Best Online Master’s Degrees in: Database Design

Explore a Master's Degree in Database Design

Database design focuses on the creation, organization, retrieval, and management of information, usually through Structured Query Language (SQL) and Oracle PL programming. Students may also work with network design, database development, Web applications, user interface design, enterprise solutions design, and forensic analysis. Database design may be included in an information systems or database management program. Database designers usually collaborate within an IT department, and must be able to analyze client necessity, organize work within an IT department, and communicate the necessary computer hardware, software, network, and security systems. A master's degree in database design may require 40 credit hours and may take two years to complete, though this may vary depending on the individual program as well as whether the student is attending on a full or part-time basis.

Class Curriculum

Graduate students in database design may take core course work in information structures, Web application development, quantitative methods for information systems, business data communication and networks, and IT strategy and management. Advanced course work may be completed in database security, database administration, Java programming, and data mining and business intelligence. The following are a few specific courses a database design student may expect to take:

• Distributed Databases. Distributed databases covers concepts of database systems and architectures, query processing, and optimization. Students learn design and system issues related to database systems and the usage of different design strategies within distributed databases.
• Database Design and Implementation. Database design and implementation covers object-relational tools and relational techniques for persistent data in object modeling and management through Oracle or Microsoft SQL server. Students may design a database system as a course project and learn tuning, replication, business intelligence, and Internet databases.
• IT Strategy and Management. IT strategy and management covers relevant issues of information services and information systems technology. Students may be required to have business prerequisites in administration and management course work.

Database design students may expect assignments in programming language problem sets, projects, and reading corresponding to lecture. Assignments may also require students to work on collaborative projects related to laboratory or lecture topics.

Building a Career

Graduate students may leave a database design master's degree program with the skills necessary to design and implement operational databases, data warehousing, data mining, and other business related intelligence technologies. Database design is necessary in the operations and management of several organizations in various industries, including information system management.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for computer and information system managers was $115,780, and that employment growth in computer and information systems management is expected to grow 18% between 2010 and 2020. Computer information systems majors may find positions as analysts, chief information officers, systems architects, technology consultants, network administrators, and webmasters. Employment growth is expected, but keep in mind that employment opportunities and wages depend on factors like area, position, experience, employer, and industry, and salaries and job availability are not guaranteed.