Kutztown University Simplifies SQL Instruction by 90% Using dbForge Query Builder for MySQL

Kutztown University

About the customer

The College of Business at Kutztown University offers practical, experience-based education to prepare students for modern business challenges. The college’s programs promote critical thinking, teamwork, and applied learning to develop graduates ready for data-driven roles.
550+
faculty and staff
7,400+
students enrolled
Country
USA, Pennsylvania

Challenges faced

Teaching SQL querying to freshman and sophomore students presented an ongoing challenge. Traditional tools either lacked the capability to manage complex datasets or were too difficult for beginners to learn quickly.

01
SQL code was too complex to cover within a limited class schedule.
02
Free tools like dBeaver, MySQL Workbench, and HeidiSQL overwhelmed new learners.
03
Microsoft Access no longer supported reliable real-world database connectivity via ODBC.

Having tested multiple solutions, Professor Christine “CJ” Rhoads turned to dbForge Query Builder for MySQL, a tool that combined simplicity, visual design, and advanced functionality in one package.

"It used to take three weeks to teach this level of SQL. Now, with dbForge, students learn to build complex queries in just 90 minutes."
Christine Rhoads
Christine "CJ" Rhoads
Professor, Kutztown University College of Business

Results achieved

90%
reduction in teaching time

Teaching efficiency

Complex queries involving 5–6 table joins can now be taught in a single session, saving weeks of instruction and improving student outcomes.

Better learning experience

Students no longer need to memorize SQL syntax, they can build accurate queries using a visual interface and focus on database logic instead.

Reliable classroom tool

dbForge Query Builder for MySQL was easy to install, worked flawlessly with real datasets, and offered the flexibility that other tools lacked.

Key features Professor Rhoads is excited about

Visual query builder

dbForge Query Builder for MySQL provides a truly graphical way to build complex queries, which eliminates the need for students to memorize syntax or command sequences. For Professor Rhoads, this means first-year business students can focus on understanding database logic without getting overwhelmed by code. Within one class session, they’re able to build multi-table queries that normally take weeks to explain.

Support for complex real-world queries

One of the biggest challenges in teaching databases is showing students how to work with real-life datasets involving five or six joined tables. Most other tools, like Microsoft Access, dBeaver, or MySQL Workbench, either couldn’t handle this level of complexity or were too difficult for students to grasp quickly. The dbForge solution stood out because it combines ease of use with the ability to support relational structures used in modern systems.

Quick and reliable installation

The ease of deployment was another major factor. In an academic setting, time and consistency matter, there’s no room for slow setups or complicated onboarding. dbForge was simple to install and worked immediately across lab machines. This allowed instructors to stay focused on teaching rather than troubleshooting software.

dbForge Query Builder for MySQL

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