- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best database management doctoral degree programs reveals that database management PhD graduates in industry research earn $10,10 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $130,000,10-$10,10.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are Cornell University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University—selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You should not pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of database management PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research); 40% pursue academic careers.
Source: A database management PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Database Management PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in database management—required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators with advanced degrees can earn $160,890 or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for cutting-edge research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of database management
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in database management
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Database Management PhD Programs - Top 10
Cornell University
Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
Cornell University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #1 in database management degree program.
Cornell University's Database Management program graduates 7 students annually with a 95% graduation rate. Ithaca campus provides access to Cornell's world-class research infrastructure
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Grammarly, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Blockchain science and cryptocurrency research
Ethics, policy, and quality of life in socio-technical systems
Mobile sensing systems for capturing human context and activities
Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality research
Location Advantages
- •Ithaca campus provides access to Cornell's world-class research infrastructure
- •Cornell Tech NYC location offers direct access to major tech companies and startups
- •Manhattan campus facilitates real-world industry partnerships and internships
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Google Research, Facebook Research, Amazon Research
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone doctoral degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year doctoral for their own doctorals, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #2 in database management degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Database Management program graduates 5 students annually with a 97% graduation rate. Located in Seattle, a major technology hub with thriving software and life sciences sectors
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Core AI research and applications
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences
Technology design and human-computer interaction
Location Advantages
- •Located in Seattle, a major technology hub with thriving software and life sciences sectors
- •Close proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and other major tech companies
- •Access to Puget Sound region's robust technology industry for PMP students
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Major technology companies Research, Academic institutions Research, Research laboratories
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU's Plaid Parliament of Pwning hacking team has won a record nine DEF CON Capture-the-Flag championships in 13 years, while CyLab operates as the largest university-based security and privacy institute with triple NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations.
Carnegie Mellon University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #3 in database management degree program.
Carnegie Mellon University's Database Management program graduates 12 students annually with a 98% graduation rate. Pittsburgh's emerging tech hub with Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook expansions
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Facebook/Meta and Netflix to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
University-wide security and privacy institute coordinating research across all departments
Privacy policies and human factors in security
Facial recognition and biometric security systems
Location Advantages
- •Pittsburgh's emerging tech hub with Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook expansions
- •Strong government contractor presence for defense and intelligence career paths
- •Access to both traditional cybersecurity employers and Silicon Valley innovation through bicoastal programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Accenture Research, Amazon Research, Apple Research
Admissions
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Worcester Polytechnic Institute as the #4 in database management degree program.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Database Management program graduates 10 students annually with a 83% graduation rate. Worcester, MA location
Hakia Insight: Worcester, MA location
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Worcester, MA location
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Towson University
Towson IT offers accelerated doctoral-to-doctoral pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Towson University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #5 in database management degree program.
Towson University's Database Management program graduates 10 students annually with a 91% graduation rate. Baltimore metro
Hakia Insight: Towson University leverages partnerships with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT research
Location Advantages
- •Baltimore metro
- •DC proximity
- •Maryland state jobs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Under Armour Research, T. Rowe Price Research, Northrop Grumman Research
Admissions
George Mason University
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.
George Mason University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #6 in database management degree program.
George Mason University's Database Management program graduates 18 students annually with a 81% graduation rate. Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia at Innovation Park
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.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computational analysis of large biological datasets
Database management for microbiome research
Location Advantages
- •Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia at Innovation Park
- •30 miles west of Washington DC with strong federal sector connections
- •Access to Northern Virginia's technology corridor and government contractors
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
University of the Cumberlands Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of the Cumberlands as the #7 in database management degree program.
University of the Cumberlands's Database Management program graduates 61 students annually with a 75% graduation rate. Williamsburg, KY location
Hakia Insight: University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $100,090, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database management curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Academic support and tutoring services
Location Advantages
- •Williamsburg, KY location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Capitol Technology University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Capitol Technology University as the #8 in database management degree program.
Capitol Technology University's Database Management program graduates 8 students annually with a 87% graduation rate. Laurel, Maryland proximity to NSA and federal cybersecurity operations
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology University leverages partnerships with NSA and NASA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Database security, identity management, and access control systems
Cybersecurity training, research, and analysis
Location Advantages
- •Laurel, Maryland proximity to NSA and federal cybersecurity operations
- •Direct access to federal contractor ecosystem
- •Strong government database and security clearance recruitment pipeline
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University is a public institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Middle Georgia State University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #9 in database management degree program.
Middle Georgia State University's Database Management program graduates 28 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Central Georgia location
Hakia Insight: Central Georgia location
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Central Georgia location
- •Access to Macon regional business community
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Admissions
Capella University
Capella University is a for-profit institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Capella University Database Management Program Overview
Hakia ranks Capella University as the #10 in database management degree program.
Capella University's Database Management program graduates 7 students annually with a 13% graduation rate. Minneapolis, MN location
Hakia Insight: Capella University leverages partnerships with Google and CompTIA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cybersecurity research and professional development hub
Location Advantages
- •Minneapolis, MN location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Database Management PhD Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Cornell University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #1 in database management degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 100.0
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Grammarly, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Cornell University offers multiple pathways into computer science graduate education, each with distinct advantages for different career trajectories. The doctoral of Science in Computer Science, housed at Cornell's Ithaca campus, represents a highly selective, research-intensive program that combines advanced coursework with mandatory thesis research and teaching assistantships. This four-semester program requires 34 credit hours, including 6-12 credits of thesis research, and provides full funding through teaching assistantships for students maintaining good standing. In New York City, Cornell Tech offers a one-year doctoral of Engineering in Computer Science designed for immediate industry impact, featuring the innovative Studio curriculum where students build complete digital solutions for real companies in cross-disciplinary teams with business and law students. The Ithaca MS program particularly appeals to self-motivated researchers who thrive in mentoring environments, as students gain valuable teaching experience with graduates while conducting specialized research. Cornell Tech's Manhattan location provides direct access to NYC's tech ecosystem, with students working on innovation challenges from real companies and learning from faculty with extensive industry experience. Both programs benefit from Cornell's broader research infrastructure, including world-class facilities like the Cornell Center for Advanced Computing and specialized research groups in artificial intelligence, security and privacy, and human-computer interaction.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Initiative for Cryptocurrencies & Contracts (IC3) - Blockchain science and cryptocurrency research; Digital Life Initiative (DLI) - Ethics, policy, and quality of life in socio-technical systems; People-Aware Computing Lab - Mobile sensing systems for capturing human context and activities; XR Collaboratory (XRC) - Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality research
Industry Partners: Google, Grammarly, IBM, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Google Research, Facebook Research, Amazon Research
Notable Faculty: Vitaly Shmatikov (Digital privacy, computer security, machine learning security); Yoav Artzi (Natural language processing, machine learning); Noah Snavely (Computer vision, computer graphics); Helen Nissenbaum (Ethics and policy in technology)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#2. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Database Management Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #2 in database management degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 99.4
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone doctoral degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year doctoral for their own doctorals, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering operates as one of the nation's premier computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. The school offers a comprehensive graduate education ecosystem that uniquely serves different student populations without a traditional standalone doctoral. Instead, UW provides a research-intensive Ph.D. program where students earn both doctoral and doctoral degrees with full financial support, a Combined B.S./M.S. program (also called the Fifth Year doctoral Program) exclusively for current Allen School graduates, and a Professional doctoral Program designed as a part-time evening option for working professionals in the Puget Sound region. The school recently launched a Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods starting fall 2025, designed for working professionals across industries seeking to leverage cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research - Core AI research and applications; Computing + Biology Research - Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences; Human-Centered Computing Research - Technology design and human-computer interaction
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Toyota Research Institute
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Major technology companies Research, Academic institutions Research, Research laboratories
Notable Faculty: Professor Noah Smith (Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing); Professor Sheng Wang (AI applications in healthcare); Professor Shyam Gollakota (Mobile Intelligence)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#3. Carnegie Mellon University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #3 in database management degree program. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 93.8
What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU's Plaid Parliament of Pwning hacking team has won a record nine DEF CON Capture-the-Flag championships in 13 years, while CyLab operates as the largest university-based security and privacy institute with triple NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Facebook/Meta and Netflix to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon University operates one of the nation's most comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystems through its Information Networking Institute and the renowned CyLab Security and Privacy Institute. The flagship doctoral of Science in Information Security (MSIS) is a two-year technical program that combines rigorous coursework in security principles with hands-on research opportunities. Students can choose from specialized tracks including Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (CyFir) and Cyber Operations certificates, with part-time options available for working professionals. What sets CMU apart is its integration across multiple colleges - students can pursue cybersecurity through the College of Engineering, Heinz College's policy-focused MSISPM program, or newer offerings like the AI Engineering - Information Security degree. The university's CyLab comprises 40 core faculty and over 120 affiliated researchers, making it one of the largest university-based security research centers globally. Pittsburgh's emerging tech scene, with major expansions by Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook, provides students with unprecedented access to both traditional defense contractors and cutting-edge tech companies.
Degree Programs: MISM - Business Intelligence & Data Analytics (16 months); MSBA (9 months); MSBA Part-Time (20 months)
Research Labs: CyLab Security and Privacy Institute - University-wide security and privacy institute coordinating research across all departments; CyLab Usable Privacy and Security Lab - Privacy policies and human factors in security; CyLab Biometrics Center - Facial recognition and biometric security systems
Industry Partners: Facebook/Meta, Netflix, Microsoft, NSA, Google, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Accenture Research, Amazon Research, Apple Research
Notable Faculty: David Brumley (Software security research); Yuan Tian (Software security research); Lorrie Cranor (Usable privacy and security); Alessandro Acquisti (Privacy research); Taha Khan (Cybercrime, usable security, online censorship)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#4. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Worcester Polytechnic Institute as the #4 in database management degree program. Location: Worcester, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,960/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 85.3
What makes Worcester Polytechnic Institute stand out: Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Worcester, MA location
Program Overview: Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a doctoral program in database management designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Worcester, MA, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#5. Towson University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #5 in database management degree program. Location: Towson, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,382/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 82.2
What makes Towson University stand out: Towson IT offers accelerated doctoral-to-doctoral pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Hakia Insight: Towson University leverages partnerships with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Towson University offers BS in Information Technology with Data Management and Analytics track. The program equips students with skills to manage, analyze, and interpret large datasets for data-driven decision-making and business intelligence careers. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Computer and Information Sciences Department - IT research
Industry Partners: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Under Armour Research, T. Rowe Price Research, Northrop Grumman Research
Notable Faculty: Dr. Nadim Alkharouf (Bioinformatics, Design and Development of Database Management Systems and Data Mining Tools); Dr. Cheryl Thomas Brown (Database Management and Operating Systems); Dr. Mona Tavakolan (Design and Development of Database Management Systems)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ for competitive admission
#6. George Mason University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #6 in database management degree program. Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 81.6
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 doctoral 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. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, dissertation work, and preparation for academic or research leadership careers.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); Accelerated BS to MS (5 years); MS in Health Informatics (2.4 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: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories
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
#7. University of the Cumberlands Database Management Program
Hakia ranks University of the Cumberlands as the #7 in database management degree program. Location: Williamsburg, KY | Type: Private | Tuition: $9,875/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Score: 79.3
What makes University of the Cumberlands stand out: University of the Cumberlands is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: University of the Cumberlands graduates earn $100,090, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on database management curriculum.
Program Overview: University of the Cumberlands offers a doctoral program in database management designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Williamsburg, KY, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Executive Master of Science in Data Science (1 year); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years); Associate of Science in Information Technology (2 years); Minor in Information Technology Services
Research Labs: The Learning Commons - Academic support and tutoring services
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Software Developer, Computer and Information Services Manager, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Computer Network Architect, Programmer
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
#8. Capitol Technology University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Capitol Technology University as the #8 in database management degree program. Location: Laurel, MD | Type: Private | Tuition: $26,088/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 53.7
What makes Capitol Technology University stand out: Capitol Technology University is a private institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology University leverages partnerships with NSA and NASA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Capitol Technology University offers a doctoral program in database management designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Laurel, MD, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Identity, Credentialing and Access Management (ICAM) Laboratory - Database security, identity management, and access control systems; Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis (CCRA) - Cybersecurity training, research, and analysis
Industry Partners: NSA, NASA, Parsons Corporation, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Patton Electronics, Cyber Security Forum Initiative, Internal Revenue Service, National Cryptologic University
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Notable Faculty: Dr. Najam Hassan (Computer and data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics, big data); Dr. Kellep Charles (Cybersecurity); Dr. Ronald Martin (Identity, credentialing and access management)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
Accreditations: Eligible for security clearance pathways through NSA partnerships
#9. Middle Georgia State University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #9 in database management degree program. Location: Macon, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,600/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 50.6
What makes Middle Georgia State University stand out: Middle Georgia State University is a public institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Central Georgia location
Program Overview: Middle Georgia State University offers a doctoral program in database management designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Macon, GA, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
#10. Capella University Database Management Program
Hakia ranks Capella University as the #10 in database management degree program. Location: Minneapolis, MN | Type: For-Profit | Tuition: $14,436/year | Graduation Rate: 13% | Score: 37.8
What makes Capella University stand out: Capella University is a for-profit institution with strong database management doctoral research programs.
Hakia Insight: Capella University leverages partnerships with Google and CompTIA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Capella University offers a doctoral program in database management designed for students pursuing advanced research and academic careers. Located in Minneapolis, MN, the program emphasizes original research contributions, dissertation work, and preparation for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Degree Programs: Ph.D. in Database Management (4-6 years); Direct Ph.D. Track (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity Center for IT Professionals - Cybersecurity research and professional development hub
Industry Partners: Google, CompTIA, AWS, Sophia Learning
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Research universities, National laboratories, Tech research divisions
Notable Faculty: Dr. Constance St. Germain (Higher education leadership and organizational change); Dr. Melissa Zgola (Information Technology program direction); Dr. Jennifer Straub (Learning strategy and academic innovation)
Admissions: GPA: 3.5+ recommended
Accreditations: ACCSC accredited, Alignment with industry certifications (Oracle, Microsoft, etc.)
Full Database Management Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | 95% | 100 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | 97% | 99.4 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | 98% | 93.8 |
| 4 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | 83% | 85.3 |
| 5 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | 91% | 82.2 |
| 6 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | 81% | 81.6 |
| 7 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | 75% | 79.3 |
| 8 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | 87% | 53.7 |
| 9 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | Public | 96% | 50.6 |
| 10 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | 13% | 37.8 |
Research Areas & Specializations
PhD programs in database management offer multiple specialization tracks. Your research area determines your advisor options, publication venues, and career trajectories.
Key Database Management Research Areas
- Data Warehousing
- Data Integration
- Master Data Management
- Data Quality
- Metadata Management
Emerging Research Topics (2024-2025)
- Data Provenance
- Schema Evolution
- Data Lakes Architecture
- Semantic Data Management
- Automated Data Curation
Choosing Your Specialization: Your research area should align with your interests, available advisors, and career goals. Review faculty research pages and recent publications. Attend seminars and read papers from top venues in database management to understand current research directions.
Publication Venues: Check CSRankings.org to see which conferences and journals are most prestigious for your chosen specialization. Top-tier venues vary significantly by subfield.
Finding the Right Advisor
Your advisor is the single most important factor in PhD success. A good advisor shapes your research trajectory, opens networking opportunities, and directly impacts your career outcomes. According to data from NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates, advisor-student fit is strongly correlated with time to degree and completion rates.
What to Look For in an Advisor:
- Research alignment: Their work should genuinely excite you—you'll spend 5+ years on related problems
- Advising style: Some are hands-on, others hands-off. Know what you need and ask current students
- Funding stability: Do they have ongoing grants? Have they consistently funded students?
- Student outcomes: Where did their graduates end up? Academia? Industry? How long did they take?
- Lab culture: Talk to current students privately about work-life balance and lab dynamics
Red Flags to Avoid:
- High student turnover or many students leaving without degrees
- Faculty who are rarely available or traveling constantly
- Labs where students seem stressed, isolated, or unhappy
- Advisors with a history of conflicts or complaints
Pro tip: Email 2-3 current students and ask: "What do you wish you knew before joining this lab?" Their candid responses will tell you more than any faculty website.
PhD Funding & Stipends
You should not pay for a PhD.
Top programs offer full funding packages covering tuition plus a competitive stipend. According to CSStipendRankings.org and PhDStipends.com, computer science stipends range from $18,000 at lower-paying programs to $50,000+ at top institutions.
2024-25 Stipend Examples:
- Brown University: $49,000/year ($4,084/month) - Graduate School
- Duke University: Full funding for 5 years including tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend - CS Department
- Emory University: $37,467/year for CS/Informatics PhDs - Graduate School
- Mid-tier programs: Typically $25,000-35,000/year with full tuition waiver
Funding Sources:
- Research Assistantships (RA): Work on faculty research; most common funding source
- Teaching Assistantships (TA): Lead discussion sections, grade assignments
- Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, NDSEG, university fellowships) with higher stipends and research freedom
- Grants: Faculty research grants often fund PhD students
Cost of Living Warning: Use PhDStipends.com to compare living wage ratios, which normalize stipends to local cost of living. A $35K stipend in a low-cost city may provide better quality of life than $50K in San Francisco.
PhD Milestones & Timeline
The NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates tracks time to degree across all fields. Computer science PhDs typically take 5-6 years to complete, though this varies by research area and institution.
Typical PhD Timeline:
- Years 1-2: Coursework, rotations (if applicable), identify research area, pass qualifying exams
- Years 2-3: Thesis proposal, begin independent research, first publications
- Years 3-5: Core research, conference publications, build professional network
- Years 5-6: Complete dissertation, defend, job market
Key Milestones:
- Qualifying Exam: Usually year 1-2; tests breadth of knowledge and/or research potential
- Thesis Proposal: Year 2-3; defines your dissertation scope and convinces committee it's viable
- Candidacy: After proposal passes; you're now "ABD" (All But Dissertation)
- Dissertation Defense: Final oral exam presenting your complete research
What affects time to degree: Research area complexity, advisor expectations, publication requirements, whether you switch topics, and how quickly you identify a viable research direction.
Application Process
PhD admissions are highly competitive. According to ProFellow, top programs accept 5-15% of applicants. The process differs significantly from undergraduate or master's admissions.
Typical Application Components:
- Statement of Purpose: Your research interests, why this program, and potential advisors (2-3 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, ideally from research supervisors who know your work deeply
- CV/Resume: Emphasize research experience, publications, and technical projects
- GRE Scores: Many programs have made GRE optional since 2020; check requirements
- Transcripts: Strong grades help, but research experience often matters more
- Research samples: Some programs request writing samples or research proposals
Timeline:
- September-November: Research programs, contact potential advisors, prepare materials
- December 1-15: Most application deadlines
- January-March: Interview invitations (virtual or in-person visit days)
- March-April 15: Admission decisions; April 15 is the standard decision deadline
Critical tip: Reach out to potential advisors before applying. A brief, professional email expressing genuine interest in their research can significantly improve your chances—especially if they respond positively and mention your application to the admissions committee.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Generally better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Choosing Your Career Path
Industry research is right for you if:
- Compensation is a priority
- You want to see research deployed at scale
- You prefer shorter feedback loops
- You're comfortable with more directed research agendas
- Geographic flexibility is important (industry hubs)
Academia is right for you if:
- Research freedom is paramount
- You want to mentor the next generation
- Job security matters more than peak compensation
- You enjoy teaching
- You want to pursue long-term, speculative research
Increasingly blurred lines: Many researchers move between academia and industry. Some professors consult extensively; some industry researchers teach courses. The choice isn't permanent.
Postdoc Pathways
A postdoc is a temporary research position after completing your PhD. According to Academic Positions, postdoc salaries average $61,000-$72,000 in 2024, with most positions lasting 2-3 years.
When is a Postdoc Necessary?
- Academic careers: Often expected, especially at research universities. Strengthens your publication record and expands your network.
- Industry careers: Rarely necessary—most industry research labs hire directly from PhD programs
- Switching fields: A postdoc can help you pivot to a new research area
- Building independence: Develops skills in grant writing, lab management, and independent research
Postdoc Considerations:
- Duration: 1-3 years typical; longer postdocs can signal difficulty finding permanent positions
- Salary gap: Postdocs earn significantly less than industry PhDs—factor this into your decision
- Location flexibility: Postdocs often require relocation; be prepared to move
- Exit strategy: Have a clear plan for what comes after the postdoc
Important: In computer science, a postdoc is increasingly optional. Strong PhD graduates with good publication records can go directly to tenure-track positions or industry research roles.
Publication Expectations
Publications are the currency of academic research. In computer science, conference papers (not journals) are the primary publication venue, unlike most other fields.
Typical Publication Expectations:
- Minimum for graduation: 2-4 peer-reviewed publications (varies by program and advisor)
- Competitive job market: 5+ publications with at least 1-2 at top-tier venues
- Top-tier venues: NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ACL, SIGCOMM, SOSP, PLDI (varies by subfield)
- First-author papers: Critical for demonstrating independent research ability
Publication Timeline:
- Year 1-2: Workshop papers, co-authored papers with senior students
- Year 3-4: First-author publications at good venues
- Year 5+: Aim for top venues, build a coherent research narrative for job market
Quality vs Quantity: One strong paper at a top venue (NeurIPS, ICML, etc.) often matters more than several papers at lower-tier venues. Focus on impactful work that others will cite and build upon.
Resources: Check CSRankings.org to understand which venues matter most in your subfield and how faculty are evaluated by publication record.
Top States for Database Management Doctoral Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in California | 25 | $9,500 | University of California |
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in Texas | 20 | $8,500 | University of Texas |
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in New York | 18 | $12,000 | SUNY |
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in Florida | 15 | $6,500 | University of Florida |
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in Virginia | 12 | $11,000 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Database Management Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania | 14 | $14,000 | Penn State |
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Database Management PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
Related Database Management Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.