Data Modeling and Database Administration: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals seeking expertise in the strategic development and management of complex data systems, this program equips learners with the technical and analytical capabilities to architect, implement, and maintain high-performance databases and data-driven applications. Emphasis is placed on transforming raw data into structured, secure, and scalable information ecosystems that support real-time decision-making across industries.
- Database Theory, Logic, and Semantics: Explores foundational principles governing data representation, relationships, and meaning within structured systems.
- Operational and Warehouse Modeling: Focuses on designing databases for transactional systems and large-scale data warehousing environments.
- Dimensionality and Hierarchies: Teaches methods for organizing data across multiple dimensions and levels of granularity to support analytical queries.
- Data Definition and Schema Design: Covers the creation of precise data structures and logical models that define how information is stored and accessed.
- Technical Architecture and System Integration: Addresses the design of robust database infrastructures and seamless integration with enterprise applications.
- Access Control and Security Design: Provides strategies for safeguarding sensitive data through role-based access, encryption, and compliance protocols.
- Data Formatting, Extraction, and Delivery: Involves techniques for transforming, retrieving, and distributing data efficiently across platforms and systems.
- Index Design and Performance Optimization: Focuses on creating efficient indexing structures to accelerate query response times and system throughput.
- Planning, Budgeting, and Project Management: Prepares learners to lead database initiatives with attention to resource allocation, timelines, and stakeholder coordination.
- Client and Networking Considerations: Examines how database systems interact with end-user applications and network environments to ensure reliability and scalability.
Data Modeling and Database Administration Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Data Modeling and Database Administration Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Data Modeling and Database Administration degrees, including Computer and Information Systems Managers, Database Architects and Data Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,128,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021 | $171,200 | $104,450 - $239,200 | 645,970 | $82.31 |
| Database Architects 15-1243 | $135,980 | $81,630 - $209,990 | 64,770 | $65.37 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Database Administrators 15-1242 | $104,620 | $56,820 - $160,890 | 73,180 | $50.30 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1194 | $61,490 | $38,680 - $106,580 | 111,150 | $29.56 |
Data Modeling and Database Administration Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,178 in Wyoming to $138,698 in California—a 75% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,128,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Data Modeling and Database Administration by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Data Modeling and Database Administration programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Data Modeling and Database Administration is found at Western Governors University (WGU) (788 graduates), Northeastern University Professional Programs (744 graduates), George Mason University (346 graduates), Northeastern University (NU) (307 graduates), and Brigham Young University (BYU–I), Idaho (154 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,121 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
788 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
744 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
346 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
307 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Other Award
|
154 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
148 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
133 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
131 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
96 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
|
95 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
70 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Austin Peay State University (APSU) |
Master's
|
65 | Clarksville, Tennessee | Public | apsu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
63 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of West Florida (UWF) |
Master's
|
62 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | uwf.edu |
| New England College (NEC) |
Master's
|
50 | Henniker, New Hampshire | Private | nec.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
|
49 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Bellevue College (BC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
42 | Bellevue, Washington | Public | bellevuecollege.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
36 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| Regis University |
Master's
|
34 | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
34 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
28 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
25 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
|
24 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Other Award
|
22 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
21 | Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
|
20 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
20 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Master's
|
17 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| Champlain College |
Other Award
|
15 | Burlington, Vermont | Private | champlain.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
14 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| Johnson County Community College (JCCC) |
Other Award
|
12 | Overland Park, Kansas | Public | jccc.edu |
| Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Residency
|
11 | Palos Hills, Illinois | Public | morainevalley.edu |
| Seattle Pacific University (SPU) |
Master's
|
11 | Seattle, Washington | Private | spu.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Santa Monica College (SMC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Santa Monica, California | Public | smc.edu |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | minneapolis.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Other Award
|
10 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Cosumnes River College (CRC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Sacramento, California | Public | crc.losrios.edu |
| Pierce College District |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | pierce.ctc.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Aims Community College |
Other Award
|
8 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | aims.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Stockton University |
Master's
|
8 | Galloway, New Jersey | Public | stockton.edu |
| Stark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Scottsdale Community College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | scottsdalecc.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
6 | Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Master's
|
6 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Victor Valley College (VVC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Victorville, California | Public | vvc.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Seattle Central College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Seattle, Washington | Public | seattlecentral.edu |
| De Anza College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| University of Southern Indiana (USI) |
Other Award
|
4 | Evansville, Indiana | Public | usi.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Master's
|
4 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| Harvard University |
Residency
|
4 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Avondale, Arizona | Public | estrellamountain.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Cypress College |
Other Award
|
3 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Irvine Valley College (IVC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Irvine, California | Public | ivc.edu |
| Ohlone College |
Other Award
|
3 | Fremont, California | Public | ohlone.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
3 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Associate's
|
3 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| College of Southern Nevada (CSN) |
Associate's
|
3 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | csn.edu |
| Bergen Community College (BCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Paramus, New Jersey | Public | bergen.edu |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | kutztown.edu |
| South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Olympia, Washington | Public | spscc.edu |
| Remington College |
Associate's
|
3 | North Richland Hills, Texas | Private | remingtoncollege.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
2 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Davenport, Iowa | Public | eicc.edu |
| Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | bhcc.edu |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) |
Associate's
|
2 | Fergus Falls, Minnesota | Public | minnesota.edu |
| Normandale Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Bloomington, Minnesota | Public | normandale.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| Radford University |
Master's
|
2 | Radford, Virginia | Public | radford.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Public | blueridgectc.edu |
| College of Alameda (CoA) |
Other Award
|
1 | Alameda, California | Public | alameda.edu |
| Citrus College |
Other Award
|
1 | Glendora, California | Public | citruscollege.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
1 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Laney College |
Other Award
|
1 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
| Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | pikespeak.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Data Modeling and Database Administration programs
How much can I earn with a Data Modeling and Database Administration degree?
Salaries for Data Modeling and Database Administration graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a median of $171,200 annually, while Database Architects earn around $135,980. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $138,698 compared to $79,178 in Wyoming. Approximately 1,128,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Data Modeling and Database Administration programs?
Currently 118 accredited institutions offer Data Modeling and Database Administration degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Governors University (WGU) (788 graduates), Northeastern University Professional Programs (744 graduates), and George Mason University (346 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Data Modeling and Database Administration growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 357 in 2010 to 4,139 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,059% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Data Modeling and Database Administration degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Systems Managers, Database Architects, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 1,128,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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