Best Associate's Database Management Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Bunker Hill's employer network—Boston Medical Center, State Street, Liberty Mutual—means your hands-on SQL labs are designed around the exact query patterns and performance challenges you'll encounter on day one of employment, not theoretical exercises.
At the associate's level, you'll build real-world database skills through hands-on labs where you design, query, and manage actual databases—not just theory. Bunker Hill's program emphasizes SQL and relational database fundamentals with a clear pathway into Boston's tech job market, where alumni work as junior database administrators and data support specialists. The college maintains strong connections with healthcare and financial services employers in the region who actively recruit graduates for entry-level positions. Many students use this degree as a launch point to transfer into UMass Boston or Northeastern's evening programs while working in the field.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Database Management — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Database Management — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boston Medical Center, State Street Corporation, Liberty Mutual, Local healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Boston
- Northeastern University
- UMass Lowell
- Bridgewater State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Database Administrator
- Data Support Specialist
- Database Technician
- SQL Developer (Entry-Level)
Included Certifications
- Oracle Database Associate
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Lowell's research-active faculty and industrial partnerships give database students authentic research experience and direct pipelines to data engineering and infrastructure roles.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's Advanced Database Systems Lab gives associate's-level students access to research-grade infrastructure typically reserved for four-year universities, positioning them for data engineering roles that usually require a bachelor's degree elsewhere.
At the associate's level, UMass Lowell's database management program benefits from the university's deep research identity and connections to its industrial partners in manufacturing, energy, and software development—contexts where data-intensive systems solve real engineering and operations problems. The program goes beyond standard SQL and relational design to expose students to NoSQL databases, data warehousing architectures, and the analytical infrastructure that modern enterprises use to extract value from large datasets. Faculty actively engage in database research projects with regional manufacturers and tech companies, creating opportunities for students to contribute to publications and gain research experience uncommon in purely teaching-focused programs. The Lowell location, historically a manufacturing and textile hub, now hosts a growing technology sector and provides students with direct access to employers managing complex supply chain, logistics, and operational databases. Graduate outcomes consistently show strong placement in data engineering and database infrastructure roles, with many students advancing into specialized tracks like database optimization, cloud data architecture, or data science.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Database Management — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Database Management — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Advanced Database Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Regional manufacturing and technology companies (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science programs)
Location Advantages: Growing technology sector in Lowell and surrounding regionAccess to manufacturing and supply chain IT employersProximity to Boston's greater tech ecosystem
Cape Cod Community College — West Barnstable, MA
Key Distinction: This GIS certificate is offered through a unique three-institution collaborative partnership, allowing students access to specialized resources across multiple campuses while focusing on both environmental applications and cross-disciplinary problem-solving approaches.
Hakia Insight: Cape Cod Community College's three-institution GIS collaborative gives students access to Massachusetts Maritime Academy and UMass-Dartmouth's specialized environmental databases and faculty without attending those institutions, effectively tripling the technical resources available for a single tuition.
At the associate's level, cape Cod Community College offers a specialized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate program as part of their Environmental Technology portfolio. This collaborative partnership program involves Cape Cod Community College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, providing students with comprehensive training in GIS database management systems that combine computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and high-speed communication technologies. The program introduces students to concepts in geography, cartography, and database management, with practical analysis of systems and processes using GIS technology. Originally developed for environmental applications, the curriculum has evolved to serve cross-disciplinary analysis needs across government, municipal, and private industry sectors. Students gain hands-on experience with complex geographic and environmental data processing for informed decision-making, preparing them for the growing field where job opportunities are predicted to increase 11-22% through 2022 according to Department of Labor projections.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Database Management — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Database Management — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy (government)
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Environmental consulting companies, Facilities management offices, County departments, Municipal departments, Town planning departments.
Location Advantages: Access to three partner institutions across MassachusettsCape Cod environmental focus area
Quinsigamond Community College — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: QCC's database programs offer flexible completion options with 80-90% online availability and practical, hands-on training in both SQL/PL-SQL programming and Microsoft database frameworks in an accelerated 2-semester certificate format.
Hakia Insight: Quinsigamond's 2-semester accelerated certificate in SQL/PL-SQL with 80-90% online delivery lets working professionals earn a stackable credential in database fundamentals while maintaining employment, a rare combination at the associate's level.
At the associate's level, quinsigamond Community College offers comprehensive Database Management education through multiple pathways including a Database Certificate, Data Science Certificate, and Computer Information Systems programs with enterprise focus. The Database Certificate provides foundational knowledge in database design, management, and administration in just 2 semesters (27-28 credits). Students learn to code intermediate and advanced SQL and PL/SQL programs, design Relational Database Management Systems (RDMS), and develop programming and database management application techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with Microsoft software frameworks, database applications, and systems analysis. Available both online (80%+ completion possible) and face-to-face, these programs prepare students for entry-level database roles including database support specialist, programmer, and database administrator positions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Database Management — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Database Management — 2 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Fitchburg State University
- Salem State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Database Administrator
- Database Support Technician
- Data Entry Specialist
- SQL Developer (Entry-level)
- Database Analyst
- IT Help Desk Technician with Database Focus
Included Certifications
- Microsoft SQL Server Certification
- Oracle Database Associate Certification
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages: QCC Worcester Main Campus locationMultiple campus options including Downtown and Southbridge
Best Bachelor's Database Management Degree Programs in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Lowell's research-active faculty and industrial partnerships give database students authentic research experience and direct pipelines to data engineering and infrastructure roles.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's Database and Information Systems Lab directly feeds into co-op opportunities at Fortune 500 financial services firms where database infrastructure underpins trillion-dollar transaction systems, transforming theory into experience competitors won't have until year two.
At the bachelor's level, UMass Lowell's database management program benefits from the university's deep research identity and connections to its industrial partners in manufacturing, energy, and software development—contexts where data-intensive systems solve real engineering and operations problems. The program goes beyond standard SQL and relational design to expose students to NoSQL databases, data warehousing architectures, and the analytical infrastructure that modern enterprises use to extract value from large datasets. Faculty actively engage in database research projects with regional manufacturers and tech companies, creating opportunities for students to contribute to publications and gain research experience uncommon in purely teaching-focused programs. The Lowell location, historically a manufacturing and textile hub, now hosts a growing technology sector and provides students with direct access to employers managing complex supply chain, logistics, and operational databases. Graduate outcomes consistently show strong placement in data engineering and database infrastructure roles, with many students advancing into specialized tracks like database optimization, cloud data architecture, or data science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Advanced Database Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- Regional manufacturing and technology companies (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science programs)
Location Advantages: Growing technology sector in Lowell and surrounding regionAccess to manufacturing and supply chain IT employersProximity to Boston's greater tech ecosystem
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Information Technology Project capstone course. Four specialized concentration tracks available
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's Information Technology capstone paired with co-op placements at IBM, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase means your database design course isn't hypothetical—you're solving real enterprise schema challenges for companies managing petabyte-scale operations.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Northeastern University develops technical and problem-solving skills for careers in applications development, web design, systems administration, database administration, and business analysis. The 120-credit curriculum covers programming for traditional, web, and mobile applications, networking, database management, and information security, plus key business areas for technology integration. Students complete a capstone Information Technology Project in their final semester. Four concentration options are available: Analytics, Applications Development, Computer Science (requiring PlusOne program application for graduate courses), and Systems Administration and Cybersecurity. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through courses like Database Management Systems, Web and Mobile Development, and IT Project Management. Graduates are prepared for professional roles with technical skills in modern information technology systems analysis, design, development, implementation, and management, supported by critical thinking abilities valued by local, national, and global employers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Database and Information Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Various Boston-area financial services and technology firms (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Located in Boston, a major financial services and technology hubDirect access to Fortune 500 companies with extensive database infrastructureCo-op positions available with leading tech companies nationwide
Boston College — Chestnut Hill, MA
Key Distinction: Boston College integrates database management education across multiple prestigious programs, combining Jesuit values with cutting-edge technical skills and providing access to a powerful alumni network of over 212,000 graduates including 10,000+ MBAs.
Hakia Insight: Boston College's integration of database management across Carroll School and engineering programs, combined with its 212,000-person alumni network including 10,000+ MBAs, creates an unusual advantage: you're not just learning databases, you're building relationships with decision-makers at major firms simultaneously.
Boston College does not offer a dedicated Database Management program, but provides database management education through multiple pathways. The Carroll School of Management's MBA programs include database management as part of their Business Analytics curriculum, with both full-time (2-year) and part-time (3-year average) options available. The Information Technology bachelor's degree at Woods College specifically mentions database management as a core technical skill alongside programming and cybersecurity. The Business Analytics department at Carroll School covers data management through courses like 'Data Management for Analytics and Applications' and offers concentrations in Information Systems and Business Analytics. Students benefit from world-class faculty, a network of over 212,000 alumni including 10,000+ MBA graduates, and access to specialized research facilities including the Mass Spectrometry Center and sophisticated data management systems using Waters NuGenesis SDMS for scientific data archiving.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Mass Spectrometry Center
- Scientific Data Management System
Notable Faculty
- Jiří Chod — Business Analytics Department Chair
Location Advantages: Access to Boston's thriving technology sectorNetwork of 212,000+ BC alumniProximity to major corporations and startups
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth — North Dartmouth, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Dartmouth uniquely combines database management with business applications through interdisciplinary programs that emphasize real-world client projects and STEM-designated graduate options for extended international student work opportunities.
Hakia Insight: UMass Dartmouth's emphasis on real-world client projects within business-focused database curricula, paired with STEM designation that extends international student work authorization, creates a credential that both sponsors H-1B petitions and demonstrates applied business impact—a rare dual advantage.
At the bachelor's level, university of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers comprehensive database management education through multiple interdisciplinary programs. The Management Information Systems BS program emphasizes database technologies alongside enterprise systems, business analytics, and e-commerce development. Students learn core database design, business intelligence, and data visualization through hands-on team projects often with community clients. The Data Science MS program, jointly offered by Computer Science and Mathematics departments, focuses on data analytics, machine learning, and knowledge engineering with strong foundations in information theory. The Business Analytics MBA concentration provides STEM-designated advanced study in managing and analyzing big data through contemporary business analytics tools. All programs integrate technical database skills with business applications, preparing graduates for high-demand careers as database specialists, business analysts, and IT consultants.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Gravitational Wave Research Consortium
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $90,333.
Notable Faculty
- Bharatendra Rai — Management Information Systems
- Zhengzhong Shi — Business Analytics
- Ashokkumar Patel — Computer and Information Science
- Donghui Yan — Mathematics
Location Advantages:
Suffolk University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Suffolk's database management programs uniquely combine technical database skills with business acumen through industry-recognized certifications and STEM designation, leveraging Boston's globally-renowned technology ecosystem for extensive internship and career opportunities.
Hakia Insight: Suffolk's partnerships with Microsoft, SAP, Google, and AWS through the Sawyer SAIL Collaborative mean you're not just learning databases—you're earning vendor certifications as embedded components of degree coursework, a structural advantage that shortcuts the typical 6-month post-graduation certification grind.
At the bachelor's level, suffolk University offers comprehensive database management education through multiple pathways, primarily through the Business Analytics & Information Systems (BAIS) major and Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. The BAIS major is a STEM-designated program where students learn database design, query execution, data storage principles, and basic data analytics while mastering applications like MS Office Excel, SAP, Google Analytics, and AWS. The program uniquely bridges data science with business decision-making skills through flexible concentrations including Business Analytics, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, FinTech, and Artificial Intelligence. Graduate students can pursue the MSBA program which provides technical competencies to analyze and manage data through a business lens, with 99% positive career outcomes and extensive industry connections in Boston's technology hub.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Sawyer Business School AI Leadership (SAIL) Collaborative
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- SAP (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- STEM-designated program
- MS Office Excel certification
- SAP certification
- Google Analytics certification
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification
Location Advantages: Boston globally-renowned technology hubHigh demand for program graduates in local tech companiesExtensive internship opportunities with Greater Boston tech companies and start-ups
Wentworth Institute of Technology — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Wentworth's Database Management education is delivered through their comprehensive School of Computing & Data Science, leveraging Boston's technology ecosystem and the institution's signature cooperative education program for real-world experience.
Hakia Insight: Wentworth's signature cooperative education model built into the School of Computing & Data Science means your database fundamentals course runs in parallel with a paid co-op where you're implementing those concepts immediately, compressing the usual 2-year lag between learning SQL and using it professionally.
At the bachelor's level, wentworth Institute of Technology's Database Management program appears to be integrated within their broader School of Computing & Data Science offerings. The school provides comprehensive computing and data-focused education with strong industry connections through their cooperative education program. Students have access to multiple related pathways including Data Science at both undergraduate and graduate levels, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Business Analytics. The programs emphasize hands-on learning through labs, studios, and innovation spaces, with strong ties to Boston's technology sector. Wentworth's location at 550 Huntington Avenue in Boston provides students with excellent access to internships and career opportunities in one of America's leading technology hubs. The institution maintains various accreditations for their computing programs and offers both traditional and online learning formats.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Labs, Studios, and Innovation Spaces
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computer Science Accreditation
- Computer Networking Accreditation
- Cybersecurity Accreditation
Location Advantages: Located in Boston technology hubAccess to major corporations and startups550 Huntington Avenue location provides urban campus advantages
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: Stands out for its rigorous project-based learning model where database management skills are developed through real-world client work and interdisciplinary capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: WPI's project-based model forces database concepts into interdisciplinary capstones with actual clients—meaning students graduate with portfolios of real work, not just assignments, which explains why employers in Worcester's manufacturing and healthcare sectors actively recruit from campus.
At the bachelor's level, WPI's database management education is inseparable from the institution's project-based learning philosophy—students don't just study databases in isolation but apply database design and implementation to interdisciplinary capstone projects that serve real clients. This "learning by doing" approach means a database course might involve designing a system for a nonprofit's volunteer coordination platform or building a data pipeline for a local manufacturer's quality control process. The program emphasizes practical database administration, ETL workflows, and data-driven decision-making alongside query language and system architecture. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships that continuously feed current industry challenges into the curriculum, so topics like cloud migration, data warehousing, and analytics infrastructure feel immediate rather than theoretical. Graduates emerge with portfolio projects and direct industry connections that accelerate job placement. WPI's strong engineering culture also attracts students who want to understand databases as reliable, maintainable systems rather than academic abstractions—a mindset highly valued by employers seeking dependable practitioners.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to manufacturing and healthcare sectors in Worcester region
Merrimack College — North Andover, MA
Key Distinction: The online M.S.C.S. program uniquely combines advanced computational ethics with specialized software engineering concentrations, offering both master's project and thesis options with heavy emphasis on experiential, project-based learning.
Hakia Insight: Merrimack's dual labs (BRAiN and Quantum AI) give undergraduates rare access to cutting-edge research infrastructure typically reserved for graduate programs, positioning them to contribute meaningfully to publications before entering the job market.
At the bachelor's level, merrimack College's Computer Science programs, housed in the Department of Computer and Data Sciences within the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences, offer both undergraduate and graduate pathways with strong emphasis on practical application. The online Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.) provides advanced algorithms, computational ethics, and specialized concentrations including software engineering. The program features experiential curriculum with hands-on software design and development, advanced programming concepts like parallel programming, networking, object orientation, systems programming, and database management. Students can choose between a master's project or thesis, with all courses emphasizing project-heavy curriculum. The program is designed for professionals seeking career advancement in software development and includes foundational coursework for those without strong programming backgrounds.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- BRAiN Lab
- Quantum AI (QAI) Lab
- Shared Instrumentation & Research Facility
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree, Department interview to determine foundational coursework level
Location Advantages: North Andover, MA locationAccess to New England technology corridor
Westfield State University — Westfield, MA
Key Distinction: Westfield State uniquely combines big school features with small school advantages, providing accessible faculty and personal attention in a supportive learning environment with new hands-on facilities like the Finance and Data Analytics Lab.
Hakia Insight: Westfield State's Finance and Data Analytics Lab transforms what could be a generic regional campus advantage into something concrete—students work on live financial datasets and analytics problems, making them immediately hireable for roles that typically require internship experience elsewhere.
At the bachelor's level, westfield State University offers comprehensive technology-focused degree programs including Computer Information Systems B.S. with End-User Computing concentration, Data Science B.S., and Computer Science B.S. The university provides hands-on learning experiences through state-of-the-art facilities including a new Finance and Data Analytics Lab that enhances practical application of database management and analytics skills. Located on a beautiful 256-acre campus in Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley, the programs combine technical rigor with accessible faculty providing personal attention. Students benefit from small class sizes while having access to big school features and resources, creating an ideal environment for technology education and career preparation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Finance and Data Analytics Lab
- Research, Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts with mountain views256-acre campus with tree-lined streetsClose proximity to Springfield60% of full-time undergrad students living on campus creating vibrant community
Northeastern University Professional Programs — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Cooperative education model guarantees paid professional database experience as integral to the degree, creating job-ready graduates.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's guarantee that paid co-op rotations are embedded in the degree—not optional—means students graduate with 6-12 months of professional database work experience already on their resume, collapsing the typical post-graduation job search timeline.
At the bachelor's level, northeastern's professional database management programs are built on the university's hallmark cooperative education model, meaning students alternate between classroom learning and paid work experience at major companies. Rather than treating database management as an abstract academic subject, the program design ensures that theory learned in one semester gets immediately tested and refined during the subsequent internship period—a cycle that happens multiple times throughout the degree. This creates a unique advantage: students graduate with 6–12 months of genuine professional experience already on their resume, often in roles like database analyst, data engineer, or junior DBA at companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Accenture, and leading financial institutions. The curriculum covers enterprise database design, performance tuning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and emerging technologies like graph databases and real-time analytics. Faculty include practitioners who maintain active consulting or development roles, ensuring that course content stays aligned with what hiring managers actually value. The co-op network is extensive—Northeastern has formal partnerships with hundreds of employers across industries, so database-focused internship placements are the norm rather than the exception. Graduates consistently report that the combination of applied skills and professional network sets them apart in the job market.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Accenture (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Boston's financial services and fintech ecosystemProximity to Cambridge tech innovation hubDirect access to Northeastern's extensive co-op employer network across all major tech hubs (NYC, SF, Seattle)
Best Master's Database Management Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on applied database engineering with direct pipelines into Boston's financial services and biotech sectors.
Hakia Insight: Boston University's partnership with Fidelity Investments and Oracle isn't just networking—it means thesis projects often use real financial data and production database systems, letting students solve problems that directly inform billion-dollar trading platforms.
At the master's level, boston University's database management program stands out for its integration of real-world data challenges into coursework, drawing on the university's location in a major financial and biotech hub. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional relational database design and modern big data technologies, with students working on projects that mirror industry scenarios in healthcare analytics, fintech, and digital infrastructure. Faculty bring direct experience from positions at major tech companies, and the program maintains close relationships with companies like IBM, Oracle, and regional financial institutions that regularly hire graduates. The hands-on approach extends beyond the classroom—students gain exposure to cloud-based database platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and emerging technologies like distributed systems and NoSQL architectures. What distinguishes this program is its flexibility: students can tailor their coursework toward data engineering pipelines, database administration, or data science applications, depending on career goals. The proximity to Boston's innovation ecosystem means guest lectures, internships, and recruitment events are embedded throughout the year, and many students transition directly into roles at companies headquartered in or with significant operations in the region.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- BU Systems and Networking Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Oracle (corporate)
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Azer Bestavros — Distributed systems, database performance optimization
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering program)
Location Advantages: Access to Boston's financial services cluster (Fidelity, State Street, Putnam Investments)Proximity to biotech and healthcare data analytics firmsMajor tech company offices (IBM Northeast, Oracle Boston)Strong startup ecosystem in Cambridge and Watertown
Northeastern University Professional Programs — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Cooperative education model guarantees paid professional database experience as integral to the degree, creating job-ready graduates.
Hakia Insight: Unlike programs that treat co-op as a nice add-on, Northeastern's master's co-op guarantee with Google, Microsoft, and AWS means you're alternating between cutting-edge coursework and high-stakes industry problems, compressing what would be a 2-year degree into 2.5 years of continuous learning.
At the master's level, northeastern's professional database management programs are built on the university's hallmark cooperative education model, meaning students alternate between classroom learning and paid work experience at major companies. Rather than treating database management as an abstract academic subject, the program design ensures that theory learned in one semester gets immediately tested and refined during the subsequent internship period—a cycle that happens multiple times throughout the degree. This creates a unique advantage: students graduate with 6–12 months of genuine professional experience already on their resume, often in roles like database analyst, data engineer, or junior DBA at companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Accenture, and leading financial institutions. The curriculum covers enterprise database design, performance tuning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and emerging technologies like graph databases and real-time analytics. Faculty include practitioners who maintain active consulting or development roles, ensuring that course content stays aligned with what hiring managers actually value. The co-op network is extensive—Northeastern has formal partnerships with hundreds of employers across industries, so database-focused internship placements are the norm rather than the exception. Graduates consistently report that the combination of applied skills and professional network sets them apart in the job market.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Accenture (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Boston's financial services and fintech ecosystemProximity to Cambridge tech innovation hubDirect access to Northeastern's extensive co-op employer network across all major tech hubs (NYC, SF, Seattle)
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time options available. Co-op program with up to 8 months full-time work experience
Hakia Insight: The 8-month co-op option in a part-time/full-time flexible program is rare architecture—working professionals can stay employed, earn co-op salary simultaneously, and hit Amazon or JPMorgan's highest-level data infrastructure problems, not toy datasets.
Northeastern's Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management prepares working professionals for leadership roles in data engineering across industries. The program offers both full-time and part-time options to accommodate working professionals, with coursework integrating business intelligence, data warehousing, software engineering, and machine learning. Students gain hands-on experience through project-based learning that applies coursework to real-world challenges. A unique feature is Northeastern's leading co-op program providing up to eight months of full-time work experience with dedicated faculty support and strong industry connections in Boston. Graduates secure positions at tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta. The curriculum uses advanced Big Data programming with Scala language, data science, and cloud computing, with flexible electives to match career interests. The program leverages Boston's position as the top city for STEM professionals, offering immersive learning opportunities and dedicated career services that connect students to industry leaders.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Database and Information Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Various Boston-area financial services and technology firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Located in Boston, a major financial services and technology hubDirect access to Fortune 500 companies with extensive database infrastructureCo-op positions available with leading tech companies nationwide
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Distinguishes itself through emphasis on theoretical foundations and formal methods applied to databases, producing graduates with deeper conceptual understanding alongside practical skills.
Hakia Insight: Brandeis' emphasis on formal methods and theoretical depth means graduates can architect novel database solutions rather than just implement standard ones—an invisible advantage when competing for senior engineering roles that require deep systems thinking.
At the master's level, brandeis embeds database management training within a broader computer science program that values deep theoretical grounding paired with practical implementation skills. The curriculum balances formal logic and mathematical foundations of data models with hands-on SQL and NoSQL programming, creating graduates who can reason about data systems at multiple levels of abstraction. Students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty mentorship—a Brandeis hallmark—which means database electives become genuine research collaborations rather than lecture-and-exam experiences. The university's strength in logic and formal verification also influences how database courses approach correctness and reliability, differentiating graduates who understand *why* certain consistency guarantees matter. While less focused on industry scale than some peers, Brandeis produces thoughtful practitioners and researchers who excel in roles requiring both technical sophistication and clear communication of complex ideas. The suburban Boston location offers reasonable access to the regional tech scene without the intense competition for internships that characterizes MIT or Tufts.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Suburban Boston location with access to regional tech community
University of Massachusetts-Boston — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines systematic database training with professional flexibility, offering extended day scheduling specifically designed for working industry professionals while providing hands-on experience in both application development and database administration.
Hakia Insight: UMass Boston's 2.75 GPA requirement and extended day scheduling explicitly signal they've optimized for working professionals, but the real strength is teaching application development *and* database administration—most programs choose one, forcing graduates to self-teach the other.
At the master's level, UMass Boston's database management programs are designed for working professionals and career-changers, emphasizing practical skills that translate directly to job-market demands. The curriculum balances relational database fundamentals with modern technologies—cloud platforms, big data tools (Hadoop, Spark), and NoSQL systems—ensuring graduates are prepared for diverse roles in data engineering, database administration, and analytics. Classes are offered in flexible evening and weekend formats, accommodating students who work full-time; many instructors bring current industry experience, teaching what they actively use in their own roles. The Computer Science Department maintains partnerships with regional employers and actively facilitates internship placements with companies like Wayfair, Liberty Mutual, and State Street, all headquartered in or with major operations in the Boston area. The program's affordability and accessibility make it a strong option for students seeking a rigorous technical foundation without the premium tuition of nearby private institutions. Graduates typically advance into mid-level technical roles, with many using the degree to transition from adjacent fields (business analytics, IT operations) into specialized database engineering or data engineering positions. The urban campus location and commuter-friendly schedule mean the cohort is diverse in background and experience, creating networking opportunities across industries.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Wayfair (corporate)
- Liberty Mutual (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75. Application Deadline: June 15 for fall, December 1 for spring.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited U.S. institution, Programming proficiency expected
Location Advantages: Boston's major employer base (Wayfair, Liberty Mutual, State Street, Fidelity)Access to New England's financial services and insurance sectorAffordable tuition compared to peer institutions in the region
Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: This Harvard microcertificate uniquely combines rigorous academic training from a prestigious Ivy League institution with practical, industry-relevant database skills in both SQL and NoSQL systems. The stackable design allows seamless progression to advanced graduate certificates in web development.
Hakia Insight: Harvard's microcertificate design with stackable pathways to web development certificates is deceptively smart—you can signal mastery to employers in 6-9 months rather than committing to a full degree, and the Harvard brand weight makes that credential disproportionately valuable in hiring conversations.
At the master's level, harvard's approach to database management education is anchored in research-driven coursework and the university's intellectual depth in systems design and computer science foundations. Rather than focusing narrowly on commercial tools, the program emphasizes understanding the underlying principles—query optimization, transaction management, distributed consensus, and data modeling at scale—that enable students to master any database system they encounter professionally. Advanced electives explore cutting-edge topics like distributed databases, blockchain data structures, and analytics at scale, often taught by faculty who are actively publishing in top-tier venues. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences maintains strong connections with both academia (MIT, CMU) and industry leaders (Google, Facebook Meta, Microsoft Research), creating an environment where database research and real-world challenges inform each other. Harvard's location in Cambridge provides direct access to a dense cluster of technology companies and consulting firms, and the university's reputation opens doors at every major tech firm. Graduate students often combine database coursework with research projects, publishing papers or building systems that become influential in industry. The program doesn't promise guaranteed internships or a pre-packaged career path; rather, it attracts self-directed students who want to develop deep technical expertise and intellectual independence in a rigorous environment.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Research Lab (SEAS)
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (Facebook) (corporate)
- Microsoft Research (corporate)
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Stratos Idreos — Data systems architecture, query processing, data management
Location Advantages: Cambridge innovation hub with direct access to MIT, Google, Microsoft, and AkamaiStrong academic connections to other top CS research programsBoston area financial and biotech firms recruiting for database engineering roles
Merrimack College — North Andover, MA
Key Distinction: The online M.S.C.S. program uniquely combines advanced computational ethics with specialized software engineering concentrations, offering both master's project and thesis options with heavy emphasis on experiential, project-based learning.
Hakia Insight: Merrimack's requirement that online M.S.C.S. students choose between thesis and project changes incentives fundamentally—thesis students build publishable research while project students ship real systems, so you pick the path that matches your actual career goal instead of following a one-size-fits-all track.
Merrimack College's Computer Science programs, housed in the Department of Computer and Data Sciences within the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences, offer both undergraduate and graduate pathways with strong emphasis on practical application. The online Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.) provides advanced algorithms, computational ethics, and specialized concentrations including software engineering. The program features experiential curriculum with hands-on software design and development, advanced programming concepts like parallel programming, networking, object orientation, systems programming, and database management. Students can choose between a master's project or thesis, with all courses emphasizing project-heavy curriculum. The program is designed for professionals seeking career advancement in software development and includes foundational coursework for those without strong programming backgrounds.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Database Management — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Database Management — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- BRAiN Lab
- Quantum AI (QAI) Lab
- Shared Instrumentation & Research Facility
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree, Department interview to determine foundational coursework level
Location Advantages: North Andover, MA locationAccess to New England technology corridor
