Database Fundamentals vs Database Programming: what each covers, and which first

Database Fundamentals is broader: how database systems are planned, designed and run, from the relational model and ER modelling to normalization, administration and distributed databases, with SQL along the way. Database Programming is about writing SQL: schema design, queries, joins, subqueries, views, indexes and security, in MySQL and SQL Server.

Neither syllabus lists a prerequisite. If you are new to databases, take Database Fundamentals first: NCCRS recommends it in the lower division and Database Programming in the upper division, and Database Programming goes further into SQL.

Database Fundamentals (Computer Science 281): ACE recommends 3 semester hours, ACE ID UPIS-0010, and NCCRS recommends 3 in Computer Science or Information Technology. Database Programming (Computer Science 381) carries an NCCRS recommendation for 3 upper-division semester hours in Database Programming, Informatics, Information Technology, MIS, or Computer Science.

Database Fundamentals: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Computer Science among other subjects; ACE recommends 3 (ACE ID UPIS-0010). Database Programming: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, upper division, in Database Programming among other subjects.

Database Fundamentals: Computer Science or Information Technology. Database Programming: Database Programming, Informatics, Information Technology, MIS, or Computer Science. Your college decides which requirement each one fills.

Database Fundamentals is longer by its syllabus. Database Fundamentals: 21 chapters and 77 instructional hours. Database Programming: 12 chapters and 49 instructional hours. Both are self-paced, so you finish as fast or as slow as you want.

Both have the same kind of final: 100 multiple-choice questions.

Yes, online: under light proctoring (no camera) if you already have 70% before it, otherwise under full proctoring. The quizzes and the assignment are open-book; the Database Fundamentals final is not.

Yes. Database Fundamentals is a separate course: enroll in it alone, study it online at your own pace, and send its transcript to your college.

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. Search your school in Find My College and ask your registrar which courses Computer Science 281 and 381 would count as. For the registrar: Database Fundamentals's NCCRS recommendation lists Computer Science and Database Programming's NCCRS recommendation lists Database Programming.