Learn data management with online courses and programs

Why learn data management from online courses and tutorials

Taking an online data management course can be the first step toward understanding the world of data and the role that data scientists play. Data visualization, database administration and coding with programming languages such as Python, are some of the critical skills that data management professionals need.^{Footnote 2} Equipped with an understanding of data management, data scientists can help organizations build master data management systems, answer business questions in real time, and safeguard their sensitive information. Online data management courses can help data professionals refine their knowledge of data analysis, databases, business analytics, relational databases, and other data management skills and principles. 

Data management course curriculum 

Data management courses can differ widely. Some courses designed for learners of all levels. Learners pursuing data management jobs may start by completing an undergraduate degree. A typical bachelor’s degree in computer science or data science may include courses in topics such as:

• Computer science

• Information systems

• Management information systems

• Information and communications technology

Taking coursework in mathematics, statistics, and data science, as well as learning programming languages such as Python, can help support learners on their journey to becoming data managers. 

Earning a master’s degree in data science can help professionals pursue a more specialized route within data administration. Sample courses in a data science graduate program may include:

• Data architecture

• Computer engineering

• Data modeling

• Information resource management 

• Information and communications technology

• Cybersecurity

• Software engineering

Other topics that may be covered in undergraduate or graduate degree programs, as well as data management courses, include data management processes, data governance, data warehousing, business intelligence, data modeling, data architecture, and more. 

Data management tutorials can help guide beginners in the data management industry. It can also help professionals become more proficient in areas such as data analysis and data modeling. And those with more experience may choose to earn a professional certificate to advance their careers in data management.

Build a career in data management

There are several avenues professionals can take to pursue a variety of data management jobs.^{Footnote 3} Some roles include: 

• Computer systems analysts: test, install, and monitor computer programs and systems and solve complex business problems using computers.^{Footnote 4}

• Database administrators: implement security measures to safeguard data and modify existing databases for efficiency. Data architects design databases to support business processes.^{Footnote 5}

• Operations research analysts: use mathematics, data science, and problem-solving to help businesses make decisions by collecting information from databases and customers.^{Footnote 6}

• Database architects: design databases and develop database architectural strategies to support business applications, system scalability, security, and performance. They also develop data models for applications or other databases.^{Footnote 7}

Many of these positions emphasize interpreting data visualizations and constructing database management systems from scratch.

Individuals can start learning data management with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject and further their skills in specialized areas such as database administration and data engineering. Having a bachelor's degree in a subject related to data management may be helpful when searching for an entry-level job. However, some employers may prioritize hiring applicants who grew specific skills with a boot camp or with a master’s degree focused on data or database management.^{Footnote 8} Practicing skills using Excel and Python can also be useful to become a data manager. Taking free data management courses or pursuing graduate certificates can also prepare learners to become data managers.