Database Analysts and Data Administrators
Formal Description
“Database analysts design, develop and administer data management solutions. Data administrators develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors” (NOC 2021).
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Database Designer
Data Administrator
Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Specialist
Technical Architect - Database
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- A bachelor’s degree or college program, usually in computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics is usually required.
- Computer programming and related experience is usually required.
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Categories
Here are a few other categories that might interest you:
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Economics Learn More
Economics students develop advanced skills in data analysis, statistical modelling, and the use of software tools to interpret large datasets. The program emphasizes logical reasoning and structured problem-solving. Graduates are well-prepared to manage and analyze economic and financial data, making them strong candidates for roles in database management, data analytics, and business intelligence.
Anthropology Learn More
Anthropology combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to study human cultures and societies. Students often work with ethnographic databases, archival systems, and digital tools for organizing and analyzing cultural data. This major prepares students to manage complex, often interdisciplinary datasets—particularly in academic, museum, or non-profit settings—where data integrity, classification, and contextual understanding are key.
Sociology Learn More
Sociology emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, data coding, and statistical analysis. Students learn to manage and interpret complex social datasets. Graduates are equipped to work with demographic, policy, or social research databases, and contribute to data organization, reporting, and system maintenance in public and non-profit sectors.
Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB) Learn More
The PNB program includes extensive training in experimental design, data collection, and statistical software. Students often work with large datasets and learn to manage data integrity and structure. This background is ideal for roles that involve managing research databases, ensuring data quality, and supporting data-driven decision-making in healthcare, education, and research institutions.
