Best Database Administration Master's Programs 2026

Best Database Administration Programs - Top 10 Master's — Complete Program Data

1. #1. University of Southern California

   Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 77.1

   What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC does not offer a Database Administration program according to the available source materials.

   Hakia Insight: University of Southern California graduates earn $145,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database administration curriculum.

   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.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); BS in Computer Science (Games) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)

   Research Labs: Information Sciences Institute (ISI) - Computer and information sciences research; Institute for Creative Technologies - Virtual reality and simulation; USC Graphics Lab - Computer graphics and animation; Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center - Robotics and AI

   Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, Qualcomm, Raytheon

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 92% | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Disney, Qualcomm, SpaceX | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Data Scientist, Research Engineer, Technical Program Manager

   Notable Faculty: Maja Matarić (Robotics and AI); Hao Li (Computer graphics); Jernej Barbič (Computer graphics)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited, WASC accredited

2. #2. George Mason University

   Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 80% | Score: 75.1

   What makes George Mason University stand out: 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: BS in Information Technology (4 years)

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Business Analytics Specialist, Business Management Analyst/Consultant, Business Technology Associate, Cloud Computing Specialist, Computer Programmer, Computer Security Analyst, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, Database Designer and Developer, Information Systems Manager, Information Technology Project Manager, Network Analyst, Systems Analyst

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum GPA required for change of major to Information Technology

3. #3. University of Pennsylvania

   Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,620/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 69.5

   What makes University of Pennsylvania stand out: 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.

   Admissions:

4. #4. Northeastern University

   Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 69.4

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's partnerships with Amazon and Apple translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Northeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a STEM-designated program delivered through the College of Professional Studies, designed with working professionals and career changers in mind. The program builds comprehensive IT expertise through a challenge-based, experiential learning model that emphasizes hands-on skills in programming, database management, networking, cybersecurity, and systems administration. Students can pursue optional concentrations in Analytics, Applications Development, Computer Science, or Systems Administration and Cybersecurity, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals. The program is available both on-campus in Boston and fully online, with flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options and multiple start terms throughout the year. What sets this program apart is its practical approach to learning—students can apply existing industry certifications like A+, network certifications, and PMP toward course credits, and the curriculum reinforces core business competencies including project management and communications that IT professionals need to succeed in modern workplaces.

   Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years)

   Research Labs: Data Lab @ Northeastern - Data management and database systems research; Data Visualization Group - Information visualization and data representation; Databases (DATA Lab) - Database systems and data management; Network Science Institute - Network analysis and complex systems; Northeastern University Visualization Consortium (NUVis) - Data visualization research and applications

   Industry Partners: Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, Fraunhofer USA, Wayfair, Roku, IBM, Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co, LLC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Natixis Investment Managers, State Street Global Services, McKinsey & Company, Inc.

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, IBM, Wayfair, McKinsey & Company | Common Roles: Data Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Database Administrator, Data Scientist

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Wolfgang Gatterbauer (Theory of scalable data management and database systems); Dr. Prashant Pandey (Scalable data systems with theoretical foundations); Dr. Mirek Riedewald (Scalable data management and analysis techniques); Dr. Usama Fayyad (Data science, machine learning, AI, and data mining); Dr. Albert-László Barabási (Network science and complex systems)

   Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum university requirement

5. #5. Boston University

   Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $63,798/year | Score: 65.0

   What makes Boston University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Boston University's Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with MITRE Corporation, bridging academic research and industry practice.

   Program Overview: Boston University's MS in Computer Information Systems with a Database Management & Business Intelligence concentration offers a comprehensive 32-unit program that bridges technical expertise with business acumen. Available online, on-campus, or in blended format through BU's Metropolitan College, the program can be completed in 8-16 months and has maintained a Top 10 ranking since 2014. Students gain hands-on experience with Oracle SQL and leading DBMS tools while developing skills in data warehousing, data mining, and business intelligence technologies. The curriculum emphasizes AI-integrated approaches to database design and implementation, preparing graduates for roles as database administrators, business intelligence analysts, and data architects. With a 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio and 19 core faculty, the program combines rigorous technical training with practical application through case studies and real-world projects.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) - System reliability and information security research with collaboration opportunities for students; Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering - Advanced computing and computational science research

   Industry Partners: MITRE Corporation

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

6. #6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

   Location: Raleigh, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,535/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Score: 64.6

   What makes North Carolina State University at Raleigh stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn $97,604, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database administration curriculum.

   Program Overview: I was unable to find specific information about a Database Administration program at North Carolina State University at Raleigh in the provided sources. The sources contain extensive information about NC State's academic programs, including computer science, information technology, and data science programs, but do not reference a dedicated Database Administration program. NC State offers related programs such as Applied Mathematics with a Mathematical Foundations of Data Science concentration, an Analytics MS program, and various computer science and information technology degrees through the College of Engineering and College of Sciences. The university also has data science initiatives and research centers that work with large-scale data management and analytics.

   Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years)

   Research Labs: Bioinformatics Research Center - Development and implementation of methods for management and interpretation of genomic data

   Industry Partners: Senior Design Center industrial sponsors

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Ensono, Genesis10, Robert Half, GovCIO, State of North Carolina | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Lead Database Administrator, Database Administrator/Developer, SQL Server Database Administrator, Oracle Database Administrator

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET

7. #7. Northeastern University Professional Programs

   Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $48,464/year | Score: 63.3

   What makes Northeastern University Professional Programs stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University Professional Programs's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Northeastern University's database administration program is primarily offered through their comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, which includes a specialized concentration in Systems Administration and Cybersecurity that encompasses database administration skills. This STEM-designated program combines challenge-based, experiential learning with hands-on technical training in database administration, network security, computer forensics, and software engineering. Students can pursue the degree full-time or part-time, with classes available in Boston, online, or in hybrid format. The program leverages Northeastern's signature cooperative education model, allowing students to gain real-world experience while building valuable industry connections from the university's extensive global alumni network.

   Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Systems Administration and Cybersecurity Concentration (4 years)

   Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft, IBM

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

8. #8. Brandeis University

   Location: Waltham, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,348/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 63.3

   What makes Brandeis University stand out: Based on the available information, Brandeis University does not currently offer a Database Administration program.

   Hakia Insight: Boston biotech corridor

   Program Overview: After thoroughly reviewing the available source content from Brandeis University's official websites, I could not locate any specific information about a Database Administration program at Brandeis. The university's comprehensive program listings include various technology-related degrees such as Applied Mathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computer Science within their School of Science, Engineering and Technology, as well as numerous online programs through the Rabb School for Continuing Studies. However, no dedicated Database Administration program appears in their current academic offerings. Brandeis operates as a medium-sized private research university with a 235-acre campus in the Boston suburbs, offering rigorous programs that combine liberal arts education with professional preparation across four schools.

   Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science (database systems concentration) (2 years)

   Research Labs: Brandeis High Performance Computing Facility - Large-scale data systems and computational infrastructure

   Industry Partners: Boston's biotech and financial services sector

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Infrastructure Engineer, Systems Engineer

   Admissions:

9. #9. Western Governors University

   Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,710/year | Score: 62.8

   What makes Western Governors University stand out: WGU's competency-based model and integrated DBA mentorship allow working professionals to advance into database administration roles at their own pace while immediately applying learning to current employment.

   Hakia Insight: Western Governors University's partnerships with Oracle and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: WGU's database administration program thrives on competency-based learning, allowing self-paced progression through demonstrated mastery rather than seat time—a model particularly attractive to working professionals seeking credential advancement without disrupting careers. The curriculum covers both traditional RDBMS administration and emerging NoSQL technologies, with intentional scaffolding toward industry certifications like Oracle, SQL Server, and CompTIA Security+. What sets WGU apart is the integrated mentorship model: students work directly with practicing DBAs throughout their program, gaining real-time guidance on current industry challenges and best practices. The program's online-native design means students engage with current case studies and real data management scenarios rather than hypothetical exercises, and many students report that they're applying classroom concepts to their current jobs within weeks of enrollment. For those seeking accelerated pathways into DBA roles or career transitions, WGU's flexible structure removes traditional barriers.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Database Administration

   Industry Partners: Oracle, Microsoft

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: Oracle Certified Associate Database Administrator, Microsoft SQL Server certifications, CompTIA Security+

10. #10. Auburn University

    Location: Auburn, AL | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,704/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 60.2

    What makes Auburn University stand out: Auburn's program stands out for embedding enterprise database administration within a systems-first curriculum that prioritizes hands-on lab experience with production technologies.

    Hakia Insight: Auburn University's partnerships with Microsoft and Boeing translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

    Program Overview: Auburn's database administration coursework flows from one of the Southeast's most research-intensive computer science departments, where students gain exposure to both enterprise database management and advanced topics like distributed systems and data-intensive computing. The program distinguishes itself through heavy emphasis on database optimization, query performance tuning, and large-scale data infrastructure—areas where Auburn faculty conduct active research alongside industry collaborations. Students benefit from Auburn's strong ties to manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive sectors, industries that depend critically on robust data management and real-time analytics; internship and job placement pipelines into these verticals are notably strong. The curriculum balances core DBA skills (backup/recovery, security, administration) with deeper coursework in database design and implementation, appealing to students aiming for architect-level or specialized roles rather than purely operational positions. Auburn's location in East-Central Alabama places graduates within reasonable reach of major tech employers across the Southeast, though the university's national reputation also feeds recruiting from companies nationwide. Faculty research in databases and data systems creates opportunities for undergraduates to contribute to real projects, lending resume credentials that matter in competitive hiring. Outcomes data shows consistent placement of graduates into six-figure database roles at Fortune 500 companies and leading tech firms.

    Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Database Systems track) (4 years); Information Systems Management Major (4 years); Information Systems Management Minor; Master of Science in Information Systems; Master of Science in Information Systems—Online; Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Management; PhD in Business—Concentration in ISMN

    Research Labs: Auburn Cyber Research Center - Cybersecurity and secure data systems

    Industry Partners: Microsoft, Boeing, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Database Engineer, Data Infrastructure Specialist

    Notable Faculty: Dr. Uzma Raja (Department Chair of Business Analytics and Information Systems)

    Admissions:

    Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science)