Best Online Master’s Degrees in: Database Management

Explore a Master's Degree in Database Management

A master's degree in database management or computer information systems is designed to prepare graduate students for managerial positions that entail security planning, data organization, data control, disaster recovery, utilizing information provided by large data groups, and using information technology to solve business problems. Database management usually requires analytical, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to analyze a problem, communicate with a team as to how that problem should be solved, and organize work among IT staff to accomplish the goals set by an organization.

Class Curriculum

Database management graduate students usually require a background in algebra, calculus, communication, statistics, finance, and management. Basic course work may include programming, information technology hardware and software, information systems applications and development, database management, and systems analysis and design. Course work may also include database security, quantitative methods for information systems, digital forensics and investigations, distributed software development and management, and IT security policies and procedures. The following are some courses a prospective student looking into a master's degree program in database management may expect to take:

• Database Management. Database management at the graduate level may cover advanced aspects of management systems like query optimization, object-oriented and object-relational databases, data warehousing, data mining, distributed databases, and databases for web applications. Students learn database programing, including triggers, stored procedures, and methods.
• Database Security. Database security covers security, profiles, password policies, privileges and roles, Virtual Private Databases, and auditing. Students learn SQL injection and database management security issues.
• Digital Forensics and Investigations. Digital forensics and investigations covers investigative processes in operating systems architectures and disk structures and the computer forensic hardware and software tools. Students learn data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, and expert witness requirements.

A database management graduate student may be assigned programming homework, problem sets, and reading in SQL and database security or information systems procedures. Students may also be required to work on applied projects in digital forensics and investigations.

Building a Career

Computer and information systems managers or database managers usually require a bachelor's degree and related work experience, but a master's degree may be required for advancement. Database managers may direct the work of computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment in computer and information systems management is expected to grow 18% between 2010 and 2020. The BLS also reports that the median annual wage for computer and information system managers was $115,780. Students with a master's degree in database management may also find positions as product managers, analysts, chief information officers, systems architects, technology consultants, network administrators, and webmasters. While employment growth is expected, employment opportunities and wages fluctuate between area, position, and industry, and salaries and job availability are not guaranteed.