Database Administration

Database Administrators (DBAs) use database software to store and manage information. They will often set up database systems and are responsible for making sure those systems operate efficiently (usually referred to as database performance tuning). They also make sure that the data they store is backed up regularly, stored effectively, and that the data is secure from unauthorized access. Ensuring the data is available, by maximizing database uptime, is also an important function of the database administrator.

Database Administration Job Outlook
In 2006, there were approximately 119,000 database administrators. That number is expected to grow by 37%, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2006, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of these computer specialists is expected to grow as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies. Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy. The demand for networking to facilitate the sharing of information, the expansion of client-server environments, and the need for computer specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving capacity will be major factors in the rising demand for computer scientists and database administrators.

Database Administration Salary
According to Salary.com, the U.S. median salary for a Database Administrator (as of July 2008) is $82,820. Salary at the 25th percentile is $71,403 and at the 75th percentile is $93,786. >> Click to see Employment and Salary Data

Database Administrator Education and Career Advancement
Database Administrators often have a four-year degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Science, or Management Information Systems. Many DBAs also hold certifications (eg. Oracle Database Certification, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) for specific database software programs to show their skill level. Individuals can also improve their career advancement opportunities by earning an MBA with a concentration in information systems or similar programs pertaining to managing information and information security.

IT / Databases - BS
WGU's B.S. in Information Technology—Databases program provides you with the leading-edge database administration skills that employers demand along with nine IT certifications. This program is ideal for someone who has database administration experience, wants to specialize in database administration, and can devote 20 or more hours per week to their studies.

This flexible, accredited program incorporates nine IT certifications including the Oracle 10g Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) at an affordable cost (all certification fees are included in your tuition). You'll also complete coursework in operating systems, networks, software, security, and project management. This is a perfect program if you already hold relevant IT certifications as you can use them to accelerate your degree, saving you time and money.

WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. WGU was also recognized by TIME Magazine as the "best relatively cheap university you've never heard of" in the 11/13/08 issue of the periodical.

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.

Information Systems - BS
(Concentrations in Database Management, Database Developer)
The principle objective of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program is to teach students state of the art computer concepts. This will prepare them for programmer/analyst, database management, web development, networking, internetworking and security positions. Students are expected to demonstrate basic computer skills in order to succeed in Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program.

• Information Systems / Database Developer - Diploma
• Information Systems / Database Management - Diploma
• Information Systems / Database Developer - Undergraduate Certificate
• Information Systems / Database Management - Undergraduate Certificate

Information Technology / Database Management - BS
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 - MS
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.

Database Management - Individual Courses
UOP's individual courses cover database concepts at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Individual courses are available for students to acquire additional credits for degree completion or for professional development.

Database Systems Technologies - MS
The Master of Science in Information Technology - Database Systems Technologies online graduate degree program offered by UMUC provides a broad technical understanding of current and evolving technologies in the IT field with an emphasis on moving technology from the laboratory to the realm of business development through its program core courses. Database technology is pervasive in our society and is considered a core component of most businesses. The Database Systems Technologies specialization focuses on the design, development, and management of database technologies. Students may also study distributed databases, data warehousing, data mining, database administration, and database security with laboratory experiences are included in most courses. Depending upon the prior level of experience, this program can open doors in the following careers: Database Systems Technology; Technical Leader; Manager of Data Management Systems or Database Administrator.

• Database Design - Undergraduate Certificate
• Database Management - Undergraduate Certificate
• Database Systems Technology - Graduate Certificate

CIS / Database Management - BS
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.

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 - MS
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 - MS

IT / Database Administration - BS
Students of the IT / Database Administration program will build the skills and knowledge they'll need to establish and manage data storage and transfer solutions. Students will gain a foundation for understanding computer programming; study system analysis, design, development and implementation cycles; design code using appropriate programming methodology; acquire the communication, critical thinking and technical skills required in the workplace by analyzing case studies and working on hands-on projects; complete a capstone project that focuses on an area of emphasis and enables them to apply the concepts and skills they've learned in real and simulated business situations. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level information technology positions in database administration.