Whether you’re looking to boost your career prospects or earn a higher salary, a masters in information technology can give you the competitive edge you need. This one-of-a-kind degree is suited for tech entrepreneurs, C-suite intrapreneurs and innovative IT professionals.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the process through which a college program is evaluated. It ensures that the programs meet minimum educational standards. The accreditation process is based on evaluation of the entire educational program, rather than just individual aspects of it. Master’s degrees in information technology offer a graduate level education that builds upon undergraduate learning with more in-depth skills development. This includes advanced coursework in network and data communication, computer security and information systems management. Some programs also offer internships to provide real-world experience before graduation.
Information technology managers are in high demand due to the growing complexities of modern business and increased dependence on information technologies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for information technology professionals will grow faster than average through 2018.
A master’s in information technology teaches students how to develop and implement technology solutions in business. They learn how to design company communication networks, safeguard information and databases, and manage IT infrastructures. They are also taught how to assess risk and identify business information needs.
A master’s degree in information technology can be pursued online or on campus. In either case, admission requirements vary by program. Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a closely related field. They may be required to submit letters of recommendation, personal statements and GRE scores. Some programs offer a flexible, self-paced curriculum that can be completed online. Others require a residential component or a global study trip.
Career Opportunities
An information systems master’s degree provides an opportunity for professionals in the field to sharpen their skill set and advance their careers. Whether they work for a large corporation, start-up or as an independent information system consultant, graduates can expect to boost their marketability and command higher salaries.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, IT professionals are becoming more valuable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree qualifies workers for jobs that are not available to those with only an undergraduate degree. In addition to increasing earning potential, a master’s degree can open doors to leadership positions and allow students to specialize in specific areas of information technology.
A masters in information systems (MSIT) is a popular choice for those looking to break into the IT profession. The degree is less technically focused than a master’s in computer science and more accessible for students with non-technical backgrounds, like business or the liberal arts. It also allows individuals to pursue roles that require a combination of business and IT skills, such as a chief information officer.
Those who want to pursue an MSIT should have a strong interest in coding and software development, as well as an analytical mindset. They should also have experience with data management, programming and database design. The MSIT can be completed in as little as two years, if students attend full-time.
Length
A master’s degree in information technology allows students to build upon their bachelor’s with advanced insights into niche specializations. The curriculum typically runs for a year or more and can be completed in a traditional classroom setting or online. Students can expect to gain advanced knowledge of a broad range of topics including computer and IT management, telecommunications, IT infrastructure and security.
The program is designed to develop the critical leadership and management skills needed to help drive innovation in high-level technological environments. It also offers a deep insight into how to leverage new technology as an engine for growth, improvement and change. Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to meet their professional goals, whether it is to fill in gaps in knowledge, expand their exposure to the IT industry or get a leg up on emerging trends.
Graduates are well-positioned for career advancement in a number of fields, from IT project management to cybersecurity, as openings for IT professionals are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2021 and 2031. Students can also find roles as IT support specialists, IT business analysts or telecommunications engineers. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of virtual reality, there is also the option to complete a master’s degree in design for virtual reality. However, for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of high-level engineering and computational theory, a more technical master’s degree like the one in computer science is often a better fit.
Online
Online learning is a great option for students with hectic schedules and limited availability to attend campus classes. Top online masters in information technology programs offer flexible study without specific meeting times, allowing students to pursue their degree on their own time between deadlines. Online schools also typically charge lower tuition rates for distance learners, further reducing educational costs.
A graduate-level degree in information technology can propel career advancement, qualifying aspiring IT professionals for leadership roles unavailable to those with undergraduate credentials alone. Many of these roles involve analyzing and improving security plans and procedures, managing risk-management projects and optimizing business-technology resources. A master’s in information technology can also help students develop the technical and business skills necessary to assess the social, ethical and legal impact of information technology.
Some information-technology graduate programs provide built-in field experience as part of the curriculum. For example, the University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers a masters in information technology management, designed for degree seekers pursuing careers as IT directors or senior systems engineers. Students on this program gain work experience through a required internship and participate in a corporate-sponsored case competition, providing a real-world taste of the business challenges they’ll face in their careers as IT leaders. Other programs allow students to choose from a range of elective courses, allowing them to tailor their studies to meet their particular professional goals.