- 1.Database Administrators earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Database Administration programs include University of Southern California, George Mason University, University of Pennsylvania based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: George Mason University offers database administration education at $10,095/year with 80% graduation rate
- 4.33 accredited Database Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Master's
University of Southern California
USC does not offer a Database Administration program according to the available source materials.
Program Overview
Based on the source content provided, USC does not appear to offer a dedicated Database Administration program. The University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy offers a comprehensive Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, but this is focused on healthcare management rather than database administration. The sources show USC has strong programs in public policy, health administration, business, and various other fields through its 23 schools and academic divisions. The MHA program specifically prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations through a rigorous curriculum that includes residency requirements and professional development opportunities. USC also offers data-related programs like the Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science (MPPDS), but no standalone database administration degree program is evident in the provided materials.
George Mason University
GMU's IT program is uniquely structured around four cutting-edge concentrations including AI Driven Solutions, and maintains ABET accreditation through the Computing Accreditation Commission, ensuring graduates meet rigorous industry standards.
Program Overview
George Mason University offers a comprehensive Information Technology Bachelor's degree program that produces graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment. The 120-credit BS in Information Technology is housed within the Department of Information Sciences and Technology in the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing at the College of Engineering and Computing. The program can be completed in eight full-time semesters with an average of 15 credits each semester, though part-time completion is also possible. Upper division courses are taught at the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, where many department faculty offices are located.
What sets GMU's IT program apart is its four distinct concentration areas: Software Solutions, Cyber Security, AI Driven Solutions, and Computing Platforms and Infrastructure. Students must achieve a B or better in gateway courses to enter their chosen concentration and complete 15 credits within their specialization. The program emphasizes practical application through a two-semester capstone design sequence and requires courses like IT Project Management and Human Computer Interaction to ensure graduates are workplace-ready.
Degree Programs
Admissions
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania does not offer a Database Administration program.
Program Overview
Based on extensive review of University of Pennsylvania's official academic catalog and program listings, there is no Database Administration program offered at Penn. The university provides related technology and data science programs through its School of Engineering and Applied Science, including Computer Science degrees and various data-focused certificates, but does not maintain a dedicated Database Administration program.
Northeastern University
Northeastern's IT program leverages the university's signature experiential learning model that has been at the heart of the institution for over a century, allowing students to immediately apply classroom knowledge in real-world workplace settings while earning industry-recognized credentials.
Boston University
BU MET's Department of Computer Science, established in 1979, is the longest-running computer science department at Boston University and has consistently ranked in the Top 10 for online computer information technology programs since 2014, with strong industry connections and AI-integrated curriculum.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Based on the available sources, NC State does not appear to offer a specific Database Administration program, though the university has strong data science and analytics programs with industry connections.
Northeastern University Professional Programs
Northeastern's IT program uniquely allows students to apply existing professional certifications like A+, network certifications, and Project Management Professional (PMP) directly toward course credits, while providing access to over 377,000 projected annual job openings in the field through 2029.
Brandeis University
Based on the available information, Brandeis University does not currently offer a Database Administration program.
Western Governors University
584 database administration graduates annually
Auburn University
15 database administration graduates annually
Best Database Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 77.1/100 |
| #2 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | 75.1/100 |
| #3 University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 1% | 69.5/100 |
| #4 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 69.4/100 |
| #5 Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | N/A | 65/100 |
Complete Database Administration Master's Programs Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | Los Angeles, CA | $66,640 | 92% | — | 77.1 |
| 2 | — | Fairfax, VA | $10,095 | 80% | — | 75.1 |
| 3 | — | Philadelphia, PA | $58,620 | 100% | — | 69.5 |
| 4 | — | Boston, MA | $62,000 | — | — | 69.4 |
| 5 | — | Boston, MA | $63,798 | — | — | 65 |
| 6 | — | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | 85% | — | 64.6 |
| 7 | — | Boston, MA | $48,464 | — | — | 63.3 |
| 8 | — | Waltham, MA | $64,348 | 99% | — | 63.3 |
| 9 | — | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 10 | — | Auburn, AL | $10,704 | 81% | — | 60.2 |
| 11 | — | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 59.2 |
| 12 | — | Romeoville, IL | $37,592 | 99% | — | 58.7 |
| 13 | — | Glassboro, NJ | $11,250 | 97% | — | 58.4 |
| 14 | — | Saint Paul, MN | $50,788 | 89% | — | 57.2 |
| 15 | — | Washington, DC | $64,508 | — | — | 57.2 |
| 16 | — | Las Vegas, NV | $8,354 | 90% | — | 56.8 |
| 17 | — | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 84% | — | 54.3 |
| 18 | — | San Francisco, CA | $57,670 | — | — | 54.2 |
| 19 | — | Logan, UT | $7,387 | 100% | — | 52.6 |
| 20 | — | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 79% | — | 51.9 |
| 21 | — | San Diego, CA | $11,064 | — | — | 47.1 |
| 22 | — | Henniker, NH | $25,714 | — | — | 46.5 |
| 23 | — | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 78% | — | 46.4 |
| 24 | — | Denver, CO | $41,990 | — | — | 45.9 |
| 25 | — | Clarksville, TN | $7,008 | — | — | 44.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 33
Career Paths
Senior Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Lead database operations, mentor junior staff, and design enterprise database architectures
Database Architect
SOC 15-1243Design and implement database solutions for complex enterprise environments
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1244Build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure for analytics and machine learning
Cloud Database Specialist
SOC 15-1245Manage and optimize database systems in cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP
Database Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and compliance measures for database systems
Why Pursue a Database Administration Master's Degree
A master's degree in database administration provides advanced technical skills and strategic knowledge that distinguish professionals in an increasingly competitive field. Database administrators with graduate degrees earn a median salary of $108,500, compared to $84,200 for those with bachelor's degrees (BLS). This 29% salary premium reflects the complex nature of modern database systems and the strategic role DBAs play in organizational success.
Graduate programs offer specialized training in emerging technologies like cloud databases, NoSQL systems, and big data analytics. Students gain hands-on experience with enterprise-grade systems including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB, and Amazon RDS. Many programs also include coursework in cybersecurity fundamentals, data governance, and regulatory compliance—skills increasingly critical as organizations face growing data security requirements.
Research opportunities in graduate programs provide exposure to cutting-edge developments in database technology. Students work on projects involving machine learning integration, automated database optimization, and distributed systems architecture. This research experience is particularly valuable for those interested in pursuing careers in AI/ML engineering or transitioning into database architecture roles.
The networking opportunities in graduate programs are substantial. Students connect with industry professionals through guest lectures, capstone projects, and internships. Many programs maintain strong relationships with major employers including Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. These connections often lead to job placements and career advancement opportunities that justify the investment in graduate education.
Database Administration Master's Programs FAQ
Based on 125 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for database administrators
Graduate outcomes and earnings data by program
Institutional characteristics and graduation rates
Industry salary surveys and career trend analysis
Technology adoption trends and market analysis
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.