Top 3 Database Administration Programs in Massachusetts
Northeastern University
Co-op program with database industry leaders including Oracle and Microsoft
Boston University
Strong industry partnerships and 95% job placement rate within 6 months
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Project-based learning with real database implementation experience
- 1.Massachusetts hosts 18 programs offering database administration specializations with average starting salaries of $78,500 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 2.Database administrator employment in Massachusetts is projected to grow 8% through 2032, faster than the national average
- 3.Boston area programs offer superior internship opportunities with tech companies like Raytheon, Liberty Mutual, and State Street
- 4.Average tuition for in-state database programs ranges from $14,890 to $59,816 annually
- 5.97% of Massachusetts DBA graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation
Why Study Database Administration in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks among the top states for database administration education and career opportunities. The state's technology sector contributes over $39 billion annually to the economy, creating strong demand for skilled database professionals (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative).
Database administrators in Massachusetts earn an average salary of $98,750, which is 23% higher than the national average of $80,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Boston metro area alone employs over 3,200 database administrators across industries including healthcare, finance, and technology.
Major employers in the state include Liberty Mutual, State Street Corporation, Raytheon Technologies, and numerous healthcare organizations like Partners HealthCare. These companies actively recruit from local programs and offer competitive internship opportunities. Students also benefit from Massachusetts' position as a hub for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data science, creating cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.
- Access to Fortune 500 companies and tech startups for internships
- Strong alumni networks in major technology centers
- High concentration of research hospitals and medical centers requiring database expertise
- Proximity to venture capital firms funding database technology startups
- Active professional organizations like Boston Database Professionals Network
Massachusetts Database Administration Programs Ranked
| Program | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University | MS Information Systems | $58,720 | 9100% | $89,500 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Boston University | MS Computer Information Systems | $59,816 | 8800% | $86,200 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | MS Data Science | $56,512 | 9300% | $84,750 | 89.5 |
| 4 | University of Massachusetts Boston | MS Information Technology | $14,890 | 7600% | $78,900 | 87.3 |
| 5 | Bentley University | MS Information Design & Management | $52,608 | 8500% | $82,100 | 85.7 |
| 6 | Suffolk University | MS Computer Science | $46,094 | 7900% | $79,200 | 83.2 |
| 7 | Bridgewater State University | MS Computer Science | $12,830 | 7100% | $74,500 | 81.5 |
| 8 | Fitchburg State University | MS Applied Computer Science | $11,718 | 6800% | $72,300 | 78.9 |
Database Administration Curriculum in Massachusetts Programs
Massachusetts database administration programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Core curriculum typically covers database design, SQL programming, data warehousing, and security protocols. Most programs require 36-42 credit hours and can be completed in 18-24 months for full-time students.
Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms including Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Advanced coursework covers emerging areas like cloud database management with AWS and Azure platforms, NoSQL databases, and big data technologies like Hadoop and Spark.
- Database Design and Modeling - Entity-relationship diagrams, normalization, schema design
- SQL Programming and Optimization - Advanced queries, stored procedures, performance tuning
- Database Security - Access controls, encryption, compliance frameworks like GDPR
- Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence - ETL processes, OLAP systems, reporting tools
- Cloud Database Technologies - Amazon RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL
- Big Data and Analytics - Hadoop ecosystem, NoSQL databases, data mining techniques
Many programs offer specialization tracks aligned with career goals. Popular concentrations include healthcare informatics, financial systems, and cybersecurity applications. Capstone projects typically involve designing and implementing a complete database solution for a real client or research initiative.
Career Paths
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Design, implement, and maintain database systems for organizations
Data Architect
SOC 15-1243Design data management systems and database architecture
Database Developer
SOC 15-1252Create database applications and optimize database performance
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect database systems and ensure data security compliance
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators occupation profile
Admission Requirements for Massachusetts DBA Programs
Admission requirements vary by program level and institution, but most Massachusetts database administration programs expect a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science. Bachelor's degree programs typically require high school completion with recommended coursework in mathematics, computer science, and statistics.
Master's programs generally require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While not always required, an undergraduate background in computer science, information systems, or mathematics strengthens applications. Some programs accept students from other disciplines but may require prerequisite coursework.
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution (for master's programs)
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs require 3.2+)
- GRE scores (waived by some programs for experienced professionals)
- Two professional or academic references
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals
- Resume highlighting relevant work or project experience
- Prerequisite coursework in programming, mathematics, or statistics (varies by program)
Many programs offer conditional admission for students lacking technical prerequisites, allowing completion of foundation courses during the first semester. Working professionals often benefit from evening or online program options that accommodate full-time employment schedules.
Financial Aid Options for Database Administration Students
Massachusetts offers numerous financial aid opportunities for database administration students. State residents benefit from in-state tuition rates at public universities, with programs like UMass Boston offering master's degrees for under $15,000 annually. Graduate students may qualify for research or teaching assistantships that provide tuition waivers plus stipends.
Federal financial aid through FAFSA includes Pell Grants for undergraduate students and federal student loans for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Massachusetts also offers state-specific aid programs including the MASSGrant for undergraduate students and various merit-based scholarships.
Technology companies in Massachusetts frequently sponsor employee education through tuition reimbursement programs. Companies like Liberty Mutual, Raytheon, and numerous healthcare organizations offer educational benefits covering up to 100% of tuition costs for relevant degree programs.
- Graduate research assistantships with tuition waivers ($15,000-$25,000 annual stipends)
- Teaching assistantships for qualified students with prior experience
- Industry scholarships from organizations like Women in Technology International
- Employer tuition reimbursement (many local companies offer this benefit)
- Federal work-study programs for part-time employment during studies
- Professional organization scholarships from groups like DAMA Boston
Northeastern University
Boston, MA • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary of $89,500 for recent graduates
- • 91% graduation rate, well above national averages
- • Active partnerships with 200+ technology employers in Greater Boston
Program Strengths
- Six-month co-op experiences with Oracle, Microsoft, and other database industry leaders
- Access to state-of-the-art database labs with enterprise-level software and hardware
- Faculty with active industry consulting experience and research partnerships
- Strong alumni network including senior database architects at major Boston companies
- Flexible program delivery with evening and weekend options for working professionals
Why Ranked #1
Northeastern's Master of Science in Information Systems with database concentration leads our rankings due to its exceptional co-op program, industry partnerships, and 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Student Reviews
"The co-op program was invaluable - I worked at State Street's data architecture team and received a full-time offer before graduation."
— Maria C., Class of 2024
"Faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom. My database optimization course directly applied to my work at Liberty Mutual."
— James R., Evening Program Student
Based on 18 programs from Analysis of 18 Massachusetts programs using IPEDS, College Scorecard, and employer survey data
Percentage of graduates employed within 6 months
Average starting salaries for program graduates
Comprehensiveness and industry relevance of coursework
Internship programs and employer relationships
Industry experience and research contributions
Graduate surveys and program reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Database Administration Programs by Massachusetts Region
Greater Boston Area
Central Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts
Next Steps to Start Your Database Administration Career
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for your target programs. Most require a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.0 GPA. Consider completing prerequisite coursework in programming or statistics if needed.
Prepare Application Materials
Gather transcripts, write your statement of purpose, and secure recommendation letters. Strong applications highlight any relevant technical experience, even from other fields.
Apply for Financial Aid
Submit FAFSA forms and research assistantship opportunities. Many students reduce costs through employer tuition reimbursement or graduate assistantships.
Build Technical Foundation
Start learning SQL and basic database concepts through free resources like SQLBolt or Khan Academy. This preparation will help you succeed in your program.
Network with Professionals
Join professional organizations like DAMA Boston or attend local tech meetups. Building industry connections early can lead to internship and job opportunities.
Explore Related Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Salary and employment data for database administrators
Graduate outcomes and institutional data
Program enrollment and graduation statistics
State technology industry economic impact data
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.