If you’re meticulously organized, pay attention to the smallest of details, and have a knack for technology and computers, you may be interested in a bachelor’s in database management, a field full of growth, opportunity, and impressive salary potential.
The dynamic field of database management is growing fast; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information systems management careers are increasing at 10%, much faster than average.
Now is the perfect time to pursue a bachelor’s in database management, a degree that combines informational technology with administration and security and ensures plenty of career options and a hefty paycheck.
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Related Resource: What is a Bachelor’s Degree?
What Is a Bachelor’s in Database Management?
To put it simply, a bachelor’s in database management includes everything you need to know about designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting database systems for businesses and companies.
Along with general education classes, you will take courses in web applications, programming, database administration, research, statistics, and business. Some programs include a concentration option, such as information security management, business data analytics, or website design. In addition, most programs allow you to earn additional certifications in SQL Server (Microsoft), Cognos (IBM), and Oracle Database.
The average bachelor’s degree in database management is 120 credit hours and takes approximately four years to complete, but some schools offer faster tracks that allow you to finish sooner. Most database management programs offer flexible options, like a combination of on-campus and online courses, or completely online. While programs vary in admission requirements, most admit students based on a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and strong ACT or SAT scores.
Careers for Bachelor’s in Database Management Majors
A bachelor’s in database management opens the door for many high-demand careers in business, government, and education fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the computer and informational technology jobs are among the fastest-growing in the country at 11 percent from 2019 to 2029.
The most obvious career for a bachelor’s in database management graduate is a database manager, also called database administrator. These professionals typically work for a business or company and create databases to meet the needs and solve problems for that organization.
Our top ranking, the University of Nebraska Omaha, provides this list of example job titles for those who earn a bachelor’s in database management:
- Systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Information apecialist
- Internet/web developer
- Webmaster
- Chief information officer
- IT security manager
- Applications developer
- Network administrator
- Quality assurance specialist
- Software architect
- Telecommunications specialist
- Data warehouse director
- Project manager
As you can see, a bachelor’s in database management is a smart career move since the degree lends sought-after skills, allowing a graduate to work in a myriad of positions and work settings.
Bachelor’s in Database Management Salary Potential
Not only does a bachelor’s in database management open the door for numerous careers, but it also entails high salary potential. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations as $88,240.
Check out how these careers break down from BLS data:
- Computer systems analysts: $90,020
- Database administrators: $93,750
- Information security analysts: $99,730
- Network and computer systems administrators: $83,510
Database managers can progress to become computer and information systems managers, and according to BLS, these professionals make an average of $146,360 per year! No additional formal education is necessary, but at least five years of work experience is.
Additional certifications, such as the Microsoft SQL Server Database, can also increase salary potential. Keep in mind, these figures are all median figures, and your salary potential will be determined by your job description, past experience, and location. One thing is for sure, though: a bachelor’s in database management can pave the way to a lucrative career.
What Are the Best Bachelor’s in Database Management Degrees?
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
Maverick: an independent thinker, an explorer, a risk-taker and also the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s mascot. Currently, over 15,000 Mavericks call UNO home, and maybe you will be one of them! UNO’s College of Information Science and Technology features a Bachelor of Science in management information system (BIS) that is our #1 ranking and worth checking out.
One of the best parts of the BIS program is that it can be tailored to your specific career goals.
The BIS program provides a solid background in information systems fundamentals, theory, practice, development, deployment, and management (UNO website). You can choose among one of five optional concentrations or a minor, or both!In addition to 46 general education courses, you will take 39 credits of MIS core classes, 15 credits of business courses, 6 hours of math/statistics, 12 hours of upper-level courses, and 20 hours of electives or concentration courses. Notable courses include Managing the Database Environment, Web Application Development, and System Design and Implementation. Check out UNO’s admission requirements here.
National University
A Yellow Ribbon School, National University, was founded in 1971 by veterans and continues its mission of “accessible, achievable higher education,” with extra perks such as tuition discounts for service members. The Bachelor of Science in information technology management (BSITM) provides you with technology management knowledge and practical skills that lead to lucrative careers in the IT field.
The BSITM program includes 180 quarter units that you complete in four-week classes, either on-campus or online. Major courses include Informational Technology Management, IT Project Management, and Local and Wide Area Network Management. Graduates of this program begin careers in client and server management, administration and technical support, IT project management, information analysis, and network/systems administration.Applying to National University is simple. You need at least a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applications are accepted year-round, and you can start this program anytime. You can apply online here.
DeVry University-Arizona
DeVry University has been driven by technology since it was founded in 1931 by Dr. Herman DeVry – the inventor of the first portable motion picture projector. Today, DeVry offers flexible programs in over 45 locations and online. DeVry University’s bachelor’s in computer information systems with a specialization in database management is for those who want to become computer and database programmers, analysts, or administrators.
DeVry’s program website reports that students will “uncover all aspects of database creation and management – from planning to troubleshooting errors – as well as the real-world application in any number of fields,” which will prepare you for careers in the database management field. You will learn all the ins and outs of database management, including data analysis, data mining, SQL and advanced practices, and digital literacy.
There are tons of perks of earning this degree: you get a complimentary laptop, a portable IoT kit, and certification exam reimbursement while you take courses through DeVry’s Tech Core curriculum, designed with hands-on experiences. You can complete this bachelor’s program either online or through a hybrid format.
William Woods University
A nationally recognized private school, William Woods University is known as “a thriving community with enduring values.” Founded in 1870, WWU prides itself on its long tradition of rigorous academics, practical applications, and service. Among a myriad of unique degree programs, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in management information systems that will train you to become an expert in both technology and business.
Because this program focuses on information systems management and business, you will gain expertise in both lucrative fields, allowing you to pursue careers such as a business analyst, systems engineer, consultant, entrepreneur, and more. You will take 122 credits in courses such as Personal Finance, Business Communications, Website Development, and Database Management Systems.As a student, you will have opportunities to attend conferences, complete internships, and join the student-managed business, Student Website Advancement Team (SWAT), that works with business clients to create and manage websites. To apply, you need a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 19.
University of Mary
Known as a “private, Christian, Catholic, Benedictine university,” the University of Mary offers top-notch academic programs to students of all faiths and backgrounds. U-Mary features 60 undergraduate majors, including the Bachelor of Science in information technology management that teaches you how to analyze and troubleshoot IT systems while creating business solutions.
Through this program, you will learn a range of skills that will prepare you for a career in database management, including:
- Database system design and analysis
- Programming logic and diverse computer applications
- Analysis and troubleshooting of network performance and IT systems
- Project team leadership (U-Mary website).
You can earn this degree either through the Bismark campus, online, or through the new year-round campus option, which allows you to complete this program in just 2.6 years. In addition to its flexibility, U-Mary is affordable (especially for a private university!). Ninety-nine percent of U-Mary students receive financial aid or scholarships to fund their education. You can check out the admission requirements and apply online here.
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