Database Design Associates and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
Companies, medical facilities, and financial organizations collect massive amounts of data about customers and patients. Database design professionals understand the relationship between the smallest component of raw data and employers' business goals, regulatory practices, and database technologies. Specialists in the industry use this knowledge to design database applications, ensure data integrity, and develop information security measures. Employers seek job candidates who possess strong analytical and technical skills.
The associate's degree program delivers the foundational knowledge required for entry-level positions in a range of industries. The bachelor's degree program provides a broad education that offers advanced courses in data management and administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that positions in the industry offer average to faster-than-average job growth (www.bls.gov). Database administrators might see a 31% increase in jobs over the 2010-2020 decade. Computer programmers could expect a 12% increase, reports the BLS.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People seeking technical support, programming, or data management careers in a range of industries | Individuals seeking database administrator or computer information management opportunities |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Computer support specialist ($52,000) - Computer programmer ($76,000)* | - Database administrator ($77,000)* - Computer and information systems manager ($126,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 60 credits | - Roughly 120 credits |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate's in Computer Information Systems
Schools generally offer the associate's degree program through an information technology or information systems curriculum. Programs emphasize application development and database analysis concepts. You'll gain an understanding of computer networks, productivity software, and operating systems in addition to the creation of database tables, queries, and reports. The program balances general education coursework in mathematics, communications, and the humanities with field of study courses in database theory and administration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Computer programmers earned relatively competitive mean annual salaries of $76,000*
- Program curricula develop strong technical skills, which might make positions in other industries available to you
- General business experience or education might make computer systems management positions available to you with the appropriate experience
Cons
- Bachelor's degree holders will likely experience the best job prospects for computer programming opportunities
- Outsourcing might have an influence on job prospects; employers practice overseas hiring to minimize expenditures
- Pursuing certification will require additional financial resources and time
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Courses and Requirements
Programs are designed to provide the technical expertise required for entry-level database administration, design, and analysis positions. You'll take programming courses, such as structured query language (SQL), to develop your skills in data extraction and reporting techniques. In addition, technical writing courses provide the foundation necessary to document databases and provide training for company personnel. Following are some courses commonly offered by associate's degree programs:
- Advanced spreadsheet applications
- Web programming
- ORACLE
- Database recovery
- Database management fundamentals
- Network hardware configuration
- Database design process
Online Degree Info
The online associate's degree program delivers coursework similar to the campus-based options. Keep in mind that some schools offer their courses once every two years; this could influence the length of time required to complete the program. You'll take courses in database modeling, LINUX/UNIX, and data warehousing. Some programs offer concentrations in database development and programming.
Stand Out with This Degree
Competing against bachelor's degree holders for database design, analysis, and administration opportunities might present a challenge. Certification can help improve your job prospects. The Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW), a professional certifying agency, offers a course that prepares people who take it for the CIW Database Design Specialist certification. The certification will validate your skills in relational database planning, design methodology, and security. In addition to certification, gaining hands-on experience in design provides real-world exposure. Consider participating in group projects or internships if your selected program offers them.
Bachelor's in Information Systems
The bachelor's degree program offers a broader range of technical skills in programming, database design, and information management. This is typically an offering of a school's college of information technology or similar division. You might find deeper areas of specialization, including healthcare informatics or systems analysis. High-level mathematics courses, such as calculus, set the foundation for learning algorithms and relational mathematics. Some programs recommend an internship, which might require up to 200 hours of work-related experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Computer and information systems managers earned competitive mean annual salaries of $126,000*
- Technical training can make positions in multiple industries available to you
- Employers are looking for job candidates with higher education
Cons
- Associate's degree holders earned comparable salaries; computer programmers reported mean annual earnings of $76,000, while database administrators earned $77,000*
- Some employers seek candidates who possess master's degrees
- Overseas hiring might influence employment growth for computer and information systems managers
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Courses and Requirements
The bachelor's degree program delivers in-depth training in various programming languages, database security, and project management principles. You'll learn the important components of the information systems field through courses in mathematics and the sciences, technology, and business. You can expect to take courses in data structures, information architecture, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, data communications, network design, and Visual BASIC programming. In addition, some programs require a passing grade in information technology foundation courses, such as software and hardware concepts.
Online Degree Info
Schools design their online bachelor's degree programs to meet the needs of working professionals. Some programs deliver training for people who are already immersed in the field as database administrators or information technology professionals. The online program might offer training in emerging technologies, such as geographic information systems.
Stand Out with This Degree
Certification and diverse knowledge of programming languages and emerging technologies might improve job prospects. In addition, experience in a related discipline might improve job prospects. Consider taking advantage of multiple courses in different programming languages during your studies. In addition, inquire about courses or programs that might prepare you for industry-standard certifications. An internship program can provide a practical approach to gaining experience early in your career. Finally, consider inquiring about or participating in classroom projects that provide hands-on experience developing, designing, and implementing databases.
