Online Database Design Degree Program Information

Bachelor's and master's degree programs in information technology prepare students for careers in database design, software design and securities analysis. For distance-learners, programs are available online.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Database Design Overview

A Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology prepares students to work growing field of information technology. Database design is one component of a comprehensive education in computer technology that covers a number of topics, such as software development, information technology security systems, website design and operating systems. The majority of coursework focuses on subjects specific to information technology

Program Information and Requirements

A bachelor's degree program typically takes 4 years to complete. Students interested in distance learning are generally able to complete the degree program online while working at their own pace. Instructors use audio and video presentations, online discussion boards and podcasts to create a virtual learning environment. Students will need a computer with high-speed Internet access. Some classes may require special software.

List of Courses in Database Design at the Bachelor Level

Students at the undergraduate level receive a thorough introduction to information technology fundamentals, Web development, systems administration and databases. Students will also learn to detect and resolve technical issues, become familiar with current market trends and be able to work with complex information technology systems. The curriculum is highly specialized, designed specifically to prepare students to work in the popular field of information technology.

Current Network Design Course

Students are introduced to the concepts behind modern network design. Topics of special interest include the OSI model and the wired and wireless transmission of data, network topologies, access methods, basic network operating system administration and various troubleshooting methods.

Computers and Human Interaction Course

Human computer interaction is the focus of this course. Students study the basic practices, theories and guidelines of how to make computer programs user friendly. Other topics covered include development methodologies, evaluation techniques, task analysis and prototyping.

Designing Databases Course

Students study advanced concepts of database design and database security. Students use SQL to practice designing and creating databases, with a focus on how to make them secure and able to meet the needs of large businesses.

Career Information

Graduates of a bachelor's degree program in information technology will be successful at a variety of jobs, such as software developer and programmer, web designer, security and networking officer, coding executive and database administrator.
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in August of 2010 that job prospects are excellent and expects a 17% increase in employment for computer and information systems managers from 2008-2018. Similar increases are expected in the related fields of computer systems analyst, database administrators and computer support specialists. In August of 2010, Salary.com reported that software developers earn $45,000-$66,000 annually and database administrators earn $64,000-$107,000 per year.

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Online Master's Degree Programs in Database Design Overview

For higher level or management positions in information technology, a Master of Science in Information Technology is generally preferred. A master's degree program in information technology continues to build upon fundamentals learned in at the undergraduate level, such as database design, computer data security systems, website design and current operating systems. At the graduate level, students are generally able to choose an area of concentration. Online programs can usually be completed in 2-3 years.

Program Information and Requirements

Students have the option to focus on database design at an advanced level , while still deepening their knowledge in other areas of information technology. The curriculum at the master's level is highly specialized and designed to prepare students for careers in information technology. Distance-learning students are generally able to complete the master's degree program entirely online.

List of Courses in Database Design at the Master's Level

Students continue to master useful skills, such as data modeling, data backup and recovery, programming, data warehousing and performance tuning. As the master's level, the curriculum is generally completely comprised of specialized courses in computer and information technology.

Information Systems on the Internet Course

Students decipher and study the complexities of Web enabled information systems. Topics of interest include design and programming principles, security issues, organizational issues in Web applications, current market realities and retention of data integrity. Students are introduced to new software and design tools.

Basics of Data Backup and Recovery Course

Students receive a comprehensive education in the principles of data backup and recovery. Topics of special interest include the designing and implementing of a disaster plan, performing incomplete and complete data recoveries with available software and the setting up of a standby database.

Essential Security Measures for Information Systems Course

This course focuses on the ten basic principles of information system security and assurance as set forth by the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) convention. Students cover security laws and regulations, effective security policies, system access controls, network security, encryption and current security models. Other topics include detecting computer crime, responding to and preventing security breaches.

Career Information

Graduates of a master's degree program are equipped to take on high-level, management and supervisory roles in information technology. Graduates can be employed by a company, or choose to be an independent consultant. In August 2010, Salary.com reported the average annual income of database administration manager to be $82,000-$131,000. The average annual income of an information technology manager was reported to be $77,000-$141,000.

Continuing Education

Some students enter in doctoral degree programs in information technology. While a Ph.D. in Information Technology is not necessary for employment in the business world, it is a popular degree for those looking to teach at the collegiate level. For those not wanting to enter a doctoral program, but interested in education enhancement, post-graduate certificates are available.