Best Bachelor's Degrees in Database Administration

Study.com has looked over degree programs from schools and universities from across the country to cultivate this list of the best bachelor's degree programs in database administration. We have searched through statistics and research, including data from the Department of Education on several factors including graduate programs, study abroad options, technology, tuition rates, and database admin student clubs. If you are looking for a program in database administration, this list is a great starting point to consider your options!

1. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, located in University Park Pennsylvania, offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems that focuses on helping students enter technologically focused careers and database administration, network management, and support services. Penn State offers a unique limited enrollment graduate program, where students can concurrently earn both their bachelor's and a Master of Science in Information Systems in only five years. Penn State also offers access to an amazing Career Services department that allows students to book mock interviews in preparation for future careers, career counseling appointments, and use interview rooms for virtual interviews with potential employers.

2. University of Michigan- Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Data Science for students interested in pursuing a career in database administration and data processing. The College of Engineering offers a wide variety of distinctive clubs for students including Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, GEECS, and Tech for Social Good, which employs technology for social justice causes. The University of Michigan also has hundreds of study abroad programs across countries like Greece, Germany, Argentina, and India, where computer science and engineering students can gain hands-on experience and a global perspective.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Given how difficult it is to find a school that has a database administration program at the bachelor's level, it may not be a surprise that concentrations in these programs are rare. This is already a highly specialized area of computer science that may even serve as its own specialization in a broader degree like one in computer information systems.

Bachelor's degrees in database administration are often found at liberal arts colleges, meaning students must take general education classes in addition to the core courses that teach them the skills needed to earn their degree. Most programs also require students to complete some type of hands-on experience as a capstone course (such as an internship). Other database administration classes may include:

• Programming languages and concepts
• Database management and design
• Systems analysis and designs
• Python programming
• Java programming
• Data structures and algorithms
• Legal and ethical issues in database administration
• Project management

Generally, it takes around four years to earn a bachelor's degree in database administration. Most schools require students to earn approximately 120 credit hours to graduate and recommend students take around 15 credit hours worth of classes a semester. This can be accelerated to a certain extent by taking more classes or taking classes during more than the fall and spring semesters. However, some classes build upon each other and the capstone requirement must be completed near graduation so that can make it difficult to earn this degree much faster.

When it comes to accreditation for a bachelor's in database administration degree, there are several types to consider. Program accreditation is critical because it demonstrates the education provided by a program is of high quality and meets the industry standards. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is perhaps the premier organization for programmatic accreditation in database administration. This nonprofit accredited programs in applied and natural science, commuting, and engineering. Another body that may accredit a database administration program is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), as some of these programs fall under business schools.

Institutional accreditation is also crucial because it is evidence of a school's quality. It also improves the chances of transferring credits and qualifies you to apply for federal financial aid. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes six major regional accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

There are no requirements to be licensed or certified in database administration as far as the government is concerned, but industry standards often dictate that professionals in this field obtain some sort of certification. Often, database administrators specialize in particular software and get certified with using that program through the company that provides it. Three common examples are:

• IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 11.1 for Linux UNIX and Windows - There are no prerequisites for this certification; the main requirement is for candidates to pass two exams that each last over an hour. It also costs $400 total to obtain this certification.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate - As the name suggests, Microsoft offers this certification for those who want to prove their capabilities with Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services. You must take one exam that costs $185 to get this certification.
• Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification -This certification is for those whose work uses the Oracle software. It consists of one two-hour exam that costs $245 to take.

With database administration being such a growing field, the job titles graduates with a bachelor's might pursue are still evolving. Similarly, since more industries are using databases every day, the possible sectors graduates can work in continue to grow. Large and small organizations that focus on computer consulting firms or whose business is not centered on computers need those with this skill set, and graduates can even become entrepreneurs. As this field keeps changing, more jobs may be created and more programs may become mainstream, requiring database administrators to master them. For the time being, potential job titles include:

• Database specialists
• Computer systems analyst
• Database administrator
• Application developer
• Network engineer
• Database engineer

How to Become a Database Administrator

Though they're often confused, the difference between a database administrator and a network administrator, is that a database administrator uses software to store and organization data like shipping records or financial information. This includes ensuring authorized users can access the data while it remains secure from unauthorized persons. That may involve identifying user needs, ensuring the database operates properly, modifying the database when needed, and merging old and new databases.

Often called DBAs, database administrators usually need at least a bachelor's degree in an information or computer-related subject to get that job. Larger firms may prefer candidates with a master's degree in a subject like database management. A database administrator will also need to be familiar with whatever programming language their employer uses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2019 that database administrators had a median annual salary of $93,750. The occupation is also projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average rate for all jobs.

How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

For those with database administration degrees looking to branch out a bit, one option might be a computer systems analyst. Sometimes referred to as system architects, these individuals study an organization's computer systems and procedures to design ways to improve them through a combination of business and information technology expertise. That work might entail consulting with managers to learn about the role computers play in a company, remaining updated on emerging technologies, analyzing the costs and benefits of computing infrastructure upgrades, configuring hardware and software, installing new systems, and training employees how to use those systems.

Those working in this role commonly have a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science discipline, though that is not necessarily a requirement. It may also be helpful to have a minor or at least some education experience in business courses given how much of this job involves that aspect of an organization. The BLS reported in 2019 that the median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $90,920. Positions in this field are also expected to grow by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all vocations.

Professionals organizations can be extremely beneficial for professionals working in database administration. With the emphasis on remaining up to date on the latest programs and upgrades, these groups frequently provide resources to help with continuing education and networking opportunities. Three examples of professional organizations in this field are:

• Data Management Association International - As the name implies, DAMA has members all over the world. This nonprofit began in 1988 with the goal of being an indispensable resource for information and data management professionals. It does this through certifications, events, and publications.
• Association for Women in Comuting - The AWC is designed for women working in the broader discipline of computers. It began in 1978, making it one of the oldest professional organizations in the field. It offers networking, education, and mentoring services to its members.
• Association for Information and Technology - ASIS&T has existed for almost 80 years. Its thousands of members look to bridge the gap between information science practice and research in approximately 50 countries around the globe. This organization has student and regional chapters that look to connect those in the field, publish information about research in the field, and train members through events like webinars.

Career advancement in database administration usually relies heavily on the efforts professionals make to update or expand their knowledge and skills. Experience may be a factor, but often it is a matter of simply learning more. This can take various forms depending on the role a database administration graduate finds himself or herself in and the type of advancement desired.

For example, it may be only necessary to take a few classes to brush up on or increase your skills, with one option being a database programming class. Another option for career advancement that requires relatively little time commitment is obtaining a certification like one of those described above, perhaps in a new area or in the program you already use. For those who want to reach the highest levels of this field or dedicate more time and effort to improving their skills, earning an advanced degree like one of those discussed below may also be helpful for career advancement.

There are degrees in database administration both above and below a bachelor's on the academic hierarchy. The lower-level programs generally focus on providing graduates with the skills needed to obtain entry-level employment, prepare for an advanced degree, or further their careers. Postgraduate degrees are almost solely centered on career advancement through updating and deepening the skills of graduates or preparing them to research or teach in the database administration arena. As at the bachelor's level, it may be difficult to find a degree specifically in database administration at some levels, but it is usually possible to find one at least closely related.

Associate Degrees in Database Administration

Degrees at this level are usually Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) ones. In addition to database administration, programs may have names like database management or even be within a larger information technology department at a college. Associate degrees in database administration are often fairly hands-on, giving students the experience needed to get a job in the field or earn a higher degree. They normally take around two years to earn because most schools require students to complete around 60 credit hours to graduate.

Master's Degrees in Database Administration

When it comes to postgraduate degrees in database administration at the master's level, expanding your search criteria may again be necessary. Titles at this level may include database management or design in addition to database administration. These degrees, which are often a Master of Science (MS), may also be a concentration within a larger computer science or information technology program. The degrees equip graduates for career advancement by diving deeper into many of the subjects touched on in most bachelor's degree programs. It is usually possible to earn this degree in as little as 18 months.

Doctoral Degrees in Database Administration

As difficult as it can be to find a bachelor's degree program in database administration, it may be even more challenging to find a doctoral degree specifically focused on this subject. So, it may be advisable for those wanting to obtain the terminal degree in this field to instead earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in one of the subjects related to database administration such as information technology or computer science. These programs usually are geared toward those who want to become researchers or teachers in this field. It usually takes at least a few years to earn this degree, which often concludes with a dissertation.

Certificates in Database Administration

A doctoral degree in database administration is the highest academic distinction you can earn, and it has commensurate requirements. Conversely, a certificate in this subject is typically the lowest, though it can still be helpful. A certificate in this subject, which can usually be earned in a year or less, can help graduates get an entry-level job in this field or provide new skills for those already working in it. Fundamental skills are often a focus of these programs.

The first step in getting federal financial aid for students is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application allows students to find out what federal loans, grants, or work-study program for which they qualify. Completing this form takes not insignificant time and may require several governmental or financial documents like federal tax information and the social security number of the student.

In terms of scholarships, schools themselves are perhaps the most frequent source of aid for database administration majors at the bachelor's level. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to pupils in database administration and related topics. These may be based on need, academic performance, or some other merits. A great place to being your search is the Scholarship Finder, a tool from the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop site.