Prepare to advance your career by learning the newest management methods and tools for today's data-driven world in the graduate database systems program.
In the Master of Science in information technology with a database systems technology specialization at University of Maryland University College, you can develop expertise in relational and distributed databases and acquire the newest knowledge in data warehousing, mining, modeling, security, and other sought-after areas of database administration.
Prepare for a number of certifications and work on real-world projects in a respected graduate program as you build your professional value in this fast-growing field.
These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2017–2018 academic year. For prior year academic requirements, visit the catalog archive in the Current Students section.
About the Information Technology Master's Degree with Database Systems Technology Specialization
The database systems technology specialization will give you thorough instruction on the design, development, and management of data technology and can help you develop the core competencies to conquer your career goals.
What You'll Learn
Through your coursework, you will learn how to
- Manage, mine, model, and warehouse data
- Utilize your database administration and security techniques and skills
- Use ETL for data warehousing
- Complete projects using Microsoft Project and Microsoft Visio
- Apply your skills in NoSQL, Oracle 11g, SQL, and UNIX to the professional environment
Coursework Examples
In past projects, students have had the opportunity to
- Create a distributed database solution
- Complete a database security project using Oracle 11g security features
- Create advanced databases using object-oriented modeling and NoSQL modeling for big data
- Create a database for a company to increase business proficiency, backup the database using Oracle tools, and monitor the database with different commands including UNIX/Linux commands
- Mine industry data to solve real-world challenges, such as using census data or Amazon public data to extract useful patterns and predict events regarding society, nature, commerce, and the world economy
Industry Certification
This program can help prepare you for the following certification exams:
Information Technology Master's Degree with Database Systems Technology Specialization Requirements
Our curriculum is designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars. You'll learn theories combined with real-world applications and practical skills you can apply on the job right away.
Master's - specialization Courses
Introductory Course
- UCSP 615
(to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)
Core Courses
- ITEC 625
- ITEC 626
- ITEC 630
- ITEC 640
Core Rules & Recommendations
- You must complete 6 credits of core courses before taking a specialization course.
- ITEC 625 and ITEC 626 must be taken as the first two courses.
Specialization Courses
- DBST 651
- DBST 660
- DBST 652
- DBST 663
- DBST 665
- DBST 667
- DBST 668
Specialization Rules & Recommendations
- DBST 651 must be taken before all other specialization classes and cannot be taken at the same time as other specialization courses.
Capstone Course
- DBST 670
Capstone Rules & Recommendations
- All specialization courses must be completed before taking DBST 670.
Other Requirements
- You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
- All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
- Any transfer credits must have been earned within the five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help you prepare to manage complex databases for large organizations.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
We recommend you have a background in software programming. If you do not have experience or prior coursework in software programming, you may be required to complete additional coursework. We recommend UCSP 605 if you'd like to improve your graduate writing skills.
Facts & Figures

What I really appreciate about the professors I have had the privilege of studying under at UMUC is the breadth and depth of their knowledge as it relates to real-life experience.
Jude O'Sullivan
Vice President of Operations, Carolina West Wireless
UMUC, it's awesome. It's very vet-trusted. All the professors are very helpful whenever a mission comes on and interferes a little bit with the studies.
Miguel Lopez
Veteran
Student Clubs and Organizations
Computing Club
Type: Academic club
Available To: Undergraduate and Graduate
The Computing Club allows its student members to share experiences and offer each other guidance on academic major and career options. Club events provide opportunities for professional socialization and networking, and members are privy to club resources that will help them further their education and careers.
About the Faculty
Our world-class faculty members combine academic credentials with a wealth of experience in the field.
Faculty members in this program hold or have recently held positions including
- Chief information officer
- Information and data architect
- Senior fellow
- Senior technical adviser
Our faculty work or have worked at organizations including
- Lockheed Martin
- MITRE Corporation
- National Institutes of Health
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security