What Is Database Architecture?

Database Architecture Definition

Database architecture focuses on database design and construction for large enterprise database systems that manage massive amounts of information for organizations. Database architecture includes setting the standards for the security and programming aspects of these databases, as well as figuring out how these databases will operate and function within existing structures. Learn more about the professionals who work in database architecture below.

Database Architect Job Description

Database architects are professionals who perform database design and construction. These professionals create these new databases to help businesses carry out daily operations while staying secure and reliable. Some specific job duties for these professionals may include:

• Setting backup and recovery processes for databases
• Determine architectural strategies within the business requirements
• Create models for applications
• Test systems and updates to database applications
• Monitor production systems
• Develop database development standards

Database architects, or database administrators, generally work full-time and may work in a range of fields, including in healthcare managing patient data or in retail managing customer information. Database architects need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome technical issues with database systems, as well as communication skills to work with managers, developers, and other professionals.

Database Architect Education Requirements

Most database architects or administrators need at least a bachelor's degree, although some positions may require a master's degree. Although database architects may pursue any bachelor's degree in the field of computer science or information technology, there are some bachelor's degree programs that offer specializations with databases. These degree programs are typically offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) in areas like computer and information science, information technology, or computer information systems. Many offer specializations such as database programming, database administration, or database management. Students in these bachelor's degree programs may take courses in areas like:

• Structured query language (SQL)
• Systems design
• Data structures
• Programming
• Database scripting
• Web application development

Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree. Master's degree programs are commonly offered in the field of information technology as a Master of Science (MS) degree and may offer specific concentrations in areas like database design or database design and administration. These degree programs are available in on-campus and online formats. Although it is not usually required, there are doctoral programs in database administration available in on-campus and online formats for students wishing to further their education in the field.

Certifications

Those interested in becoming a certified database administrator can typically pursue certification through the specific software that they use. For example, students can get certified in Oracle database categories like security, administration, development, and data warehouse, or pursue MySQL certification for database administration or a database developer.

Database Architect Salary

According to PayScale.com, database architects made a median annual salary of $113,020 in November 2019. The website did note that this salary may vary based on the skills that a database architect has, such as specific skills in Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.

Other factors that can affect this salary include the location of employment and the level of work experience. For example, PayScale.com reported that database architects with 20 years or more of work experience made an annual salary of about $129,000.