How to Get a Master's Degree in Database Management

The field of information technology (IT) is a broad one, encompassing technical careers such as network administration as well as business careers like technical management. The master's degree in database management generally takes on the issues of IT management from a more technical perspective, focusing on the behind-the-scenes technology of the databases that run today's businesses.

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Whether you choose a technical master's degree such as the master of science (MS) in computer information systems with a concentration in database management, or a business degree, like the master of business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems management, it pays to learn more about your degree options and the degree itself.

Overview of the Master's Degree in Database Management

The database management master's degree comes in many different forms. Each master's degree program requires at least two years of full time study, combining research, theoretical discussion, and presentation. Your database management master's degree could be one of the following types of degrees:

Master of Science (MS): A popular, research-based degree designed to prepare you to research and operate at high levels within the field.
Master of Arts (MA): A broad-based degree, most popular for those considering continuing their education with a doctoral program in database management.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): A professional degree, designed for those hoping to combine management skill with technical knowledge.

Database management is often itself a concentration within master's degrees in computer information systems and similar degrees. Here are a few other master's degree titles or specializations related to database management:

Database & Knowledge Management
Network and Communications Management
Information Systems Management
Computer Security Management
Decisions Support System Management
Enterprise Resource Management
Network Management
Database Marketing

As you can see, it's common to specialize in the exact type of IT management that can benefit you and your career. Researching specific degree programs helps give you a better sense of the type of master's degree that best benefits you.

Network and Database Management Master's Degrees

While many IT degrees offer training in information technology with a business slant, the most popular use for master's degrees in database management is technical. Students learn how to effectively build and maintain information systems. Graduates may go on to technical occupations in the following fields:

Network administration
Database administration & management
Network security

Careers in business are a popular choice for master's degree graduates with training in database management, although research and government work are also options. Students can also pursue a doctoral degree and go on to teach or research in higher education.

How to Get a Master's Degree in Database Management

Before you can begin applying to schools in database management, you need to gain a fuller understanding of how you can earn the degree itself. You already understand more about the distinction between business and technical master's degrees in technology and IT. From here, you can begin to think about your individual preferences for schools.

Step 1: Establish a List of Potential Database Management Master's Degree Programs

The first step of your research should be to establish a list of potential schools within database management. You can broaden your search to include business and technical degrees, or focus your query on the most technical database management master's degree programs and specializations. Whichever you choose, use the following resources to jumpstart your search:

WorldWideLearn.com offers a database of campus master's degree programs in technology and IT. Use the dropdown menu to focus your search on technical management, network administration, security, or other degrees that interest you.
Check out U.S. News and World Report's rankings of top computer science master's degree programs and get an idea of popular IT and technology schools across the country.
See WorldWideLearn.com's guide for online master's degree programs in information technology management, including both MBA and MS degrees.

Once you've established a list of master's degree programs in database management and related fields, you can begin to get a sense of the scope of degree programs available to you. From there, you can look closer at the type of learning you prefer. Whether you think you would prefer to earn a master's degree online or on campus, pick schools from both categories before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Consider Campus and Online Master's Degree Programs

Because database management master's degree programs typically don't require hands-on research, online master's degree programs in the field are popular. Think about the benefits of each learning method:

Online master's degree programs offer convenience, accessibility, and flexibility. Log on from anywhere and earn a master's degree online. Students who travel or prefer to work independently often excel in this learning method.
Campus master's degree programs offer face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning. The traditional campus college experience appeals to students who prefer working in teams and prefer the structure of campus education.

It's important to note that one type of learning method isn't inherently superior to the other; it's all about your learning style, work and life situation, and your personal preferences. Tech-savvy database management students might feel more comfortable in an online degree environment, but you may personally prefer the hands-on structure of a campus course. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Step 3: Confirm Accreditation Status for Each Database Management Degree Program

Once you've established your list of potential database management programs, you need to assess their quality. The easiest way to ensure quality at each school on your list is to confirm current accreditation status. The accreditation process requires a third-party agency to consider a school based on factors like:

Hiring practices for faculty
Monetary practices
Academic records and standards

Use WorldWideLearn.com's guide to learn more about accreditation. Even if you recognize a school's name, it's important to make sure that school is accredited. Attending an accredited school for your database management degree means specific benefits:

Eligibility for federal financial aid
Your degree is recognized and valued by ther schools and employers

Fortunately, it's easy to make sure each school on your list is accredited. Simply use the U.S. Department of Education's database to search for the schools on your list. Search by school name, location, or accrediting agency for each school. This step of the process can take some time depending on the length of your potential program list. As a reward, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your degree will be valuable for years to come.

Step 4: Focus Your Database Management Master's Degree Program List

Once you've made sure that each potential program on your list is accredited, you can begin narrowing that list of quality schools down to a select few. While you started your search by creating a broad category and filling it with schools, you can now turn that longer list into a focused list by using your most desired traits in a school. Consider these categories as you examine each school on your list:

Admission Standards: Every database management degree program has its own admission standards. Be prepared to provide test scores, transcripts, and other materials. The most selective schools typically have the most restrictive standards.

Location: If you're planning on attending a campus degree program, consider location in your search. Look for potential career opportunities. The more potential careers you find in the area, the more success you may have with internships and jobs down the line.

Convenience: If your goal is to attend an online master's degree program, think about the convenience offered by different schools. One program may offer an advanced online library, while others could present intriguing course formats or lesson plans. Remember that no two online universities are alike, and think about what you value most in terms of accessibility and self-scheduling.

Cost: Think about the potential financial burden of each school. Balance tuition, fees, and relocating costs with loans, grants, and potential scholarships. Additionally, think about how your potential salary after graduation will stack up against the debt you may accrue.

Reputation: A school's reputation goes a long way with potential hiring managers, but keep in mind that database management schools with a higher reputation may also charge a higher tuition rate to students. Balance the reputation of a school with the value of your educational experience.

Faculty: Think about potential faculty in each database management program. Read through faculty bios on school websites and find out where professors are publishing and researching. Find the schools where faculty member interests most closely match your own.

Extras: For your last step, think about the extra perks offered by each database management school. You might be required to complete an internship, delve into interesting research, or assist classes. Think about these small perks if you need to cut a few more schools from your list.

It's up to you to personalize your database management master's degree. Once you've thought about different elements of each school in terms of your preferences and needs, you can learn much more about each program, more about your preferences, and more about the master's degree itself. After completing this step, it's possible to begin the application process with only the strongest schools on your list.

How to Apply for Database Management Master's Degree Programs

By this final step, you should be ready to apply to the best database management master's degree programs for you as a student. Whether your goal is to earn a master's degree online or attend a campus program, each school requires a unique application. Keep the following in mind as you start your application:

Meet Requirements: Be prepared to provide materials ranging from resumes to letters of recommendation, transcripts to graduate test scores. Each database management program may have slightly different requirements; contact individual schools for more information.

Get Educated: Before you apply to database administration programs, you can learn more about the career itself. Read publications distributed by professional organizations such as Data Management International.

Observe Deadlines: Each application has different deadlines. Keep your database management application process organized by using a calendar or day planner to observe deadlines for transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application packets.

Learn about different database management programs beforehand and you can save time and money when you apply. What's more, good research means you are more likely to attend a school that truly matches your goals. The search process takes time as you carefully consider each school, but you can be confident that you have applied to your strongest database management master's degree program options.

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