Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a University of Nebraska at Omaha is Purdue University Global, followed by National University.
- Database management is growing fast and offers good salary potential.
- Programs combine IT with administration and security.
- Many programs offer flexible online or hybrid options.
- Degrees prepare you for various tech and business careers.
Ready to turn data into opportunity?
A Bachelor’s in Database Management is your gateway to a high-demand, high-reward career at the heart of today’s data-driven world. Whether you’re aiming to become a database administrator, architect, or data analyst, this degree equips you with the technical expertise to design, secure, and optimize complex data systems.
This guide highlights top programs that blend foundational IT skills with hands-on experience in SQL, cloud platforms, and data modeling. Graduates can expect strong job prospects: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in database management roles from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual salaries are impressive, with database administrators earning $104,620 and architects earning $135,980 as of May 2024.
If you’re ready to build a career that powers business intelligence, fuels innovation, and offers substantial earning potential, this guide will help you find the right program to launch a successful career in database management.
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Last updated: February 13, 2025
What are the Best Bachelors in Database Management Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Database Management degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Bachelor’s degree program in the field of Database Management,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Database Management,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Database Management,
- Prepares graduates for career placement in Database Management.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
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 Systems (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.
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 the 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.
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 to 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 business analysts, systems engineers, consultants, entrepreneurs, 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, which 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
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.
Career Paths & Specializations in Database Management
A Bachelor’s in Database Management opens doors to numerous specialized career tracks within the data field. Whether you’re focused on managing large-scale databases, ensuring data security, or analyzing data for business insights, your chosen specialization can set the direction for your career. Below are some of the most valuable database management specializations and the career opportunities they provide.
Database Administration
Focus: Designing, maintaining, and securing database systems to ensure efficient data storage and retrieval
Best for: Students interested in managing databases, troubleshooting performance issues, and ensuring system integrity
Career paths: Database Administrator (DBA), Database Support Specialist, Systems Administrator
Salary insight: Database Administrators earn a median annual salary of $104,620; top earners in large companies or tech industries can exceed $130,000.
Data Architecture
Focus: Creating the blueprints for managing and structuring large-scale databases, including designing storage, backup, and retrieval systems
Best for: Those interested in building the frameworks that support enterprise-level data management systems
Career paths: Data Architect, Solutions Architect, Database Designer
Salary range: $110,000–$145,000, with the potential to exceed $150,000 for senior roles in major tech firms.
Data Analysis & Business Intelligence
Focus: Interpreting complex data, extracting meaningful insights, and using statistical methods to inform business decisions
Best for: Students looking to combine database management with data analysis and reporting
Career paths: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist
Salary insight: Data Analysts earn a median salary of $73,000; advanced data roles, like Data Scientists, earn upwards of $120,000 annually.
Data Security & Database Security
Focus: Protecting databases from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyberattacks; implementing encryption and data protection protocols
Best for: Students who want to specialize in cybersecurity, ensuring that databases are secure and compliant with industry regulations
Career paths: Database Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, IT Security Administrator
Salary range: $80,000–$120,000, with top roles in security compliance and consultancy reaching $150,000+.
Cloud Database Management
Focus: Managing and optimizing databases hosted on cloud platforms, integrating cloud solutions for scalability and flexibility
Best for: Those interested in emerging technologies and cloud computing, focused on managing large distributed databases
Career paths: Cloud Database Administrator, Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Data Engineer
Salary insight: Cloud database roles typically earn $100,000–$130,000, with senior positions or those involving multi-cloud systems exceeding $140,000.
Database Development & Programming
Focus: Writing code and creating systems that allow users to interact with databases, including custom query languages and data management applications
Best for: Students with a strong interest in software development alongside database management
Career paths: Database Developer, Application Developer, Backend Developer
Salary range: Developers in database management positions earn between $85,000–$115,000; those working with cutting-edge technologies can earn more.
Database Management Jobs & Salary Overview
| Setting | Common Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Companies | Database Administrator, Data Architect, Data Engineer | $90K–$140K+ |
| Healthcare Organizations | Healthcare Database Administrator, Data Manager | $85K–$115K |
| Financial Institutions | Database Analyst, Financial Systems Manager | $95K–$120K+ |
| Government & Public Sector | Database Support Specialist, IT Database Manager | $70K–$95K |
| Consulting & Outsourcing | Database Consultant, Cloud Solutions Architect | $100K–$150K+ |
Key Takeaway
The path you choose within database management will significantly impact your career trajectory, skill development, and earning potential. Whether you specialize in security, cloud solutions, or business intelligence, you’ll be stepping into an in-demand field with abundant opportunities. Specialized training and real-world experience in these areas will give you the expertise and credibility needed to thrive in a data-driven world.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s degree in database management focuses on managing and analyzing data. Students learn about analysis, applications, data visualizations, and systems. The key subject areas include programming, scripting, and web development.
With a favorable job outlook, database management is a good career to pursue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in jobs for database administrators and architects through 2033, which is over twice as fast as the average for all other occupations. About 9,500 new jobs will be added to the industry each year for the next 10 years.
Yes. There are scholarships for database management majors. Scholarships are offered by various organizations, institutions, or companies to support students interested in database administration, data management, or information technology. To find scholarships, you can:
• Check with your college or university
• Contact professional organizations
• Explore industry associations
• Search online scholarship databases
With a database management degree, you can pursue many different careers, including:
• Data Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Database Developer
• IT Consultant
• Information Systems Manager
• Network Administrator
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
Employers prefer candidates with formal education, practical experience, and relevant certifications to ensure a strong foundation in database management principles and technologies. While some employers want a bachelor’s degree in a related field, others require more experience than education. To improve your job prospects, get a college degree.
It takes 4 years to get a Bachelor’s in Database Management when enrolled full-time. Most programs require 120 credits, which means you take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to finish in 4 years.
The highest salary for a database manager varies based on factors like experience, location, and industry. In the United States, experienced database managers in high-paying industries can make over $157,710/year. Top earners in executive roles or specialized sectors command even higher pay, reaching $200,000 or more.
To become a database administrator (DBA) with no experience, start by learning SQL and database fundamentals. Gain certifications like Oracle Certified Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator. Create a strong portfolio with personal projects, contribute to open-source databases, and network with professionals in the field for opportunities.
Yes, database management is an integral part of IT (Information Technology). Database administrators (DBAs) are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases. They ensure data integrity, security, and optimal performance. DBAs collaborate with IT teams to support applications, making it a crucial aspect of IT roles and responsibilities.