Database Design and Administration (Master's)
The Database Design and Administration master's degree concentration is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults who are current or aspiring database designers and administrators. Learn how to design, administer, fine−tune, and maintain databases with a database administration degree, plus develop business acumen that will help you excel in IT. Master's degree students learn from expert instructors who work in the field they teach, providing cutting−edge insight to what is needed to work efficiently and effectively in this sector of IT.
The master's degree concentration develops IT leaders in database design, development, and administration, while expanding student skillsets to include data modeling, data warehousing, performance tuning, programming, and building and maintaining client−server databases. The combination of required and elective courses in the master's degree program covers key DBS technologies such as SQL Server, Oracle PL/SQL, Transact−SQL programming, and NoSQL databases. This extensive content delivered in a hands−on manner provides both the knowledge and the specific skills needed to put the student on the path to earn key industry certifications for vendor database platforms.
The program also addresses the business management strategies necessary to navigate real−world challenges by offering a broader view of the IT industry, combined with business insights regarding the application of technology to solve organizational issues. You'll learn how other technology disciplines impact database design, such as web design and development, software programming, telecommunications, and information security. This breadth of knowledge, coupled with in−depth database administration and design skills, gives students the competitive advantage needed to meet current industry demands, as well as the foundations to meet the demands of tomorrow. Customize your Information and Communications Technology master's degree through the innovative Professional Options Curriculum using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.
Information and Communications Technology Outcomes
This program prepares students to:
- Assess current and emerging technologies in such areas as mobile applications, wireless networks, and cloud computing
- Define an enterprise architecture including hardware, software, databases, and communications networks and protocols
- Evaluate, select, and apply software design and development methodologies that incorporate software development, acquisition, and/or re-use
- Identify the operational and economic impact of system architecture and software applications in areas such as computer processing, data communications, network design, and software maintenance and support
- Apply best project management practices
- Apply good design processes and methods to develop production-quality systems
- Plan and evaluate, select, and apply appropriate systems and software quality assurance methods and tools
- Lead and coach others in the development of systems and software components
- Communicate effectively with technical peers, management, customers, and end-users
- Identify best practices in information assurance
Required Courses
MAS in Information And Communications Technology with a concentration in Database Design and Administration requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses)
Professional Foundation Courses - 12 qtr. hrsProfessional Foundations courses help students to understand the scope of activity, historical development, future direction and trends, and typical types and roles of organizations that operate within a career field.
Concentration Courses - 16 qtr. hrs (Choose 4)
Professional Concentration courses allow students to focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector in which they are working or wish to work, and master the skills needed to excel in that area.
Further Study - 12 qtr. hrs (Choose 3)
Further Studies Options allow students to customize their degrees to match their career needs by either choosing in-depth study in their concentration by selecting three of the following courses, or exploring other options by using our Degree Builder tool.
Customize your degree or certificate using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.
Core Coures - 8 qtr. hrsThe Graduate Research and Writing and Capstone Project courses are required for all master's degree students. The Graduate Research and Writing course prepares students for the writing and research assignments throughout their program, including the capstone project. The Capstone Project is the culminating academic endeavor of our degree programs, in which students explore a problem or issue within their field of study.
Design Your Custom Plan
![]() |
Use the online degree builder tool to customize your degree or certificate. Through the Professional Options Curriculum, you´re able to create your own degree or certificate plan by selecting courses that cater specifically to your career needs. Using the online degree builder, you´ll select the program and courses necessary to graduate from University College. |
Start Customizing Your DegreeView the tutorial or start building your plan now. |
![]() |
Careers in Database Design and Administration
Titles
Database Manager, IT Database Administration Specialist, Database Architect, Database Developer, Applications Database Manager, Systems Analyst, Database Engineer.
Duties
Develop and maintain IT applications, training, support, research, management, development, administration, information storage and retrieval, data analysis, programming.
Outlook
The demand for database administrators is forecast to grow at a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 31% growth rate for database related job openings through 2020. U.S. News and World Report predicts that employers will prefer applicants with master’s degrees, combined with business and information systems background. Associated Content reports that demand for database administrators will grow in such fields as computer systems design, data processing, software publishing, and computer consulting. Database security continues to be a worldwide priority, as both the volume and value of sensitive data continue their dramatic global growth.
Careers In Information and Communications Technology
YOU are in high demand!
One of the fastest growth rates among all occupations in the US, computer scientist and database administrator job openings are expected to grow 53% in the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, the ICT career outlook is incredibly positive, with a 28% employment increase expected within the field. Whether you choose a career at a government agency, large corporation, or small organization, ICT professionals are in high demand—particularly if you have job experience and relevant education in information and communication technology under your belt.
ICT makes the grade.
The best jobs are in IT, according to U.S. News and World Report. From Information Technology Manager to Database Administrator, Software Developer to Web Developer, these jobs crack the top 10 careers on the U.S. News and World Report list of top 100 best jobs, as there is an explosive demand in the IT field. A master's degree is preferred for most positions, according to U.S. News and World Report, which also predicts that a focus on mobile application development will help professionals beat the competition.
Where are they now?
Alumni from University College who graduated with a master's degree in information and communication technology hold job titles such as Systems Administrator, Project Manager, Network Engineer, Managing Consultant, Network Architect, Lead IT Analyst, Data Engineer, and CEO in companies and organizations such as Pratt & Whitney, Ironware Technologies, iBoss Security, PayPal, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Vanguard Communication, CenturyLink, Advanced Program Group, Level 3, Verizon Wireless, IBM, IntelliDyne, Cisco Systems, Chevron, Time Warner, Harland Financial Solutions, and the United States Air Force.
Ready to Apply
It's time to gather your materials and apply to your program of choice. Remember to include:
Need More Information
Interested in attending University College, but need additional information before you make a decision? No problem−we're here to help. You may request additional information about a specific program and specialty, review and ask questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section, or contact University College directly.
- Request additional information
- Ask a question
- Email University College or call 303-871-2291 or 800-347-2042
Want to Take a Class
Even if you missed the application deadline, you can start taking courses for one quarter before you have to submit a completed application. We know how important it is to get started when you're ready, so review the class schedule or start the registration process now.
- View the class schedule
- Register for a class


















