Best IT Management Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for IT Management Programs

Boston University is a private research university that was founded in 1839. 33,500 students study across its 17 colleges in associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The courses in computer information systems are taught at the school’s Metropolitan College, located in the heart of Boston, and online.

Boston University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Master’s degree, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking: #42
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #62

Best Boston University IT Management Programs

• Master of Science in Computer Information Systems - IT Project Management Concentration. BU’s master’s program in computer information systems offers a focus in IT project management. The 40-credit program includes core courses, like database design, along with specialized classes like software quality, testing, and security management.
• Graduate Certificate in IT Project Management. This graduate certificate includes 16 academic credits, earned over four classes covering topics in IT project management. This program is designed to be flexible, with a part-time schedule and the option to take classes online or in person.

Boston University IT Management Key Takeaway

Depending on your schedule and career goals, you can choose to earn the full master’s degree in two years or the graduate certificate, which can be completed in as little as eight months.

Florida State University is a public school located in Tallahassee, Florida. Established in 1851, it is the oldest higher education institution in the state of Florida. The prestigious university offers more than 360 programs to students and has six Nobel Laureates among its faculty. Students can pursue degree and certificate programs in person, online, or in hybrid formats.

Florida State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 32%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• US News Ranking: #55
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #251-#300

Best Florida State University IT Management Programs

• BS in Information Technology. This bachelor’s degree program lets learners choose between concentrations in information technology, information, communication, or technology. Both concentrations are 42 credits split between core courses and electives covering information technologies, techniques, and processes. 
• BS/MS in Information Technology. Students can take advantage of FSU’s dual degree program in information technology to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe. The curriculum covers usability analysis, information systems management, information architecture, and leadership in technology. 
• MS in Information Technology. This master’s degree program will help you develop skills in information architecture, IT governance and management, IT project management, and mobile information systems. This is a coursework-only program, but completing an internship will count towards the degree’s 32 credits.

Florida State University IT Management Key Takeaway

From combined bachelor’s and master’s programs to robust scholarship offerings from the university, FSU provides a wide variety of options to make education affordable.

Georgetown University was established in 1789, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States. It’s a private institution located in Washington DC with a strong academic reputation. Georgetown’s 11-to-one student-teacher ratio is one of many strategies used to maintain high educational standards.

Georgetown University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Master’s degree
• US News Ranking: #23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #130

Best Georgetown University IT Management Programs

• Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management. Offered by Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies, this master’s program is designed with the real world in mind, with faculty who work in the field and plenty of hands-on experience built into the 30-credit curriculum. Students have the option to study full- or part-time.
• Online Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management. Working professionals looking to expand their skill set will benefit from Georgetown’s online master’s degree program. Core courses like Systems Requirements and Ethics in Technology Management prepare students to become information security analysts, IT project managers, and chief information officers.

Georgetown University IT Management Key Takeaway

Georgetown University’s IT management graduate programs are an ideal choice for working professionals since the coursework can be completed in person or online, full-time or part-time.

As a member of the Ivy League, Harvard is one of the most famous universities in the world. Founded in 1636, it's the oldest university in the United States. Harvard University counts Nobel Laureates in physics, chemistry, literature, medicine, peace, and economics, among its alumni. The Harvard Financial Aid Initiative has distributed $2.5 billion in grants since 2004.

Harvard University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees offered: Master’s degree
• US News Ranking: #2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #2

Best Harvard University IT Management Programs

• Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies - Information Management Systems. This is an online program that confers a Master’s in Liberal Arts (ALM). The course can be completed in as little as two years and covers topics like information management technologies, cyber security, and business processes. You can earn additional certificates in cyber security, backend web development, data analytics, and web technologies.

Harvard University IT Management Key Takeaway

This master’s degree is one of the most prestigious credentials you could earn in the field, making you an ideal candidate to any employer.

Indiana University is a public research institution offering a wide variety of academic programs. To accommodate both local and international students, the university has two main campuses, five regional institutions, and two regional centers. Students looking for school spirit will love cheering for the school’s many NCAA Division I athletics teams.

Indiana University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Master’s degree
• US News Ranking: #68
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #167

Best Indiana University IT Management Programs

• MS in Information Technology. This degree is a partnership of the Kelley School of Business with edX, the hub for IU’s online programs. The 30-credit degree covers business processes, developing IT systems, data visualization, and IT management and strategy. Core courses include Digital Ecosystem Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Platforms, and Cyber Security. 

Indiana University IT Management Key Takeaway

Designed for IT professionals, this master’s program can be completed in as little as 21 months, costing a total of $21,000.

Founded in 1977, Keiser University is a private institution in Florida, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can attend classes online or on-site. The school utilizes a unique study schedule in which students take one class at a time, studying a subject for four weeks and taking an exam before moving on to the next class.

Keiser University Overview

• School Type: Private 
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree
• US News Ranking: #299-#391
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #132

Best Keiser University IT Management Programs

• BS in Information Technology Management. This program is a complete track designed for students with associate degrees in information technology or other computer-related fields. Students deepen their knowledge and strengthen the skills developed in their associate studies by taking 60 credits of advanced courses.
• BS in Information Technology Management (Track 2). This version of the bachelor’s program is designed for students without associate degrees or prerequisites. The 120 credits cover theoretical and practical skills needed to work in IT. Students can specialize in network security, web and mobile development, multimedia technology, or software engineering.
• MBA in Technology Management. As a Master’s of Business Administration, this degree program focuses on the business and workplace aspects of IT management. Students take classes like Strategic Management of Technology Innovation, Technology Forecasting, and Managerial Economics to complete this 45-credit degree.

Keiser University IT Management Key Takeaway

Keiser University is a great choice for students all over the state of Florida, with campuses in Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Lakeland, and more.

Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is a private institution that offers high-quality degree programs, online and on campus. The school’s six colleges award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Based in Silicon Valley, the technology capital of the world, it’s a great place to study a technology program, including IT management.

Santa Clara University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 51%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• US News Ranking: #55
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #74

Best Santa Clara University IT Management Programs

• BS in Management Information Systems. This four-year degree program includes core courses in programming, database management systems, and system analysis. The curriculum includes a wide variety of advanced topics, like data science, financial information systems, web programming, and social media analytics.
• MS in Information Systems. This master’s program teaches you how to design, develop, and maintain management information systems. The curriculum is heavy in math and programming, and students have the option to get professional experience through internships. Students can study part-time or full-time.

Santa Clara University IT Management Key Takeaway

Santa Clara University’s IT Management master’s degree program has a 90 percent employment rate within six months of graduating.

This private institution is renowned for its research. The campus in upstate New York was founded in 1870 and now has 13 schools and colleges. Syracuse University  has strong degree programs in communication, business, architecture, science, information studies, and engineering. Its iSchool focuses on the intersection of technology, business, and society.

Syracuse University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s
• US News Ranking: #59
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #351-#400

Best Syracuse University IT Management Programs

• BS in Information Management and Technology. This 120-credit undergraduate degree program covers information technology and information resources. Technical classes are complemented by courses in liberal arts, management, and communication. Students choose between six specializations like innovation, design, and startups. 

Syracuse University IT Management Key Takeaway

Graduates of this program have great career options, with the average graduate earning a starting salary of $73,000, according to last year’s data.

University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the United States, with over 50,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin enjoys a strong academic reputation thanks to the expert faculty teaching at its 18 schools and colleges. The student experience is one of a kind, with a famous football team and over 1,000 clubs on campus.

University of Texas at Austin Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 32%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Master’s
• US News Ranking: #38
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #47

Best University of Texas at Austin IT Management Programs

• MS in Information Technology and Management. This master’s program is unique because it’s designed to be earned in 10 months, meaning students quickly gain the expertise they need to leap into the field and start achieving their career goals. Topics covered include the Internet of Things, data science, computing, and deep learning. 

University of Texas at Austin IT Management Key Takeaway

This program is run by the McCombs School of Business, is taught by faculty with professional experience, and provides students with well-rounded tech and business education in an accelerated timeframe.

Founded in 1867, the University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers in-person and online programs for bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Over 51,000 students call this public institution home. The school is highly regarded in many fields, including performing and visual arts, business, engineering, and tech.  

University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Master’s degree
• US News Ranking: #47
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #48

Best University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IT Management Programs

• MS in Technology Management. This is an accelerated, one-year master’s program open to recent bachelor's degree graduates and professionals in the early stages of their careers. The 40 credits are divided between core courses in business and electives that include big data analytics, revenue management, and supply chain management.
• MS in Management Information Systems.This one-year degree program can open up career options in corporate IT management, business intelligence, healthcare IT, or consulting. The curriculum covers database management, information systems management, and enterprise applications. 

University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IT Management Key Takeaway

University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s IT Management graduates work for top-rated companies such as Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, Google, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

You can earn most IT management community college certificates in less than a year. Certificate programs can be a great alternative to degree programs, depending on your career goals. They offer a quick way to start a career in technology as you develop basic skills and learn about different career paths. Certificates can also help professionals gain expertise in specific subjects.

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On average, IT management associate programs include 60 credits of coursework. Associate degrees can be earned in two years by full-time students. Since the curricula cover core courses in IT and tech basics, they’re a great option for those looking to apply for entry-level jobs. Students can also transfer into a bachelor’s program after earning their Associate of Science.

Topics covered in an associate degree program include programming, information systems, computer science, and web development. Accredited programs are available at four-year schools and community colleges all over the country, like Penn State, New York University, and Austin District Community College.

An IT management bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that teaches students information technology techniques, tools, and best practices. A bachelor’s degree is great to pursue because it’s the minimum required education for many jobs. A bachelor’s is also a prerequisite for those hoping to continue studying in graduate programs.

Degree requirements and specializations will vary between individual universities, but most programs cover the same core courses and subjects, such as programming, computer networks, informatics, and other computer science classes. Many programs also require classes offered by the business schools, like human resource management.

IT management master’s degree programs cover advanced concepts like big data analytics, cloud computing, Internet of Things computing, blockchain technologies, software systems, and web systems. Once you earn your master’s degree, you’ll qualify for more senior roles in IT, including chief technology officer (CTO), database administrator, and IT manager.

Most master’s programs require 30 credits of coursework, with some programs including a thesis requirement. Prospective students are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in the tech field. Full-time students can complete a master’s program in one or two years, and many allow part-time options. Upon completion, you can start working or apply for doctorate programs.

IT management graduate certificates are usually pursued by professionals who already hold bachelor’s degrees and are looking to build their resumes, expand their knowledge, and refine their skills. Graduate certificate programs are often less time-consuming and more affordable than master’s programs since they require fewer credits.

Graduate certificate program curricula will vary depending on your program’s specific focus. Subjects covered can include data management, information systems analysis, digital enterprise, managing information systems, and emerging technology in business. You’ll want to make sure you choose a program that aligns with your particular career goals.

There are fewer PhD programs for IT Management than master’s programs, but you can find doctorate programs at great schools like Georgia Tech, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Michigan State University. This degree is designed for students who want to work in research or academia, rather than in IT management at companies and firms.

These programs generally take four to six years to complete and include advanced coursework, supervised research, and an independent study and dissertation. Individual universities will offer different specializations. For example, Michigan State’s program, taught at the business school, offers concentrations in economics, computer science, sociology, and psychology.

An associate degree in IT management can be your gateway into the IT field as it qualifies you for many entry-level positions. Associate of Science programs includes core courses that cover everything you’ll need to know in a junior role, from computer hardware to database administration. Some top career options available to associate degree holders are listed below.

Top IT Management Careers With an Associate Degree

• Entry-level Mobile Developer: $61,097
• Entry-level Cloud Solutions Architect: $90,031
• Entry-level Application Developer: $59,867

An undergraduate degree in IT Management is the base level of education needed for many jobs, so getting your bachelor’s degree is an excellent step towards achieving your career goals. Bachelor’s degree programs cover advanced concepts in tech and business, like management information systems, programming, and web development.

Top IT Management Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Business Application Developer: $79,053
• Network Administrator: $80,600
• User Experience (UX) Researcher: $88,594

A master’s degree will give you a competitive edge in the job market. Most programs last one to two years, though many will let you study part-time. Some schools even offer online programs for master’s degrees. The advanced topics covered in your master’s coursework will prepare you for senior roles in IT, like the ones listed below.

Top IT Management Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Computer and Information Research Scientists: $131,490
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $159,010
• Senior Information Security Analysts: $145,524

A PhD in IT Management will put you at the top of the field, thanks to the years spent doing original research in doctorate programs. PhDs qualify for research positions in different industries, including academia. They also qualify you for senior positions.

Top IT Management Careers With a PhD

• Senior Computer Network Architect: $124,153
• Senior Computer Systems Engineer: $109,658
• Senior Computer Science Professor: $86,712

Through IT management internship programs, you will gain professional experience before joining the workforce. You will not only become more comfortable with the technical aspects of information technology management, but you’ll also develop strong professional networks. You can find the best internships on official university websites, job boards, and association pages. 

Top IT Management Internships 

• Google Software Engineering Internship: $72,000
• IBM Cyber Security Internship: $58,500
• World Bank Internship: $46,307