Experts in IT management are essential in the business world because they connect businesses with the tech tools they need to manage all of their online processes effectively, from ecommerce to website management. Earning one of the best IT management master’s degrees prepares professionals to succeed in this in-demand role and gain eligibility for lucrative salaries.
This guide provides details on 10 of the best IT management master’s degree programs available. We’ve included factors like admission requirements, degree requirements, and tuition to make choosing a Master’s Degree in IT Management program easier. Then, we’ve provided a career outlook featuring the top IT management master’s degree jobs and salaries, and their projected growth through 2030.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
Some of the best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in IT Management are Florida Atlantic University, the University of Texas at Austin, California Baptist University, and Illinois Institute of Technology. Some offer a Master of Science in Information Technology Management, while others offer a Master of Arts in IT Management.
What Schools Offer the Best IT Management Master’s Degrees?
- Florida Atlantic University
- The University of Texas at Austin
- California Baptist University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Columbia University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
The admission requirements for an IT management master’s degree are a completed application form, a statement of purpose, a resume, and school transcripts. The first step most of the time is to fill out the application form. There is sometimes a fee associated with submitting the application that must be paid before you will be considered.
The statement of purpose should indicate why you are interested in earning an advanced degree. Some schools require that you ask previous professors or your professional peers to write a letter of recommendation for you. Other important Master’s in IT Management requirements include a bachelor’s degree and letters of recommendation.
IT Management Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Management or equivalent
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
How to Get an IT Management Master’s Degree
You get an IT management master’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. This includes completing the required credit hours and submitting projects and other classwork required by professors on time. You will need to maintain a minimum GPA to graduate as well. To get a Master’s Degree in IT Management, you may need to complete a capstone project.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
You need at least 30 credits for a Master’s Degree in IT Management. The coursework consists of core courses as well as electives that students can choose. If your program includes an area of concentration, you will need to meet a credit requirement in those courses as well.
IT Management Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 30 credits
- Completion of core requirements
- Completion of electives
- A minimum cumulative GPA
- Capstone project
Best IT Management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| California Baptist University | Master of Science in Information Technology Management | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College & University Commission |
| Columbia University | Master of Science in Technology Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida Atlantic University | Master of Science in Information Technology and Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Georgetown University | Master’s Degree in Technology Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Golden Gate University | Master of Science in Information Technology Management |
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College & University Commission |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Master of Information Technology and Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Master of Science in Information Technology & Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Master of Science in Information Technology and Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Master of Science in Information Technology Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Webster University | Master of Arts in Information Technology Management | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for IT Management: Top IT Management Master’s Degree Programs
If you are looking for the best IT management master’s programs, you have a lot of strong options. Below is a list of 10 of the best schools for a Master’s Degree in IT Management, including their application process, admission requirements, and other vital aspects of their programs.
What Is an IT Management Master’s Degree?
An IT management master’s degree is usually a one-year program that prepares students for higher-level positions or leadership roles in IT. The program focuses on teaching students new technology that helps improve business performance and growth. The curriculum will cover management of resources, procedures, equipment, and the people involved in the use, enhancement, and maintenance of technology and information systems in the organization.
Students in a Master’s Degree in IT Management program will acquire technical and strategic skills that will allow them to adapt to constant digital innovation. Some topics this degree covers are operations management, technology and the law, and technology project management. Students can expect to have a lot of hands-on and practical experience through the coursework.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
A Master’s Degree in IT Management is very important. It gives IT professionals an edge to become leaders in their organization and gives those new to the IT world the chance to pursue higher entry-level positions following graduation.
Another reason why an IT management master’s degree is important is that students will learn the concepts, methodology, technology, and algorithms that are used in decision-making and business analytics. Graduate students develop strong critical-thinking skills.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in IT Management?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees for IT management:
- Master of Science in IT Management
- Master of Arts in IT Management
- Master of Professional Studies in IT Management
A Master of Science covers a broad area of IT management knowledge. In contrast, a Master of Professional Studies covers interdisciplinary subjects intended for a specific domain and industry. The best type of Master’s Degree in IT Management is a Master of Professional Studies if you already know what career you are working towards.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Professional Studies in IT Management?
It is better to get a Master of Professional Studies in IT Management if you prefer to get hired immediately after graduating. The skills you’ll learn in this program are practical instead of research-focused. The degree involves a lot of hands-on learning and requires students to finish a capstone project. The core classes are usually geared toward fostering proficiencies in specific job-related skills.
On the other hand, a Master of Science in IT Management is a good option if you want to enroll in a doctoral degree program afterward. Some students prefer this master’s degree since it focuses on scientific methods in understanding complex concepts and solving problems. There’s also a lot of research and lab work involved.
What Is the Difference Between an IT Management Master’s Degree and an IT Management Certificate?
The main differences between an IT management master’s degree and an IT management certificate are the curriculum and the timeframe for completion. An IT management master’s degree covers a lot of knowledge regarding the IT tools and processes that enhance business growth. It usually takes a minimum of one year to finish it.
An IT management certificate takes less time to complete and covers less knowledge. It is usually offered as an online course that can be completed in a matter of weeks. The topics covered are more specialized to a certain area of information technology management. If you’re deciding between an IT management certificate vs master’s degree, consider your long-term career goals.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
An IT management master’s degree costs an average of $19,314 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This figure is across all institutions. If you get your degree from a public institution, the average drops to $12,171.
If you attend a private university, your Master’s Degree in IT Management degree cost of tuition will be around $25,929 per year. There are factors to consider that influence the average cost, such as your status as a resident or nonresident.
How Long Does It Take to Get an IT Management Master’s Degree?
It takes one to two years to get an IT management master’s degree. Students are usually required to complete a minimum of 30 credits. Those who take 15 credits per semester can usually finish in a year, as full-time students. Others will take less than 15 credits per semester, especially if they are working simultaneously, which would extend their timeframe for finishing the degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
It is hard to get a Master’s Degree in IT Management. To be admitted into the program, you must have an undergraduate degree in IT management or a similar area. It takes about four years to complete this degree, or about 120 credits.
The master’s degree curriculum can be challenging, as you will be learning advanced concepts and techniques. Lastly, most universities require students to complete a capstone project, which involves a lot of time and effort. Many students find getting an IT management master’s degree is hard, but it can lead to lucrative career paths.
Why Should You Get an IT Management Master’s Degree?
You should get an IT management master’s degree to gain knowledge in emerging technologies and advance your skills in technological project management. One of the major benefits of a Master’s in IT Management is that it will qualify you for a management position.
There are a lot of career opportunities available for those who complete this degree program, including computer and information systems manager, chief executive officer, or IT operations manager.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in IT Management?
Master’s in IT Management courses include emerging technologies, project management of information technology, introduction to data networks and the Internet, managing data structures, and security, privacy, and compliance. Below, you’ll find short descriptions of common courses in a Master’s in IT Management degree program.
Emerging Technologies
This course focuses on the assessment, evaluation, and adoption of new technologies that aim to improve and support organizational strategies. Topics include 3D printing and artificial intelligence. Students will also learn about the Internet of things and biotechnology, and how to determine emerging technologies.
Project Management of Information Technology
In this course, students explore the techniques, tools, and processes used in planning and managing IT projects. It focuses on enhancing students’ ability to organize and lead project teams and know how to resolve conflicts. Students will also learn how to plan, execute, and evaluate projects.
Introduction to Data Networks and the Internet
In this course, students will learn about evolving data network technologies and network components and protocols. They’ll learn about the state of worldwide networking. Topics covered under this course are Internet architecture organization, Ethernet, and routing.
Security, Privacy, and Compliance
In this course, students will study important concepts about information security from a practical and theoretical perspective. Students will also gain strong knowledge on issues of privacy and compliance. The course also covers the 10 domains of the common body knowledge for information security.
Managing Data Structures
Students will be introduced to database technologies, big data, and data structures in this course. Topics that are covered in this course include SQL and NoSQL systems. In addition, students will better understand relational structures and data modeling.
Continuing Education Paths for IT Management Master’s Degree Graduates
The best continuing education path to take with an IT management master’s degree will be to gain industry certifications. You might want to become an expert in your field and pursue a PhD in IT Management. You could also opt for a graduate certificate, complete online courses, or obtain specific certification titles, like Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Related IT Management Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best IT Management Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best IT management master’s degree programs are cost, accreditation, curriculum content, flexibility, and faculty credentials. If you are wondering how to choose an IT management master’s degree program, take a look at our list of important criteria below.
Cost
Getting a Master’s Degree in IT Management can be quite expensive. Hence, it can be helpful to compare tuition rates and payment options for each school. Check if the school offers financial aid to accommodate students. If the university charges tuition per credit, you can also be sure to take only the required courses to meet the minimum credit hours.
Accreditation
Knowing that the school is accredited offers you assurance that they are meeting the standard quality of education. Being accredited by a third-party organization takes a lot of work, and it can be a tedious process. Schools that pass the accreditation process are recognized by employers and others as offering superior education compared to non-accredited schools.
Curriculum Content
Since you want to dive deeper into the world of information technology management, then you want to make sure that the majority of the coursework is focused on that particular subject. Make sure that core courses and electives are in subject areas of interest to you.
Flexibility
Flexibility is important, especially for those students who plan on working while pursuing their degree. Some programs might allow you to switch to online courses or decrease your course load if necessary.
Faculty Credentials
Since you are looking into graduate programs in IT Management and probably already have some real-world experience in the field, it will be important to you that your instructors are well qualified to teach advanced courses. You can learn about the degree program faculty on the school’s website or via other online resources like LinkedIn.
What Is the Most Affordable IT Management Master’s Degree?
The most affordable IT management master’s degree is the one from Florida Atlantic University. At $371.82 per credit hour, and with 33 credit hours required, you can expect to pay about $12,270.06 for this Master of Science in Information Technology and Management. Remember that this number represents tuition only, and other fees will be added.
Salary and Job Outlook for IT Management Master’s Degree Graduates
Many professionals pursue a Master’s Degree in IT Management because they want to advance in their career and learn up-to-date trends and technologies in the field. Several lucrative career opportunities are waiting for you once you graduate, whether you have experience in the field or not. We’ll take a closer look at IT management master’s degree jobs below.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an IT Management Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an IT management master’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster-than-average job growth is expected for computer and information systems managers, at a rate of 11% growth between 2020 and 2030. A lot of employers are looking for professionals with advanced degrees, especially when filling managerial positions.
What’s the Average IT Management Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for an IT management master’s degree is about $89,000, according to PayScale. Certain variables affect this number, including your specialization, your experience, the industry you’re working in, and the company you’re working for. The company’s physical location can also affect employee salaries.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an IT Management Master’s Degree?
Some of the jobs you can get with an IT management master’s degree include chief technology officer, computer and information systems manager, database administrator, database manager, and IT manager. Some of the highest-paying IT management jobs for master’s degree holders can be found in industries including manufacturing, technology, education, and communications.
IT Management Degree Jobs
- Chief Technology Officer
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Database Administrator
- Database Manager
- IT Manager
Potential Careers With an IT Management Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in IT Management?
You can make between $90,000 and $170,000 per year with an IT management master’s degree. Your salary depends on factors like your specialization, your position in the company, and the company you’re working for. In general, the more experience you have in a specific role and with a certain company, the more money you’ll make.
Highest-Paying IT Management Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| IT Management Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Technology Officer | $166,034 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| IT Manager | $89,124 |
| Database Manager | $58,406 |
Best Jobs for IT Management Master’s Degree Grads
The best IT management master’s degree jobs include IT manager, computer and information systems manager, database administrator, IT manager, and database manager. These jobs require proficiency in project management, enterprise risk management, and business operations.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in IT Management Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in IT Management is worth it. This degree program will equip students with the necessary skills to land high-paying jobs. It is also the best option if you want to pursue a PhD in IT Management. There are online programs available in addition to in-person Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management programs.
If you are interested in data management, emerging technologies, and organizational behavior, then you’ll find getting a Master’s Degree in IT Management worth it. In addition, it gives you a chance to earn between $90,000 and $170,000 per year, and even more.
Additional Reading About IT Management
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IT Management Master’s Degree FAQ
No, you can’t get an IT management master’s degree for free. However, you can get financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and payment plans. Look into each school’s specific options.
Yes, there are available online programs in IT management. For example, Western Governors University offers a 100 percent online program. This online master’s degree covers courses like project management, technical communication, and current and emerging technology.
Yes, you can definitely apply for a senior role after completing the master’s degree. You will gain not just the technical skills required for these positions, but the leadership skills as well.
The core classes that are included in IT management master’s degree programs vary from school to school. At Georgetown University, for example, the core courses are ethics in technology management and a capstone project. On the other hand, for Columbia University, the core classes include digital strategy and leadership and accounting and finance for technology.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
