Masters in Data Management

In today's data-driven business landscape, the demand for professionals skilled in managing and leveraging data is at an all-time high. Pursuing a master's degree in data management offers a strategic pathway to capitalize on this growing demand and advance your career.

A Master of Science (M.S.) in data management equips students with specialized knowledge and technical expertise to navigate the complexities of big data, ensuring its proper storage, security, and accessibility for critical business intelligence and analytics purposes. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on training, graduate programs in data management prepare students to design and implement robust data systems, adeptly managing data solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.

By earning a master's degree in data management or a related field, individuals position themselves as valuable assets in today's data-centric industries, poised to drive innovation, efficiency, and strategic decision-making within organizations.

What is Masters in Data Management?

Data Management is a process where data is ingested, stored, maintained and organized and collected by an organization. Data Management helps the companies to gather data and provide better customer services. Data in the IT industry works as an asset that can be used to make better and informed business decisions, optimize business operations, and improve marketing campaigns. The goal is to increase profit and revenue by utilising these data. 

A few facts about Masters in Data Management

• Many database management careers are growing faster than the national average.
• By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there would be an 11% increase in database administration jobs.
• A master’s in database management also benefits graduates financially.
• According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers enjoy a median annual salary of nearly $140,000.
• Data is becoming a monetised business asset since as of 2018, 95% of C-level executives believe that data is an integral part of forming their business strategy.
• Data management is becoming increasingly popular because most organizations believe that about 33% of their existing data is actually bad data or is redundant in nature.
• 89% of C level executives also agree that bad data harms customer relationships severely. 

Why Should I do a Masters in Data Management?

If you always wanted a career in information technology, then this course is perfect for you. Moreover, most of the institutions do not require an undergraduate in the same degree for you to enroll in this course.  

A Masters in Data Management would impart you with important transferable skills, such as project management, critical-thinking and problem-solving, and open up opportunities across industries as data managers, data consultants, consumer and market knowledge managers, chief data officers, big data architects and business and marketing analysts.

Courses and Curriculum

In a Master's in Data Management program, students can expect to delve into a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Core topics typically include fundamental data management concepts, providing a solid understanding of database structures, data modeling, and data manipulation techniques.

Courses in data warehousing offer insight into the design and implementation of data storage solutions tailored to organizational needs. Additionally, students explore advanced topics in data science and analytics, learning techniques for extracting valuable insights from large datasets to drive informed decision-making

• Data management concepts 
• Data warehousing 
• Data science and analytics
• Data security and protection 
• Data project management 

Best Online Masters in Database Management Degrees

Note: In the following list, you’d hardly find a course only dedicated to Data Management. This course comes up with other disciplines also. However, we’ve tried to prioritise our focus on those courses which primarily deal with Data Management.

1. Boston University, Massachusetts

You really don’t need an overview for why to do this course in Boston University. Everyone knows about its prestige and respectable history that reaches back to 1839. 

Course Detail: They teach students industry-relevant SQL tools like Oracle and other database management systems. Generally, students complete the 40-credit-hour program in about 18 to 24 months, however the online format allows for some flexibility.

The curriculum consists of five core courses, a specialty course in Java or Python, and then five courses in the database management concentration. 

Some main courses include: 

• Data Analysis and Visualization
• Advanced Database Management
• Data Mining
• Quantitative Methods for Information Systems

Note: Students in this program enjoe one-to-one attention from 13 faculty members.

2. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Founded in 1956, this University holds a very strong position as the fourth-largest University in Florida. It contains three separate campuses within its system.

Course Detail: The University of South Florida offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology, with highlight classes in Database Management. 

This degree requires 30 credit hours and draws from undergraduate experience and prerequisites in IT database systems and basic data structures/algorithms. (This means you need a background degree in an IT database system in order to pursue this course).

However, University of South Florida offers a non-thesis format, students take a 3-credit-hour practicum that requires you to tackle a real-world problem in a database system. The database management classes include:

• Advanced Database Administration
• Data Mining
• Statistical Data Mining
• Enterprise Information Systems Management 

3. Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida

Known for its research activity, this is another University based in Florida. 

Course Detail: At Florida Institute of Technology, the online Master of Science in Information Technology features a specialization in Database Administration.

The course requires 33 credit hours and you’ll experience a blend of information technology courses and business management courses.

Generally students finish the program in two years. The capstone project—Advanced Management of Information Systems—comes at the end of the program and prepares you for jumping directly into a database management position.

Some of the highlight courses (each spanning eight weeks) include:

• Database Systems Management
• Topics in Advanced Database Management
• Corporate Finance
• Global Information Technology Management

4. University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia

Established in 1906 as an agricultural and mechanical institution, this university is now granting doctoral degrees that cater to 13,000 students both in-person and online.

Course Detail: The online Master of Science in Applied Computer Science at the University of West Georgia features a number of courses related to database management while emphasizing project-based classes in software development. 

The program is designed to be completed in two years, with students taking two classes (6 credit hours) each semester. Some of the core areas of focus in this program are:

• Program Construction
• Web Technologies
• Database Systems
• Software Development

5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Course Detail: The program takes the form of 34 required credit hours in both core courses and advanced courses, all giving you a focus in managing and implementing database systems. 

Students have the option of completing their degree with a master’s thesis option or an independent study of their choice of topic. Some of the database management-related courses in this program include:

• Management Information Systems
• Database Management Systems
• Introduction to Data Mining
• Readings in Advanced Structured Systems Design 

6. New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey

Course Detail: They offer two speciality tracks: Databases/Data Mining and Networking. Moreover, you can also earn graduate-level certificates in Data Mining and Software Engineering, Analysis, and Design alongside your master’s degree. 

The 30-credit-hour program—designed by industry leaders and software business partners of NJIT—consists of 10 classes that are divided into core, speciality, elective courses. You can expect to take some of the following classes:

• Data Management System Design
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Operating System Design
• Data Mining

7. Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs

More than 90 percent of CTU students attend classes via online mode for courses like information technology, criminal justice and business. 

Course Detail: The program specifically focuses on software engineering, security, and database management systems. However, CTU also offers a unique specialization in Database Systems; the 48-credit-hour program is divided into 28 core credits and 20 credits related to a concentration. Some of the database-specific courses include:

• Database Design
• Database Administration
• Data Warehouse
• Distributed Databases

8. University of Illinois in Springfield

Okay, its online program was established in 1999, and they offer 40 degrees online.

Course Detail: They offer a Master of Science in Management Information Systems, which is offered either in person, completely online, or as a hybrid program.

The 36-credit-hour degree hones in on the essentials of managing large-scale data systems and design teams. The degree culminates in a thesis paper or a capstone project. Along the way, the curriculum is packed full of rewarding database management classes such as:

• Management of Database Systems
• Data Communications and Networking
• Data Warehousing
• Managerial Decision Support Systems

Ranking: According to US News and World Report, its rank is 63 in “Best Regional University in Midwest”.

9. Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

It is a global academic centre with an online division in Qatar, Chicago, San Francisco and other places.

Course Detail: It takes an interdisciplinary approach to database management through its online Master of Science in Information Design and Strategy.

It draws from a number of different fields to encourage their graduates to be open-minded managers and astute strategists in the field of IT. Their Data Science and Analytics specialization is where the rubber meets the road in database management. Some of the classes involved in this 48-credit-hour degree include:

• Data Management Principles
• Data Visualization
• Data Collection and Analytics
• User-Centered Design

10. Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

Course Detail: The online Masters of Science in Information Technology program at Southern New Hampshire University offers seven unique concentrations within the degree to give students optimal flexibility and freedom to specialize in their area of expertise.

Two of the concentrations—Database Analytics and Database Design—address the core principles at the heart of database management. 

They make it possible for masters students to finish this program in just 15 months. Some of the stand-out classes in this program include:

• Database Application Development
• Information Technology Project and Team Management
• Principles of Database Design
• Data Warehouse Concepts and Design

Ranking: The Southern New Hampshire University is ranked a solid 92 among Regional Universities in the North by the US News.

Exploring Career Opportunities After Completing a Master's in Data Management

In today's data-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals in data management is soaring. A Master's in Data Management opens up a plethora of career opportunities across various industries, from technology giants to healthcare facilities. 

1. Machine Learning Engineer

The role of a machine learning engineer is considered to be in its early stages of development. These professionals work closely with the organization's data science team to develop software programs and algorithms aimed at delivering data-driven products and services.

The objective is to enable machines to autonomously make decisions, take actions, and improve user experiences without human intervention. A prime example of such applications includes self-driving vehicles and personalized social media news feeds.

Average Salary: US$110,739
Where You Can Work: Large tech customer-facing companies or companies offering data-based services (e.g., Apple, Microsoft, Accenture).
Role: Collaborate with the data science team to build programs and algorithms for data-driven products and services, such as self-driving cars and personalized social media feeds.

2. Data Architect

Data architects utilize a variety of advanced programming tools to meticulously design secure data frameworks tailored to manage large electronic databases within organizations. This pivotal role demands a high level of technical expertise to guarantee that the data remains relevant, accurate, and readily accessible to the organization's employees. 

Average Salary: US$116,710
Where You Can Work: Public or private sector companies.
Role: Design secure data frameworks and manage large electronic databases to ensure data relevancy, accuracy, and accessibility for organizations.

3. Statistician

Statisticians gather, analyze, and assess quantitative data obtained from surveys and experiments to assist organizations in achieving operational benchmarks and offer pragmatic solutions to challenges.

Average Salary: US$73,054
Where You Can Work: Various sectors, including education, finance, health, environment, and government.
Role: Compile, analyze, and evaluate quantitative information to assist organizations in reaching operational standards and finding practical solutions to problems.

4. Data Analyst

Data analysts possess a curious mindset, strong analytical skills, and a proficiency with numbers. Given that every organization accumulates data, ranging from sales metrics to logistical details, market research, and transportation expenses, data analysts play a crucial role in collecting and scrutinizing this information. 

Average Salary: US$60,208
Where You Can Work: Various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, finance, and government.
Role: Gather and evaluate data to provide insights for improving business strategy and decision-making across various areas.

5. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

At the executive level, this role necessitates a deep understanding of technological advancements and their integration into strategic business frameworks.

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are adept at strategic planning and conducting thorough technological analyses, aiming to differentiate the organization within a progressively competitive market landscape.

Average Salary: US$159,149
Where You Can Work: Corporate IT departments, consulting, finance.
Role: Lead technological analysis and strategic thinking to implement technologies for enhancing user experience and efficiency across all business areas.

6. Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Chief Data Officers (CDOs) prioritize business objectives and possess extensive IT expertise. Essential qualifications for aspiring CDOs include a background in mathematics or statistics, supplemented by a specialized master's degree and substantial industry experience.

Average Salary: US$180,458
Where You Can Work: Banking, consulting, healthcare facilities.
Role: Strategically oversee organizational data to generate business value, leveraging expertise in IT and mathematics.

7. Application Architect

Application architects play a crucial role in software development, requiring strong technical vision, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Their daily tasks include creating applications, developing prototypes, conducting software tests, and preparing technical documents.  

Average Salary: US$112,871
Where You Can Work: Software development firms, corporate IT departments.
Role: Provide valuable insights and solutions for software development, use, and maintenance through technical vision and analytical skills.

8. Project Manager

Project managers leverage their data-driven business acumen to strategically plan, budget, and oversee organizational projects. They must possess strong organizational skills, exemplary leadership abilities, and critical-thinking prowess to ensure project success.

Average Salary: US$73,901
Where You Can Work: Construction, engineering, IT.
Role: Plan, budget, and oversee organizational projects using data-driven business acumen and leadership skills.

9. Market Research Analyst

Average Salary: US$63,120
Where You Can Work: Finance, consulting services, manufacturing.
Role: Compile and evaluate market intelligence to help organizations market their products or services effectively.

10. Business/Analytics Translator

Average Salary: US$53,552
Where You Can Work: Finance, insurance, consulting services.
Role: Bridge the gap between business and technology teams, ensuring alignment with organizational values and objectives.

11. Data Scientist

Average Salary: US$88,779
Where You Can Work: IT departments, finance, healthcare services.
Role: Mine and analyze complex data to derive meaningful insights for improving business strategy and operations.

Jobs and Salaries After Masters in Data Management

Since the jobs within this field has been discussed in detail in one of the previous sections, we will tend to focus on the organisations and the salaries that these people will be working with. 

Various coveted technological firms require data scientists and hence hire graduates in data management as well. Some of these companies include the following tech giants: Microsoft, IBM, Amazon and Google among many others. 

Investment Banks and other primary data banks that collect information to release economical reports also demand for data management graduates. Some of the most popular ones include McKinsey and Co., Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, etc., among others. 

While it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact salary figures for these graduates due to the variability of jobs and the huge scope for a relatively large number, we can still try to determine a possible range.

Conclusion

Data is clearly the future of the world. With the rise in population, newer firms and the amount of transactions being done on a daily basis, the amount of data that people within an organisation deal with is constantly rising. The world functions largely on data and hence requires talented individuals who work diligently in this field and offer the best accurate results. Major economic and business decisions are made on the basis of past data and hence we must ensure that reliability and accuracy the data thus obtained for these purposes is extremely high.