Best Master's in Database Management

Founded in 1819, UVA is a public research institution in Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA accepts applicants based on academic merit, covering 100% of financial need and limiting excessive student debt.

MS in Data Science

UVA's MS in data science covers data collection, data management, and data interpretation. Students can customize the program to fit their needs by choosing electives that focus on data management.

The 32-credit degree takes five semesters to complete. Students can attend the program completely online or in person. The curriculum includes classes like big data systems, data visualization, Bayesian machine learning, and foundations of computer science. The program requires a two-semester, team-based capstone project.

Applying to UVA

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and completion of four prerequisite courses. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Tuition: $1,337/credit
• Program Length: 5 semesters
• Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous) or on-campus
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 25%

A public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U-M offers more than 275 degrees, including 102 graduate programs. More than 900 students participate in U-M athletics, and the school has 29 NCAA Division I teams.

Data Science Master's

U-M ranks among the top colleges for a master's in data management. Students can customize U-M's data science master's program to concentrate on data management courses. Administered by the College of Literature, Science & the Arts, the program emphasizes training in computational and statistical skills. 

The collaborative degree includes instruction from Computer Science and Engineering, the Department of Statistics, the School of Information, and the Department of Biostatistics. The curriculum lists classes like database management systems, advanced database systems, statistical inference, and computing with big data. Students also complete a capstone. 

Prerequisites include college calculus, introduction to computing, and linear or matrix algebra.

Applying to U-M

Application requirements include transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a personal statement. Prospective students also must submit a resume and application fee. The program does not require the GRE.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $1,730 (in state); $3,132 (out of state)
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 29%

USC is a private research university founded in 1880 and located in Los Angeles. The school's 4,000 faculty members include five Nobel laureates and winners of the MacArthur Genius Grant, the National Medal of Science and Pulitzer Prize.

Master of Science in Business Analytics

USC's Marshall School of Business offers an MS in business analytics that combines computer science, business strategy, statistics, and machine learning. Students develop skills in programming, optimization, statistics, and machine learning.

The program emphasizes project-based learning and real-world business problems. Classes include SQL databases for business analysts, communication for management, NoSQL databases in big data, and an internship. The 33-credit degree takes three full-time semesters to complete.

USC offers the program on campus, but students who reside in California can complete the degree online starting in fall 2022.

Applying to USC

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA. The program prefers applicants with a few years of work experience and does not require the GRE or GMAT. 

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $69,036 total
• Program Length: 3 semesters
• Delivery Format: 100% online for students who reside in California or on-campus
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 26%

A private Ivy League university founded by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. Penn enrolls around 20,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Committed to a diverse community, Penn increased the number of underrepresented faculty to 46% since 2019.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Data Science

Penn's School of Engineering & Applied Science offers an MSE in data science. The curriculum explores topics like machine learning, statistics, and big data analytics. Learners can use their electives to focus on database management topics.

The program requires 10 courses and typically takes 1.5-2 full-time years to complete. Students may also pursue the degree part time. Classes include accelerated regression analysis, data and analysis for marketing decisions, sample survey methods, and observational studies. The School of Engineering & Applied Science offers a limited number of research and teaching assistant positions for master's students.

Applying to Penn

Applicants must submit a personal statement, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial college transcripts. The program also requires a $90 application fee and official GRE scores. GRE scores are optional for 2022/2023 applicants.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $7,328/course 
• Program Length: 1.5-2 years
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 13%

A private university in Boston, Massachusetts, BU welcomes more than 33,500 students from over 130 countries. The school offers 300 programs at its three campuses.

MS in Computer Information Systems, Database Management & Business Intelligence Concentration

BU's database management master's program prepares graduates for IT leadership roles like database and knowledge modeler and business intelligence analyst. The MS in computer information systems with a concentration in database management and business intelligence offers on-campus, online, and hybrid options. The program features 17 core faculty members.

The 40-credit master's program accepts part-time and full-time learners and takes 12-20 months to complete. The curriculum includes classes like data mining, advanced database management, introduction to probability and statistics, and database security. Students develop skills designing and implementing operational databases, data mining, and data warehousing.

Applying to BU

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program does not require the GRE or GMAT. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume, and transcripts.

Program at a Glance

• Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $29,280/semester
• Program Length: 12-20 months
• Delivery Format: 100% online, on-campus, or hybrid
• Percentage Awarded Loans: 31%