Best Database Management Degree Programs

Best Database Management Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data

1. #1. University of Southern California Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #1 in database management degree program. 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's approach uniquely integrates database management within a comprehensive data science framework, allowing students to 'live in the data' through hands-on experiences while leveraging USC's position in Los Angeles for access to entertainment, tech, and aerospace industries.

   Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Boeing and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.

   Program Overview: USC's database management education is primarily delivered through the Master of Science in Applied Data Science program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, a comprehensive 32-unit program designed to train students with diverse backgrounds to become skilled data scientists. The program features core coursework in DSCI 551 (Foundations of Data Management), alongside machine learning and data mining foundations, providing students with essential database skills integrated within a broader data science curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience with both traditional databases and big data infrastructure, learning to write data science programs in Python while applying these skills to real-world challenges through an extensive elective track and unique professional practicum. The program is available both on-campus and through USC's DEN@Viterbi online platform, offering the same rigorous academic experience with flexible delivery options for working professionals.

   Degree Programs: MS in Applied Data Science (2 years)

   Research Labs: Information Laboratory (InfoLab) - Data management, information systems, and database technologies; Data Science Lab - Applied data science techniques and big data infrastructure; Intelligence and Knowledge Discovery (INK) Research Lab - Knowledge extraction and data mining from large databases

   Industry Partners: Boeing, Amazon, Deloitte

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Boeing, Chevron Corporation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Deloitte, eBay, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Nike, Northrop Grumman | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Engineer, Business Analyst

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: STEM OPT extension eligible for international students

2. #2. George Mason University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #2 in database management degree program. Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 80% | Score: 75.1

   What makes George Mason University stand out: Mason's approach uniquely integrates database management with scientific modeling and simulation, preparing graduates specifically for the federal sector and high-tech firms that require both database expertise and scientific computing skills.

   Hakia Insight: George Mason University's direct partnerships with Federal agencies and High technology firms give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   Program Overview: George Mason University does not offer a standalone Database Management program, but instead integrates database technologies through its comprehensive Computational and Data Sciences offerings. The crown jewel is the BS in Computational and Data Sciences, housed in the College of Science, which provides rigorous training in scientific data management, database systems, and data mining. This STEM-designated interdisciplinary program uniquely combines real-world computer science skills with data acquisition, analysis, and scientific modeling. The program stands out with its transformative approach that addresses the central role of computation in 'big data,' modeling, and simulation. Students master core technologies through courses like CDS 302 Scientific Data and Databases and CDS 303 Scientific Data Mining, while gaining hands-on experience with scientific information visualization and high-performance computing. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the increasingly important scientific simulation and data analysis groups in federal agencies, public sector organizations, and high-technology firms.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computational and Data Sciences (4 years); BS/MS Accelerated in Computational Science (5 years); Data Science Graduate Certificate (1-2 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine - Computational analysis of large biological datasets; Microbiome Analysis Center - Database management for microbiome research

   Industry Partners: Federal agencies, High technology firms

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Scientific Data Analyst, Database Administrator for Research, Computational Scientist, Federal Data Systems Specialist

   Notable Faculty: undefined (Scientific data visualization and database systems); undefined (Computational science programming and scientific databases)

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for accelerated programs

   Accreditations: CAHIIM, CEPH, STEM-designated

3. #3. Northeastern University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #3 in database management degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 69.7

   What makes Northeastern University stand out: Northeastern's database management education is uniquely integrated across multiple colleges through interdisciplinary programs, combining 115 years of cooperative education experience with hands-on database work at companies like Google, Amazon, and major financial institutions through the renowned co-op program.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University's industry network — including Google and Amazon — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

   Program Overview: Northeastern University doesn't offer a standalone Database Management program, but instead integrates database technologies into several interdisciplinary data-focused programs. The flagship Master of Science in Data Science, offered jointly by the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and College of Engineering, provides comprehensive database management training within a broader data science curriculum. Students master integrated databases for managing large-scale datasets while developing expertise in data management, processing, analysis, and visualization at scale. The program offers concentrations in Computer Science (focusing on building data infrastructure and scalable platforms) or Engineering Theory and Modeling (applying data techniques to tangible challenges in manufacturing, smart cities, and environmental systems). At the Seattle campus, students can pursue the MS in Data Architecture and Management, specifically designed for the evolving field of data engineering, where they gain holistic knowledge to engineer big data systems, curate data, and integrate complex datasets for business analysts and data scientists.

   Degree Programs: MS in Data Science with Database Focus (2-2.5 years); MS in Data Architecture and Management (2 years)

   Research Labs: Database and Information Systems Lab - Database systems, data management, query optimization

   Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Financial Services Companies

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 96% employment or graduate school within 9 months | Top Employers: Technology companies, Financial services, Healthcare organizations, Consulting firms | Common Roles: Data Engineer, Database Administrator, Data Architect, Business Intelligence Developer, Data Scientist

   Admissions: GPA: Competitive GPA expected

   Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science)

4. #4. University of Pennsylvania Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania as the #4 in database management degree program. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,620/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 69.5

   What makes University of Pennsylvania stand out: Penn Engineering's data programs benefit from the university's interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to take graduate courses across all Penn schools, and leverage research centers like the Warren Center for Network and Data Science and the Computational Social Science Lab.

   Hakia Insight: With a 5.4% acceptance rate, University of Pennsylvania's database management program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.

   Program Overview: The University of Pennsylvania does not appear to offer a dedicated Database Management master's program based on the available sources. While Penn Engineering offers several data-related graduate programs through the School of Engineering and Applied Science, including a Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science (MSE-DS) available both on-campus and online, and a Computer & Information Science MSE program that covers databases among other topics, there is no specific database management concentration or degree pathway identified in the university's official program listings. Penn's data-focused programs are housed within broader computer science and engineering frameworks. The Data Science MSE program prepares students for data-centric careers across technology, consulting, science, and policy-making, with coursework covering machine learning, artificial intelligence, database and information systems, natural language processing, and big data systems. Students can pursue specializations in network science, biomedicine, digital humanities, and data privacy. The program requires equivalent coursework to a minor in computer science and demonstrated mathematical and statistical proficiency.

   Degree Programs: Data Science, MSE (2 years); Computer & Information Science, MSE (2 years)

   Research Labs: Warren Center for Network and Data Science - Cross-cutting synergies in data science research; Computational Social Science Lab at Penn - Data-driven social science research

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Database Engineer, Software Engineer, Research Scientist

   Notable Faculty: Duncan Watts (Computational Social Science Lab)

   Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 5.4%

5. #5. University of Nevada-Las Vegas Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks University of Nevada-Las Vegas as the #5 in database management degree program. Location: Las Vegas, NV | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,354/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 66.6

   What makes University of Nevada-Las Vegas stand out: UNLV's cybersecurity programs are uniquely interdisciplinary, combining computer science and management information systems to produce graduates who understand both the technical and business sides of cybersecurity. The programs directly serve Nevada's booming cybersecurity market, where job opportunities increased 89% in just four years.

   Hakia Insight: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's direct partnerships with Bently Nevada Cyber Security Services and Vere Software give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   Program Overview: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers cybersecurity education through an interdisciplinary approach that spans computer science and management information systems. The flagship Master of Science in Cybersecurity is available both on-campus and fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals in Nevada's rapidly growing tech sector. UNLV also offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, all designed as interdisciplinary programs that bridge technical skills with business acumen. The programs are strategically positioned to serve Nevada's cybersecurity workforce needs, particularly given that the state's cybersecurity job market increased by 89% from 2010 to 2014. Students can pursue dual-degree options, including an MS in Cybersecurity combined with an MS in Management Information Systems, reflecting the university's recognition that modern cybersecurity requires both technical depth and business understanding.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Cybersecurity; Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity; Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity; MS Cybersecurity & MS Management Information Systems (Dual Degree)

   Industry Partners: Bently Nevada Cyber Security Services, Vere Software, Ghost Systems

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Kemtah, Boecore, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Nevada state government | Common Roles: Cyber Security Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialist, Cybersecurity Engineer

   Admissions:

6. #6. Bellevue College Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #6 in database management degree program. Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 65.4

   What makes Bellevue College stand out: Bellevue College delivers database education literally surrounded by major tech headquarters, providing unmatched industry access at community college pricing.

   Hakia Insight: Students at Bellevue College benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.

   Program Overview: Bellevue College offers database and IT programs in Washington's tech corridor, surrounded by Microsoft, Amazon, and other major employers. The college provides practical, industry-aligned education with pathways to four-year degrees. BC's location in the heart of the Eastside tech hub provides exceptional networking and internship opportunities.

   Degree Programs: AAS Database Administration (2 years); BAS Data Analytics (4 years)

   Industry Partners: Microsoft, Amazon

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile, Expedia | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Analyst, IT Specialist

   Admissions:

7. #7. Boston University Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Boston University as the #7 in database management degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $63,798/year | Score: 65.0

   What makes Boston University stand out: Boston University's Database Management program has been consistently ranked Top 10 nationally since 2014 and is housed within the longest-running computer science department at BU, established in 1979, giving students access to over four decades of institutional expertise in data systems evolution.

   Hakia Insight: Students at Boston University benefit from active collaborations with IBM and Oracle, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.

   Program Overview: Boston University's MS in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Database Management & Business Intelligence, offered through Metropolitan College, is a comprehensive 32-unit program that has maintained a Top 10 ranking in online computer information technology programs since 2014. The program is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technical expertise and business intelligence, preparing students to become the "nerve center" architects of modern enterprises. Available in online, on-campus, and blended formats, students complete the degree in 8-16 months depending on their pace, with courses beginning in fall, spring, and summer terms. The program stands out for its practical, hands-on approach with extensive SQL experience using Oracle and other leading database management systems. Students work closely with 19 core faculty members in small classes (24:1 average ratio) and gain expertise in database modeling, design, implementation, data warehousing, data mining, and business intelligence technologies. The curriculum emphasizes AI-integrated learning, preparing graduates for emerging roles as database administrators, business intelligence analysts, and knowledge modelers across all industry sectors.

   Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science (with database specialization) (1.5–2 years); BS in Computer Science (with database concentration) (4 years)

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

   Industry Partners: IBM, Oracle, Fidelity Investments

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Business Intelligence Analyst, Database Designer, Knowledge Modeler, Management Analyst, Operations Research Analyst

   Notable Faculty: undefined (Academic leaders engaged in innovative research and skilled industry experts with experience in global companies)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: STEM Designated - eligible for 12-month OPT with 24-month extension, U.S. News & World Report #10 ranking for Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs 2025

8. #8. North Carolina State University at Raleigh Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks North Carolina State University at Raleigh as the #8 in database management degree program. 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: NC State's approach uniquely emphasizes business-oriented database management rather than computer science programming, creating graduates who understand how to apply database technology to support business decision-making and organizational strategy.

   Hakia Insight: Through ties with SAS Institute and First Citizens Bank, North Carolina State University at Raleigh bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

   Program Overview: North Carolina State University's Database Management offerings are embedded within the broader Business Administration program through the Information Technology concentration in the Poole College of Management. This 120-credit bachelor's degree program uniquely positions students at the intersection of business strategy and technology implementation, focusing on how to leverage information systems to drive business decisions rather than pure software development. Students in this concentration take specialized courses including BUS 440 Database Management as part of their required coursework, alongside complementary offerings like Business Data Communications and Networking, Information Systems Development, and Web Development for Business Applications. The program stands out for its business-first approach to technology education, preparing graduates who can bridge the gap between technical database capabilities and organizational needs. Students gain hands-on experience with database development and management while building a strong foundation in core business disciplines including finance, marketing, and operations. The curriculum includes required statistical programming courses in SAS or R, business analytics, and information systems management, creating graduates who understand both the technical and strategic implications of database decisions. With NC State's strong industry connections and the Poole College's emphasis on applied learning, students often engage in real-world projects and internships that provide practical database management experience in corporate environments.

   Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Management (2 years)

   Industry Partners: SAS Institute, First Citizens Bank, iProspect, Environmental Protection Agency, Blue Cross and Blue Shield

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: Not specified | Common Roles: IT Management, Business Analysis, Database Administrator, Information Systems Manager, Business Intelligence Analyst

   Notable Faculty: Jonathan Bohlmann (Department Head, Professor of Marketing and Innovation)

   Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum overall GPA required for graduation | Acceptance Rate: Not specified

   Accreditations: ABET

9. #9. Northeastern University Professional Programs Database Management Program

   Hakia ranks Northeastern University Professional Programs as the #9 in database management degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $48,464/year | Score: 63.3

   What makes Northeastern University Professional Programs stand out: Northeastern pioneered cooperative education 115 years ago and maintains the largest co-op program globally with 3,800+ employer partners, giving database students unparalleled hands-on experience before graduation.

   Hakia Insight: Northeastern University Professional Programs's direct partnerships with Google and Microsoft give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

   Program Overview: Northeastern University's Professional Programs offer extensive database management education through multiple degree pathways across their global campus network. The Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management stands as their flagship database program, available at locations including Seattle, Toronto, and Portland through the Roux Institute. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for the rapidly evolving field of data engineering, providing holistic knowledge and technical skills to engineer big data systems, curate data, and integrate complex datasets. Students gain expertise in data mining, data management, machine learning, and visualization while working with real-world industry partners. The program leverages Northeastern's signature cooperative education model, allowing students to gain professional experience at companies like L.L.Bean while completing their studies. Faculty from Khoury College of Computer Sciences lead cutting-edge research in database systems, data mining, and information retrieval, with notable work in asymptotically optimal algorithms for query evaluation and compressed knowledge representation.

   Degree Programs: MS in Data Architecture and Management; MS in Information Systems; MS in Information Systems - Bridge

   Research Labs: Databases (DATA Lab) - Scalable data management theory and systems; Northeastern University Visualization Consortium (NUVis) - Information visualization and data representation; Data Visualization Group - Visual representations of complex datasets

   Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 92% job placement rate after graduating | Top Employers: Technology companies, Financial services, Healthcare organizations, Government agencies | Common Roles: Data Engineer, Database Administrator, Data Architect, Business Intelligence Analyst

   Notable Faculty: Wolfgang Gatterbauer (Scalable data management theory and novel database functionalities); Mirek Riedewald (Scalable data management and analysis techniques); Prashant Pandey (Scalable data systems with theoretical foundations)

   Admissions:

10. #10. Brandeis University Database Management Program

    Hakia ranks Brandeis University as the #10 in database management degree program. Location: Waltham, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,348/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 63.3

    What makes Brandeis University stand out: Brandeis combines research university rigor with Boston's thriving tech ecosystem, offering personalized education in data and database systems.

    Hakia Insight: With a 34% acceptance rate, Brandeis University's database management program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.

    Program Overview: Brandeis University offers computer science programs with strong emphasis on data management and analytics. The Michtom School of Computer Science provides rigorous education in a research-focused environment. Located in the Boston metro area, students have access to one of America's strongest technology job markets.

    Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); MS Computer Science for Non-majors (2 years)

    Research Labs: Database Research Lab - Data systems research

    Industry Partners: Boston tech companies

    Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boston startups | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Database Developer

    Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 34%