Having skills in database management can be highly profitable. Companies today require professionals who can help store, protect, and retrieve data. Enrolling in one of the best database management associate degree programs will give you the hands-on experience you need. In this article, you’ll find a list of the best database management associate degrees.
In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of the best Associate Degrees in Database Management offered in-person and online. We also show you which jobs are the most sought-after in the industry. Keep reading to find out exactly what an associate degree is and how it can set you up for success.
What Is Database Management?
Database management is the organizing and retrieval of data from databases on a computer. Database managers design, implement, and manage data and the storage systems they are stored in. They typically monitor and maintain these databases for a business. An Associate Degree in Database Management is a good way to start your career in this field.
There are different types of databases, including centralized and distributed databases. These databases hold the textual, numerical, and binary data of a company. It’s up to the discretion of the database manager to select the most suitable type for the company. These professionals rely on database management software to ensure systems are performing as expected.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Database Management?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Database Management include American National University, Anne Arundel Community College, Brookdale Community College, Delaware County Community College, and Gaston College. These schools are where to get a database management degree that will benefit your career most.
What Schools Offer the Best Database Management Associate Degrees?
- American National University
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Brookdale Community College
- Delaware County Community College
- Gaston College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Database Management?
The admission requirements for Associate Degrees in Database Management include a high school diploma or GED, for you to be 18 years old at the start of classes, and for you to be able to read, write, and speak in English at a high enough level. Sometimes, database management associate degree requirements will include a test.
The submission of SAT scores and GPA are sometimes database associate degree requirements, but this is very rare. Most associate degrees have an open enrollment policy, meaning that they’ll accept anyone meeting the minimum requirements listed above. There are no programming languages required for an Associate Degree in Database Management.
Database Management Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent. Unless a special exception is made, all community colleges require their students to have obtained their high school diploma or equivalent before being accepted.
- Minimum Age of 18 Years. You must be at least 18 years old at the start of classes to enroll in an associate degree program. Exceptions can be made, but only under special circumstances.
- SAT Scores and GPA. Although uncommon, some community colleges will require applicants to submit their SAT scores or GPA before being accepted.
How to Get an Associate Degree in Database Management
You can get an Associate Degree in Database Management by finding a community college that offers a database management associate degree. Then you should apply and complete the degree after being accepted. Going into college for a database management associate degree is much easier than trying to do so at the university level.
The best way to get a database management associate degree is through a community college near you, one that you’d be willing to move for, or a college that offers an online degree. Community colleges cater to beginners, so you don’t need to know anything or have any pre-existing knowledge before starting a database management associate degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Database Management?
You need around 60 credits for Associate Degrees in Database Management which, when taking a full courseload, takes about two years. During your degree, you’ll need to complete general education, elective courses, and database management courses. Your database management courses will cover topics such as security measures, cloud computing, and database development.
Business Administration Degree Requirements
- General Education. To graduate, you’ll need to complete a certain number of credits in general education courses. These include subjects such as English, math, and humanities. Around half of your credits will be in general education classes.
- Electives. Electives are classes that belong to a different major than yours, but which are open to students of all majors. For a student in a database management associate degree, this could include classes such as painting, biology, and creative writing. Generally, you are only required to complete two elective classes during your degree.
- Database Administration Courses. Your database administration courses are the classes directly related to your major. These classes are where you will develop the data analytics skills you’ll need for your career. These make up the rest of the credits not taken up by your general education and elective classes.
Best Database Management Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| American National University | Associate Degree in Network Support | Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Database Development, Database Management Systems | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Brookdale Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Network Information Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Delaware County Community College | Associate in Science in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Gaston College | Associate Degree in Information Technology – Data Analytics and Database Management Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Associate of Applied Science – Database Specialist | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Science in Database Management and Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Long Beach City College | Associate in Science – Database Management | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Pierce College | Associate in Applied Science – Database Management and Design | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | Associate of Applied Science – Database Specialist | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Database Management: Top Database Management Associate Degree Programs
The best colleges for database management are those that help you break into the industry successfully. Whether you are looking to upskill or change your career, you can rely on the top database management associate degree programs below to help you achieve your goals.
Best Online Database Management Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming and Database Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| East Coast Polytechnic Institute | Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission |
| Jamestown Community College | Associate Degree in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Liberty University | Associate of Arts in Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission |
| Penn Foster College | Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Pennsylvania State University World Campus | Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Remington College | Associate Degree in Database Management and Administration | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Stark State College | Associate Degree in Computer Programming and Database | Higher Learning Commission |
| Strayer University | Associate of Arts in Information Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Phoenix | Associate Degree in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Database Management: Top Online Database Management Associate Degree Programs
The best online database management associate degrees are those that allow their students to graduate ready for entry-level positions or to transfer to a bachelor’s program at a university while providing them with the flexibility an in-person program doesn’t. Below is a list of the top online database management associate degree programs.
What Is a Database Management Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree in Database Management is a two-year degree that teaches the best practices and fundamental skills of database management, Oracle database administration, the Java programming language, statistical methods, and SQL. Some programs also teach information storage and project planning and management.
Once you complete a database management associate degree, you will have access to a range of job opportunities. You can easily become a database administrator, help desk specialist, software developer, database programmer, or application software designer. An associate degree also provides you with the opportunity to transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Database Management?
It is very important to have an Associate Degree in Database Management if you want to have a career in this field. The main reason why a database management degree is important is that you will find it incredibly difficult to land even an entry-level position without one. In fact, many jobs in database management are only open to people with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Thankfully, associate degrees are a fantastic gateway toward getting a bachelor’s. Many of the associate degrees listed above will allow you to easily transfer your associate degree credits to a university partnered with the school. Certifications, while useful in their own right, are not enough on their own to help you get a career in database management.
Here are other reasons why associate degrees in database management are important:
- Cheaper Than Other Degrees. One of the main benefits of associate degrees is that they are less expensive than traditional four-year university degrees. While the cost-per-credit is cheaper, the amount of credits needed for completion is also lower.
- Few Pre-Requisites. Associate degrees rarely have any pre-requisites for admission to their programs in regards to SAT/ACT scores and GPA. Typically, the only requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent and the passing of a simple assessment test.
- Flexibility. Associate degrees typically offer much more flexibility when it comes to when and where their students can attend classes. Community colleges are much more likely to offer partially or entirely online degrees.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Database Management?
You can get the following types of Associate Degrees for Database Management:
- Associate in Applied Science
- Associate in Science
- Associate in Arts
The type of database management associate degree you should get depends on your career goals. If you intend on entering the workforce as soon as you graduate, an Associate in Applied Science will be the best associate degree type for database management for you. Meanwhile, an Associate in Science or Associate in Arts is typically intended to be a transfer degree.
Is It Better to Get an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Database Management?
It is better to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Management because of the technical skills required to advance in this career. While an associate degree is definitely better than no degree, you will be rather limited in the amount of growth your career will be able to have. Luckily, an associate degree can help you transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
If you want to get a job in database management as soon as possible, an associate degree can work. However, you will be limited in how high you can move up in your career with only an associate degree. You will also be limited in regards to what entry-level positions you can apply to. Many entry-level positions in database management require a bachelor’s degree to qualify.
Other than job outcomes, the difference between an associate and a bachelor’s degree includes the overall cost, the range of classes available to students, and the length of time it takes to complete. While associate degrees are cheaper and take less time to complete, bachelor’s degrees teach subjects in more depth.
What Is the Difference Between a Database Management Associate Degree and a Database Management Certificate?
The main difference between a database management associate degree and a certificate in database management is that an associate degree is a fully accredited academic honor given by a higher education institution that allows its students to transfer to bachelor’s programs or enter the job force, while certificates are a document showing proof of specific job-related skills.
While both are a great way to learn skills in a new subject, a degree is typically held in much higher regard than a certificate. Certificates are typically better for people who already have pre-existing knowledge of a certain field and are looking to upskill for new job opportunities or change careers.
You should get a database management associate degree instead of a certificate if you have just graduated high school, are looking to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, or don’t have any experience in database management or other tech fields and are looking to start your career.
How Much Does a Database Management Associate Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the average associate degree costs $3,621 per year. This is much less than the cost of the average four-year degree, which is $16,647 per year. These figures do not include room and board.
Some students prefer attending non-profit private institutions for their associate degrees, which costs $15,828 per year on average. This is much more expensive than attending public institutions, which typically cost $3,377 per year.
Database Management Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Database Management Degree
There are different financing options available to pay for your database management associate degree. Financial aid for Associate Degrees in Database Management includes student loans, federal grants, or scholarships. Some schools also have flexible payment options like deferred tuition schemes or income share agreements (ISA).
How Long Does It Take to Get a Database Management Associate Degree?
It typically takes two years to get an Associate Degree in Database Management. Most associate degrees require you to earn 60 credits or 90 quarter credits to complete, but some offer quicker programs that only take 18 months to complete. These quicker ones tend to serve more as a route to transfer to a bachelor’s degree.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Database Management?
An Associate Degree in Database Management is not hard to get. These programs are intended to transform complete beginners into industry-ready professionals. Associate degree programs in database management are easy to get because they rarely, if ever, require applicants to have any pre-existing technical knowledge or skills before applying.
What can make an Associate Degree in Database Management hard to get. However, is the complexity of the content. Learning database management can be complex and time-consuming. You need to be passionate and ready to persevere through the learning challenges you’ll face while in college.
Why Should You Get a Database Management Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Database Management are:
- Access to Job Opportunities. One of the most important benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Database Management is the ability to apply for jobs in database management. Without at least an associate degree, you will be unable to apply for any.
- Ability to Transfer to Bachelor’s Degree Programs. If you didn’t have the best grades in high school, took some extended time off after high school, or can’t afford a four-year degree right away, getting an associate degree is a great way to transfer to a bachelor’s degree after graduating, opening even more career growth opportunities for you.
- Greater Flexibility. Generally speaking, a major reason why many people chose to get an associate degree is the extra flexibility this learning format offers compared to other degrees. Community colleges often offer night classes and online classes that make it easier for working professionals to get educated without needing to quit their jobs.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Database Management?
The required courses for a database management associate degree include classes such as .NET Development, Microsoft SQL, Java Programming Language, Introduction to Databases, and Database Design. The Associate Degree in Database Management course list changes from school to school, but courses in associate degrees in database management typically look like the following.
.NET Development
.NET is a web, desktop, mobile, app, and game development platform free to use in the public domain and is an essential tool for all database management professionals. In this class, you will learn how to use the .NET platform for development through lectures and projects and learn the languages used to code on it.
Microsoft SQL
SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language used primarily in data and database management tasks. SQL is one of the most important coding languages you will need to learn as a future database management professional. In a Microsoft SQL class, you will learn how to use the language to better manage data and the databases they are stored in.
Java Programming Language
Java, not to be confused with JavaScript, is an object oriented programming language and is one of the most popular programming languages used by programming professionals around the world. Learning how to program in Java is essential. In a Java Programming Language class, you will build a foundation of Java skills that will serve you throughout your career.
Introduction to Databases
If you want to work in database management, you first need to know what databases are. In an Introduction to Databases class, you’ll learn everything you need to know regarding the basics of databases including their uses, functionalities and limitations, their strengths and weaknesses, and more.
Database Design
Being able to design well-functioning and intuitive databases in what makes database management professionals a vital part of the tech industry. In a Database Design class, you will learn how to properly design databases, what makes a database easy to use, and how to design them for optimal security.
Continuing Education Paths for Database Management Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a database management associate degree is to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, then get a master’s degree. While an associate or bachelor’s degree will allow you to apply for entry-level positions, obtaining a master’s degree will give you the most career growth opportunities in the future.
Related Database Management Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Database Management Degree Programs
The best database management associate degree programs have a high graduation rate, offer relevant curricular content and have a good reputation. You can expect flexible programs and a wide range of student services from a database management associate degree. Here’s what to look for in a college for an Associate Degree in Database Management.
Curricular Content
In a rapidly changing industry like tech, the content taught by educational institutions needs to keep up at the same pace. When looking for the perfect database management associate degree for you, make sure that the content of their courses is up to date. You don’t want to graduate with an already outdated skill set.
Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate can tell you a lot about the quality of the institution. Ideally, you want to look for a college with a high graduation rate, which often indicates that the students attending it are engaged, thanks to the content being taught by skilled instructors. A high graduation rate is often also an indicator of affordability, positive student life, and great student services.
Reputation of School
When looking into database management associate degree programs, make sure to look for reviews left by the program’s alumni. These reviews are a strong indicator of whether or not attending the school is worth your time and money. If a school has a good or bad reputation, make sure you know for what.
Flexibility
Depending on your situation, the flexibility of a school’s database management associate degree program may affect whether or not you choose to attend it. While associate degree programs tend to be flexible, you should look for one that offers night classes or online classes if you need to work as you study or don’t have any programs offered near you but can’t move.
Student Services
While all schools offer a wide range of student services, not all do so to the same degree. The best database management associate degree programs should prioritize student life as highly as it prioritizes the quality of its courses and teachers. When picking the program you’ll attend, look for schools with a rich and vivid student life, with clubs, organized activities, and more.
What Is the Most Affordable Database Management Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degrees in Database Management are:
- Associate in Science – Database Management at Long Beach City College
- Associate Degree Program in Information Technology – Data Analytics and Database Management System at Gaston College
- Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems at Penn Foster College
- Associate of Applied Science – Database Specialist at Southern Crescent Technical College
- Associate of Applied Science – Database Specialist at Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Salary and Job Outlook for Database Management Associate Degree Graduates
There is a wide range of database management associate degree jobs graduates can access. Even better is that the average Associate Degree in Database Management salary is relatively high, even in entry-level positions. Those who choose to continue with a bachelor’s degree can open themselves up to even more opportunities for growth in their career path.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Database Management Associate Degree?
It’s somewhat hard to get a job with a database management associate degree. Unfortunately, with only an associate degree in the field, the vast majority of jobs that will be open to you will only be entry-level jobs. Even then, many entry-level positions are only open to those with a bachelor’s degree. After getting an associate degree, consider continuing your studies.
What’s the Average Database Management Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Database Management is $65,000 a year, according to PayScale. This is a high average salary when compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics national average, making an Associate Degree in Database Management worth it. That said, there’s plenty of room for growth for those who continue their education after their associate degree.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Database Management Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with an Associate Degree in Database Management include computer systems analyst, network architect, and database administrator. The highest-paying database management jobs for associate degree holders are in the development and analysis fields. Here are five good-paying jobs you could get with a database management associate degree.
Database Management Associate Degree Jobs
- Entry-Level Computer Network Architect
- Entry-Level Database Developer
- Junior Information Security Analyst
- Junior Operations Research Analyst
- Junior Computer Systems Analyst
Potential Careers With a Database Management Associate Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Database Management?
You can make between $45,727 and $85,500 a year with an Associate Degree in Database Management in the entry-level jobs you could occupy. You could increase this by pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree after completing your associate degree.
Highest-Paying Database Management Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Database Management Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Computer Network Architect | $82,500 |
| Entry-Level Database Developer | $61,874 |
| Junior Information Security Analyst | $60,359 |
| Junior Operations Research Analyst | $60,113 |
| Junior Computer Systems Analyst | $57,692 |
| Entry-Level Database Administrator | $56,082 |
| Technical Support | $52,610 |
| Junior Market Research Analyst | $49,889 |
| Entry-Level Network Administrator | $49,698 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $45,727 |
Best Jobs for Database Management Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for database management associate degree grads are entry-level positions in network architecture, database development, analysis, and administration. With these entry-level positions, you could earn a high average salary at top tech companies around the country. Below is a detailed breakdown of these data science jobs.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Database Management Bootcamp vs Database Management Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An Associate Degree in Database Management is better than a database management bootcamp if you want to continue your academic education, especially if you have no previous experience in tech. If you’ve already started your career in tech and simply want to upskill, a bootcamp program will suffice.
Database management bootcamps are short and immersive training programs to help students break into the industry. The best database management bootcamps feature an intensive curriculum and expert instructors that help students master real-world skills and knowledge.
Benefits of a Database Management Associate Degree
- Accreditation. The database management associate degrees on this list are accredited. Accreditation is an important factor and hiring managers usually take it into consideration during recruitment.
- Transferable credits. In many cases, the credits you earn during your associate degree are transferable to a bachelor’s degree.
- Affordability. Compared to bachelor’s degree programs, associate degrees are much cheaper. You will invest only a fraction of the money it takes to pursue a four-year degree.
- Ample job opportunities. Associate degree programs in database management will open up many job opportunities, most of them at an entry level. Database management students can become systems analysts, network administrators, database administrators, and database managers.
Benefits of a Database Management Bootcamp
- Fast-paced. Compared to programs offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or universities, bootcamp programs are short and intensive. You can complete a bootcamp program in a matter of months, sometimes even weeks.
- Career-oriented curriculum. Bootcamp providers design their programs based on the current demand in the market. You will learn the skills that top employers are looking for and will have an easier time during the job search.
- Career services. Another advantage of attending a bootcamp is the career services. Bootcamps prepare for the job search and equip you with the soft skills you need through mentorship, interview coaching, resume writing workshops, and other services.
- Ease of payment. In addition to providing affordable learning opportunities, bootcamps also feature multiple financing options. Bootcamp students can pay via student loans, installments, deferred tuition plans, and income share agreements (ISAs), to name a few options.
- Flexibility. Bootcamp programs feature multiple formats to fit anyone’s lifestyle. Prospective students can choose to learn full-time or part-time. They can also learn in person, online, or through a hybrid method.
Is an Associate Degree in Database Management Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Database Management is worth it if you want to pursue a career path in this industry. This type of degree will equip you with the technical skills you need for a wide range of entry-level positions in the tech and IT industries. Many of the two-year degrees in database management featured in this article will prepare you for key certifications in the field.
Moreover, an associate degree is a great option if you are looking to further your academic education and eventually earn a bachelor’s degree. With the demand for database management professionals on the rise, you can’t go wrong with an Associate Degree in Database Management.
Additional Reading About Database Management
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Database Management Associate Degree FAQ
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Database Management, you can become a project manager, database manager, systems manager, or systems administrator.
An Associate Degree in Database Management can’t land you a top position in a company. That being said, an associate degree will open doors to a plethora of entry-level jobs in tech and IT. If you increase your level of education, experience, and skills, you will be able to climb the corporate ladder and gain access to more senior positions.
Yes, some of the best database management certifications include Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate, IBM Certified Database Associate, and SAP Certified Technology Associate.
Yes, you can attend a database management associate degree program part-time. If you choose to study online, you can find several flexible learning options.
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