Technology is a constantly evolving field with consistent, impactful innovations. IT professionals have to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in the industry and grow in their careers, which is where online IT management master’s degrees come in handy. Earning an online Master’s Degree in IT Management can aid in this process.
The best online IT management master’s degrees significantly boost your skills and prepare you for higher-paying jobs in the industry. This article includes detailed information regarding these degrees as well as online IT management master’s degree jobs to help you achieve your career goals. No need to perform a massive school search, we’ve done the work for you already.
When distance learners make an investment in an online degree program from the accredited institutions we’ll discuss in this article, they can end up landing high-paying, full-time jobs and getting a stellar return on investment later on.
Where Can I Get an IT Management Master’s Degree Online?
You can get an IT management master’s degree online at an accredited university such as Arizona State University, Drexel University, Penn State World Campus, or Southern New Hampshire University. You can also get an online IT master’s degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus, the University of Texas at Dallas, or Western Governors University.
What Schools Offer the Best IT Management Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Drexel University
- Penn State World Campus
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online IT Management Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online IT management master’s degree are an online application, an application fee, a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE/GMAT scores, a current resume or CV, a personal statement or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Make sure to check each school’s application deadline so you don’t miss out.
These are the common requirements for admission into an online IT management master’s degree program. However, they may vary from school to school. For instance, some schools don’t require students to submit GRE/GMAT scores.
Online IT Management Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- An online application and application fee
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
How to Get an IT Management Master’s Degree Online
You can get an IT management master’s degree online by fulfilling the program requirements set by the school. The best way to get an IT management master’s degree online is to attend an accredited school, block out time each day for studying, and make a list of requirements for each class that you need to get done each day. Some of the typical requirements for a Master’s in IT Management are listed below.
IT Management Degree Requirements
- A total of about 30 to 60 credits, depending on the school
- About 15-20 credits in core courses
- A capstone project
- A minimum GPA of about 3.0
Best Online IT Management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Information Systems | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida State University | Master of Science in Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Penn State World Campus | Master of Science in Information Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Purdue University Global | Master of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Information Technology | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Master of Science in Information Technology: Project Management |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Master of Science in Information Technology and Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Western Governors University | Master of Science in Information Technology Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) |
Best Schools for IT Management: Top Online IT Management Master’s Degree Programs
This section covers some of the top online IT management master’s degree programs from the best schools for IT management. It includes detailed information on each of the best online schools and programs to help you make the best choice and prepare you for the application process.
What Is an Online IT Management Master’s Degree?
An online IT management master’s degree is a degree that is designed to prepare students for major roles in the IT industry by equipping them with specialized knowledge and skills needed for a higher level of expertise. An online Master’s Degree in IT Management is earned by completing the program digitally rather than through the traditional campus setting.
The program is typically completed in two years or more but may differ based on the school. Its curriculum is just like an in-person master’s degree program and will include courses like Database Management, IT/Project Management, Programming, Data Mining, Software Development, and User Design. Students who complete this program can apply for management and leadership roles as it helps them gain career advancement.
Online vs In-Person IT Management Degrees
When comparing an online vs an in-person IT management degree, keep in mind that the classes in an online program are just as good as the classes taken in an in-person program. The only difference is that online degree programs are designed for students who prefer distance learning education. The programs are taken wholly or partly online, depending on the program and the student’s preference. Unlike in-person learning, students get individualized learning with their class schedules and learning methods designed to fit their lifestyle.
In-person programs are completed on campus grounds and involve general classes with all students present. The faculty sets the class schedules, and students have more access to instructors and their peers. In-person programs are typically more expensive than online programs due to housing costs, lab fees, and meal plans.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in IT Management
- Lower cost. Online master’s degrees tend to be more affordable than in-person degree programs. This is a big advantage to low-income students and others who wish to save on costs.
- Flexible schedules. Online degree programs are more flexible, as they are designed to help students learn from home and at their own pace.
- Personalized learning. Because all course materials, resources, and resource guides are typically available online, students can set their own schedule and use their preferred learning methods.
- Time management skills. Unlike in-person classes, where students have a fixed schedule that they have to follow, online students must learn to manage their time independently, without any timetable. This helps build their time-management skills.
- More free time. Online students get more free time to work alone and study without the hindrance of on-campus activities and other distractions.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in IT Management
- Hands-on learning experience. In-person classes allow students to gain hands-on experience, which helps with their learning process.
- Networking opportunities. On-campus students find it easier to communicate with other students and staff members, which helps to build a strong professional network.
- Communication skills. As a student taking in-person courses, you will have to work with other students and participate in more face-to-face interactions, which can help build your communication skills.
- Accessibility to instructors. Students in on-campus programs have easier access to instructors and can meet up with them for any questions or assistance they may need.
- Shorter learning period. In-person master’s degree programs are faster compared to online programs. The typical learning duration of an online program is about two years, while an in-person program can be about a year.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in IT Management?
The main types of online master’s degrees you can get in IT management are the Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA). The Master of Science degree focuses on giving students in-depth training in science and technical courses. The Master of Arts focuses on training students using a liberal approach and combining classes with research.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Arts in IT Management?
It is better to get a Master of Science in IT Management because IT management is a scientific and technical field that requires the in-depth training of students using a scientific approach. This could be scientific research, analysis, evaluation, and lab work. The degree typically requires a thesis and could take more than two years to complete.
The Master of Arts degree is a better choice for arts and humanities fields. as it focuses more on research and discussion as a learning method. An MA degree typically doesn’t require any thesis and can be completed in two years or less. While most employers hold both degrees in high esteem, a Master of Science degree is best suited for IT management.
How Much Does an IT Management Master’s Degree Cost?
An IT management master’s degree costs an average of $19,314 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This is based on the average tuition and fees costs of both public and private institutions. A graduate school education is typically more expensive than a lower-level college education. A public university will cost an average of about $12,171 per year, while private institutions will cost about $25,929.
The cost of annual tuition and fees of non-profit private institutions is about $27,776 for a master’s degree, while the same cost for a for-profit private institution is $14,208. While these costs represent the general tuition and required fees of all institutions in the US, the specific price of the program will be based on the school. The tuition cost for an online Master’s Degree in IT Management will be less because you won’t have to pay housing costs, lab fees, or for meal plans.
How Long Does It Take to Get an IT Management Master’s Degree Online?
It takes about two to three years to get an IT management master’s degree online. The exact duration of the program will depend on the school and the student’s schedule. Since the programs are designed for personalized learning, the duration varies.
Online learners will have to take a specific number of credits each semester to graduate at their scheduled time. If the program is a 33-credit program, students will have to take a minimum of 8 or 9 credits each semester to graduate in two years, or more if they want to graduate in a shorter time. An accelerated degree program generally takes about one year, so check with your chosen school to see if it offers such a program.
Are Online IT Management Degrees Respected?
Yes, online IT management degrees are respected as long as they come from an accredited institution. The world of technology has evolved so much that professionals are not expected to complete their programs in person to be competent for their roles. According to NCES, in 2019, over 7 million students were enrolled in a distance learning education, with over 1 million being graduate students. There are many accredited online Master’s Degree in IT Management programs in this article to choose from.
Is IT Management Hard to Learn Online?
No, IT management isn’t hard to learn online. The program might be a little too difficult for those who lack time-management skills, but it can be an opportunity to build those skills too. The best way to learn IT management online is to study dilligently and don’t procrastinate. The online IT management classes are hard, but the program should be easily completed online as long as the student is ready to maintain a healthy life-school balance.
IT Management Bootcamp vs Online IT Management Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online IT management master’s degree is better than an IT management bootcamp because in a master’s degree program, students learn more in-depth topics and skills. However, this choice is dependent on the academic and career aspirations of each individual. A coding bootcamp is an excellent choice for those transitioning to IT, while a master’s degree is best for IT professionals working toward career advancement.
A master’s degree will focus on multiple areas of information technology, while a coding bootcamp will focus on the specific program you are enrolled in. This is because most coding bootcamps don’t offer IT management programs generally, but rather with more specific subfields. The section below highlights the benefits of each of these educational paths.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online IT Management Master’s Degree
- Individualized learning. Online master’s degree programs are designed to let students learn at their own pace using their preferred learning and study methods.
- Broader curriculum. The curriculum is more comprehensive as it focuses on equipping students with general knowledge and skills related to information technology.
- Specialized knowledge. Students gain specialized knowledge and skills based on their area of focus, making it easier to become experts in an industry or field.
- Career advancement. Online master’s degree programs can be taken by working professionals who want to upgrade their skills and attain their career goals. The programs can help them land higher roles in the industry.
- Reputable education. Master’s degree programs are well respected in the industry as they show signs of advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise that can help with career growth.
Top 5 Benefits of an IT Management Bootcamp
- Quick, focused education. Bootcamps are typically shorter than traditional university degrees. The length of an IT bootcamp could be anywhere from six weeks to six months, which is faster than a master’s degree program.
- Networking opportunities. Coding bootcamps provide networking opportunities like no other school can. Students can mingle with experienced professionals from top tech companies in the industry.
- Portfolio building. Every bootcamp ends with students working on a capstone project that can be used to build their portfolio. This can be showcased to employers in the job market after graduation.
- Career services. Coding bootcamps provide career services to help students navigate the job market more easily. These services may include career coaching, resume writing, interview prep, and job search.
- Job placement. Many coding bootcamps offer job placement services that guarantee their students secure good jobs soon after graduation.
Why You Should Get an IT Management Master’s Degree Online
You should get an IT management master’s degree online because it is a better option for working professionals and non-traditional students compared to an in-person degree. This is because distance learning allows you to work while earning your degree, as the learning schedule is personalized.
The program is also great for helping you attain your professional goals, because an advanced degree will help you land higher job positions. It is also more affordable than in-person programs and broader than coding bootcamps.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in IT Management?
The courses you take in an online master’s degree program in IT management are Information Technology Project Management, Programming Languages, Database Management, Software Development, Data Mining, Web Programming, Cyber Security, Digital Business, and Network Traffic Analysis.
Information Technology Project Management
This course introduces students to the principles and concepts of IT project management and teaches them the principles and practices required to be an effective IT manager. The topics covered include project scope, cost, time, quality, and human resource management. Students gain hands-on experience using project management software.
Programming
IT professionals work to develop applications using programming languages, making programming skills paramount to their field. Students of this program will be introduced to programming and learn object oriented programming languages and scripting languages like PHP, Python, Java, C++, C#, and SQL.
Database Management Systems
Also known as Advanced Database Management Systems, this course will focus on the data engineering aspects of relational database systems. It will cover topics in advanced database design techniques using the Entity-Relationship model, normalization and denormalization, security and database administration, and advanced query processing techniques using SQL.
Software Development
This course will introduce students to software development and teach them programming concepts. They will learn the techniques and methodologies for using software development in information technology. It will also cover generic systems lifecycle development, object oriented analysis, and design with UML modeling and Agile methodologies.
Data Mining
Students will learn the concepts and principles of knowledge discovery in databases in this course. It will focus on data mining techniques and their functions in business, government, and medicine environments. They will learn about data warehousing, data cubes, and algorithms used by data mining software.
Continuing Education Paths for Online IT Management Master’s Degree Graduates
Since this degree is already a high-level degree, there is pretty much one continuing education path for online IT management master’s degree graduates, and that’s getting a PhD. Students who complete this program can get a Doctorate in Information Technology (DIT) or Doctor of Information Technology (Dsc) degree. They can also earn professional certifications like AWS certified cloud practitioner, Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Related Online IT Management Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best IT Management Master’s Degree Programs
Some things to look for in the best IT management master’s degree programs include the program’s flexibility, cost, financial aid, specialization options, program curriculum, and employment outcomes. Certain factors make a Master’s in IT Management program stand out. Below is more information about these key factors you should consider when choosing a program.
Flexibility
The program should be flexible enough that working professionals can earn their degree while keeping their jobs. Students should be able to maintain their work or personal schedule and use the learning method that best suits them. This could be achieved by having options such as part-time and full-time online formats.
Financial Aid
Advanced programs typically have a more expensive program tuition than undergraduate programs. This is why a good program should have multiple financial aid options for students to explore. This would help ease the stress of tuition and make it easier for more people to earn their degrees and pursue career growth.
Specialization Options
IT management is a broad field with many subfields, and a good program should give students the option to choose an area of concentration. This makes it easier for students to get the jobs they want post-graduation in a field they enjoy and are great at.
Curriculum
A good graduate program for a Master’s Degree in IT Management should have a well-rounded curriculum that covers relevant courses that will enhance students’ knowledge and technical skills and better prepare them for the field. It should include topics that students will be able to apply in their careers.
Employment Outcomes
One of the things that should be considered when pursuing a Master’s Degree in IT Management is the employment outcomes of the program. The school profile should have data on how well its graduates perform after graduation, like what percent of graduates land good jobs and how long it takes.
What Is the Most Affordable Online IT Management Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online IT management master’s degree program is Western Governors University’s Online Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management. The program costs $3,940 per six-month term. Although course scheduling is very flexible with this program, students would need to complete the equivalent of four terms, which brings the total cost of tuition to $15,760 for this degree. This amount is exclusive of additional fees.
Can I Get an IT Management Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get an IT management master’s degree online for free. However, most schools provide financial aid options like scholarships, payment installments, and grants to all prospective students. This helps to cut down the total cost and reduce the financial burden. Various MOOCs offer free programs that can also be used to upgrade your skills and grow your career.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online IT Management Master’s Degree Graduates
An online Master’s Degree in IT Management is a good degree for various reasons, including the number of available job opportunities for degree holders. Graduates of this program can proceed to work as team leads, IT managers, consultants, and department heads in several industries. This section includes more details on career opportunities and salaries for graduates of online IT management master’s degree programs.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an IT Management Master’s Degree?
It isn’t hard to get a job with an IT management master’s degree. The degree opens doors of opportunity for its holders. Graduates can find employment in leading positions in multiple industries like technology, healthcare, education, finance, and government. This is because the degree increases their level of expertise and sets them up for higher roles and higher salaries.
What’s the Average Online IT Management Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a person with an online IT management master’s degree is $115,000, according to PayScale. This amount may differ based on the particular industry and company the person works for, as well as their job role. For instance, the average salary of an IT project manager is $122,580, while that of a systems administrator is $78,260.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online IT Management Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online IT management master’s degree are information technology project manager, computer and information systems manager, software developer, software engineer, information security analyst, and IT management consultant. With this degree, you can also become a video game designer, cloud architect, and chief technology officer.
IT Management Degree Jobs
- IT project manager
- Cloud architect
- IT management consultant
- Chief information officer
- Computer systems analyst
Potential Careers With an Online IT Management Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online IT Management Master’s Degree?
You can make between $100,000 and $160,000 annually with an online IT management master’s degree. The salary earned with this degree is relatively high because the master’s education prepares you for higher roles by equipping you with more specialized and advanced skills compared to an undergraduate degree.
The following section includes detailed information on the highest-paying online IT management master’s degree jobs and their salaries.
Highest-Paying Online IT Management Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| IT Management Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 |
| Software Developers | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
Best Jobs for Online IT Management Master’s Degree Grads
Below is detailed information on the best jobs for online IT management master’s degree grads. These jobs are the top-paying jobs in the industry and pave the way to an even more rewarding career. They are jobs that are available in multiple fields beyond technology and are in high demand in many industries.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online IT Management Master’s Degree Worth It?
An online IT management master’s degree is worth it, especially for working professionals already in the field looking for career growth. With this degree, you can easily land top job positions in the biggest companies, as it is evidence of your skills and level of expertise. It gives you a competitive advantage and positions you for a fulfilling and financially rewarding IT career.
Also, the jobs available for degree holders all have high job outlooks, with the minimum being five percent. This means that the demand for these professionals is high, and there will continue to be an availability of jobs for them. Online programs are also more affordable and don’t require you to put your career on hold while you earn the degree. This makes it a win-win.
Additional Reading About IT Management
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Online IT Management Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, information technology management is a good degree. Technology is in use in practically all industries, increasing the demand for those with IT skills. With this college degree, you can work in a wide range of industries and also earn a relatively high salary.
Yes, a Master’s in Information Management is a STEM course. Information technology is a science and technology field that also involves math and engineering.
The education required to become an IT manager is a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. However, you have higher chances of landing a job with a master’s degree and several years of experience. When students complete a master’s degree program, it shows employers that they are passionate about the field.
Yes, IT managers are in demand. According to BLS, IT managers have a job growth outlook of 11 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations. IT managers are listed under the umbrella of computer and information systems managers.
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.
