Essential Information
A Master of Science (MS) in Database Administration can prepare experienced information technology professionals and computer science students for senior-level careers in database administration or information technology management. In some cases, the degree is offered as a Master of Business (MBA) in Information Systems with a concentration in databases. Both programs take about two years of full-time study to complete.
In order to apply, students must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer systems, database administration, telecommunications or information technology. Student must also submit GRE scores (to an MS program) or GMAT scores (to an MBA program), and some schools require prior work experience.
Master's in Database Administration
In master's degree programs in database administration, the curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including networking and operating systems, database management, computer system architecture, and software engineering processes, but there is a heavy emphasis on the design and implementation of databases. An MBA degree program may also cover such topics as finance, accounting, electronic business, marketing, systems management and design. Examples of course topics include:
- Enterprise architecture
- Database architecture
- Backup and recovery
- PL/SQL programming
- OLAP
- XML database development
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators made a median annual wage of $98,860 in 2020. The BLS also anticipated the employment rate for database administrators will increase by about 10% from 2019 to 2029.
Continuing Education
High-level database administrators and database architects can earn advanced certifications in the database technologies they commonly use. Microsoft offers the Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) certification and Oracle offers the Sun Certified MySQL Database Administrator (SCMDBA) designation. Both certifications require applicants to pass multiple exams.
In conclusion, students can prepare for senior-level careers in database administration by pursuing either an MS or an MBA with a concentration in the field.
