When it comes to building an excellent foundation in business skills, choosing the best online information technology MBA degrees to help you do so is important. Such programs help you develop your leadership skills and prepare you adequately for key management roles in the tech industry.
The benefits of online information technology MBA degrees are numerous. The flexible schedule, lower cost, and quality delivery of a sound curriculum are some of its pros. Read on to find out exciting details like the best information technology MBA degree jobs, the advantages of getting an online MBA in Information Technology, the best schools to choose from, and their admission requirements.
Where Can I Get an Information Technology MBA Degree Online?
You can get an information technology MBA degree online from an accredited university such as Southern New Hampshire University, Colorado Technical University, Norwich University, and Western Governors University. These schools all offer a high-quality MBA in Information Technology program that will help you earn a high annual salary after graduating.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Technology MBA Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Colorado Technical University
- Maryville University
- Norwich University
- Western Governors University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Information Technology MBA Degree?
The admission requirements for an online MBA Degree in Information Technology program are different from school to school but usually include having a bachelor’s degree that is preferably in a related field, submitting your official transcripts for your undergraduate degree, and a statement of purpose.
Some schools may also require that applying undergraduate students have a minimum GPA, submit their GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, resumes, government-issued ID, and essay, as well as pay an application fee and pass an interview. Make sure to find out the specific requirements for each program and school before you make your choice.
Online Information Technology MBA Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA, GRE, or GMAT scores
- Statement of purpose or essay
- Letter of recommendation
- Admission interview
How to Get an Information Technology MBA Degree Online
The best way to get an MBA Degree in Information Technology is by fulfilling all the graduation requirements set by the institution, which may vary from program to program. Many require you to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0, complete all of your core courses with a grade C or higher, submit your capstone project, and pass all of your final exams.
A typical online MBA Degree in Information Technology program requires the completion of a total of 36 credits, of which a portion will be general courses and the other will be concentration courses. Some programs may require you to complete additional hours of elective courses, although this is less common.
Information Technology Degree Requirements
- Complete the core course credits required by the institution
- Take and complete a specialization course, if required
- Maintain a GPA above the minimum requirement
- Complete your capstone project and elective courses
- Pay any required graduation fee and have no outstanding balances on your student’s account
Best Online Information Technology MBA Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | Online Master of Business Administration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Campbellsville University | Master of Business Administration – Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Colorado Technical University | Master of Business Administration – Technology Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Maryville University | Online Master of Business Administration in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Norwich University | Master of Business Administration – Technology Management | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Rivier University | MBA in Information Technology Management | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Business Administration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of the Potomac | Master of Science in Business Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Westcliff University | Master of Business Administration | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Western Governors University | Master of Business Administration | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Information Technology: Top Online Information Technology MBA Degree Programs
The best schools for online information technology MBA degrees are Maryville University, Rivier University, and Westcliff University. Choosing the one that suits you best can be challenging, so in the section below, we’ve covered in detail the cost, program length, admissions requirements, and graduation rate of the best information technology online MBA programs offered by different schools across the country.
What Is an Online Information Technology MBA Degree?
An online information technology MBA degree is a management program designed to educate and develop graduate students into working professionals who can effectively manage the planning, design, selection, implementation, use, and administration of IT. Online MBAs offer the same quality of education as an in-person information technology master’s degree.
It takes about two years to complete an information technology online MBA program. These postgraduate programs are designed for IT graduates who want to advance to managerial positions in different IT sectors. By specializing in IT, you can learn how to set up efficient management information systems and manage the teams that work with them.
Online vs In-Person Information Technology Degrees
The main differences between an online and in-person MBA Degree in Information Technology are the learning flexibility and location. An online MBA in Information Technology allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own environment. They offer a great deal of flexibility, and many programs allow students to choose their specialization.
In contrast, an in-person MBA Degree in Information Technology offers greater networking opportunities and provides students with the opportunity to network with other professionals. It often offers more structure and support than online programs. The section below compares the pros of online and in-person MBA Degrees in Information Technology.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online MBA Degree in Information Technology
- More flexible learning environment. Online MBA in Information Technology programs allow students to learn from anywhere in the world. Students can connect to learning platforms through their mobile devices or laptops from wherever they feel comfortable learning, as long as they have a stable Internet connection.
- Faster and cheaper learning. Online programs are often self-paced and allow you to accelerate your learning process. A faster program duration translates to an overall lower tuition cost. By enrolling in an online program, you won’t have to worry about additional costs like accommodation and transportation.
- Increased ability to work and study simultaneously. Thanks to the increased flexibility of online programs, students can more easily keep their part-time or full-time jobs as well as any other commitments while earning their master’s degree. This can provide them with more career opportunities after they graduate.
- Ability to network with global students. Online MBA programs are often populated by students from various geographical locations and nationalities, giving them the opportunity to learn from peers with diverse backgrounds. Building cross-country professional relationships can also keep them updated on international opportunities.
- Increased digital literacy. The work of information technology specialists is primarily done on computers and can often be done remotely. Earning your MBA in IT online can help you build a high level of digital literacy and get you used to working remotely, both of which will help you in your future career.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person MBA Degree in Information Technology
- More direct support. Students enrolled in in-person programs can more easily get one-on-one support from faculty and colleagues. Rather than waiting on an email or chatroom response, students can directly approach their teachers or classmates before or after class. Class discussions can also be more easily led in person.
- Networking opportunities. In-person MBA degrees allow students to more easily create personal connections with colleagues and professors. Students can easily join student associations and clubs where they connect with others who have similar interests.
- Direct access to mentors. Many in-person MBA Degrees in Information Technology require students to work under an industry expert or faculty member as they complete their dissertation or internship. Doing so in person helps students build a more in-depth understanding of various topics and concepts and build a strong professional network.
- Access to more learning resources. In-person MBA students typically have access to more learning resources. Physical libraries are a great place students can use to study quietly, work on group projects, or relax.
- Structured learning. Business schools strategically curate their coursework in a structured way that is meant to streamline the learning process of their students. This streamlined learning process is much easier to enforce and maintain in a structured learning environment like a physical classroom.
What Types of Online MBA Degrees Can You Get in Information Technology?
The types of online MBA Degrees in Information Technology you can get include an MBA, an Executive Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration Technology. Each of the awarding degrees covers the core aspects of business management studies and information technology, but with slight differences.
MBA degrees are usually full-time programs and cover both theoretical and practical approaches to business management in information technology. On the other hand, executive MBA degrees are usually part-time programs designed for working professionals, and the coursework leans more toward practical work.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Science in Information Technology?
It’s better to get a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology if your goals include working in business management as it provides the general knowledge needed to manage IT businesses. A Master of Science in Information Technology is better if you want to specialize in IT and deal with analytics, business information systems, visual systems, and research.
The skills you will learn in either degree are quite different, with an MBA focusing more on business intelligence and management skills, while a Master’s of Science will focus primarily on technical information technology knowledge useful for research or advanced technical problem solving on a massive scale.
How Much Does an Information Technology MBA Degree Cost?
Information technology MBA degrees cost an average of $19,314, according to the National Center of Education Statistics. The cost of your MBA will fluctuate heavily depending on whether you are attending a public school or a private university, the kinds of financial aid opportunities you have access to, and whether or not the program allows you to study at an accelerated pace by transferring credits.
Some schools, like Nexford University, even offer a flexible, pay-as-you-go monthly tuition rate that allows students to pay only for the time spent studying rather than paying per credit. This is much less common, however, and if we consider that the average MBA takes two years to complete, you should expect to pay an average of $38,628 in tuition before fees and aid.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Technology MBA Degree Online?
It takes about 1.5 to two years to get an online MBA Degree in Information Technology. Most of these programs require the completion of 36 credits, but some can require as much as 50 or 60 credits. Each semester, a master’s degree student has to take between nine and 12 credits to study full time. Some programs do offer the possibility to take on more, however.
Are Online Information Technology Degrees Respected?
Yes, online information technology degrees are respected. They are offered by accredited universities, provide the same quality curriculum in-person MBA in Information Technology degree programs do, and also have experienced faculty. As online degrees become more and more prevalent, so does their acceptance by employers around the country.
Is Information Technology Hard to Learn Online?
It is not hard to learn information technology online as long as you are interested in this field and are willing to work hard. Information technology covers many different areas like software development, information security, and big data management. Although some knowledge in these areas will be beneficial if you focus on your studies, you should be able to excel in this field.
Information Technology Bootcamp vs Online Information Technology MBA Degree: Which Is Better?
An online information technology MBA degree is better for bachelor grads looking to make their way up the corporate ladder as they are universally more respected by employers. IT bootcamps are better for people looking to switch careers or upskill as they provide a quicker, more hands-on, and practical learning experience.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Information Technology MBA Degree
- Expand your professional network. An online IT MBA degree program allows you to connect with university faculty, students, and other business professionals in your field. Through online discussion boards, chat rooms, and networking events, you can build valuable professional relationships.
- Gain a competitive edge in the job market. An online MBA in Information Technology equips you with skills and experiences to take on more specialized roles higher than the entry-level. Master’s degrees are universally recognized around the world as they come from accredited institutions, unlike bootcamp certifications.
- Increase your earning potential. Many jobs that require an MBA or master’s qualifications tend to attract higher pay. Having an information technology MBA qualifies you for such jobs, unlike bootcamp certificates.
- Prepare better for leadership roles. An online information technology MBA will teach you both the technical and managerial side of working for a business. MBA students learn the fundamentals of programming and computer operations alongside core leadership skills like communication and decision-making in more depth than in a bootcamp.
- Faster career advancement. An online MBA degree provides students with the opportunity to specialize in an area of business or IT that they are passionate about. Students also get the chance to learn about international business, marketing, and human resources, positioning them to climb from entry-level to lead roles faster.
Top 5 Benefits of an Information Technology Bootcamp
- You learn faster with a bootcamp. Information technology bootcamps offer a rigorous and highly intensive program delivered within a short period of time. Unlike an MBA degree, which can take a few years to complete, coding bootcamps typically last six to nine months.
- You are offered a career-focused curriculum. Information technology bootcamps are an excellent choice for career switchers and professionals who wish to upskill. The average bootcamp curriculum is career-focused and prepares students for entry-level positions.
- You pay fewer tuition fees. Considering that information technology programs take less time to complete, the tuition is generally lower than that of traditional degree programs. Many bootcamps also provide flexible payment options like income share agreements, installment payment plans, and tuition deferrals.
- You are given hands-on activities. Bootcamps are known to provide hands-on and practical intensive training, which prepares students for the industry. This approach helps students gain experience and confidence before they enter the industry.
- You are taught an updated curriculum. Bootcamps teach in-demand skills that are relevant to the current industry. Bootcamp graduates gain an in-demand skillset tailored to meet the demands of employers. Bootcamp students also get career prep during their studies, which prepares them for searching for jobs and future interviews.
Why You Should Get an Information Technology MBA Degree Online
You should get an information technology MBA degree online because of the vast employment opportunities this degree qualifies you for, including lead roles and specialization positions in large companies. Online IT MBA programs provide strong leadership training, and graduates can quickly climb up the ranks and work as executives and managers.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online MBA Degree Program in Information Technology?
The courses you take in an online MBA degree program in information technology are unique to each school. Students typically have to complete several general, elective, and specialization courses. However, some courses common to several online MBA programs include online strategic planning, e-business, and IT project management.
IT Strategic Planning
An IT strategic planning course will teach you about the technology and resources required to achieve set business goals. Strategic planning evaluates how best to invest in technologies that will enable, support, and achieve business goals and objectives faster while also considering the impact of funding these technologies.
E-Business
E-business courses are designed to provide you with a deeper insight and expertise in the field of online commerce by introducing you to its vital concepts, tools, and approaches. You’ll develop the skills to manage businesses in the digital world.
Enterprise of Business Applications
Business software applications are vital in improving the efficiency of a company’s activities. This course provides insight into choosing the right business applications that will assist in the elimination of human errors and automation of activities of a business. These, in turn, save companies a lot of time and money.
IT Project Management
An IT project management course equips you with the leadership skills required in the process of planning, managing, and executing complex projects necessary to achieve specific information technology goals. You’ll also learn to use various management information systems.
IT Consulting and Advisory Practice
The purpose of this course is to provide major insight into how organizations can harness available technology to facilitate innovation. This is done through learning which factors drive business growth and designing strategies that prevent future problems, bringing a positive transformation that will lead to a more sustainable and successful business.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Information Technology MBA Degree Graduates
The best path to take after an online information technology MBA degree can be a doctorate degree in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or data science. That being said, you typically don’t need to get a doctorate to gain access to the highest-paying positions in IT.
If your goal is to work in the industry, completing an online MBA in Information Technology program is enough. Your focus after graduating should be on gaining relevant industry experience and learning practical, hands-on skills. Doing academic research, which is the purpose of a PhD, won’t help you much in that regard.
Related Information Technology Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Technology MBA Degree Programs
The most important things to look out for in the best information technology online MBA programs include the cost of tuition, the program’s flexibility and accreditation, the employment outcomes of the program’s graduates, and the school’s reputation. These factors will help you determine whether or not an IT MBA program is right for you.
Cost
Many top universities across the world offer excellent online MBA programs but have tuition rates that can be a bit more difficult to manage for lower and middle-income students. Affordability is one factor to consider before applying for an online MBA degree. Before applying, have an idea of what financial aid opportunities you’ll have access to.
Flexibility
Another important factor to consider when getting an online MBA in Information Technology is the flexibility of the program’s learning schedule. Most online MBA programs are designed to suit the lifestyle of university graduates. Working professionals who may already have a busy schedule should look for a program that offers them additional flexibility.
Accreditation
The online MBA in Information Technology program you choose should be accredited by recognized organizations that uphold standards in business education. Obtaining an online degree from an unaccredited school may pose problems in the future. If a program or school is unaccredited, you should be asking yourself why.
Employment Outcomes
Knowing the employment outcomes for a program’s graduates will give you insight into whether or not the skills they learned at the school helped them land a job related to their degree. The labor market is intensely competitive, and employers are looking for trained professionals who are flexible, innovative, and valuable to their companies.
The Reputation of the School
Earning your degree from a reputable institution may not land you employment directly out of school, but it will impact your chances positively. Schools with a great reputation bring prestige and represent a level of perceived excellence from within their graduates. This can influence the decision of employers during the hiring process.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Information Technology MBA Degree?
The most affordable online information technology MBA degree program is the one offered by the University of the Potomac in Washington DC. It costs $5,400 to pursue your online MBA in Information Technology at The University of the Potomac. It charges $450 per credit and allows you to transfer up to 15 credits, which can further reduce the cost.
Can I Get an Information Technology MBA Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a free online MBA Degree in Information Technology. That being said, there are plenty of free resources you can use on the Internet to learn information technology. Massive open online courses (MOOCs), for example, often offer university-level programs at no cost. However, these courses cannot be claimed for credit.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Information Technology MBA Degree Graduates
An online MBA Degree in Information Technology qualifies you for a wide range of job opportunities in tech and other industries like commerce and market analysis. Certified professionals with an online information technology MBA degree play a very important role in directing company plans and strategies as well as in developing new products and services.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job with an Information Technology MBA Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an online information technology MBA degree. An MBA prepares graduates for several business roles in policy-making and administration. An MBA Degree in Information Technology can get you internship opportunities at big tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple, Citi, and Genentech.
What’s the Average Online Information Technology MBA Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an online MBA Degree in Information Technology is $105,000 per year, according to PayScale. Professionals with more working experience and in large Fortune 500 companies tend to have higher pay compared to their counterparts. Your salary can also be dependent on the state in which you work.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Online Information Technology MBA Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online information technology MBA degree are numerous and fall into various sectors, including business, sales, engineering, health care & technology. Below are some specific jobs IT MBA grads can apply for and land.
Information Technology Degree Jobs
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Web Developer
- Information Technology Manager
- Data Report Analyst
Potential Careers With an Information Technology Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Information Technology MBA Degree?
You can make between $86,000 and $141,000 annually with an online information technology MBA degree. The amount you make will depend on your work experience, specializations, job description, as well as the size and location of the hiring company.
To get a clear picture of how much money can be made with an online MBA in Information Technology, we’ve included a list of common jobs that MBA grads occupy.
Highest-Paying Online Information Technology MBA Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Technology Online MBA Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| IT Marketing Manager | $133,380 |
| IT Support Analyst | $99,270 |
| IT Management Consultant | $93,000 |
| IT Director | $89,160 |
| IT Business Relationship Manager | $85,337 |
Best Jobs for Online Information Technology MBA Degree Grads
Some of best jobs for online MBA in Information Technology degree graduates are easily accessible thanks to the level of education they’ve received. These positions come with a median salary high above the national average and all have a positive job outlook for the next ten years.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Information Technology MBA Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online information technology MBA degree is worth it. If you are considering an MBA in Information Technology degree, it is important to note that this degree incorporates business management and technology knowledge into a singular advanced program.
Enrolling in an online IT MBA is a great opportunity for those who want to build experience in the IT or business field or want to work at marketing firms. The advantages provided by an IT MBA will provide a tangible return on investment.
Additional Reading About Information Technology
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Online Information Technology MBA Degree FAQ
Some of the skills you will acquire with an information technology MBA include leadership skills, management, decision-making, and analytical skills. IT Master of Business Administration degree programs are usually focused on developing students into critical thinkers who can become working professionals in IT operations management.
Whether you should get an MBA degree online or in person will depend on the resources you have available and your schedule. Distance learning is designed to offer a more flexible learning environment, which may be important for busy professionals that are in no rush to achieve their career goals. In the last two years, many institutions have matched up the effectiveness of their online education with their on-campus program.
Yes, you can get financial aid for an online MBA in Information Technology. There are government loans available for learners who cannot afford the tuition rates. Additionally, some companies give students that once worked in their firm financial support. You can also apply for scholarships and income share agreements.
Yes, an information technology MBA includes programs for part-time students. Part-time information technology MBAs are available and are ideal for people who are working full-time jobs or have other scheduling restrictions.
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.
