Database Administration Bachelor’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Database administration is a booming field and now is a great time to pursue a career in information technology. Most organizations rely on databases to store the massive amount of information that is gathered every day. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Administration is a great way to get the education and experience needed to land a high-paying job.

We have compiled the top 10 in-person and top 10 online bachelor’s programs to help you find the right one for you.

What Is Database Administration?

Database administration is the development, management, and maintenance of database applications and systems. Professionals in database administration are knowledgeable in database environments, database programming, and data storage. Database administrators ensure that databases are secured, efficient, and backed up.

What Is a Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Database Administration is the credential you’ll get after completing a four-year undergraduate program. During the

time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree

, students complete a required number of college credit hours, often 120 credits. Graduates of data administration programs can find jobs as database administrators and data architects.

The topics covered in a bachelor’s degree program include fundamentals of database designing, security, relational databases, and multidimensional databases. Students will also learn SQL language basics, data infrastructures, and data management technologies.

Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Most schools and colleges require a high school diploma or GED for students to enroll in bachelor’s degree programs. Some students are allowed to transfer from other universities or associate degree programs and finish their degrees at another school.

It is a good idea to check the requirements of a database administrator degree program when browsing for a degree in database management. Most educational institutions share information about their academics, degree requirements, and tuition rate for prospective students on their websites.

How Much Does a Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

It costs on average

$35,331 per year

to complete a four-year database administration bachelor’s degree if you live on campus. The costs can go down to around $24,575 by living with family off-campus. The costs of getting your degree will vary based on living arrangements and scholarships.

Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Database Administration Degree

There are various ways to finance a bachelor’s degree and you should research all your options. You should look into scholarships from your state, institution, or hometown. Federal or private student loans are also an option.

42.9% of full-time undergraduate students

received student loans in the 2018/2019 school year.

Best Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Database Administration: Top Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Many universities and colleges offer a variety of educational programs that equip students with core classes in database administration. Students get hands-on experience and learn soft and hard skills needed for the current job market. Below are some of the best bachelor’s programs to get you a career in data administration.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology, Web and Database Concentration | Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers diverse degree concentrations with small class sizes. You can benefit from this program if you are interested in designing, coding, and administrating web applications and databases. This program is offered both on-campus and online.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a great program if you want to become an expert in systems analysis, information systems, and software programs. This institution lets you transfer credits from an associate degree or military experience. By the end of this program, you will be familiar with systems and software used in the industry like Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Project.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science | City University of Seattle

This program has three components to make it versatile for different IT career opportunities. It encompasses learning fundamentals of data science, applying statistics and critical thinking for analysis, and data management and security. You are also trained to communicate your ideas and collaborate effectively.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | DePaul University

If you want to study at a Catholic University, look no further than DePaul University. They offer a curriculum focused on topics like programming, applied networks and security, and project management. The students get to choose the appropriate computing technology, build it, and maintain it for organizational needs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Database Management Specialization | DeVry University

This hybrid program by DeVry University is a great program for general information systems learning and also allows you to specialize in database management. The curriculum emphasizes preparing its students for real-world experience with databases. You will also become familiar with the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Full Sail University

Full Sail University understands how the field of information technology is shifting and growing. Its program teaches students new strategies and skills useful for a competitive workplace. The curriculum of this program teaches students to work with distributed data, virtualized data, network and data storage systems, and accessing them locally and remotely.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | George Mason University

This is an undergraduate program for students pursuing careers that use skills in information technology. This is a valuable program if you want to become a database developer, database architect, or database administrator. Its 120-credit curriculum is divided into foundation, exploration, and integration requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Data Networking | Liberty University

Liberty University offers a degree in information systems with a focus on data networking. This is another Christian university with a curriculum designed to help students gain knowledge in database design, systems analysis, network security, advanced networking concepts, and communication systems.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | Pace University

Education courses at Pace University are tailored for aspiring technology professionals to build a portfolio of projects through hands-on experiences. They learn the programming skills needed to design databases and information systems for businesses. This program has a STEM curriculum and educates students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Management | University of the Potomac

This program has a deeper technical element to it. Students gain a diverse set of general programming skills and vendor-specific learning. The curriculum includes lessons on Python, R, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Excel, and SAS software.

Best Online Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Database Administration: Top Online Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs

You can enroll in an online program to learn database administration and earn a degree from home. Below, we have listed the top accredited online bachelor’s programs for database administration.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Analytics Concentration | Baker College

Baker College is a not-for-profit institution offering education services including academic resources, learning support, and disability services. After this program, students will complete their degree with strong skills in programming languages and database administration concepts. Students complete a capstone project as well to gain work experience.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Data Management Minor | Capella University

In this program at Capella University, you will be taught how to be ethical when dealing with sensitive information. You’ll learn to store data in a way that makes it easy to find and share with the people who are permitted to know it. There are also certain programs that you can enroll in to save $15,000 off of your tuition.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | Colorado Christian University

At Colorado Christian University, you can take electives to earn up to 18 credits toward a Master’s of Business Administration while you’re finishing your undergraduate degree and it won’t cost you anything extra. You’ll learn programming languages, database management, and software development.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Data Management and Analysis Specialization | Colorado State University Global

This program allows students to earn a degree with a specialization in data management and analysis. It has courses in web analytics, data science foundations, statistics in business analytics, and data mining. Colorado State University offers career coaching and internship offerings for students.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Columbus State University

This is another completely online program for undergraduate students to pursue a career in IT. It focuses on developing problem-solving skills, learning to create innovative ideas, and getting hands-on experience. As a graduate, you can find a job as a database administrator, software developer, or information system security manager.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | National University

National University is a nonprofit university that has designed its program around four-week classes. Students are trained to understand organizational goals, implement information systems, and maintain data management software. The program teaches practical knowledge about business and the strategic management of information.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Data Management Concentration | Strayer University

This program is good for students with an interest in securing databases and administering security measures. While earning their degree, students learn about operating within the cloud, improving database servers, and working in the Microsoft SQL Server environment. It also equips you with professional skills and prepares you for certification exams.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | University of Alabama

This program offered at the University of Alabama brings together technology and business. It offers students an always-open technical help desk, allowing them to transfer credits, and offering scholarships. The courses cover data management, security, and network management.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | University of Massachusetts, Lowell

UMass Lowell offers an online program identical to the on-campus bachelor’s program. The curriculum covers more programming languages than other programs, with foundations in Linux and Unix operating systems, visual basics, and website development. Courses in networking, information security, and database management are also offered.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, IT Management Degree | Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, you’ll learn how to help solve system failures and make sure your company stays online to keep making money. This degree program means you can learn database management at home.

What’s the Average Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Salary?

Professionals in database administration earn an

average median salary of $98,860

. According to data gathered in 2020, the lowest-paid 10 percent of workers in the category make about $54,070 and the highest-paid 10 percent make over $155,660.

Top Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers organize, manage, and supervise the computer activities of the organization. These professionals have analytical and decision-making skills. They are knowledgeable in computers, information technology, and business.

Computer Network Architect

Network architects are responsible for creating data network plans. They work with network hardware and security, and they find solutions for computer network problems. Attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills are useful for this job. They may also have vendor-specific software knowledge.

Database Administration Manager

Database administration managers are responsible for maintaining the data and network infrastructure. They implement measures to ensure that the database of the organization is secured and properly maintained. Daily tasks for this job include supervising the database team, performing backups, and communicating with stakeholders.

Software Developer

Software developers create software and applications. Taking into account the requirements of the software, the design is developed. Every day, the job requires software developers to create software plans, document development details, identify risks, and make upgrades.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts create solutions to secure information databases and networks. This job requires good research skills, analytical skills, and a keen eye for details.

Database Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,860
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, New Jersey, District of Columbia*

Database administrators create systems to store data and keep the database systems organized. They may be responsible for the overall system or focus on applications. Problem-solving and communication skills help them troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Oracle Database Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $97,383
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, New Jersey, District of Columbia*

If you have vendor-specific knowledge and experience in Oracle applications, you can earn the high-paying salary of an Oracle database administrator. They design, manage and maintain Oracle databases. To advance in this career, you can get certifications to stand out as a potential job candidate.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts resolve problems for an organization’s computer systems. Their job duties will involve analyzing the existing computer systems, suggesting ways to improve them, making cost and benefits analyses, and supervising configurations and installations.

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical tools to provide solutions to complex problems. They help improve processes, assist managers to make better decisions, and help the organization find solutions to business problems.

Network and Computer Science Administrator

Network administrators analyze which network hardware or software will work best for the company. They add new employees to the company’s network and train them on how to use it correctly. They also periodically install updates and fix any problems that may come up.

*Based on Bureau of Labor of Statistics data on Database Administrators and Architects

Database Administration Bootcamp vs Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?

Prospective job seekers in the field of database administration should

consider joining a bootcamp

to start their new career. A Bachelor’s Degree in Database Administration is not the only thing that will benefit your career. The benefits of each learning pathway are listed below so you can choose the best option.

Benefits of a Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree

• 
  Accreditations.
  
  Universities follow well-planned curriculums. They also hire expert instructors and faculty so they can get and maintain academic accreditations.

• 
  Broader curriculum.
  
  Bachelor programs focus on general education as well as database administration courses. The curriculums cover more areas of learning that can open up more career opportunities.
• 
  Research facilities.
  
  Studying at a university allows you to access research resources. This is valuable if you plan to get an advanced level of education or pursue research jobs.
• 
  Credit transfers and accelerated degrees.
  
  Sometimes you might have to switch institutions. When you earn credits at another institution, most universities allow students to transfer credit hours towards their bachelor’s or even a master’s degree.
• 
  On-campus extracurricular activities.
  
  Undergraduate students can actively participate in sports, clubs, and volunteer jobs to recharge and get additional experience. They can experience university life and take leadership roles in activities on campus.

Benefits of a Database Administration Bootcamp

• 
  Fast education.
  
  Bootcamps take a fast-paced approach to teaching. They take a few months to complete and students go straight into learning about databases without any general education courses.
• 
  Focused learning.
  
  Bootcamps cover specialized topics and teach specific skills. This can be your ticket to a successful career if you know what your career path is.
• 
  Top-notch instructors.
  
  To provide the best learning experience, bootcamps hire industry experts and professionals to teach in their programs. Some bootcamps have industry partners that
  
  hire bootcamp graduates
  
  as soon as they graduate.
• 
  Certification preparation.
  
  Bootcamps give intensive training to earn industry certifications. They prepare you to successfully add professional certifications to your portfolio.
• 
  Collaboration.
  
  While attending a bootcamp, you will meet peers from many industries and experts in the field of your interest. This gives opportunities to collaborate, develop ideas, and grow in a professional capacity.

Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Administration?

Yes, you should. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Administration will increase your chances to land entry-level data jobs and enhance your earning capacity. You can pursue an online degree program to give you the flexibility of keeping your current job while still focusing on your education. It will open doors to get data administration jobs with high wages.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected job growth for database administrators of eight percent. With the tremendous growth in technology and increased sensitivity of the information being stored, the need for database administrators is not expected to slow down.

Database Administration Bachelor’s Degree FAQ