Best Bachelor's in Database Management

Updated October 19, 2023

Explore our list of the top bachelor's in database management programs for 2022 and learn why a data career might be right for you.

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Businesses rely on database administrators to capture and store vast amounts of data. These IT professionals design, program, and deploy databases to house and safeguard sensitive information. They also organize and maintain existing databases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% job growth for database administrators between 2020-2030.

A bachelor's in database management can provide the education and technical training needed for entry-level positions. According to the BLS, database administrators and architects made a median annual salary of $98,860 in 2020.

Students can earn a database management bachelor's online or on campus. Many schools offer majors or concentrations in data science, computer science, or information technology with database management coursework.

The following page ranks the five top bachelor's in database management. We also provide more information about each program and the major.

Top Online Bachelor's in Database Management Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Top 5 Database Management Bachelor's Degrees

This ranking helps simplify the search for the best database management bachelor's degrees. Our methodology looks at several factors, including academic quality and program availability. We retrieve this information from the National Center for Education Statistics, which analyzes and publishes education statistics in the United States.

#1 Best Bachelor’s in Database Management

Dordt University

  • Sioux Center, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt College is a Christian college enrolling about 1,500 students. Degree-seekers choose from 40 majors and 12 pre-professional programs. Students study in classrooms with a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. More than 90% of students live on campus. 

Bachelor's in Data Science

The computer science department administers the bachelor's degree in data science. Students learn how to work with and manage datasets. The curriculum blends computer science, statistics, and math courses. 

An introductory course explores information systems design, including SQL database access. 

Students complete required coursework in computer programming I and II, data structures, and database systems design. Enrollees can use an elective credit to learn network systems administration. Students can participate in research alongside faculty and build experience through internships.

The actuarial science and math clubs offer extracurricular activities. During monthly lunches, female students can engage with faculty and peers in computer science.

Applying to Dordt

Applicants need a minimum 2.25 high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. High school graduates should have completed a college preparation curriculum.

Program at a Glance

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $17,000/semester
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
  • Percentage Awarded Loans: 54%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,210
Out-of-state
$31,210
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,940
Out-of-state
$5,940
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
1,547
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Bachelor’s in Database Management

Aquinas College

  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Aquinas College is a private liberal arts college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Catholic school offers 100 majors and minors. Nontraditional learners choose from majors such as computer information systems and business administration.

BS in Data Analytics

The BS in data analytics teaches students basic computer programming skills and how to use analytics software. The major requires 47 credits that include management and marketing courses. Mathematics and statistics coursework helps develop the analytical thinking skills students need to address data analysis problems.

Students complete a lab that teaches basic database and file management functions. This includes tasks such as creating reports and retrieving database information. 

The database management degree teaches database theory and how to program data structures with C#. Students apply their data analytics skills during an optional internship and a required class project. 

Applying to AQ

Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and transcripts. Transfer applicants must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

Program at a Glance

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $552/credit
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
  • Percentage Awarded Loans: 51%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,256
Out-of-state
$33,256
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,674
Out-of-state
$10,674
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
1,600
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Bachelor’s in Database Management

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Michigan is one of the nation's top public colleges. The Ann Arbor school is a research powerhouse in various disciplines. U-M offers a comprehensive academic catalog, a strong athletics program, and an affordable education.

BSE/BS in Data Science

The BSE/BS in data science is a partnership program offered by the college of engineering (CoE) and college of literature, science, and the arts (LSA). CoE students earn a BSE in data science, while LSA students earn a BS in data science. 

Students complete required core courses in data mining, data structures, and algorithms. All students complete a data management and applications class. Students use elective credits to deepen their database management skills. 

Elective courses include database management systems, web archiving, information retrieval, and information visualization. The database management degree provides optional training in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Applying to U-M

Admission to the database management degree requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and college prep coursework.

Program at a Glance

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $16,000-$18,000/per year (in state); $53,000-$56,000/per year (out of state)
  • Program Length: 4 years 
  • Delivery Format: On campus
  • Percentage Awarded Loans: 29%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,212
Out-of-state
$52,669
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,890
Out-of-state
$48,204
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
23%
Students Enrolled
48,090
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
1% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Bachelor’s in Database Management

Northeastern University

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Northeastern University offers 90 majors and concentrations on the main campus in Boston and at regional campuses. The school emphasizes experiential learning that integrates classroom learning and the real world. Students can engage in work, research, and service across the globe.

BS in Data Science

Students complete the 130-semester BS in data science on the Boston campus. Enrollees study various aspects of data management such as collection, manipulation, and storage. Some of the courses provide hands-on experience with labs and clinicals. 

Participants learn how to program with C++. They study how to design databases, and explore the techniques used to design and implement efficient algorithms. A course focuses on large-scale information storage and retrieval. Two required courses develop students' machine learning and data mining skills. 

Enrollees can use elective credit to develop specialized skills such as data management in healthcare. A notable elective teaches students how to design, develop, and implement data-management solutions within an enterprise.

Applying to Northeastern

Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and optional SAT/ACT scores.

Program at a Glance

  • Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Tuition: $28,250/term
  • Program Length: 4-5 years
  • Delivery Format: On-campus
  • Percentage Awarded Loans: 33%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,420
Out-of-state
$52,420
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,793
Out-of-state
$24,793
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
18%
Students Enrolled
22,207
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Bachelor’s in Database Management

Florida Polytechnic University

  • Lakeland, FL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Florida Poly specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math programs. About 1,5000 students are enrolled in 31 programs of study. Undergraduates pursue degrees in majors like data science and business analytics. 

BS in Data Science

Students pursue the 120-credit BS in data science on campus in Lakeland. The degree provides broad training in computer science, statistics, data mining, and machine learning. Students learn how to program using Python. 

Advanced coursework covers computer networks, data structures and algorithms, and operations research. Enrollees choose one of four 12-credit concentrations in big data analytics, health systems engineering, intelligent mobility, or quantitative economics and econometrics. Students use elective credits to develop expertise in areas like AI and applied deep learning.

Students gain hands-on experience during an internship. They may also choose to conduct research alongside faculty. 

Applying to Florida Poly

Admission requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Applicants need at least 18 units of college prep coursework and submit SAT or ACT scores.

Program at a Glance

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Tuition: $105/credit (in state); $615/credit (out of state)
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
  • Percentage Awarded Loans: 24%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,152
Out-of-state
$3,152
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$6,930
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
1,336
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
3% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Computer Science Programs in the U.S

Alabama Louisiana Ohio
Alaska Maine Oklahoma
Arizona Maryland Oregon
Arkansas Massachusetts Pennsylvania
California Michigan Rhode Island
Colorado Minnesota South Carolina
Connecticut Mississippi South Dakota
Delaware Missouri Tennessee
Florida Montana Texas
Georgia Nebraska Utah
Hawaii Nevada Vermont
Idaho New Hampshire Virginia
Illinois New Jersey Washington
Indiana New Mexico West Virginia
Iowa New York Wisconsin
Kansas North Carolina Wyoming
Kentucky South Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor's in Database Management?

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in database management?

Full-time students can complete a bachelor's in database management in 3-4 years. However, some schools allow students to transfer lower-division credits and/or earn credit for work experience. This allows students to earn their degrees quicker.

What can you do with a bachelor's in database management?

Graduates have many career options in the database management field. They can pursue roles as database administrators or architects, database developers or programmers, computer network architects, or computer and information systems managers. A concentration may provide specialized training for careers in cybersecurity, health informatics, or business intelligence.

Is database management difficult?

Learners interested in this field must understand database languages such as structured query language (SQL), computer programming, architecture, and scripting. This profession requires strong attention to detail and solid problem-solving and analytical skills.

How do I become a database administrator?

A degree in database administration, information systems, or a related field, provides the training for this profession. Some schools offer a database management concentration or electives as part of a related major like data science.

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