Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs Specializing in Database Management
Majors Overview February 14, 2015Database management undergraduate majors are not offered; alternatively, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Information Technology or Computer Information Systems may have a database management minor or specialty. Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may polish their database management credentials with professional certification.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs Specializing in Database Management
The data needs of an organization or business are studied by students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs with a specialty in database management. Students are taught about designing a means of organizing and storing data to fit those needs.
Database management is not usually offered within a standalone program, but rather as a specialty within a major in computer information technology or systems. Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program gain a strong grasp of relational databases and are taught about designing, actualizing, and managing them.
Coursework
Courses in systems development, operating systems, discrete math, and data mining are included within the coursework of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Information Technology or Information Systems. Students can choose from numerous electives for a database management minor, including:
•Distributed architectures
•Project management
•Database systems
•Artificial intelligence
•Internet programming
Job and Wage Outlook
A much-faster-than-average job growth rate of 15% has been predicted for database administrators over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, database administrators banked an average annual wage of $77,080.
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Database managers may seek professional certifications in SQL and other specific computer languages, Cognos and other performance management software programs, and numerous database management tools, including Informix and other data servers. The manufacturer often offers certification test preparation online, and interested individuals can take the tests at authorized testing centers. Certifications may also be offered by training institutions, product vendors, and computer associations.
Rather than re-certification tests, certification and training associated with completely new products or an updated product may be taken by specialists owing to the need to keep abreast with rapid advancements in technology.