Best Bachelor's Database Management Degree Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #3 Best School in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report for Library and Information Studies, with strong connections to the thriving biomedical and health informatics industry in Research Triangle Park, NC.
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's #3 ranking in Library and Information Sciences masks its actual strength: the Carolina Health Informatics Program positions undergraduates to work on biomedical databases within Research Triangle Park's $60+ billion life sciences cluster, where a $117,960 median salary reflects proximity to pharmaceutical and medical device companies, not just generic tech roles.
At the bachelor's level, UNC Chapel Hill offers database management-related programs primarily through the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP), which trains leaders in biomedical and health informatics to improve healthcare delivery efficiency and effectiveness. The program partners with top-ranked academic units including information and library science, computer science, public health, biostatistics, medicine, nursing, dentistry, data science and pharmacy.
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
- Carolina Applied Informatics Research Lab (CAIR)
- Center for Virtual Care Value and Equity (ViVE)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $117,960.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Saif Khairat — virtual care, Professor of Nursing and Core CHIP faculty member
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.000.
Requirements: prerequisite courses completed before spring application
Location Advantages:
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Key Distinction: App State's program uniquely combines rigorous systems thinking with hands-on research and consulting projects, producing database engineers who understand performance optimization and software architecture.
Hakia Insight: App State's proximity to Google Cloud partnerships and Boone's emerging startup ecosystem means database students don't just study cloud systems—they consult on them for early-stage companies in their backyard, building optimization experience that typically requires internship hunting at distant tech hubs.
At the bachelor's level, app State's approach to database management education reflects the university's culture of hands-on learning and Boone's position as an emerging tech hub in western North Carolina. The program goes beyond typical database coursework by integrating it into systems thinking—students understand how databases operate within broader software architectures, cloud infrastructure, and organizational data ecosystems. The curriculum includes solid foundations in SQL and relational theory alongside modern tracks in NoSQL databases, data warehousing, and cloud database services (AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure databases). Faculty actively involve students in research projects and consulting engagements with regional organizations and startups, meaning students build real portfolios with tangible impact. App State emphasizes the full spectrum of database work: design, optimization, administration, and security. A key differentiator is the program's attention to database performance tuning and the software engineering practices that support reliable, scalable systems—skills companies desperately seek. The school's growing reputation in tech has attracted both quality faculty and partnerships with expanding regional companies. Graduates move into database roles across consulting firms, tech companies, and established enterprises, with particular strength in placements at companies valuing engineering rigor and problem-solving ability.
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
- Appalachian State University Computer Science Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Local Boone tech startups and regional companies (startup)
- Google Cloud partners (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Tech consulting firms, Cloud service providers, Regional tech companies.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to emerging Boone tech ecosystemAccess to growing regional tech companies and startupsMountain region providing quality-of-life advantages for tech talent
East Carolina University — Greenville, NC
Key Distinction: ECU's database program uniquely emphasizes healthcare IT and medical informatics systems, leveraging the university's medical school and creating specialized career pathways in healthcare database roles.
Hakia Insight: ECU's medical school presence creates a structural advantage most computer science programs lack: database students can work directly with healthcare IT infrastructure problems that affect patient outcomes, translating abstract SQL into concrete problems worth $110K+ salaries in medical informatics roles.
At the bachelor's level, east Carolina University's computer science program incorporates database management as a core competency, particularly emphasizing preparation for healthcare IT and enterprise systems roles—areas where ECU's regional influence is strong. The curriculum covers database design, SQL, and data warehousing with practical orientation toward the systems students will encounter in their first jobs. ECU's location in eastern North Carolina, combined with its medical school and health-related research footprint, creates unique opportunities for students interested in healthcare databases and medical informatics systems. The program maintains active connections with regional employers and government agencies, resulting in internship placements that provide real database system exposure. Faculty tend to have practitioner backgrounds, bringing contemporary industry perspective into the classroom. Students emerge with solid technical database skills and often have experience with specific systems—EHR databases, for instance—that give them competitive advantage in healthcare IT hiring. For students drawn to healthcare information systems or who want a practical database foundation with regional job placement support, ECU offers direct pathways.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to healthcare IT sector and medical informatics rolesRegional medical and research institutions
Western Carolina University — Cullowhee, NC
Key Distinction: Western Carolina combines cloud-first database curriculum with intensive mentorship and regional industry partnerships that prioritize job placement in underserved Appalachian tech markets.
Hakia Insight: Western Carolina's cloud-first curriculum paired with intensive mentorship targets Appalachian tech talent gaps deliberately—this isn't accidental regionalism but designed placement strategy, where employers like Mission Health actively recruit from this program because it trains for the specific infrastructure they operate.
At the bachelor's level, western Carolina's database management curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on development within a regional context where students gain direct exposure to real-world enterprise systems. The program integrates database design, SQL optimization, and data warehousing through project-based learning tied to regional business needs—particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism sectors that drive Western North Carolina's economy. Students work with contemporary tools including Oracle, SQL Server, and cloud platforms, building portfolios on actual client projects rather than theoretical exercises. Faculty maintain active connections with regional tech employers, creating internship pipelines and ensuring the curriculum stays aligned with hiring demands. The relatively small cohort size means students receive individualized mentorship and can specialize in areas like healthcare data systems or business intelligence based on local industry demand. Graduates typically move into database administrator, data analyst, or business intelligence roles at companies headquartered or operating significantly in the Southeast, where WCU's reputation carries particular weight.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mission Health (corporate)
- Appalachian Regional Commission (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mission Health, Local financial institutions.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Asheville's growing tech sectorAccess to regional healthcare and manufacturing employersGrowing remote work opportunities across the Southeast
Strayer University-North Carolina — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: Strayer University-North Carolina offers comprehensive Database Management programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Strayer University-North Carolina's data lacks specific employer partnerships, research labs, or salary outcomes, making it difficult to assess whether its database program serves working professionals effectively or merely offers credential accessibility without employment clarity.
Strayer University-North Carolina offers Database Management programs in Greensboro, NC. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Fayetteville State University — Fayetteville, NC
Key Distinction: Fayetteville State's program prioritizes enterprise database operations and security for students entering IT infrastructure roles, with deep partnerships in government and healthcare sectors.
Hakia Insight: Fayetteville State's proximity to Fort Bragg's military IT infrastructure needs creates a specialized career pipeline: database graduates enter government and defense sector roles where security-first database operations carry security clearances and salaries that outpace commercial tech by 15-20%.
At the bachelor's level, database management education at Fayetteville State emphasizes practical, hands-on skill development tailored to regional workforce demands. The program prioritizes real-world database design and administration through lab-intensive coursework where students work directly with enterprise-level database systems like SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL. A distinctive feature is the integration of data analytics and business intelligence components alongside core database architecture—preparing graduates not just to manage data, but to extract strategic value from it. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain active connections with local and regional technology employers, creating internship and job placement pathways for students. The curriculum balances foundational database theory with contemporary tools and methodologies, including cloud database platforms that reflect current industry practices. Career outcomes typically lead to database administrator, database developer, or data analyst positions at regional corporations, government agencies, and IT consulting firms. The program's location within North Carolina's growing tech corridor provides additional networking opportunities and recruitment interest from employers seeking qualified database professionals. Small class sizes enable personalized mentoring and customized projects that allow students to build portfolios demonstrating their technical capabilities to prospective employers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Fort Bragg military installations with significant IT infrastructure needsGrowing tech sector in Research Triangle region
University of North Carolina at Greensboro — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: A regionally-connected program that combines practical database systems training with direct pathways to employment in the Piedmont Triad's growing tech and healthcare sectors.
Hakia Insight: UNC Greensboro's curriculum design informed by regional employer input creates a closed feedback loop rare among public universities—each course iteration incorporates Piedmont Triad banking, healthcare, and tech firm specifications, meaning students graduate with skills matched to hiring needs in their own metro area.
At the bachelor's level, UNC Greensboro's database management program grows out of a data-driven institutional commitment, with curriculum design informed by input from regional and national employers in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Students progress through structured coursework beginning with database fundamentals and advancing to specialized topics in data management, database administration, and enterprise architecture. The program integrates cloud-based platforms—AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database—alongside on-premises systems, reflecting the hybrid infrastructure reality graduates will encounter. Faculty maintain active connections with industry partners through advisory boards and guest lectures, ensuring that course projects reflect authentic business challenges. Distinctive to UNCG is the emphasis on data governance and regulatory compliance (particularly relevant given healthcare organizations in the region), as well as opportunities for students to contribute to the university's own data management infrastructure projects. Graduates develop a pragmatic skill set highly valued by employers seeking database professionals who can navigate both technical and organizational contexts.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Database Management — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Database Management — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Piedmont Triad technology and healthcare companiesRegional networking with banking and financial services firmsAccess to internships in software development and database administration roles
University of Mount Olive — Mount Olive, NC
Key Distinction: University of Mount Olive offers comprehensive Database Management programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Mount Olive's program profile contains no employer data, research partnerships, faculty expertise, or placement outcomes, presenting insufficient evidence to identify what distinguishes its database education from generic offerings or whether graduates enter the regional workforce effectively.
University of Mount Olive offers Database Management programs in Mount Olive, NC. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lenoir-Rhyne University — Hickory, NC
Key Distinction: Lenoir-Rhyne University offers comprehensive Database Management programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Without differentiation data, Lenoir-Rhyne's regional positioning in Hickory limits visibility into whether graduates compete effectively with NC State and UNC pipeline schools—prospective students should request placement rates and employer partnerships before enrolling.
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers Database Management programs in Hickory, NC. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Catawba College — Salisbury, NC
Key Distinction: Catawba College offers comprehensive Database Management programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Catawba's Salisbury location offers proximity to Charlotte's financial services corridor, but the program's lack of named industry partners or capstone projects suggests it may function as a generalist tech pathway rather than specialized database training.
Catawba College offers Database Management programs in Salisbury, NC. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Database Management Degree Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #3 Best School in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report for Library and Information Studies, with strong connections to the thriving biomedical and health informatics industry in Research Triangle Park, NC.
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's CHIP program channels database talent toward health informatics—a niche where median salaries hit $117,960—but students should recognize this is fundamentally different from enterprise database careers; the fit depends entirely on choosing health systems over banking or tech.
At the master's level, UNC Chapel Hill offers database management-related programs primarily through the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP), which trains leaders in biomedical and health informatics to improve healthcare delivery efficiency and effectiveness. The program partners with top-ranked academic units including information and library science, computer science, public health, biostatistics, medicine, nursing, dentistry, data science and pharmacy.
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
- Carolina Applied Informatics Research Lab (CAIR)
- Center for Virtual Care Value and Equity (ViVE)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $117,960.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Saif Khairat — virtual care, Professor of Nursing and Core CHIP faculty member
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.000.
Requirements: prerequisite courses completed before spring application
Location Advantages:
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: The program offers three undergraduate concentrations (Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Game Development) and three elective tracks (Security, Entrepreneurship, and Robotics), with Senior Design projects that may have industrial sponsors providing real-world experience.
Hakia Insight: NC State's proximity to SAS Institute headquarters means database students have access to the company that literally defines enterprise data warehousing, yet the program description emphasizes AI and cybersecurity tracks—a mismatch suggesting database may be a secondary concentration rather than the flagship offering.
At the master's level, NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that teaches students to specify, design, implement, test, and deploy computer and software systems. The program includes core courses in programming languages, data structures, software engineering, systems, theory of computation, and secure software development.
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
- SAS Institute (tech)
- First Citizens Bank (finance)
- iProspect (tech)
- Environmental Protection Agency (government)
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield (healthcare)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: SAS Institute, First Citizens Bank, iProspect, Environmental Protection Agency, Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Donna Barton — Statistics Program Coordinator
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: NCCU's program uniquely combines deep SQL and data engineering rigor with an explicit focus on pipeline-building and mentorship for Black database professionals entering competitive tech markets.
Hakia Insight: NCCU's explicit focus on pipeline-building for Black database professionals, combined with IBM and Capital One recruitment, addresses a documented talent gap in tech leadership; the program's value proposition isn't theoretical rigor but strategic positioning within underrepresented talent networks.
At the master's level, NCCU's database management program leverages the university's location in the Research Triangle and deep partnerships with Durham and Raleigh tech ecosystems to create a data-focused curriculum with real industry relevance. The program emphasizes SQL mastery and relational database design while increasingly integrating modern data engineering concepts—students learn Hadoop, Spark, and cloud data platforms alongside traditional RDBMS work. What makes NCCU distinctive is its explicit commitment to preparing Black technologists for database and data leadership roles; the program actively recruits underrepresented students and provides mentoring networks connecting them with tech industry professionals. Faculty collaborate with local companies like IBM, SAS, and emerging fintech firms, bringing current industry challenges into the classroom. Students undertake capstone projects with real data sets from partner organizations, building portfolios that demonstrate both technical depth and business acumen. The program also integrates professional development—CV workshops, technical interview prep, and networking events—to ensure graduates move confidently into competitive roles. NCCU alumni have built careers at major tech companies, financial institutions, and research organizations throughout the Triangle.
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
- NC Central University Data Science Initiative
Industry Partners
- SAS Institute (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Durham Chamber of Commerce Tech Council (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: SAS Institute, IBM, Capital One, Financial services firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Research Triangle RegionProximity to SAS headquartersStrong connections to Raleigh and Durham tech employersAccess to IBM and major fintech companies
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC
Key Distinction: UNCW differentiates through intimate project-based database learning, strong regional internship networks in Wilmington's growing fintech sector, and faculty accessibility.
Hakia Insight: UNCW's fintech sector proximity is genuine but nascent—Wilmington lacks the employer density of Charlotte or the Research Triangle, meaning intimate faculty access and Navy/NOAA partnerships may matter more than job market size for students prioritizing mentorship over immediate placement volume.
At the master's level, UNC Wilmington's computer science program, situated in a coastal tech corridor that's increasingly attractive to software and data companies, offers database management coursework within a curriculum that balances theory with applied problem-solving. The program is known for fostering close faculty-student relationships where students can engage in real database design projects early, often using case studies drawn from regional business needs. Wilmington's growing startup and fintech scene provides internship opportunities that let students work on live database systems—not simulations. The program structure allows students to pursue electives in data engineering, business analytics, and systems architecture, building a specialized skillset around data infrastructure. With a student-centered teaching philosophy and relatively small cohorts, database courses at UNCW tend to feature more individual project work and direct feedback than larger institutions can offer. This environment suits students who thrive with mentorship and want to build a portfolio of real database projects before entering 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
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Marine Science
Industry Partners
- United States Navy (government)
- NOAA (government)
Location Advantages: Wilmington's growing fintech and software development sectorEmerging tech hub status in Southeast
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Key Distinction: App State's program uniquely combines rigorous systems thinking with hands-on research and consulting projects, producing database engineers who understand performance optimization and software architecture.
Hakia Insight: App State's Google Cloud partnership and emphasis on performance optimization suggest a systems-focused track that differentiates from data science programs, but the small Boone tech ecosystem means graduates likely relocate; the real value is hands-on optimization skills, not regional networking.
At the master's level, app State's approach to database management education reflects the university's culture of hands-on learning and Boone's position as an emerging tech hub in western North Carolina. The program goes beyond typical database coursework by integrating it into systems thinking—students understand how databases operate within broader software architectures, cloud infrastructure, and organizational data ecosystems. The curriculum includes solid foundations in SQL and relational theory alongside modern tracks in NoSQL databases, data warehousing, and cloud database services (AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure databases). Faculty actively involve students in research projects and consulting engagements with regional organizations and startups, meaning students build real portfolios with tangible impact. App State emphasizes the full spectrum of database work: design, optimization, administration, and security. A key differentiator is the program's attention to database performance tuning and the software engineering practices that support reliable, scalable systems—skills companies desperately seek. The school's growing reputation in tech has attracted both quality faculty and partnerships with expanding regional companies. Graduates move into database roles across consulting firms, tech companies, and established enterprises, with particular strength in placements at companies valuing engineering rigor and problem-solving ability.
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
- Appalachian State University Computer Science Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Local Boone tech startups and regional companies (startup)
- Google Cloud partners (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Tech consulting firms, Cloud service providers, Regional tech companies.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to emerging Boone tech ecosystemAccess to growing regional tech companies and startupsMountain region providing quality-of-life advantages for tech talent
Strayer University-North Carolina — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: Strayer University-North Carolina offers comprehensive Database Management programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Strayer's online-flexible model serves working professionals, but the absence of named research labs, faculty, or employer partnerships signals a credential-focused program rather than a research or innovation pipeline—best suited for career changers already employed in tech.
Strayer University-North Carolina offers Database Management programs in Greensboro, NC. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Doctoral Database Management Degree Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #3 Best School in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report for Library and Information Studies, with strong connections to the thriving biomedical and health informatics industry in Research Triangle Park, NC.
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's doctoral program in health informatics via CHIP produces leaders at $117,960 median salary—a specific outcome, but prospective PhD students should verify whether the research labs (CAIR, ViVE) fund database systems or primarily biomedical applications, as the distinction shapes dissertation scope.
At the doctoral level, UNC Chapel Hill offers database management-related programs primarily through the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP), which trains leaders in biomedical and health informatics to improve healthcare delivery efficiency and effectiveness. The program partners with top-ranked academic units including information and library science, computer science, public health, biostatistics, medicine, nursing, dentistry, data science and pharmacy.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Database Management — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Database Management — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Carolina Applied Informatics Research Lab (CAIR)
- Center for Virtual Care Value and Equity (ViVE)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $117,960.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Saif Khairat — virtual care, Professor of Nursing and Core CHIP faculty member
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.000.
Requirements: prerequisite courses completed before spring application
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Greensboro — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: A regionally-connected program that combines practical database systems training with direct pathways to employment in the Piedmont Triad's growing tech and healthcare sectors.
Hakia Insight: UNCG's employer-informed curriculum design and Piedmont Triad healthcare/banking proximity create a regionally-optimized program, but without named research labs or faculty specialties, it's unclear whether this doctoral track emphasizes publishable systems research or applied database management for regional industries.
At the doctoral level, UNC Greensboro's database management program grows out of a data-driven institutional commitment, with curriculum design informed by input from regional and national employers in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Students progress through structured coursework beginning with database fundamentals and advancing to specialized topics in data management, database administration, and enterprise architecture. The program integrates cloud-based platforms—AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database—alongside on-premises systems, reflecting the hybrid infrastructure reality graduates will encounter. Faculty maintain active connections with industry partners through advisory boards and guest lectures, ensuring that course projects reflect authentic business challenges. Distinctive to UNCG is the emphasis on data governance and regulatory compliance (particularly relevant given healthcare organizations in the region), as well as opportunities for students to contribute to the university's own data management infrastructure projects. Graduates develop a pragmatic skill set highly valued by employers seeking database professionals who can navigate both technical and organizational contexts.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Database Management — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Database Management — 4-6 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Piedmont Triad technology and healthcare companiesRegional networking with banking and financial services firmsAccess to internships in software development and database administration roles
