Computer Science 381 3 College Credits NCCRS Credit Recommended

Database
Programming

Go beyond queries and build the database logic that powers real applications. A hands-on course for developers who want to work at depth.

NCCRS Recommended 3 Credit Hours Self-Paced
Enroll & Start Today →
$250 PER COURSE or UPI Study Pro subscription
97% Completion Rate Course completion rate
28–30 Days Average course completion
Save $650+ vs. avg. community college cost for 3 credits
Self-Paced · Final Exam · NCCRS Recommended

What You'll Learn

A full semester of database programming — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.

Learning Outcomes

What You'll Be Able to Do

  • Evaluate the impact and significance of database applications across various industries
  • Design and implement effective database schemas based on key design principles and requirements
  • Apply normalization rules to enhance database integrity and performance
  • Develop and optimize complex SQL queries using advanced techniques for effective data manipulation and retrieval
  • Master SQL commands — including DDL, DML, and DCL — to manage database systems efficiently; install and configure DBMS platforms like MySQL and SQL Server
  • Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data, including SQL injection prevention, encryption, and auditing
  • Utilize SQL to perform detailed data analysis and generate insightful reports
Topics Covered

Major Course Topics

Relational database systems & SQL fundamentals
Database schema design & normalization (1NF, 3NF)
Creating & managing database tables (DDL)
SQL data types, constraints, keys & indexes
Populating & retrieving data (INSERT, SELECT, GROUP BY)
Data manipulation language (UPDATE, DELETE, TCL)
Joins: inner, left/right, full outer, cross & self
Subqueries, correlated queries & EXISTS clauses
Views, indexes & schema objects
Modifying tables: temp tables, ALTER & DROP operations
Large data sets: UNION, PIVOT/UNPIVOT & multi-table inserts
Regular expressions in MySQL & SQL Server
Database security, SQL injection prevention & encryption
Database auditing & performance optimization
From the syllabus · Computer Science 381

Course chapters and lessons

Database Programming has 12 chapters across 49 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.

Chapters
12
Lessons
81
Instructional hours
49 hrs
Semester hours
3
12 chapters  ·  81 lessons  ·  3 semester hours
Chapter 1

Getting Started with Databases and SQL Setup

7 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 1.1 What Are Database Applications? Purpose and Significance
  2. 1.2 Varieties of Database Programs: Tools and Use Cases
  3. 1.3 Planning a Database Schema: Key Ideas and Steps
  4. 1.4 Querying Databases: Definitions and Essential Tools
  5. 1.5 DDL, DML, and DCL in MySQL: What They Do and When to Use Them
  6. 1.6 SQL Command Essentials: The Must-Know Statements
  7. 1.7 Installing Your Database Environment — MySQL and SQL Server Express Setup Guide
Chapter 2

Normalization and Data Integrity

7 lessons · 3.5 hrs
  1. 2.1 Making Data Clean: Normalization Rules in SQL
  2. 2.2 Understanding Normal Forms: Types and Worked Examples
  3. 2.3 Breaking Down First Normal Form (1NF) with Examples
  4. 2.4 Achieving Third Normal Form (3NF): Walkthrough and Examples
  5. 2.5 Primary Keys in SQL: What They Are and How to Use Them
  6. 2.6 Foreign Keys in SQL: Linking Tables Together
  7. 2.7 SQL Constraints: Enforcing Rules on Your Data
Chapter 3

Data Definition Language and Schema Design

5 lessons · 2.5 hrs
  1. 3.1 Data Definition Language (DDL): Concepts and Examples
  2. 3.2 A Complete Guide to DDL Commands
  3. 3.3 Schemas in SQL: Definitions and Design Fundamentals
  4. 3.4 Character Data Types: CHAR vs. VARCHAR
  5. 3.5 Whole Number Data Types: INT and SMALLINT
Chapter 4

SQL Data Types in Depth

6 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 4.1 Precision Number Types: DECIMAL and NUMERIC
  2. 4.2 Floating-Point Data Types: REAL, FLOAT, and DOUBLE
  3. 4.3 Working with BOOLEAN Values in SQL
  4. 4.4 Date and Time Data Types: DATE, TIME, and TIMESTAMP
  5. 4.5 Storing Binary Data: The BLOB Type
  6. 4.6 Writing Advanced SQL Queries: Techniques and Patterns
Chapter 5

Querying, Filtering, and Sorting Data

10 lessons · 4.5 hrs
  1. 5.1 Adding Records with the INSERT Statement
  2. 5.2 Controlling Result Size: Limiting Query Output
  3. 5.3 Handling Missing Values with the ISNULL Function
  4. 5.4 Core Concepts for Manipulating Databases with SQL
  5. 5.5 Ordering Results: Sorting Techniques in SQL
  6. 5.6 Built-In SQL Functions: How and When to Use Them
  7. 5.7 Replacing Nulls with the NVL Function
  8. 5.8 Conditional Logic in SQL: The CASE Statement
  9. 5.9 Grouping Rows and Calculating Summaries with GROUP BY
  10. 5.10 Filtering Grouped Results and Advanced Aggregation with HAVING
Chapter 6

Data Retrieval and Modification

5 lessons · 2.5 hrs
  1. 6.1 Hands-On Data Retrieval: Practical Database Exercises
  2. 6.2 Data Manipulation Language (DML): Commands at a Glance
  3. 6.3 Changing Records with the UPDATE Statement
  4. 6.4 Removing Records with the DELETE Statement
  5. 6.5 Transaction Control Language (TCL): Managing Data Safely
Chapter 7

Text Operations and Practical Data Manipulation

3 lessons · 1.5 hrs
  1. 7.1 Trimming Text with SQL TRUNCATE String
  2. 7.2 Clearing Tables with SQL TRUNCATE Table
  3. 7.3 Hands-On Data Modification: Practice Exercises
Chapter 8

Joining Tables and Combining Data

7 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 8.1 Understanding SQL Joins — Core Concepts and Inner Join Fundamentals
  2. 8.2 Left and Right Joins: When and How They Differ
  3. 8.3 Full Outer Joins: Capturing All Records
  4. 8.4 Cross Joins: Generating Every Combination
  5. 8.5 Self-Joins: Joining a Table to Itself
  6. 8.6 Using Aliases to Simplify SQL Queries
  7. 8.7 Pulling Data from Multiple Tables: Practical Applications
Chapter 9

Subqueries, Views, and Indexes

11 lessons · 5 hrs
  1. 9.1 Advanced Subqueries: Patterns and Real-World Uses
  2. 9.2 Correlated Subqueries: How the Inner Query Depends on the Outer
  3. 9.3 EXISTS, NOT EXISTS, and WITH: Filtering with Subquery Logic
  4. 9.4 Applying Subqueries in Practical Database Scenarios
  5. 9.5 Removing Views with SQL DROP View
  6. 9.6 What Database Indexes Are and How They Speed Up Query Performance
  7. 9.7 Types of Indexes and the Trade-Offs Between Read Speed and Write Overhead
  8. 9.8 Creating Indexes in SQL: Steps and Examples
  9. 9.9 Working with Schema Objects in Practice
  10. 9.10 Building and Using Temporary Tables in SQL
  11. 9.11 Altering Table Structures with SQL Commands
Chapter 10

Table Cleanup and Structural Changes

5 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 10.1 Dropping Columns and Rows from Tables
  2. 10.2 Removing Constraints with SQL DROP Constraint
  3. 10.3 Removing Permanent and Temporary Tables with SQL DROP
  4. 10.4 Dropping Indexes and Databases: Steps and Examples
  5. 10.5 Hands-On Table Modification Exercises
Chapter 11

Advanced Data Operations and Pattern Matching

8 lessons · 4.5 hrs
  1. 11.1 UNION vs. JOIN: Understanding the Difference
  2. 11.2 Summarizing Data with ROLLUP and CUBE
  3. 11.3 Advanced Data Manipulation Using Subqueries
  4. 11.4 Inserting Across Multiple Tables: Techniques and Examples
  5. 11.5 Reshaping Data with PIVOT and UNPIVOT
  6. 11.6 Hands-On Data Set Manipulation Exercises
  7. 11.7 Regular Expressions Across Platforms — MySQL and SQL Server Implementation Compared
  8. 11.8 Applying Regular Expressions: Practical Database Exercises
Chapter 12

Database Security and Auditing

7 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 12.1 Managing Database Security: Key Practices and Tools
  2. 12.2 Securing Databases with SQL: Techniques and Examples
  3. 12.3 How SQL Injection Attacks Exploit Vulnerable Queries — Patterns and Real-World Examples
  4. 12.4 Defending Against SQL Injection — Parameterized Queries, Input Validation, and Best Practices
  5. 12.5 Advanced Techniques for Protecting Database Systems
  6. 12.6 Encrypting Database Data: Methods and Applications
  7. 12.7 Auditing Databases: Tracking Activity and Ensuring Compliance

These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.

Simple Process

How It Works

Three steps from enrollment to transferable college credit — no campus visits, no application required.

01
🔍

Pick & Enroll

Start one or more courses covering lower or upper division requirements — instantly, today.

02
🎯

Earn College Credit

Watch short video lessons, take quizzes and the final exam — all from home, on your schedule.

03
🏆

Transfer Your Credits

Send earned credits to your school and graduate sooner, at a fraction of the cost.

Does My School Accept This Course?

UPI Study courses carry NCCRS recommendations — the same standard recognized by hundreds of cooperating colleges and universities. Check if your school is on our list and move forward with confidence — or schedule a call with our team.

Accepted at NCCRS cooperating universities

UPI Study Courses Include

⏱️Self-paced, flexible learning
🎥Video-based lessons
📘Digital study materials
🧩Interactive quizzes & assessments
📄NCCRS-recommended transcripts
💬Academic support & guidance
📈Grade improvement opportunities
💻Access on desktop & mobile

Master database programming and build a foundation for a tech career.

Go beyond queries and build the database logic that powers real applications. A hands-on course for developers who want to work at depth.

🎯 Why It Matters

  • Gain in-demand technical skills recognized by employers
  • Understand systems, security, and infrastructure at a practical level
  • Build knowledge that applies across IT roles and industries
  • Foundation for certifications and advanced study

💼 In-Demand Careers

  • IT Support Specialist
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Technician
  • Security Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Technical Consultant

🚀 How This Sets You Up

  • Complete structured lessons and a comprehensive final exam
  • Earn 3 transferable college credit hours
  • Recognized by NCCRS cooperating universities globally
  • Self-paced — no deadlines, no campus visits required
Student Reviews

135,000+ Learners.
Real Results.

From college freshmen to career changers, international students to working adults — here's what our community says.

Refer a friend, earn free courses

Your friend gets 25% off their first purchase, and you earn points when they join and buy. 1 point = $1 toward courses, transcripts and Lifetime. Points are never cash.

See how it works →
UPI Study Referral Program
Course Trailer

See the course before you enroll

A 55-second look at Database Programming.

FAQ

Common Questions Answered.

Everything you need to know about Database Programming — credits, grading, transfer, and how it compares to traditional options.

What is Database Programming?
Database Programming is a hands-on college-level programming course. It is Computer Science 381 — worth 3 credit hours, carrying an NCCRS recommendation from NCCRS.
Do I need prior programming experience?
No prior experience is required. The course is designed to take you from fundamentals to practical competency, with structured lessons and exercises that build your skills step by step.
Is the Database Programming course self-paced for college credit?
Yes. The course is fully self-paced with no deadlines or fixed class times. Most students complete it in 28–30 days, but you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
How many college credits is Database Programming worth?
This course carries an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester credit hours. UPI Study courses follow the same evaluation standard used across thousands of colleges and universities.
How is the Database Programming course graded? Are there exams?
Yes — the course includes quizzes, assignments, and a final exam. Your grade is equally weighted: 25% Attendance · 25% Quizzes · 25% Assignments · 25% Final Exam.
Will my university accept Database Programming credits from UPI Study?
Check our Find My College directory. If your university recognizes NCCRS credit recommendations, UPI Study courses can be considered; the final decision is with the university. You can also book a free call with our team.
Why take Database Programming online instead of at a traditional university?
A traditional university course in this subject typically costs $500–$1,500+ per credit hour and requires fixed schedules, campus attendance, and semester timelines. UPI Study covers the same NCCRS-recommended content at $250 total, with no deadlines and no campus requirement.
Can international students take Database Programming for college credit?
Yes. UPI Study courses carry an NCCRS recommendation — recognized by cooperating institutions in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and other countries. Students have submitted credits across 26+ countries.
What's the difference between Database Fundamentals and Database Programming?
Database Fundamentals covers concepts (relational models, normalization, ER diagrams); Database Programming is more hands-on with SQL and query writing.
Do I need to take Fundamentals before Database Programming?
Recommended for a solid foundation before the programming-focused course.
Which database language is used in this course?
The course primarily teaches SQL (Structured Query Language) for querying, inserting, updating, and managing relational databases like MySQL/PostgreSQL.
Does it cover database design principles?
Yes, including entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs), normalization (1NF through 3NF), indexing, and join operations.
Where will my college put this credit?
Usually as transfer credit, credit for prior learning (CPL), or noncollegiate/alternative credit, the same route colleges use for professional training evaluated by NCCRS. The final decision is with the university.

Still have questions? Our team answers within hours — not days.

Book a Free 15-Min Call with UPI Team →
Why It Matters

Why Take College Credits?

Quick answers about transferable online credits, test-out style learning, and NCCRS-recommended options through UPI Study.

🏫

Which universities accept these credits?

UPI Study courses carry NCCRS recommendations recognized by hundreds of cooperating colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and UK.

Transfer to various NCCRS cooperating universities →
👤

Who can take self-paced college courses?

Anyone can enroll — including high school students, incoming college students, adult learners, and students trying to test out of traditional courses.

No prerequisites required →
💰

Why choose this over traditional classes?

Save time and reduce tuition costs. Many students complete prerequisites faster and shorten their time to graduation — at a fraction of the cost.

$60M+ saved by students →
📜

How many credits can I earn?

This course is NCCRS-recommended for 3 semester credit hours. Transfer as many credits as your university allows — students have transferred anywhere from 3 to 90+ credits depending on their school's policy.

3 credits this course →
What's Included

Everything You Need to Succeed

🎥

Video-Based Lessons

HD video lectures broken into short, focused modules. Watch at your own pace — pause, rewind, replay any time.

🧩

Quizzes & Final Exam

Evaluate your understanding after every section with quizzes and a comprehensive final exam that mirrors real college assessment.

📋

Structured College-Level Course

Structured lessons covering every topic — designed as a standard Database Programming college-level course.

🏛️

Official Transcript

Complete the course, request your transcript, and transfer 3 credit hours to cooperating universities. No separate exam required.

Ready to Start?

Earn 3 College Credits
for $250.

Self-paced. No deadlines. NCCRS-recommended, recognized by various NCCRS cooperating universities. Join 135,000+ learners on the UPI Study platform.