Database Administration and Management

Database Administrators (DBAs) Overview

Using a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Database Administrators oversee data storage, manage information stored in databases and approve—or deny—access to the data. They are the gatekeepers of an organization's information by:

• setting security protocols to ensure that no unauthorized access to the data,
• adjusting the database for optimal efficiency (called “database tuning”),
• creating regular backups of all organizational data and
• monitoring database activity through transaction logs.

Also included in the Database Administrator’s responsibilities are the:

• creation of databases to store information,
• optimization of the queries used to extract the data,
• transferring data to [secure] servers for Internet users (also called data replication),
• designing and maintaining database security—both internal and external—and
• maintaining the data dictionary for each database.

The two main RDBMS packages are Microsoft's SQL Server and Oracle's database product, designated by the version number: 9i, 10g, 11g, etc. Other databases include IBM's DB2 and several flavors of open source databases including MySQL.

Database Administrator Job Outlook

The job outlook for Database Administrators is very good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has stated that a faster than average growth rate is expected in the computer science areas of database administration, network administration and systems administration in the next several years. The limited supply of qualified people to fill these positions will provide excellent prospects for those prepared for this expanding market. An advanced computer science degree, supplemented by additional certification and relevant experience will serve individuals well in the coming decade.

In 2008, according to the BLS, there were 120,400 Database Administrator positions, with a 20% projected growth to 144,700 by 2018.

Database Administrator Salary

The following U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics charts show wage estimates and percentile wage estimates for Database Administrators nationally.

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates:

Percentile wage estimates:

Salaries vary based upon the employer, geographic location, education and experience. A search of entry level positions turns up a wide array of opportunities. In general, those with Oracle experience make more than those with solely Microsoft SQL Server experience, but that is a generality, not a guarantee. The following are examples of salaries and qualifications for entry level Database Administrators that range from coast to coast and between MS SQL Server and Oracle.

Database Administrator Education

There are three generally accepted educational paths to a Database Administrator position:

• The first is through a Bachelor of Science degree in a Computer Science discipline—such as Computer Engineering, Information Science, or Management Information Systems (MIS)—combined with coursework in business or finance.
• The second is through a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on information systems or similar courses pertaining to information management or information security.
• The third is through an Associate's degree with related work experience, although a minimum of a Bachelor's degree is generally required.

High school students should concentrate on math and science courses in preparation for college courses pertinent to the Database Administrator position.

Database Career Advancement

As a Database Administrator (DBAs) progresses through their career, gaining experience, salary expectations can increase. An example of how education and experience can benefit DBAs, a 2007 Burleson Consulting article on Oracle DBAs breaks them into four “tiers” (quoted from Burleson Consulting):

• Low Tier DBA
• An Oracle DBA without college and less than 10 years experience earns about age times 2, a 25 year-old earning about $50k/year.
• Middle Tier DBA
• A DBA with a Bachelors degree and ten years full-time work experience can earn up to age times 3, with a 35 year-old DBA earning about $105/year.
• Senior DBA
• A senior DBA with a Masters degree, 20 years experience managing mission critical database can earn up to age times 4, with a 45 year-old DBA manager earning up to $180k/year.
• “Superstar” DBA
• For those DBA Superstars with advanced degrees and specialized skills (RAC, Oracle Apps), the pay is often as high as age times 6 and a 35 year-old superstar can earn up to $210k per year.

IT / Data Management
Bachelor of Science

The specialization in Data Management allows students to obtain a deeper understanding for applying data management concepts and analytical tools to support the decision-making processes used for mission critical functions such as accounting, management, marketing, operations and the enterprise in general. Course content has been designed to help students develop relevant knowledge in data management by examining important areas including business intelligence, data warehousing, data mining, analytics, visualization, master databases and data quality assurance.

Computer Science / Database Systems
Master of Science

The database systems concentration can provide the skills necessary to effectively analyze, design, implement and optimize complex data repositories. Students learn to transform data into powerful information systems for business.

IT / Data Management Technology
Master of Science

The MSIT with a specialization in Data Management Technology is designed for students with a desire to develop professional skills in the main functional area of data management and related data management technologies.

IT / Databases
Bachelor of Science

Eight Industry Recognized IT Certifications Included

WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with eight IT certifications. This program is for established database administrators who need a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications to advance their careers. It is also ideal for experienced IT professionals with "real world" experience who want to move into database administration and need the credentials to do so. This program incorporates eight industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program.

WGU is now a member of the Microsoft and Oracle IT Academies. These memberships offer unique integration of both Microsoft and Oracle learning resources into WGU's IT degree programs, affording WGU students the opportunity to learn using simulations, live labs, and proprietary software.

IT / Database Development
Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology/Database Development offers coursework covering the installation and programming of database applications in the business environment. The development of queries and reports from a database are addressed in this program as well as the backup, recovery, and security of databases.

For program disclosure, click here.

IT / Database Administration
Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program is focused on the acquisition of theory and application of technical competencies associated with the information technology profession. The courses prepare students with fundamental knowledge in core technologies, such as systems analysis and design, programming, database design, network architecture and administration, Web technologies and application development, implementation and maintenance. This concentration focuses on the installation, development and administration of database applications in the business environment. The administration and development of database applications is examined from desktop databases to the enterprise level application of database technology.

For program disclosure, click here.

CIS / Database Management
Bachelor of Science
Students of this program will master the principles, tools, and techniques used in the design, programming, administration, and security of database systems. As a professionals in this field, they'll be relied upon to analyze the data needs of an organization or company, and determine how to organize and store the data in logical and useful ways. Graduates will be able to find opportunities in a variety of in-demand, database-related, technology career fields, holding positions such as data analyst, database administrator, or database designer.

IT / Database Administration & Data Center Operations
Bachelor of Science
In the Database Administration & Data Center Operations concentration, students explore the development, deployment, management, and integration of databases and information systems. Throughout the course of their studies, students can explore ways to plan, design, and implement solutions for data storage that ensure business continuity.

IT / Database Management
Bachelor of Science
You will prepare for employment opportunities in data control and designing solutions for data storage, including backup and recovery operations. You will also examine techniques for transferring database information to physical devices, such as wireless units.

CIS / Database & Knowledge Management
Master of Science
Boston University's Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is designed for IT professionals who want to advance their careers. The Database and Knowledge Management concentration equips the learner with the tools necessary to utilize the vast amounts of information provided by large amounts of data. By focusing on the integration of information technology with business problems and opportunities, this concentration enables information systems professionals to understand technological issues in addition to business concepts and fundamentals. Boston University's program has been developed by industry leaders who know what it takes to succeed in today's marketplace.

CIS / Database Programming
Associate of Science
Students in the A.S. Computer and Information Science program learn about subjects such as creating interesting web pages, writing different kinds of programs, using and maintaining databases, and installing and securing computer networks. They learn to provide excellent customer service when assisting customers and clients with technical issues. Students in the Database Programming concentration area learn how to manipulate databases to create custom reports for business and industry, and they are able to provide support for the use, and maintenance of database tables.

C&IS / Database Programming
Bachelor of Science
Students in the B.S. Computer and Information Science program learn about subjects such as project management, designing and writing different kinds of programs, creating interesting web pages, using and maintaining databases, and installing and securing computer networks. They learn to provide excellent customer service when assisting customers and clients with technical issues. Students in the Database Programming concentration area learn how to design, implement, and maintain databases that manage information for business and industry.

CIS / Databases
Bachelor of Science
Databases account for a large majority of development, application, and administration in IT organizations. This track has been designed to maximize the student's capabilities to fit a large number of roles within an IT organization. This online database degree program of study gives the student hands-on learning for DB design, application, prototyping, and administration. In addition, the student will learn Object Oriented programming, and Human Computer Interaction, to build front-end user interfaces for applications and the web.

Data Mining
Graduate Certificate
This Graduate Certificate provides and introduction to data mining with an emphasis on large scale databases as a source of knowledge generation and competitive advantage. The focus is on providing analysts with the technical abilities to design and use the data resources of an organization. Award of the certificate requires the successful completion of 12 credits with a grade of “B” or better each of the four courses.

Database Technologies
Master of Science
Students of the Master of Science in Database Technologies program will learn relational and object-relational database theory and implementation in concert with a study of the Oracle database management system. Graduates of this degree program are well equipped to work as database engineers and administrators in enterprise and Internet-based environments. Students will focus on online transaction processing and online analytical processing database systems with an emphasis on data security, integrity, and availability.

Software Engineering and Database Technologies
Master of Science
Regis University's Master of Science in Software Engineering and Database Technologies prepares career-oriented adults and technical professionals in the areas of computer systems design and analysis, software engineering, and database administration. Regis CPS and NUI Master of Science in Software Engineering and Database Technologies online curriculum covers the latest areas of IT design and development.

Database Administrator Certifications

Database Administrators can earn database software-specific certifications, either directly from the vendor or through third-party instructors. Some of the available certificates include:

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)


• Oracle Certified Database Administrator (OCA), Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Oracle Certified Master (OCM)


• Certified MySQL Database Administrator Associate (MySQL CMA), Certified MySQL Developers (MySQL CMDEV), Certified MySQL Database Administrator (MySQL CMDBA)


• IBM Certified Database Associate, IBM Certified Database Administrator, IBM Certified Advanced Database Administrator