Online degree programs in database technology
are available on multiple degree levels. Students learn about the
fundamentals of database systems and their application in various
business settings.
Overview of a Bachelor of Science in Database Management
Database management is usually offered as a declared concentration
within a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program, such as a B.S. in Computer
Information Systems. These programs prepare students to be versatile
technicians within information technology organizations. Students focus
on concepts such as database design, administration, programming and
user-interface construction. Bachelor's degree programs are available
fully online and require a high-school diploma. Due to the nature of
these programs, students must be proficient in basic computer skills.
The typical length for an online B.S. in Database Management program
is about 120 credit-hours, which can be completed in 3-4 years. While
students can access online material at their convenience (often through
the Blackboard program), most programs adhere to strict weekly schedules
that students must keep pace with. Many courses require students to log
onto webinar programs, where they can communicate with their peers.
List of Common Bachelor of Science in Database Management Courses
Because programs in database management are concentrations of B.S.
degrees, many course offerings are common to multiple fields of
information technology.
Database Systems Course
Students in an online course in database systems use a relational
database system model to understand the design and management of many
types of database systems. Subject matter includes structured query
language (SQL), data definition language, relational theory, query
optimization and sequences. Students often are required to design and
construct their own functioning database systems.
Database Applications Course
An online course in database applications involves the study of the
basic structure of databases, including forms, menus, tables, queries
and reports. Students learn about the integration of these fundamental
concepts in larger Web-based applications.
Systems Analysis Course
This course teaches students to determine the requirements of a
business' information management system. Through the construction and
maintenance of various software systems, students utilize different
analysis techniques to determine the optimal database configuration for
various users.
Database systems exist in almost every industry. Consequently, there are many career opportunities in information technology,
database administration,
network administration and other related fields. Students who complete a
B.S. in Database Management program are qualified for many entry-level
occupations, including software developer, database administrator,
network administrator or database administrator. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a
database administrator was $71,550 in May 2009 (
www.bls.gov). In addition, employment of database administrators was projected to rise by 20% between 2008 and 2018.
An online Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Information Systems
with a concentration in database technology prepares students to
maintain, administer, analyze and design database systems on a large
scale. Students learn to implement their thorough knowledge of
information management systems within a business-oriented framework.
Prospective students typically must hold a bachelor's degree with an
established minimum grade-point average, and, in some cases, they must
take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or a similar test.
The range of credit hours needed to complete an online M.S. in
Database Technology program varies greatly, from 32-48. Programs are
available completely online; however, some schools allow students to
combine online courses with traditional face-to-face courses in a hybrid
curriculum. Through the use of a Web browser and the Blackboard Vista
system, students can access online course material, which typically
consists of lecture videos, PowerPoint animations and discussion forums.
Many institutions prepare students with the self-discipline and time
management skills needed for online learning through orientation
sessions prior to enrollment.
List of Common Online Courses in a Master of Science in Database Technology Degree Program
Advanced Database Systems Course
Students in an online course in advanced database systems study the
design, implementation and management of various relational database
models. Topics in SQL, data recovery, indexing, concurrency control and
database management are studied, in addition to current issues in
database systems.
Advanced Database Management Course
An online course in advanced database management focuses extensively
on advanced SQL, extensible markup and stylesheet languages, query
optimization and object-relational databases. Students are often
required to complete an original term project that displays a thorough
implementation of the wide range of topics covered in this course.
Data Mining Course
This online course in data mining teaches concepts in the
application, techniques and archetypes of data mining. Topics include
data preprocessing, decision trees, clustering, data cleaning and
association rule mining.
Students who graduate with an M.S. in Database Technology are
prepared for a wide spectrum of positions within the computer science
field, most notably that of database administrator. As of May 2009, the
annual median salary for this position was $74,290, with a range from
$41,000 to $114,000, according to BLS statistics. While database
administrators are in demand in many industries, the highest salaries in
2009 were paid in the rail transportation, banking, chemical, natural
gas and securities sectors.
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