient records. Health information technicians manage and categorize medical data.
- Insurance Carriers: These firms sell insurance plans to protect customers from financial loss. Insurance companies record and analyze data to assess the risk associated with various situations.
Database Administrator
Annual Median Salary: $90,070
Database administrators, sometimes referred to as DBAs, use data management software to store and organize information. They back up data, implement security measures, and grant access to approved users.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Annual Median Salary: $82,050
These technology professionals oversee and manage an organization's IT systems, including intranets, local area networks, and wide area networks. They upgrade hardware and software, make repairs, and train new users.
Information Security Analyst
Annual Median Salary: $98,350
Cybersecurity workers use programs such as firewalls and encryption tools to protect an organization's information from theft and misuse. They perform regular tests and address vulnerabilities.
Computer Systems Analyst
Annual Median Salary: $88,740
Computer systems analysts observe a business's computer networks and design systems that improve efficiency. They determine an organization's computing needs and recommend new hardware and software.
Data Analyst
Annual Median Salary: $59,003
Data analysts gather information using methods such as surveys. They use specialized software to analyze information and make inferences based on large data sets. Data analysts often describe their conclusions in reports.
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