Best Online Master's Programs in Information Technology

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

You may see universities with a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology Management. What's the difference between this degree and an MS in IT Management? The primary difference between the two programs is the coursework.

Traditional IT master's degrees typically focus solely on information technology topics and management techniques. MBA programs in IT management also have courses on these topics, but the core curriculum includes traditional business education, with courses in economics, business functions, accounting, leadership, and finance.

Both programs prepare graduates for many of the same careers, including IT managers or directors, software developers, and network administrators, to name a few. But MBA programs also prepare graduates to work as business analysts, resource managers, and help desk managers, among other positions. MBA programs typically focus more on working in IT and business-related positions within corporate companies, such as banks, although graduates are equipped to work in other environments such as software companies, government agencies, and universities. Overall, MBA IT programs give students a more business-minded approach to information technology.

If you're wondering if an information technology master's degree is worth it, consider this; information technology master's degree programs can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to advance from an information technology specialist to higher-paying management and administrative positions, as well as prepare you for IT certifications that can demonstrate your expertise to employers. With enough experience, you can advance even further to top positions within companies, including a chief information officer (CIO).

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Information Technology?

Online master's degrees in information technology typically require 30-36 credits for graduation. Online programs differ in format from campus programs in that they let you complete work at any time it's convenient for you. Academic terms or courses may last just 7-10 weeks. Usually, a master's program can be completed online in about 18 months to 2 years.

The curriculum for online master's degree programs in information technology balances traditional computer, software, and information technology courses with courses in leadership, management, finance, and communications. Some schools offer concentrations with specialist or elective courses that pertain to that topic, such as database systems technology, project management, or security and assurance, among other concentrations. Nearly all programs will have a capstone course that requires students to work on a project culminating what they've learned in the program.

Information Technology Foundational Courses

Information technology foundational courses help students build their technical skills as well as learn management and leadership concepts and techniques to take on more advanced positions in the field. Technical skills courses may include:

• Systems And Network Design And Analysis
• Software Development
• Foundations Of Information Technology

Management courses may include:

• Project Management
• Technical Communications
• Leadership
• Finance For IT Managers

Depending on the school, more management-focused courses may be offered as electives or part of a concentration. A capstone course is usually included as part of the foundational curriculum, no matter a student's chosen concentration.

Information Technology Specialist and Elective Courses

Information technology specialist and elective courses dive into more specific topics within the IT field that can prepare graduates to work in certain areas of IT such as security or database systems. These courses may be offered as standalone options or as part of a concentration within the degree program. Common concentrations include project management, information assurance, and database systems or business systems and analytics. These consist of courses such as:

• Project Planning
• Project Risk Management
• Data Modeling
• Data Warehouse Technologies
• Computer and Network Security
• Computer Forensics

Licensure and Certification in Information Technology

Unlike most other careers that have certifications, IT certifications are usually not offered by any one professional organization. Instead, IT certifications are mostly offered by companies that produce the software that IT professionals use. There's typically no educational or professional requirements to earn these certifications; you just need the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the test. Two examples of these certifications are the Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Associate certification, for security engineers, and the Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty certification, for solution architects. Each company has its software and usually requires its IT and other computer employees to be certified in that software.

One certification that is available through a professional organization is the Certified Data Professional (CDP) credential, offered by the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals. This certification is suitable for several professional data areas, including data analytics and design, data management, data warehousing, information systems or IT management, and data governance, among others. Different levels of the credential are available, including executive management, principal, mastery, and associate, each with its own exam requirements.

When applying for an IT master's program, you must take a look at each program's admissions requirements. Many will require a degree related to IT, such as computer programming. Some programs accept applicants who have just taken courses related to the subject. If you don't have a relevant degree, it's important to be sure you have completed the required courses, or can complete them as part of the master's program. Depending on the school, some information technology courses that were taken independently but still give credit may count towards this requirement.

Many online programs have open enrollment or rolling start dates, meaning you can apply at any time and start your degree at the nearest possible start date instead of waiting for a fall or spring semester like in a traditional academic schedule. Many schools will have enrollment advisors that you can contact. A form is usually available on the school's website on the program's information or application page, or you find their contact info in the school's directory.

An enrollment advisor can answer any questions and make sure you have all of your application materials, can fulfill any technology requirements, and get you registered for classes. If you're not sure what classes you'll be taking, or you need help choosing electives, you can also look at the school's course catalog and see what courses are available in your program.

The admissions requirements for online information technology master's programs can be a bit more specific than other degree programs. Applicants must usually possess a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information/information management systems, engineering, or a related field. Some schools will allow students without a relevant bachelor's degree to enter, and others will allow admission as long as a student takes or has taken introductory courses that are relevant to the subject, such as computer programming. Other admissions requirements can include:

• Official college transcripts
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Demonstrate proof of proficiency in English

Information technology spans a broad array of job types and industries. With the rising need for technology as an integral part of a company, organization, or business' operations, information technology careers are available nearly everywhere, including hospitals, government offices, and in educational settings. An IT master's degree, in particular, can qualify graduates for management and administrative positions, which, when enough experience is gained, can lead to top-level positions. A few possible careers with an IT master's degree include:

• Network and computer systems administrator
• Computer and information systems manager
• Database architect
• Network engineer
• Cybersecurity specialist

Job Outlook for a Master's in Information Technology

As more companies rely on computer technology, the need for IT professionals should remain positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators have projected employment growth of 4% from 2019-2029. While this amount is as fast as average, demand should grow as companies continuously seek newer and faster technology.

The BLS also states that computer and information systems managers have projected employment growth of 10%

How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the operations of computer networks for companies that operate on them. For example, a company's employees use computers to do their work; this includes using the internet, which requires a network connection and performing tasks using specific software. Network and computer systems administrators make sure all of this is running smoothly and perform maintenance and repairs when needed. Some of their job duties may include maintaining system security, training employees how to use the software, and managing desktop and mobile equipment. They may also provide technical support, make decisions about purchasing new hardware and software, and work with network architects to design network models.

Network and computer systems administrators need a bachelor's degree in a field related to information and computer science; a computer engineering degree may also suffice. They will need to keep up with new technology by taking courses and attending IT conferences. They usually must be certified in the software that their company uses. When enough work experience is gained, network and computer systems administrators can advance to become computer and information systems managers or computer network architects. The BLS states that network and computer systems administrators have an annual median wage of $83,510 as of 2019.

How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers are IT managers who direct the computer-related activities for organizations. There are several types of IT managers who perform specific duties; the bigger the organization, the more managers there might be.

• IT directors manage IT departments
• Chief information officers (CIO) determine and implement the organization's technology goals
• Chief technology officers (CTO) evaluate new technology
• IT security managers oversee network and data security for the organization

Although the specific job duties of each manager vary, all of them are responsible for the technology-related needs of the organization they work for, including installation, maintenance, security, technology upgrades and projects that require technology, and the need for personnel.

Computer and information systems managers need a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science field, but a relevant graduate degree is a common requirement. IT managers need several years of work experience and usually start in lower positions within the IT field. Experience in a relevant industry is necessary; for example, an IT director in the healthcare industry would have previous experience in that industry. CTOs and CIOs are typically the highest positions available in this field, with IT directors and project managers commonly advancing to them. The BLS stated in 2019 that computer and information systems managers have an annual median wage of $146,360.

A common undergraduate degree for information technology is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. These degree programs teach basic introductory courses in network, data, and information systems, as well as computer technology, which can be a great foundational degree option if you're pursuing a master's degree in the subject. Similar to master's degrees, concentrations in cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management are available at some schools. Bachelor's degrees in this subject can also qualify you for certain industry certifications as well as entry-level IT jobs.

After completing a master's in information technology, graduates can pursue a Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) or a PhD in Information Technology. Both of these doctoral programs have a curriculum that prepares graduates for positions in research and academia, but DIT programs also prepare graduates for top positions in software development and engineering and may have specialization options in cybersecurity, project management, and information technology leadership. PhD programs focus more on research and theory, while DIT programs have more practical skill-building courses. Students have the option to specialize their education through a concentration, electives, or research topics. Both programs require a research dissertation or writing assignment. The length of a program depends on how long a student spends on their dissertation, but 4-8 years with around 70 required credits is the average.

With the help of financial aid, some of the burden surrounding paying for college can be lifted. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most straightforward way to see what types of federal aid you qualify for. These are mostly loans and grants. You will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and enter various financial information such as household income, any taxes your household pays, and information on any savings accounts, investments, or businesses your household has.

Another way to help pay for college is to apply for scholarships. Scholarships use a number of different criteria, such as major or degree level, to find suitable applicants and can be for specific industries, like information technology.

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education offers up to 20 scholarships for IT graduate students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity and information assurance. Each scholarship is between $1,000-$5,000 and students must have a 3.5 GPA. The organization also offers several women's scholarships for female undergraduate and graduate students in the same majors. 10 awards from $1,000-$6,000 are given.

The Foundation for IT Education offers several scholarships for IT students. They include the Betty Stevens-Frecknall Scholarship, the Kevin Jetton Service Scholarship, and the John W. Council Scholarship. Applicants must be declared computer science or information technology undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA.