Online degrees in database management

Online database management degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level, along with certificate programs for continuing education.

• Associate of Applied Science. The two-year A.A.S. in database management offers a first step toward a career in database administration, usually via an entry-level position in IT or systems administration. The program emphasizes applied training in database administration and management. Vocational schools, technical institutes and community colleges offer the associate degree in database management.
• Bachelor of Science. The B.S. in database management is the preferred qualification for database administration careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The four-year degree is available at colleges and universities and offers a broad foundation in computer systems, networking technology and database design education.
• Master of Science. The M.S. in database management prepares graduates for database developer and architect roles, with opportunities for specialized coursework and an independent research project.
• Certificate. Certificates in database management focus on a particular vendor technology or skill, such as Oracle SQL training. These programs may be completed in a few weeks and are designed to help practicing database professionals keep pace with new technology.

Database management degrees are readily available online, making them accessible to IT professionals who are working full-time. Furthermore, online programs are ideal for IT workers who have access to the necessary technology through their workplace. Students new to the field may need to find an internship in order to complete hands-on project work of the online program.

Online database management degrees cover computer networking and systems fundamentals, as well as specialized courses in database technology. Topics may include the following:

• Database programming: Oracle SQL, MySQL, PHP
• Linux and UNIX
• Data structures and algorithms
• Database modeling and relational database design
• Data warehousing
• Data mining
• Business intelligence and data communication
• Database administration

Together, these courses train students to design, implement and manage operational databases in a business context. Degree programs cover both the database technology and the processes involved in managing data communications within an organization.

Online database management degrees generally lead to careers as database analysts or administrators. Administrators maintain database systems, while analysts determine business information needs and optimize the database systems accordingly. Both roles require a bachelor's degree in database management or a related field. Database administrators can expect especially strong demand, with robust job growth of 20 percent in the 2008-2018 period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salaries are going up too. Robert Half Technology reports a salary range of $76,000 to $109,500 for database administrators in 2011, a 3.2 percent increase from 2010. Database analysts saw salaries rise 3.8 percent for a range of $58,250 to $86,750.

Specialized database job titles within the administrator and analyst career tracks include the following:

• Client/Server database administrator
• Oracle database administrator
• Database marketing analyst
• Database warehouse analyst
• Database and knowledge modelers
• Business intelligence analyst
• Database architect

In addition, database administrators may advance into management roles, with experience and business training. A master's degree in database management or M.B.A. in information systems can help administrators secure specialist or management-level positions.

• Salary: Database administrators earned salaries ranging from $76,000 to $109,500 in 2011. Database administration managers earned from $92,500 to $128,000 (Robert Half Technology).
• Education & training: Key certifications in database management include MySQL Database Administrator, Oracle Database Administrator, Oracle SQL Developer and IBM Certified Database Administrator.