Master’s degree programs in information technology provide the perfect blend of analytics, big data, and technology classes with leadership and management training.
Schools with dedicated computer science departments with experienced lecturers offer most of the MS programs in IT. Here, we look at the top online master’s degree programs in information technology and the type of careers available for people with this degree.
Article Navigation: What is Information Technology? | Master’s Degree in Information Technology Careers | Work Environment for IT Specialists | Master’s Degree in Information Technology Courses | Master’s in Information Technology Job Titles | How to Enroll in a Master’s Information Technology Degree Online | Top Master of Information Technology Degrees Online | Next Step
What is Information Technology?
Information technology, often referred to as IT, is an interdisciplinary field that uses computers to create, exchange, retrieve or store numerous data and information electronically. Information technology aids in solving business problems via network engineering and technical support.
Master’s Degree in Information Technology Careers
Anyone who is an information technology specialist, especially one with an MS degree and relevant experience, can work with any agency or organization that uses technology and handles large amounts of information. Some places where information technology specialists can work include:
The CIA (Directorate Of Digital Innovation)
An IT specialist with an MSc degree, experienced in designing/securing systems producing data-driven intelligence products, can work with the CIA. The professional must also be comfortable accelerating innovation with the latest cyber tradecraft and infrastructure.
Healthcare Industries
An IT specialist in healthcare processes, maintains, and safeguards the medical records of a hospital or clinic. IT professionals working in healthcare industries are commonly known as medical records technicians. They equally lend a helping hand in making emergency departments run smoothly by organizing and updating information.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies usually employ developers, programmers, and network engineers. Their responsibilities include developing innovative solutions and implementing custom relationship management services to help the company or organization run smoothly.
The Banking Sector
IT professionals who work in banks are responsible for developing, testing, maintaining, and implementing database tables, applications, systems, and program upgrades.
The Military
IT specialists in this sector deal with highly sensitive information and need to have technical skills and aptitude for programming and computer languages. They aid in troubleshooting military computer systems and their operations.
Work Environment for IT Specialists
Information technology specialists usually work in comfortable offices to enable them to do their job effectively. They mostly sit before a computer and work for 40 hours weekly, including weekends.
Master’s Degree in Information Technology Courses
A master’s degree in information technology can help specialists stand out from the crowd. The knowledge and skills you gain from a graduate degree are vital. Here are a few things you can learn in a master’s degree program in IT:
Business Analytics:
By learning how to analyze data, you can explore how specialists use data to predict trends and support business decisions.
Cybersecurity:
This field focuses on strategies used to protect important information. Students learn about risk management, data privacy, and network security.
Application Development and Web Design:
This involves courses that expose the student to web systems integration, open-source programming, and business-oriented lectures on innovation and social commerce.
Master’s in Information Technology Job Titles
A career with an MSc degree in information technology will require you to be knowledgeable about technology. Here are some career opportunities for graduates with a master’s degree in information technology:
Project Manager
Project managers plan and strategize while overseeing initiatives such as upgrading systems and evaluating employment to ensure that projects given out by the company or organization meet specific guidelines and stay within the budget. They are team leaders who bring up solutions if the project doesn’t go as speculated.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analyst roles are among the top jobs IT specialists with a master’s degree can get. These professionals focus on the company’s procedures, study the systems from programmers, and recommend improvements to make everything more effective.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Also known as Chief Technology Officer, this position involves making all the systematic decisions on behalf of the company, especially when it involves technology. The CIO upgrades the information system for the company, saving costs for the company in the process.
Cloud Architect
Cloud architects take care of the company’s databases, protecting their networks and designs while maintaining its online systems. This job requires professionals to be efficient, well organized, and reliable.
Information Security Manager
IT specialists in this role create, maintain, and audit security systems and their procedures. Professionals working as information security managers have to be well-versed in security protocols while ensuring the protection of the company’s data and infrastructure.
How to Enroll in a Master’s Information Technology Degree Online
Completing a master’s degree can be demanding, especially for those with jobs or families to take care of. Online classes offer a more flexible route and allow students to work while studying. Here are the steps and educational requirements to get an online master’s degree in information technology:
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is essential to applying for master’s degree programs. A bachelor’s degree in an IT-related course is best as it provides a solid foundation in information technology.
GetEducated Sponsored Programs
- Fisher College Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Western Governors University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology
2. Research IT Graduate Programs
It is essential to research any school or program you desire to attend. Look out for things like accreditation, tuition fees, and learning styles., Applicants should also note the deadlines for the submission of documents and application forms.
3. Submit an Application
Some schools require that candidates fill out an application form that captures details about the prospective student. Additionally, candidates might be required to write an essay about themselves and the program. Another vital part of the application process involves submitting recommendation letters and transcripts. Some programs also require experience.
Top Master of Information Technology Degrees Online
Campbellsville University — Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leader / Information Technology
Professionals who intend to assume leadership and mentorship positions can take this master’s degree program from Campbellsville University. The program teaches leadership styles and practical skills in student assessment that are important for curriculum planning. Since this program concentrates on information technology, the professors explore the technology used in education and how it can be employed to teach students.
Before the end of the program, the participants have to complete two practicum courses. The practicum courses incorporate research and reporting. As estimated by the university, most students complete the program in 2 years. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Campbellsville University. The Council accredits its master’s programs for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).
University of West Florida — Master of Science in Information Technology
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program at the University of West Florida requires 30 semester hours for completion. The program offered by Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering provides deeper and more detailed knowledge of information technology. Most suitably, the program is for professionals who want to further their learning and study new and emerging technologies.
As a requirement, applicants for this program should have a minimum of 3.0 GPA from their BS degree. They are also required to submit their resume and a statement of intent or motivation. The university requires applicants for this MSc program to submit contacts of two academic or professional references. After gaining approval from the department, students can transfer a maximum of 6 credits towards this program.
George Mason University — Master of Science in Applied Information Technology
George Mason University offers a Master of Science degree that grooms IT professionals for leadership roles in the sector. One thing about this program that sets it apart from other MSc programs is that it is multi-faceted. The program’s curriculum caters to multiple areas of information technology.
Graduates from this program can lead in Cybersecurity, Knowledge Mining, Cyber Human Interaction, Big Data Analytics, and Data Analytics in Social Media. There is also a Cybersecurity concentration.
The program runs in an 8-week format, and courses are taken one at a time.
South College — Master of Science in Information Technology
The Master of Science in Information Technology is currently the highest IT degree at South College. As with most of their programs, South College offers financial aid for this program.
While studying information technology, students learn effective data analysis, critical thinking, and professional communication skills. Virtual labs and assignments facilitate learning. While learning about new and emerging technologies, students take courses in Database Programming and Management, Principles of Systems Evaluation and Design, and Information Security. At the end of the program, students have to complete a capstone project.
Capella University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Analytics
Further your education and advance your career in information technology with this master’s program from Capella University. The program has a concentration in Analytics, so it’s ideal for professionals interested in analytics.
While learning, students can improve their resumes by building projects. Amongst these projects, they have to complete an applied IT project before graduating.
Capella University offers a total of 48 credits for this program, and one credit costs $698. Through the Capella Progress Reward, students can win $2500 to finance their master’s program. Students can also complete certification examinations from CompTIA, Cisco, and SAS with vouchers provided by the school.
Southern New Hampshire University — Master of Science in Information Technology
At Southern New Hampshire University, students enrolled in the MSc in Information Technology work with new technology. Apart from mastering emerging technology, students learn when to apply them. The program emphasizes practical and management skills. Students enrolled in this program will learn to collaborate and communicate within IT work environments.
This program has seven concentrations: Data Analytics, Database Design, Enterprise Technology Management, Software Application, Web Design, Healthcare Informatics, and Information Security. The university supports cybersecurity students, and as a way to reduce barriers, you can apply at any time and receive a reply within days.
Grand Canyon University — Master of Science in Information Technology
Grand Canyon University offers a master’s degree program that serves many IT niches. The program coursework involves many practicals, and the students study courses such as Professionalism and Leadership, Ethical Behavior in Information Technology, and Information Systems Management. Experts working in the IT space tutor students. The classes incorporate projects to test technical skills in clever ways.
After completing this program, graduates can get a job such as analytics manager, chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), senior computer systems analyst, data science manager, database administrator, information security analyst, and IT project manager.
George Mason University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Data Analytics and Intelligence Methods
George Mason University’s MSc program has various concentrations, but the Data Analytics and Intelligence Methods concentrations are quite uncommon.
Generally, the IT MSc program has courses in different areas of information technology. Students who focus on the Analytics and Intelligence Methods concentration will study a lot about data. They learn the various methods of data conversion in many contexts. The types of data treated in this program include; scarce data, big data, factual data, probabilistic data, and statistical data. Students with a 3.0 GPA and above are eligible for the fast-track version of this program.
Capella University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Cybersecurity
At Capella University, the MS program with a Cybersecurity concentration prepares students to take leadership positions in the sector. Students learn about risk mitigation, solution implementation, and data management.
During the program, students have to build live industry projects, including an applied IT project. There are seven core courses and five specialization courses.
The specialization courses are essential and have four quarter credits each. The program requires 48-credit hours of classes with a maximum of 12 transferable credits.
Southern New Hampshire University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Database Design
Southern New Hampshire University offers seven concentrations with their MS in Information Technology program. The Database Design concentration covers nearly everything about database design and the best practices for designing databases. Students learn how to manage multi-user database applications and manipulate data in shared databases. Of course, the program explores Data Implementation and Database Management Systems (DBMS). The program also includes courses such as Database Application Development, Data Warehouse Concepts, and Design Innovations in Information Technology.
Capella University — Master of Science in IT / Information Technology General
Capella University’s MS IT program has concentrations in Analytics, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Networks, Cloud Computing, Project Management, and General Information Technology. While the other concentrations offer detailed and specialized courses, the IT General concentration is different. It provides advanced information on various IT niches.
Capella University has a rewards program where students can win $2500 for their program. They also have application fee promos. Graduates from this program can work in telecommunication organizations, information technology consulting firms, financial service organizations, and insurance firms.
Southern New Hampshire University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Healthcare Informatics
With correct time management and dedication to the program, you can finish this program in 15 months. The program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT examinations. The coursework aligns with the standards set by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Students learn to evaluate and create data management policies and protect patients’ data with technology.
While the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Health Information Management (CAHIIM) does not accredit this program, it does align with the standards set by CAHIIM.
Florida Institute of Technology — Master of Science in Information Technology
In this master’s program, students experience a perfect blend of educational modalities. The coursework incorporates theoretical, technical, and management courses. Students learn about updated, emerging technologies and how to best use them. They also learn about developing information systems as strategic tools to provide a competitive advantage. By the end of the program, graduates should be able to work confidently and thrive in most IT positions.
Lawrence Technological University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Project Management
Lawrence Technological University offers an MS in Information Technology program with Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Project Management concentrations.
Students who select the project management concentration learn using the Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and other international standards for teaching. They also learn about relevant software in the field.
Students can complete the online program in under two years while setting their own schedules. Lawrence Technological University has an exciting course outline that involves Master of Business Administration (MBA) and information technology courses.
University of The Potomac — Master of Science in Information Technology
Unlike other Master of Science in Information Technology programs, this program takes one year to complete. The program covers a lot of information, despite the short duration. The curriculum includes courses in Data Analysis, Data and Information Systems Management, Cybersecurity and Network Security, and Leadership and Marketing.
The program requires 36-credit hours, and one credit costs $450. This university recognizes prior learning experience so that applicants can take CLEP and DANTES examinations. For application, the interview can be conducted online or in person.
Montclair State University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Applied Information Technology
At Montclair State University, the curriculum meticulously meets industry standards. The program also meets ACM and IEEE IT standards. Everything in this program advances the students’ careers. For example, there’s a 3-credit internship and thesis program. While in this internship, the students create networking opportunities to meet future employers.
Some of the courses in this program include Cyberlaw, Cyberspace Governance Policy, Ethics, Information Technology Project Management, and Software Process Management.
Pittsburg State University — Master of Science in Information Technology
Pittsburg State University sheds a different perspective on a Master of Science in Information Technology. For starters, their program is flexible and tailored to cater to different IT niches. The program takes a technical, managerial, and scientific approach to information technology.
Since most students taking this program are working professionals, the school has made the program self-paced. This program requires 15 hours of core coursework in research, global issues, leadership, quality systems and management, and statistics-based analysis. Then there’s one credit hour of assessment. The online concentrations include; Automotive Technology, Construction Management, Personnel Development, and Technology Management.
Nova Southeastern University — Master of Science in Information Technology
Candidates considering Nova Southeastern University are encouraged to have good math and technical skills. Ideally, this program is for professionals with experience in the IT field because most of the courses will build on students’ existing knowledge. In total, this master’s degree program has 30 credits (10 courses), and one credit costs $905. The program has an 8-week format, and students can earn their master’s degree in 1 year.
Many national and federal organizations have designated NSU as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cybersecurity. These groups include the National Security Agency (NSA) and its affiliated agencies –the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
They have also certified that this program meets the standards expected of a leader in cybersecurity education.
Walden University — Master of Science in Information Technology / Health Informatics
Information technology professionals interested in getting into the health sector might find this program beneficial. With this specialization in Health Informatics, students will be well equipped to apply their IT knowledge in the health sector. The program coursework covers information systems and technologies used in healthcare environments.
In addition to advancing their already existing IT knowledge, students learn healthcare terminologies, acronyms, and classification systems. Some of the courses include; Information Systems Management, Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage, and Business Architecture and Process.
University of Denver — Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology / Cybersecurity
The University of Denver offers several IT concentrations, but the Cybersecurity concentration prepares students for leadership roles in this field. Students l learn to evaluate, design, implement and manage technology systems.
With experimental learning and case study analysis, students acquire advanced knowledge on concepts such as governance, compliance, and legal and regulatory factors in the context of cybersecurity.
The University of Denver does not require GRE or GMAT scores for application. Most students complete the program in 18 months. The tuition costs $35,712.
Next Step
With so many programs offering a master’s degree in information technology, selecting one that fits your career goals and provides a reasonable allowance for flexibility is important. Other factors to consider include tuition and accreditation.
Information technology is such a broad field. You can learn more about the different areas in our educational resource center. On the whole, earning a master’s degree in information technology is a significant step. It gives you an edge in your career path.